Stewart scores a narrow win over Reed

James Stewart (Yamaha) has won his 10th final of the 2009 AMA supercross season in Jacksonville, Florida, narrowing Chad Reed's championship lead back to just 5pts with three rounds remaining.

Stewart again defeated Reed, this time after stalking the Suzuki-backed Aussie for 13 laps before making his move. That first pass didn't stick - although they did touch at one stage -- but one lap later he swooped again and was back in front. He then held station for the final six laps, with Kevin Windham (Honda) third from Yamaha's Josh Hill and Andrew Short (Honda).

"It was a great race, and we actually collided over the triple jump, but that's racing," said Stewart. "I look forward to the next race in Seattle."

It was Reed's 100th career supercross podium, but he just couldn't make this one a win after being overwhelmed by Stewart.

"It was fun out there tonight," said Reed. "I tried to be smooth and consistent but it really is time for me to get up there and go to battle.

"I was pumped to get the holeshot, it was only my second of the year and it's an area that I have been working on.

Reed was a little taken aback by Stewart's rough tactics during their scrap, and vowed that he would fight fire with fire the next time it happens. 

"Tonight I learned a lot about how he (James Stewart) wants to play the game," Reed said.  "He can come in and clean me up at a turn, that's racing but when you jump across on somebody in the air like that it's not cool, I don't play like that.

"I basically told him if he wants to be dangerous I will play like that too. Any chance I get I will put him in row F."

Reed is now on 315pts, from Stewart (310), with Short (225pts) looking safe in third.

At the final East Coast Lites class race of the season, Kawasaki's Christophe Pourcel rode to yet another win from KTM's Will Hahn and Austin Stroupe (Kawasaki).

There is now a week's break before the championship reconvenes in Seattle on April 18.

For full results and standings, click here.