Monster Energy Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto (Photo: Kawasaki Racing)
PROGRAMMING NOTE: The Daytona Supercross will air LIVE on SPEED on Saturday, March 9th at 7:30pm ET.
The 2013 Monster Energy Supercross season has reached its halfway point, meaning the championship intensity is picking up as all competitors begin to step up their game in hopes of putting themselves in position for a run at the title.
A wild night St. Louis reshuffled the standings in this week’s Power Rankings, which now sees a new rider holding down the top spot.
1. Ryan Villopoto (Last Week: 2 / +1)
Villopoto’s fourth win of the season was arguably his biggest. He overcame a penalty early in the main even and pulled off a controversial pass for the lead en route to victory. He demonstrated that he was the class of the field and took a massive 10-point chunk out of his championship deficit and now sits just 12 back. The huge swing in momentum moved RV atop the Power Rankings.
2. Davi Millsaps (Last Week: 1 / -1)
Millsaps’ worst finish of the season, sixth, came at a bad time. While the ride and result were solid, especially considering his terrible start, Millsaps will now be looking over his shoulder as reigning double champ Villopoto is coming on strong. His response could very well define this championship.
3. Ryan Dungey (Last Week: 3 / No Change)
After clicking off podium finishes week-after-week, Dungey is looking to get back on the box after missing out two weeks in succession. His fourth-place finish in St. Louis saw him lose ground to Villopoto, but gain ground on Millsaps at the same time. The way things are shaping up, it’s go time for Dungey.
4. Chad Reed (Last Week: 6 / +2)
Reed ended his podium drought on Saturday with a strong third-place effort. Things haven’t gone the way Reed hoped this season, but this could be the sort of ride he needs to get right back into the mix and claim that elusive win. He sits just one point out of fourth in the championship heading to one of his favorite venues this weekend.
5. Justin Barcia (Last Week: 5 / No Change)
Barcia had a chance to steal the win in St. Louis, but he made a costly mistake shortly after taking the lead that ended up dropping him out of podium contention. Nevertheless, 'Bam Bam' is showing signs of life again and is knocking on the door of a second rookie-season victory.