Stewart wins three in a row

January 25, 209

Yamaha's James Stewart has continued his giant-killing form with a third consecutive victory in the AMA Supercross Championship at Houston last Saturday.

Stewart defeated Australia's Chad Reed (Suzuki) by 9.787secs after leading for the final 17 laps, with Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto scoring his first podium of the year in third position.

Stewart is now equal second with Josh Grant (Yamaha) in the 17-round championship, 9pts behind Reed.

"The bike was definitely better this weekend," Stewart said. "I just felt more comfortable when we first got here, and we changed some stuff, and it's coming along. I think it was definitely a better weekend for me, and I'm just going to try and keep on improving and see what happens."

Reed is the only rider to have finished on the podium in all four rounds, but he's still chasing an elusive first victory.

"Second was the best result for me tonight," Reed admitted. "I was right in there off the start, but got pushed sideways and found it was hard for me to get into a rhythm.

"Those first few laps were tough, I had to be smart and keep it up. I just focused on trying to go forward but it was difficult. I have to say it was tougher than coming through from the back last weekend.

"I know why I struggled and we will work on that during the week and be ready for San Francisco next weekend."

Reed's countryman Daniel McCoy (Honda) was eliminated in the last chance in Houston, while New Zealander Cody Cooper (Yamaha) didn't start in the LCQ after finishing 17th in his heat.

Meanwhile, Andrew Short (Honda) and Grant were fourth and fifth in the open final.

In the first round of Lites in the East Coast division, Australia's Brett Metcalfe (Honda) flashed across the finish line on the tail of Kawasaki's Christophe Pourcel.

After passing Nico Izzi (Suzuki) to move into second place on lap six, Metcalfe gradually closed in on Pourcel, but it wasn't enough to dislodge the Frenchman, who won by 1.346secs.

"It was a good race for me," said Pourcel. "I was able to win in the U.S a few years ago and I did it again tonight. My team was behind me and helped a lot. I'd like to thank all of them and everyone else who has been there to help me."

Round five of the championship (and round three of Lites West) wil be held in San Francisco on January 31.

For full results and standings, click here.