AMA SX: Stewart sublime, Reed fourth
The Aussie goes one better than his round one effort, while Stewart controlled the tempo at the frontYamaha’s James Stewart has scored a resounding victory in round two of the AMA Supercross Championship in Phoenix, Arizona, with Australia’s Chad Reed knocking on the door of the podium in fourth.
After his main challenger, Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto, fell on lap nine, Stewart was left with free reign for the remainder of the 20-lap final for his first win in over a year.
Stewart finished 5.144 seconds in front of Villopoto, while Trey Canard (Honda), Reed (Honda) and defending champion Ryan Dungey (Suzuki) crossing over the line in quick succession to complete the top five.
“I really wanted to pull that holeshot,” said Stewart. “This track was tough tonight, but I haven’t won in over a year so I really wanted this one.
“I was even a little nervous out there but I want to thank everyone on my team for giving such an awesome bike. This feels great.”
An average start left Reed mid-pack when the gate dropped in the final, but he quickly slicked through the pack before cementing his hold on fourth place.
It was only the second outing for Reed’s new TwoTwo Motorsports team.
“We are definitely making progress week to week and I am feeling a lot more comfortable with the bike and my riding,” Reed said.
“I felt like I was in for the fight tonight. I was able to ride hard and there was nothing foreign about it.
“I got the holeshot in my heat race and it was awesome to record the team’s first race win, but I need to be more consistent with my starts.
South Aussie Brett Metcalfe (Suzuki) was eighth in round two and the last rider to finish on the same lap as the winner.
Metcalfe is sixth in the standings on 26pts, behind Villopoto (47), Stewart (45), Canard (38), Dungey (38) and Reed (34).
Josh Hansen (Kawasaki) won the Lites class in Phoenix, with Australian Ryan Marmont (KTM) 17th.
Round three of the AMA Supercross Championship will be held at Los Angeles Dodgers Stadium on Saturday, January 22.
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