Corona, Calif. (January 24, 2011) – Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Josh Hansen remained at the top of the point standings after a fifth-place finish at the inaugural race at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. Hansen leads teammate Broc Tickle by four points in the AMA Supercross Lites Western Region championship after Tickle finished fourth. Tyla Rattray endured his first rollercoaster-like night as he got landed on in his heat race, won the last chance qualifier, and finished 14th in the main event.
Hansen may not have had the night he wanted in his hometown, but he maintained his lead in the championship standings after he fought through the pack from 19th to finish fifth.
“I really wanted to win this one, but anytime I get to race, I’m very thankful,” said Hansen. “I still came from 19th to fifth and I feel like a winner considering how things went for me tonight. I have a great team behind me with Monster Energy, Pro Circuit, and Kawasaki and I know that my main goal is to win them a championship.”
Tickle continued to be a threat for the championship after picking up a fourth-place finish in Los Angeles. He has been able to get good starts and riding with the front pack, putting him four points behind teammate Hansen in the point standings.
“I felt like I was in the right situation, but didn’t really secure my pass for second as well as I should have and ended up in fourth,” said Tickle. “I feel a lot better (from the flu) compared to last week. Overall, tonight I felt the best I have all season and everything was great with the bike. I know I’m riding to my potential and I’m already excited to race next week.”
With a week off from riding to let his injured wrist heal, Rattray came into the third round of the series eager to get back on the bike. His night was filled with ups and downs, but Rattray continues to gain experience in his rookie supercross season.
“I made a couple mistakes tonight, but the main thing is that I’m leaving here healthy,” said Rattray. “I had a good start in the heat and got landed on. It made my night tougher than it needed to be. I stayed off the bike this week to help my wrist heal and I think I was a little rusty. I’m feeling better so I am looking forward to the next race. ”
The next event will bring the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team to another new venue on the circuit at Oak-Alameda City Stadium in Oakland, Calif. for the fourth round of the Monster Energy Supercross, an FIM Championship.
