Normal service resumes in AMA SX

Yamaha's James Stewart is the new leader in the 2009 AMA Supercross Championship after his seventh straight victory at the world famous Georgia Dome in Atlanta last Saturday (February 21).

Once again, Stewart defeated Australian Chad Reed (Suzuki), and he now leads by 3pts (177 to 174) as the series approaches its mid-point in Indianapolis on February 28.

Stewart was always in control in Atlanta, especially after Reed got stuck in the start gates and was forced to slice his way through the field yet again.

The 26-year-old vaulted up to sixth by the end of the first lap, and eventually moved into second on lap 12. But Stewart had bolted by then, and Reed finished 9.417secs behind the winner.

"I was a little too ready on the start," Reed explained. "Josh Hill hit the gate and it flinched and I pretty much ran right into it, and then had to back up. After that I had to play it smart and to be honest I was lucky to finish the first lap as far up the order as I did.

"From there I just had to be patient and wait for the right opportunities to pass. Once I got in front of Ryan (Villopoto), I put my head down and pulled away."

"I am bummed, I really felt I had a good battle to take to James tonight and I was ready to go.  Even though the results don't show it we were a lot closer tonight than last week."

Ryan Villopoto (Kawasaki) was a lonely third, from Honda's Andrew Short and Yamaha's Broc Hepler.

Australian duo Michael Byrne (Suzuki), Daniel McCoy (Honda) and New Zealander Cody Cooper (Yamaha) didn't make it past the last chance qualifier.

In the East Coast Lites, Australian star Brett Metcalfe (Honda) didn't race after injuring his shoulder in practice. It was a bitter blow after he had finished a close second in round one for his new Honda team.

With the South Aussie indisposed, Christophe Pourcel (Kawasaki) sauntered to victory from Nic Izzi (Suzuki) and Martin Davalos (KTM).

For full results and standings in both classes, click here.