Tonight’s sell out marks the third sell out this season for THQ World Supercross GP/THQ AMA Supercross Series.
Carmichael gained the lead early by winning the $1,500 Butterfinger Holeshot Award and holding off reigning THQ AMA Supercross Series champion Chad Reed. On lap 6, the Yamaha rider crashed, allowing Carmichael to extend his lead. Seven-time supercross champion Jeremy McGrath rallied to third place on lap 7 but finished the race in fifth place. Honda’s Kevin Windham, who came into this race with the THQ AMA Supercross Series points lead, moved into third place late in the race. Reed finished second.
“I was ready to do battle tonight, “ said Carmichael. “I know that this isn’t the way I like to win, but after that first race in Anaheim, this city owes me one. I have to keep on this roll and continue to stretch out my points lead.”
Suzuki’s Ryan Sipes, of Vine Grove, Ken., won the $1,000 Butterfinger Holeshot Award with KTM’s jay Marmont in tow. Last week’s winner, Broc Hepler, moved into second place on lap 3 but crashed quickly after pursuing Sipes. Honda’s Andrew Short, of Colorado Springs, Colo., moved into the lead on lap six. Reigning champion Tedesco shot past Short on lap 10 and held on for his first win of the season.
Honda’s Thomas Hahn was assessed a :05 penalty for jumping a double under the red caution flag. He was moved from fourth place to fifth place.
“It feels like my first race win because it has been a tough season so far,” said Tedesco. “My starts have been horrible all year and tonight was no different. I had to ride through the pack but it all worked out.”
Racing moves back to San Francisco’s SBC Park next Saturday, January 29. Tonight’s race airs on ESPN2 tomorrow, Sunday, January 23 at 10:00 p.m. EST.
THQ World Supercross GP Season Standings
1. Ricky Carmichael, Havana, Fla., Suzuki, 122
2. Mike LaRocco, Corona, Calif., Honda, 99
3. Nick Wey, Dewitt, Mich., Honda, 96
4. Heath Voss, Mico, Texas, Yamaha, 85
5. Damon Huffman, Valencia, Calif., Honda, 74
6. Tyler Evans, Corona, Calif., Suzuki, 64
7. Sebastien Tortelli, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Suzuki, 60
8. Tim Ferry, Largo, Fla., Yamaha, 54
9. Erick Vallejo, Garland, Texas, 45
10. Kyle Lewis, Henderson, Nev., Honda, 44
250cc THQ AMA Supercross Series Event Results
1. Ricky Carmichael, Havana, Fla., Suzuki
2. Chad Reed, Dade City, Fla., Yamaha
3. Kevin Windham, Baton Rouge, La., Honda
4. Mike LaRocco, Corona, Calif., Honda
5. Jeremy McGrath, Encinitas, Calif., Honda
6. Nick Wey, Dewitt, Mich., Honda
7. Sebastien Tortelli, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Suzuki
8. Michael Byrne, Murrieta, Calif., Kawasaki
9. Ernesto Fonseca, Murrieta, Calif., Honda
10. Heath Voss, Mico Texas, Yamaha
250cc THQ AMA Supercross Series Season Standings
1. Ricky Carmichael, Havana, Fla., Suzuki, 70
2. Kevin Windham, Baton Rouge, La., Honda, 67
3. Chad Reed, Dade City, Fla., Yamaha, 47
4. Sebastien Tortelli, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Suzuki, 47
5. Mike LaRocco, Corona, Calif., Honda, 46
6. Nick Wey, Dewitt, Mich., Honda, 44
7. Ernesto Fonseca, Murrieta, Calif., Honda, 42
8. Heath Voss, Mico, Texas, Yamaha, 37
9. David Vuillemin, Murrieta, Calif., Yamaha, 31
10. Michael Byrne, Murrieta, Calif., Kawasaki, 31
125cc Western Regional THQ AMA Supercross Series Event Results
1. Ivan Tedesco, Murrieta, Calif., Kawasaki
2. Andrew Short, Murrieta, Calif., Honda
3. Nathan Ramsey, Murrieta, Calif., KTM
4. Ryan Sipes, Vine Grove, Ken., Suzuki
5. Thomas Hahn, Belpre, Kan., Honda
6. Danny Smith, Middleton, Idaho, Yamaha
7. Jay Marmont, Murrieta, Calif., KTM
8. Bret Metcalfe, Murrieta, Calif., Yamaha
9. Richie Owens, Wildomar, Calif., Suzuki
10. Steve Lamson, Camino, Calif., Honda
125cc Western Regional THQ AMA Supercross Series Season Standings
1. Ivan Tedesco, Murrieta, Calif., Kawasaki, 60
2. Ryan Sipes, Nine Grove, Ken., Suzuki, 53
3. Thomas Hahn, Belpre, Kan., Honda, 49
4. Nathan Ramsey, Menifee, Calif., KTM, 45
5. Danny Smith, Middleton, Idaho, Yamaha, 45
6. Andrew Short, Murrieta, Calif., Honda, 34
7. Broc Hepler, Kittanning, Pa., Suzuki, 28
8. Richie Owens, Wildomar, Calif., Suzuki, 28
9. Steve Lamson, Camino, Calif., Honda, 27
10. Jay Marmont, Murrieta, Calif., KTM, 27
Photo © TFS
