Southwick: Saturday practice notes

Stewart 0.09 Seconds Quicker Than Carmichael in Saturday Practice; Another Epic Battle on Tap Tomorrow at Southwick

SOUTHWICK, Mass. (June 10, 2006) -- Despite entering the event with question marks surrounding his health after a crash last round at Mt. Morris, Kawasaki's James Stewart came storming back today during practice for Sunday's 30th Annual Suzuki Motocross 338 National, round three of the Toyota AMA Motocross National. Stewart posted a fast lap time of 1:49.705 in the sand at Southwick's famed Motocross 338 track, besting series rival and current points leader Ricky Carmichael by just 0.09 seconds.

Stewart, of Haines City, Fla., suffered a concussion and sustained contusions to to his left leg two weeks ago in the crash and left him, and his competitors, wondering if he would be able to go this weekend. If today was any indication, the epic battle he and Suzuki's Carmichael, of Havana, Fla., had waged through three motos just may resume tomorrow afternoon.

Honda's Davi Millsaps, of Cairo, Ga., was third quickest with a fast lap time of 1:53.395.

In Motocross Lites, Yamaha's Matt Walker, of McDonough, Ga., had the fastest lap time at 1:53.155. Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto was second fastest with a 1:53.306, while Brett Metcalfe, of Murrieta, Calif., Yamaha was third with a 1:53.356.

-www.amamotocross.com