Just one week removed from his first-career AMA Supercross class victory, Villopoto produced another strong outing as he continues his comeback from a mid-season illness that forced him to the sidelines. After a mid-pack start, the rookie worked his way through the field to finish just off the podium in fourth. He is looking for more of the same this weekend.
"I need to get a good start," said Villopoto. "I know I have the speed to race with those guys up front and I really want to end the supercross season on the podium. The team has put a lot of effort into this season and I want to finish it on a positive note."
While Laninovich was hoping to earn his second top-10 finish of the season, he left Salt Lake City satisfied with his 13th-place effort and wants to perform well in front his supporters in his final ride of the 2009 season.
"I' can't wait to get to Las Vegas," stated Laninovich. "The dirt should be good for me and I'm going to have a lot of fans there cheering me on. I want to put in a good main event to finish the season."
In the AMA Supercross Lites class, the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki team came up short in its bid for a bi-coastal title sweep, but both Western Regional riders Jake Weimer and Ryan Morais were impressive all season long and will undoubtedly be at the front this weekend in Las Vegas.
"I can't think of a better place to get my first win (then Vegas),' said Morais, who was one of the most consistent riders of the season on either coast. "I've been right there all season long and I'm ready to get on the top step of the podium."
Joining Weimer and Morais at Sam Boyd Stadium will be Eastern Regional Champion Christophe Pourcel and runner-up Austin Stroupe. The two riders have had a few weeks off, but are ready to come back under the full Pro Circuit tent.
"I want to win the shootout really bad," said Stroupe. "My first goal this year was the championship and I came up just short and now my goal is to win that Toyota truck."
A banged up Muscle Milk/MDK/KTM will head into Las Vegas this weekend with two riders representing the team's East and West coast AMA Supercross Lites efforts.
Will Hahn ended the Eastern Regional Championship with a career-best runner-up finish in Jacksonville. Even though he's been away from racing competition for a few weeks, he still feels like the momentum he gained in Florida will carry over into the shootout.
"I flew out to California after the last couple East Supercross rounds and have been training there with the team," explained Hahn. "I feel really good and want a win badly. If I can get a good start in the main event I know I have a chance at topping the podium."
Justin Brayton will represent the team for the West Coast, but is still battling through some nagging injuries he received in Seattle. Despite the pain, the talented rider mustered a fifth place finish in Salt Lake City and hopes to get out of Vegas unscathed in his farewell AMA Supercross Lites race.
"My injury is still bothering me slightly, especially my hand," stated Brayton. "I wasn't able to practice leading up to the Salt Lake City race but this week it has improved and I plan to ride at least three days this week. I want to do really well for the team at this final race. This is my last Lites race for the time being as I will be moving up to the 450 class at the Nationals."
Muscle Milk/MDK/KTM's other pair of riders, Martin Davalos and Ryan Sipes, will sit out the Vegas race in order to continue their recovery from injuries.
The season finale from Las Vegas' Sam Boyd Stadium will air live on SPEED Saturday night at 10 p.m. EST/ 7p.m. PST.
Tickets for the Las Vegas Monster Energy Supercross finals are available for $63 Adult/$63 Child for Jackpot Seats and $42 Adult/$21 Child for Gold Circle Seats. Tickets can be purchased through UNLV ticket outlets, participating Yamaha dealers, online at www.UNLVtickets.com or charge by phone at 1-866-8FINALS. Each ticket serves as a free pit pass where fans can gain access to the interactive pits to meet riders, gain autographs and more.
About Feld Motor SportsFeld 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.