Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki's Wilson Grabs Second Win in Toronto
Irvine, Calif. (March 28, 2011) – Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki's Dean Wilson showed his confidence was back at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, Canada as he captured his second-career win and moved into second in the championship standings. Getting a boost from the 45,000 Canadian fans, Wilson worked his way into the lead with a smart and patient ride aboard his Kawasaki KX™250F. Teammate Blake Baggett came through the pack, starting in 14th on the first lap and eventually finishing in sixth. Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto overcame a crash, coming through the field to finish ninth. Fabien Izoird grabbed the holeshot, eventually finishing 13th on the rocky and technical track.
Monster Energy Kawasaki Under the Tent
Another Win For Wilson
With plenty of family and friends in the stadium, Wilson put in an impressive ride for the fans. He started just outside the top-five and patiently worked his way to the front. Wilson took over the lead on the eighth lap and rode smart until the checkered flag.
“It was really great to win it for the fans here in Canada,” said Wilson. “This country will always hold a special place for me and it is awesome to get the win. I finally feel like I’m riding to my potential again. That’s all I can really hope for when I line up every weekend. I know I can win, but I was standing in my own way for a few rounds. I feel like I’m back.”
Working Through The Kinks
Wilson’s teammate Baggett overcame a tough start after getting pushed into the tuff blocks before the first turn. He recovered quickly and worked his way from almost last to finish just outside the top-five in sixth.
“It’s tough when you have to play catch-up right from the first lap,” said Baggett. “I did what I could to work quickly, but the track was pretty tough and I didn’t want to over-ride it. I know I can ride better than what I showed out there. Next week we go to Dallas and I have good memories from that race.”
Recovery
Working his way through the pack, Villopoto was charging through the field to catch the front-runners. On Lap 3, the Washington native and James Stewart collided in the corner after the whoops section, causing both riders to go down. With damage to his bike, Villopoto was forced to pull into the mechanics area for repairs. He recovered to finish ninth.
“I’m very disappointed that I’m not riding to my potential,” said Villopoto. “I know I can win and I am not going to give up this championship until Las Vegas. I am only three points out and ready to bounce back.”
Holeshot
Izoird continued to show he is capable of starting at the front, earning the team’s second holeshot award this season aboard his Kawasaki KX™450F. His jump helped him lead the first lap and a half before settling into the fast pace. Izoird eventually finished in 13th.
Wilson Fans
The fans in Canada have not forgotten their temporary citizen as they continually raised their voices for the No. 15. Wilson felt the love and returned it with his second win of the season.
“The fans in Canada are awesome,” said Wilson. “The stadium felt like it had 80,000 people because it was so loud when we came around the track. I’m glad to give the Canadian fans a win because they are very good to me.”
Five To Go
The championship race in the supercross class continued to heat up in Toronto. With five races to go, Villopoto knows he has to bring everything he’s got.
“I’m not done fighting for this championship,” said Villopoto. “I am going to keep working hard and I’m determined to be back on the podium in Dallas.”
- source: kawasaki
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