SuperX: Kawasaki Indianapolis event summary

Monster Energy Kawasaki's Villopoto Keeps Win Streak Alive in Indy

Irvine, Calif. (March 14, 2011) – Monster Energy Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto increased his win streak to three as he took his fifth win of the season on his Kawasaki KX450F at the 10th round of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind. With his win, he increased his points lead to 26 points ahead of second place in the championship standings. Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki's Blake Baggett continued his podium streak with a third place finish and maintained second place in the championship standings. Teammate Dean Wilson finished in sixth, while interim supercross class rider Fabien Izoird continued to improve and finished in 14th.

Monster Energy Kawasaki Under the Tent

Proven Winner

For the third week in a row, Villopoto earned his place on the top step of the podium after putting in a solid ride on a technical track. He got out to a good start and moved into the lead before the end of the first lap, holding a comfortable lead throughout the entire race.

"The track was pretty technical and ended up getting pretty rutted towards the end of the race," said Villopoto. "You really had to stay on top of your game once the track started to break down a little bit. I knew I had a decent lead and I just tried to make sure I didn't make any big mistakes."

Consistency

Baggett continued to prove he is serious contender for the championship for the long haul after scoring his fourth consecutive podium finish on his Kawasaki KX250F. Baggett showed speed all night, starting with a heat race win and then the main event holeshot. He made a small mistake that cost him the lead, but he got up quickly and came across the finish line in third.

"It's not easy to see the win slip away because of a stupid mistake on my part," said Baggett. "I wasn't able to get into a groove and ride my own race, which seemed to make a difference when I won last week. I am glad to be in the mix of riders for the championship as we approach the halfway point."

Five Races Left

Wilson still has five races left to make his move for the top of the podium. He didn't get the start he wanted and had to work his way through the pack to finish sixth.

"I'm very disappointed with myself," said Wilson. "I rode well in practice and I felt like I had what it took to win. I'm really hard on myself so it's not easy for me to leave a race knowing I didn't do well. At least I know there is another race next week."

Improvement

Indy marked Izoird's sixth race with the Monster Energy Kawasaki team and it was obvious that Izoird has been getting more comfortable with the U.S.-style tracks. After an impressive start in the heat, he held on to sixth and transferred straight into the main event. In the main, his start wasn't as stellar, but still managed to race inside the top-15.

"Every week has been a learning experience and I'm getting used to racing in America," said Izoird. "It's very different, but I'm so happy to be on this awesome team with an amazing bike. I’ll be working on my starts this week and my first-lap speed. "

Legitimate

In Daytona, Villopoto built a 23-point cushion in the standings and could have easily settled in to maintain the series lead. Instead the Washington native came out swinging where he won his heat race and then led every lap of the main event.

"Everyone asked if I'm going to take it easy because I had a decent points lead, but I really want to get more wins. That is going to be helpful in the long run, but of course I'm not going to try anything that could lead to big mistakes. I am working really hard and I'm not going to stop until Las Vegas."

Sold Out

Multiple times this season, supercross fans have packed into the sold-out stadiums to see great racing. The fans in Indianapolis were no exception and Villopoto felt the electricity in the stadium.

"The stadium is really loud inside and the fans really helped make the atmosphere," said Villopoto. "We can hear everyone when we go around the track and it makes the race that much better."

Back on the Bike

After two months of recovery from a broken arm he suffered in January, Villopoto's teammate Jake Weimer got back in his Monster Energy Kawasaki KX450F last week.

"I'm so happy to be riding again," said Weimer. "After being off the bike, it makes you really excited when the time actually comes to get back out there. I want to come back as soon as possible, but I am not going to rush anything. I want to be 100 percent for the outdoor season."

-source: kawasaki