Report: 2014 AMA Supercross - Seattle
By Team TMX on 14th Apr 14
Ryan Villopoto rode to victory in front of his hometown crowd, at the CenturyLink Field in Seattle in the 2014 Monster Energy AMA Supercross World Championship.
In front of a crowd of 53,927 fans, at the weekend, Villopoto grabbed his fifth win of the season and for the second straight week, the Monster Energy Kawasaki rider, had to earn his way into the 450SX Class Main Event through the Semi. And once again was able to pilot his Kawasaki to the Nuclear Cowboyz Holeshot Award, when the gates dropped on the night's Main Event 20-lap race.
"I don't think I've ever raced in front of a crowd cheering me on this loud. It's been tough to race at home and in the past; I haven't been that stellar here, so to have a race like that is awesome,” said Villopoto, who's first career 450SX Class win came in Seattle during his 2009 rookie season.
"With James Stewart and Ryan Dungey standing up here next to me, getting a win is huge. I'm not thinking about the championship right now, but it does feel good to have an opportunity to wrap up the title in New York in a couple weeks.”
Stewart completed the race in second, followed by Red Bull KTM rider, Dungey, in third. After lap one, Villopoto was followed by Dungey and Stewart, pitting the top three riders in the championship in a battle for the win. Stewart made a pass on Dungey for second on Lap three and attempted to track down the lead. However, he was unable to do so and was forced to settle for second place.
Villopoto held a comfortable margin from the get go and was able to extend his lead throughout the race, ultimately posting a wire-to-wire effort, to earn his second career win at his hometown race in six years of racing.
The podium finishes of Stewart and Dungey, ultimately prevented Villopoto from sealing his fourth consecutive championship. However, with a 48 point lead in the standings, Villopoto can clinch the title at the next race, which will take place at MetLife Stadium for the first-time. In the Western 250SX Class championship, it was Troy Lee Designs/Lucas Oil Honda's, Cole Seely, who stole the win. He led every lap in the Main to capture the win.
Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki's Dean Wilson started the 250SX Class Main Event by grabbing the Nuclear Cowboyz Holeshot Award with Seely close behind. Seely maintained the pressure on Wilson and was able to make the pass for the lead coming to the line at the end of the opening lap.
Wilson didn't lose much ground on Seely and was within striking distance throughout the opening laps until he lost traction and went down on Lap four, dropping down the pack to fifth. Wilson's misfortune allowed Seely to open a gap on the field, which he would ultimately maintain for the remainder of the race.
Behind Seely, Wilson's team-mate Justin Hill and Rockstar Energy Racing's Jason Anderson engaged in a spirited battle for second. The duo traded spots on multiple occasions with Anderson – the championship leader – crashing and going off the track on separate occasions. Despite his misfortune, Anderson was able to continue the fight with Hill for second and made the pass stick on Lap 12. The battle for the title will go down to the final race of the season. Seely's win helped him gain three points on Anderson, and he is now within eight points from Anderson, in the championship standings, with one race remaining in the Western Regional Championship.
Seeley – who won in Seattle in 2011 – said: "I'm just trying to stay alive in the points hunt. I've been solid and Anderson has been solid. I got off to a good start, then Wilson made a mistake and I capitalised. We were able to put together 15 solid laps.
"I am where I need to be, so I'm pumped. I'm not thinking about the points. Whatever happens in the championship happens. It's been a fun year,” added Seeley.
