When the Glen Helen national came to a close this past weekend it not only marked the end of the 2007 AMA Motocross Championship but the end of an illustrious career for veteran Moto XXX rider Kyle Lewis. After bursting onto the scene in 1987, Lewis made a lasting impression by winning the San Diego Supercross and becoming one of the youngest riders to ever win an AMA Pro event. Over the next 20 years Lewis enjoyed much success as he racked up race wins and championships all over the world. Glen Helen Raceway is one of Lewis' favorite tracks on the AMA circuit and a fitting place for him to say goodbye to the sport he loves.
Saturday practice/qualifying saw many riders struggling with arguably the most technical track of the year. The Moto XXX team played it safe taking their time familiarizing themselves with the track's big jumps and even bigger hills. All four riders easily qualified inside the top 40 and saved their energy for Sunday's motos.
Sunday morning practice/qualifying got off to a good start and the team was looking forward to the first moto of the day. Mitch Dougherty lined up to the left of the dog house for the Motocross Lites' first moto. He got off the line well but as the pack headed down the lengthy first straight Dougherty was pinched off and forced to file in behind the other riders. After battling with numerous riders throughout the first few laps, Dougherty found himself in 27th place as the half way mark came out. Mitch put his head down and was able to pick off three more riders on his way 24th by the moto's end.
As the Motocross class lined up for their first race of the day Kyle Lewis headed to the far outside of the gate while Josh Summey and Yoshihide Fukudome lined up toward the middle. When the gate hit the dirt the 40 rider pack charged down the long start straight and into the largest first turn on the circuit. Upon exiting the Talladega turn both Fukudome and Lewis sat inside the top 20. A group of riders went down at the bottom of Mount St. Helens and while he was able to stay up, Josh Summey suffered damage to his clutch ultimately forcing him to pull off after only one lap. Three laps later Lewis and Fukudome were circling the track side by side in 14th and 15th, respectively. Unfortunately Lewis' luck would run out as the veteran rider went down hard in the tricky gravel whoop section just after the finish line. Lewis walked off but decided to sit out the rest of the moto. When the half way mark came out, Fukudome was still riding strong and sitting in the 16th position. But it was not to be as Fukudome pulled off with three laps to go after struggling with the rough and technical track.
Between motos, top members of American Honda presented Kyle Lewis with a plaque commemorating his 20th season as a professional. The plaque showcased an ad run shortly after Lewis' first ever win at the 1987 San Diego Supercross as well as a current ad for the 2008 Honda motorcycles. The award and presentation were exceptional ways for Honda to show their support and appreciation for one of the best privateer racers ever.
Motocross Lites second moto got under way just as the sun was beginning to set behind the hills. Dougherty again lined up toward the left of the dog house but didn't get the best jump off the line. Similar to moto one, Mitch would have to work his way through traffic as the pack exited the Talladega turn. When the pack completed the first lap Dougherty was sitting in 30th place. Mitch focused on putting in consistent laps and at the half way point had moved into 24th place. With the laps winding down, Dougherty charged and was able to pass three more guys en route to a personal best 21st place. Overall for the day Mitch would end up 24th, marking his best overall finish of the season.
Seeking redemption after a less than stellar first moto performance, team Moto XXX loaded the gate looking to post some strong finishes in the final moto of the year. All three riders lined up close to where they were in moto one and everyone made it through the first turn safely. After reaching the top of Mount St. Helens disaster struck when another rider clipped Lewis' back end sending him and his bike flipping down the hill. Numerous other riders ran into Lewis' bike causing a significant pile-up but fortunately no one was seriously injured. Lewis slowly got going again but he would be unable to continue due to heavy bike damage. With his season over, Kyle took his time circulating the track as he waved to fans and showed his appreciation for all of their support over the years. Summey and Fukudome were able to avoid the carnage coming down the hill and would complete the first lap in 11th and 12th, respectively. Summey quickly made it past another rider and into the top 10 while Fukudome would again pull off prematurely. In his final moto with the team, Josh Summey rode strong and consistent on his way to another top 10 moto performance, his 10th of the season.
At the end of the day, Josh Summey would lead the team with a 15th place overall finish. Kyle Lewis would be credited with 38th and Yoshihide Fukudome in 36th. Overall for the year Josh Summey again led the team finishing in 13th place overall. In his final full-time season, Kyle Lewis finished the year in 17th place overall and in his first full season in the U.S. Yoshihide Fukudome finished in 58th place. Mitch Dougherty, also completing his first full season, finished 54th overall.
Kyle Lewis has been a long time member of the Moto XXX team and all of us would like to congratulate him on a remarkable career and wish him the best in all of his future endeavors. Josh Summey will also be leaving the team after two successful seasons aboard a Moto XXX Honda and we wish him the best of luck next season.
Additionally, team Moto XXX would like to thank all of our faithful sponsors because without you none of this would be possible.
Thank you and we'll see you next year!
Moto XXX Racing is proudly supported by:
Honda, Supersports Inc., Deluge Sport, Akrapovic, Moose Racing, Perfex Corp., Scorpion Helmets, Tag Metals, Sidi Boots, Pro Honda Oils & Chemicals, Race Tech, Dunlop, Honda Genuine Parts, Braking, Motion-Pro, Atomic 22, Ti-Lube, Pro-Comp Wheels and Tires, Polisport Plastics, Lucky 13, RK Racing Chain, Excel, Honda Rider's Club of America, Sunline ARC, Carbon Fiber Works, Scott USA, SDG, VP Racing Fuels, Crower Power, Vortex Ignitions, LA Sleeve, Hinson Clutch Components, Ogio, Ready Racing, Metaltek, Faction MX.
For more information or to contact Moto XXX please visit www.motoxxx.com or call (951) 359-6999.