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Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki's Pourcel Fights for Podium at Washougal Christophe Pourcel continued his quest for the 250 class championship by winning Saturday's second moto on his Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki and claiming third ...

Published: Oct 2, 2009, 4:36 PM

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Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki's Pourcel Fights for Podium at Washougal

Christophe Pourcel continued his quest for the 250 class championship by winning Saturday's second moto on his Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki and claiming third overall at the event. Pourcel is currently tied for the points lead with four races remaining. Teammate Jake Weimer went 10-2 to finish fifth overall. In the 450 class, Monster Energy Kawasaki's Ryan Beat made his factory team debut finishing 26th in both motos.

Moto Win
Pourcel overcame a bad start and a fall in the first moto to finish eighth and then in the second moto he rode away from the field to collect his eighth moto win of the year. The 8-1 finish was good enough for third overall.

"The first moto was difficult," said Pourcel. "We didn't have the right setup for the track so I struggled a little bit. I didn't get a good start so I had to really work to get closer to the front. The team did a great job between motos and we had a great setup for the second moto. I got a good start and was able to control the race from there. "

Roller Coaster
It was an up-and-down day for Weimer as he had to fight hard for a 10th place finish in the first moto, and then he cruised to a runner-up finish in the second moto.

"I was happy after the start of the first moto," said Weimer. " I was up in second and then I made a little mistake and lost the rear end. It was a bummer because I felt good today. I came out swinging in the second moto. I got a good start and put it up on the box in second place."

First Moto Sucess
Both Kyle Cunningham and Tommy Hahn put the Canidae/Motosport/Kawasaki's on the podium in the first moto. Cunningham rode a great moto to finish second in the 250 class while Hahn got a great start and rode strong to finish runner-up in the 450 class.

Factory Ride
Beat made his factory team debut this weekend. The El Cajon, Calif. rider has been testing for the team since May and with injuries and schedule conflicts sidelining the team's riders, he was given a chance to race with a top program.

"It's every kid's dream to be a factory rider," said Beat. "I want to thank Kawasaki for giving me a chance to live that dream. I didn't get the results I would've liked. It is really impressive how fast and how good this KX450F is, even compared to the bike I test. It's something you need to get used to."

Hard to Pass
In the first moto, Weimer went down while running second and got going in last place. Over the next 14 laps he battled on the one lined track to pass 30 riders and come out of the moto with a 10th place finish.

"It's a tough track," said Weimer. "Not only was it difficult to pass, it is some of the hardest roost we've seen all year. After I went down, I had to concentrate on getting back through the field. I made a lot of good passes."

Championship Chase
With the series taking a two-week break before the next round, Pourcel isn't going to rest. The French rider is going to continue his title chase by working hard throughout the break to put himself in the best position he can.

"I'm just going to continue training," said Pourcel. "I am going to ride two or three times a week during the break and keep doing 30 minute motos. I'm going to keep working hard during the off time because I want to win this title."

Back on the Podium
After finishing third overall at Thunder Valley earlier this year, Hahn's ride in the first moto showed he has the speed to be a regular fixture on the box.

Beaten Up
Beat took a beating on the track as he tried to move his way through the pack. With rocks and wood chips mixed in with the dirt on the track, Beat came back to the truck bloody after both motos.

"The roost was really gnarly," said Beat. "My mouth and my chest were both bleeding, I'm pretty torn up. I didn't get the best starts and the track is pretty one-lined so it makes it challenging."

Coming Home
Though he wasn't racing this weekend Ryan Villopoto flew up to his home state of Washington to take in the race at Washougal. Villopoto continues to rehabilitate from knee surgery in June. Timmy Ferry joined Villopoto as the two riders spent the majority of the weekend signing autographs and meeting fans.

-credit: kawasaki

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