GEICO Honda's Kevin Windham (Photo: Honda Red Riders)

Meanwhile, in the premier class Nico Izzi shocked everyone by laying down the fastest time. Izzi was flirting with the top spot throughout the session, and clicked off an impressive lap at the tail end of it. His excitement was obvious, throwing a big fist pump once he saw his number jump to the top of the board. In fact, he’s nearly three tenths of a second faster than the next best in the field.

Behind Izzi, the usual suspects -- Villopoto, Davi Millsaps, Jake Weimer, and Justin Brayton -- rounded out the top five, while Andrew Short got his return to action off to a solid start, posting the sixth-fastest lap. Villopoto took the time to dial in his bike throughout the opening session, so expect him to come out firing when he comes back out.

After announcing he was going to forego the remainder of the 2012 season last week, Kevin Windham surprised everyone by showing up for the first untimed session of the day. Donned in the colors of his beloved New Orleans Saints, Windham clearly hoped to being able to race in front of his hometown crowd. Windham is truly a star in this city, so it’s hard to blame him for at least giving it a shot. However, he didn't even post a flying lap before pulling off for good. It doesn’t look like we’ll see Supercross’ Ironman out there tonight after all.

It should be a fun evening in the Big Easy and the fans are sure to come out in droves to cheer on the world’s best. Will Barcia walk away as back-to-back Lites East Champion? Will Villopoto extend his winning streak to five races? Will a new name stand atop the box? We shall soon find out.