Chad Reed Needs a Good Start...
Chad Reed Needs a Good Start in San Francisco
Photo Credit: Simon Cudby
Justin Brayton was the only Muscle Milk/MDK/KTM rider that stayed back last week to put in laps on his Lites bike. "I currently sit fourth in points and I hope to move into the top three after San Francisco. I've been training hard and I feel confident about the next round," stated Brayton.
Monster Energy Kawasaki comes to AT&T Park with momentum in their favor as Ryan Villopoto looks to capitalized on his podium finish last weekend in Houston. The AMA Supercross class rookie led the main event for the first time in his career last weekend. Despite a bobble that cost him the runner-up spot, he rode a strong race to get on the box.
"We are just looking to make progress every week," said Villopoto. "We've gone from fourth to third so that just leaves second and our course a win. I'm even ready to skip second this week and get the win if I can. It is still a long season and I'm going to just keep working on getting better each race."
Villopoto's Monster Energy Kawasaki stable mate Timmy Ferry scored a second straight eighth-place finish last week after losing the rhythm of the track during the main event. After a month away from his Florida home, Ferry stayed on the East Coast this week to recharge before the San Francisco event.
"I got the best night sleep I've had in a month on Sunday night," said Ferry. "Being in my own bed in my house has been great for me this week. I just had my supercross track redone so I'm still getting in some quality riding and also getting to spend some time with my family."
After a one-week break both Ryan Morais and Jake Weimer are ready to continue their drive towards the Western Regional AMA Supercross Lites class title. The Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki Lites riders are currently second and third respectively in the standings and both are ready to stay on the podium.
"So far this season has been a dream," said Morais. "This is kind of my home race, since I grew up in Turlock, California. I really want to get my first win and there is no better place than San Francisco to get it. Because I was sick, I didn't get to ride at all before the second Anaheim race and I got second so with two weeks of practice behind me, I'm ready to have a great race."
Weimer is looking forward to not having to prepare for a mud race in the Bay Area.
"San Francisco is always a good event," said Weimer. "This year it should be even better since it looks like it will be dry and we won't have a mud race. I know we'll be prepared for rain if it comes, but it will be awesome to give the fans a great show without all the mud."
Honda Red Bull Racing's Andrew Short, who struggled in the rain at last year's race is ready to turn in a podium finish at A&T Park.
"Last year at San Francisco I didn't have a great race so I am looking to make amends this weekend," said Short. "It's usually rains or ends up being a pretty messed up race so it is important I get a good start to give myself the best possible chance; staying clear of any unnecessary hassles. My bike is running great and I know the Honda Red Bull Racing team will again have it dialed in to deal with the tough conditions."
Last year Honda Red Bull Racing's Davi Millsaps earned the first podium of his 2008 campaign and went on to pick up three consecutive podium finishes. Millsaps looks to get things going tomorrow night in what is expected to be a dry evening.
"I finished third at San Francisco last year at what was a tough-muddy race," said Millsaps. "That podium result started my run of podium finishes and I am hoping to replicate that run again this weekend."
AMA Supercross class veteran Kevin Windham, who rides for the GEICO Powersports team, finished second in San Francisco last year.
"I finished second on the podium at San Francisco last year and it was a good race for me," said Windham. "Consistency is the key to staying in the championship point's race and that's my goal right now. I really want to get on that podium this weekend and continue doing so."
Fans can take advantage of several discounts that are now available, including a $10-off coupon from participating Big O Tire locations, $40 off with purchase of the Fan Four Pack at participating Jack in the Box locations and free Extreme Value ticket vouchers are available at OTD Cycle Sports.
For more information on the Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, please log on to www.SupercrossOnline.com. For all media requests, please contact Denny Hartwig dhartwig@feldinc.com or 630-566-6305.
About Feld Motor Sports
Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is the world leader in specialized arena and stadium-based motor sports entertainment. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. productions include Monster Jam, Monster Energy Supercross, AMA Arenacross Series, Freestyle Motocross, and IHRA Nitro Jam. Feld Motor Sports, Inc. is a division of Feld Entertainment, the world's largest producer of live family entertainment. For more information on Feld Entertainment, visit www.feldentertainment.com.