Stewart's perfect counter punch

Yamaha's James Stewart has won his eighth race of the 2009 AMA season, leading from start to finish as the championship returned to New Orleans for the first time since 2002.

After a lean seventh place in the last outing, Stewart's counter punch saw him defeat Chad Reed (Suzuki) by over five seconds, trimming the Australian's lead back to 8pts (246 to 238) with10 rounds still remaining.

"I got a great start," said Stewart. "I had to win tonight - point blank. I had to win. This is what I needed heading into the race next weekend in St. Louis."

Reed, who struggled with lapped traffic in his pursuit of Stewart, remains the only rider who has stood on the dais at every round, and New Orleans was his eighth second place of the year. He turned 27 on Sunday, and raced in front of family for the first time in nine years after wife Ellie surprised him by flying his parents, siblings and relatives over for the occasion.

"I struggled with passing the lappers tonight," said Reed. "I tried to be patient and just didn't make quick enough choices when I was coming through.

"For the first few laps I really felt like I had James (Stewart) but he stepped it up coming through the lapped traffic and didn't hesitate at all.

"I just want to get out in front and ride a good solid race as I know I can beat him and it is my goal to prove that over the next couple of races."

Yamaha's Broc Hepler was third, his first podium of the season, ahead of Honda duo Kevin Windham and Andrew Short.

Short retains third in the points on 179, from Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto (165) and Josh Grant (Yamaha, 152).

Austin Stroupe led a Kawasaki quinella in the East Coast Lites, with Blake Wharton (Honda) third. In the absence of the injured Brett Metcalfe, no other Aussies were competing.

Round nine is in St Louis on March 21.

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