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Supercross & Motocross
SX: Phoenix Race Day Observations
James Stewart is blisteringly quick (again), Trey Canard is back in action, and Brett Metcalfe's struggles continue. Brandon Short checks in following practice at Phoenix...
JGRMX/Toyota/Yamaha's James Stewart (Photo: Yamaha Racing)
PROGRAMMING NOTE: Round 2 of the Monster Energy Supercross Championship from Phoenix, AZ will air LIVE on SPEED tonight at 9:30pm ET. #SXonSPEED
Round 2 of the Monster Energy Supercross season is underway here at Chase Field in Phoenix. Reigning champ Ryan Villopoto got his title defense off to what was essentially a flawless start one week ago. The big question heading into tonight program is how James Stewart, Chad Reed, and Ryan Dungey respond.
The first round of practice has wrapped up for the top guys so let's get up to speed…
· After all the criticism of the Anaheim 1 track last week, the layout here in Phoenix is considerably more “traditional.” Long rhythm lanes, a pair of triples, and a whoop section will present the biggest challenges for the riders. Despite some negativity concerning last week's track, I feel that a lot of credit should be given for trying something new last week. You’re never going to make everyone happy in this sport, and Feld Motor Sports deserves respect for experimenting and it was a cool idea. Lap times tonight will be in the more familiar 52-second range but by no means does that mean this is an easy layout. The 90-degree turn at home plate could be the site of a lot of drama as riders have been flying off the track all afternoon. A triple leads right into the corner, followed by a tricky double that heads into an on-off table section. Riders are trying some different approaches and it might be the one area of the track to gain the most time should someone find a really unique line. Thus far no one has showed anything that consistently makes them a lot better through the section but we still have one practice to go.
· Stewart is keen to bounce back after a tough night in Anaheim, and he got the day off to a good start by posting the quickest time. “Tiregate” has generated a lot more attention for the JGRMX team, but when it comes down to it, they’re simply looking to win, and doing whatever it takes to get there. No one can blame them for that. It’s ultimately been made a bigger deal than it most likely is, but a little drama never hurts to help hype up the championship. Stewart and the Joe Gibbs Racing boys will find what works for them, and if that fast lap is any indication, they’re either right where they need to be or at least very close to it. He was the only rider in the 51-second bracket.
· Villopoto appeared very aggressive and seems to take the approach of getting out quick, laying down a solid lap to start practice, and build from there. It's a smart way to go about things; with 20 guys out on the track, getting a clean lap can be tricky. If you’re the first one to cross the line, you don’t have anyone to worry about. RV1 was also the only rider I saw trying something different at the home plate turn, but he wasn’t doing it regularly. He’s on Stewart’s heels as the only rider in the 52-second bracket.
· Reed and Dungey looked super smooth as always, and followed their rivals in third and fourth, respectively. In race mode, I think they’ll be closer in terms of lap times, and I have a feeling there’s a little more out of them come second practice. It’s shaping up to be a interesting night.
Round 2 of the Monster Energy Supercross season is underway here at Chase Field in Phoenix. Reigning champ Ryan Villopoto got his title defense off to what was essentially a flawless start one week ago. The big question heading into tonight program is how James Stewart, Chad Reed, and Ryan Dungey respond.
The first round of practice has wrapped up for the top guys so let's get up to speed…
· After all the criticism of the Anaheim 1 track last week, the layout here in Phoenix is considerably more “traditional.” Long rhythm lanes, a pair of triples, and a whoop section will present the biggest challenges for the riders. Despite some negativity concerning last week's track, I feel that a lot of credit should be given for trying something new last week. You’re never going to make everyone happy in this sport, and Feld Motor Sports deserves respect for experimenting and it was a cool idea. Lap times tonight will be in the more familiar 52-second range but by no means does that mean this is an easy layout. The 90-degree turn at home plate could be the site of a lot of drama as riders have been flying off the track all afternoon. A triple leads right into the corner, followed by a tricky double that heads into an on-off table section. Riders are trying some different approaches and it might be the one area of the track to gain the most time should someone find a really unique line. Thus far no one has showed anything that consistently makes them a lot better through the section but we still have one practice to go.
· Stewart is keen to bounce back after a tough night in Anaheim, and he got the day off to a good start by posting the quickest time. “Tiregate” has generated a lot more attention for the JGRMX team, but when it comes down to it, they’re simply looking to win, and doing whatever it takes to get there. No one can blame them for that. It’s ultimately been made a bigger deal than it most likely is, but a little drama never hurts to help hype up the championship. Stewart and the Joe Gibbs Racing boys will find what works for them, and if that fast lap is any indication, they’re either right where they need to be or at least very close to it. He was the only rider in the 51-second bracket.
· Villopoto appeared very aggressive and seems to take the approach of getting out quick, laying down a solid lap to start practice, and build from there. It's a smart way to go about things; with 20 guys out on the track, getting a clean lap can be tricky. If you’re the first one to cross the line, you don’t have anyone to worry about. RV1 was also the only rider I saw trying something different at the home plate turn, but he wasn’t doing it regularly. He’s on Stewart’s heels as the only rider in the 52-second bracket.
· Reed and Dungey looked super smooth as always, and followed their rivals in third and fourth, respectively. In race mode, I think they’ll be closer in terms of lap times, and I have a feeling there’s a little more out of them come second practice. It’s shaping up to be a interesting night.
SX Seattle
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