Kawasaki Racing News
**Supercross/Motocross 5/3/2010
**
Irvine, Calif. - Monster Energy/ Pro Circuit/ Kawasaki rider Josh Hansen earned his first win of the season in dominating fashion during a downpour at Rice-Eccels Stadium in Salt Lake City. Teammate Jake Weimer finished fifth, which was good enough to earn his first-career title as he was crowned the Western Region AMA Supercross Lites champion. Monster Energy Kawasaki's Nick Wey, who is filling in for injured Ryan Villopoto, finished ninth. Chad Reed took the weekend off to be with his wife and newly born son Tate.
**
Feeling of The First Championship**
Weimer didn't have much pressure coming into Salt Lake City after a consistent season put him 19 points in front of second place in the championship standings. He still had the drive to earn a win, but with the conditions proving tough, he rode steady to finish with his first professional championship.
"I don't even know what to say right now," said Weimer. "It has been a long road to get here. I was so close last year and to earn it this year feels amazing. I want to thank my team, my family and all my fans that have supported me. This is awesome."
**
Big Night**
Hansen was on a mission to show off his hard work during the week, posting the fastest qualifying lap in the only practice session. He went on to win his heat, giving him great gate pick for the main event. Hansen jumped out to second, made a clean pass on lap two, and was untouchable for the remaining 13 laps. Even with the conditions providing an excuse to ride cautious, Hansen pushed the entire 15 laps for a dominating first win.
"I am really happy to finally grab a win," said Hansen. "I feel like I've been capable all season and haven't put it together. I'm not really a mud rider, but I really wanted it tonight. It's definitely nice to thank my team with this win because they have had to put up with me all season. They never quit on me and I wanted to show them I haven't quit."
**
Cut Race**
The supercross riders faced a rain-soaked track, forcing the officials to cut the 20-lap race to 15. With the track deteriorating as the laps progressed, Wey did his best to bring home his KX(tm)450F in ninth.
"The track had its tricky sections when we practiced in the dry, so when it started to downpour, it made it super tough," said Wey. "I was riding decent, but went down. I did what I could to make up the time. It wasn't a great night, but at least we have Las Vegas to go out with a bang."
**
Heat Winners**
The night got off to a great start for Weimer and Hansen as the teammates took wins in their respective heats. Weimer led from start to finish, while Hansen kept it steady through a snow and rain-filled race for a win of his own.
**
Hometown Crowd**
With his hometown less than three hours away, Weimer had a full house of family and friends ready to cheer him on.
"It was awesome to win this title in front of my home crowd," said Weimer. "I always have so much fun when I'm around this awesome group of people. It helped out with the nerves knowing I had so many people supporting me here in the stadium."
**
Weather**
The Western Region AMA Supercross Lites riders have been faced with bad weather most of their series and Salt Lake City brought some of the craziest extremes. During the day, the sun was out, but right as the bikes fired up for the first race of the night, the rain came down and the temperatures dropped. By the second heat, snow was hitting the ground. The gnarly weather didn't stop until Weimer was crowned champion at the very end of the night.
"Being from this region, this weather doesn't surprise me," said Weimer. "I don't remember being this cold though. I was freezing while I was out there in the main event. I just wanted the race to end and get warm."
**
New Baby Boy**
In the days leading up to the penultimate round of the AMA Supercross Series, Reed was with his wife coaching her through the birth of their first child. Tate Reed was born on Friday, April 30. After being awake for over 36 hours, Reed made the decision to stay back for the weekend and be with his family in Florida.
**
Final Round**
The 2010 AMA Supercross Series comes to a close next weekend in Las Vegas, showcasing one of the most anticipated races of the year with the East/West Lites Shootout. The two Monster Energy/ Pro Circuit/ Kawasaki champions Weimer and Christophe Pourcel will go up against their teammates Hansen and Wilson for the coveted trophy.
"I hope I can take the momentum from this race to finish out the supercross season with another win," said Hansen. "It's not going to be easy because all my teammates are so fast, but I know I have what it takes to win, especially after this weekend."
**
Results**
AMA Supercross Series
Rice-Eccels Stadium - Salt Lake City, Utah
May 1, 2010
Supercross Class Results
Supercross Lites Class Results
Supercross Point Standings
1. Ryan Dungey, Belle Paine, Minn., Suzuki, 338
2. Kevin Windham, Centreville, Miss., Honda, 273
3. RYAN VILLOPOTO, SEATTLE, WASH., MONSTER ENERGY KAWASAKI, 266
4. David Millsaps, Murrieta, Calif., Honda, 253
5. Josh Hill, Carlsbad, Calif., Yamaha, 229
6. Justin Brayton, Murrieta, Calif., Yamaha, 225
7. NICK WEY, MURRIETA, CALIF., KAWASAKI, 186
8. Ivan Tedesco, Murrieta, Calif., Yamaha, 183
9. Tommy Hahn, Alvord, Texas, Suzuki, 174
10. Kyle Chisholm, Valrico, Fla., Yamaha, 163
Supercross Lites Point Standings
