Langston ended the series tied in points with Josh Hansen, but won the title in a tiebreaker by having more wins. It marked the closest championship in the history of AMA 125 Supercross and was the first time the championship ended in a points tie.
Langston admitted that he was trying perhaps a bit too hard in the series final and could not find a good riding rhythm. A fourth place finish would secure the title, but towards the end of the race Steve Boniface moved up to challenge him. Had Boniface passed Langston it would have given the title to Pontiac winner Josh Hansen.
“I did what I had to do, but just,” said Langston, who added a third AMA championship to his mantel. “I knew something was going on when my crew began waving towels frantically urging me to go faster. It was a little closer than I would have liked. I think the whole team aged about 10 years during that race.”
Langston took three wins during the seven race 125 East Series en route to winning the title. He previously won the 2003 AMA 125 Motocross Championship as well as the 2004 AMA Unlimited Supermoto title. Langston also won the FIM 125 World Motocross Championship in 2000.
Langston said winning this title provided some vindication for him after suffering an injury plagued 2004.
“Last year I had carpal tunnel surgery and then they found additional nerve damage,” Langston said. “I had no choice but to take time off. I sat around and did nothing. I gained a lot of weight, probably from depression. Fortunately I had a few people who were behind me 100 percent. I’m glad I could come back and win the championship for those who never gave up on me.”
The 125 East title puts to rest the reputation that Langston had as only a motocross specialist. “I always knew I could do well in Supercross,” he said. “To come back and win this championship is great. That was one of my goals for the year.”
Langston’s victory keeps the AMA 125 East Supercross championship in the Kawasaki camp. James Stewart won the series on a Kawasaki last year. It marks the sixth 125 East title for Kawasaki.
Langston becomes one of the pre-race favorites for the upcoming Dave Coombs Memorial 125 East/West Supercross Shootout in Las Vegas on May 7. He also hopes to earn back the AMA 125 Motocross Championship this summer.
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