Irvine, Calif. (January 13, 2013) – In the frigid air of the desert in Phoenix, Ariz., Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto fought to his first podium of the season at Round 2 of Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM Championship at Chase Field on Saturday. Villopoto started the night with a third-place finish in his heat race to transfer to the main event. When the gate dropped for the main, Villopoto was battling his way to the front before sliding out in a corner. Destined for the podium, he quickly remounted his KX™450F and fought to take second place. Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jake Weimer rode consistent to sixth place. In the 250SX class, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Martin Davalos recovered from a spectacular crash in his heat race to finish on the podium in third. Teammate Tyla Rattray recovered from a first lap incident to finish 12th. Blake Baggett injured his wrist last week in Anaheim and after trying to ride in practice, decided not to race.
After a disappointing start to the season in Anaheim, Villopoto began his mission to regain the points lead. He was at the top of the charts all day, qualifying hundredths of a second off of the fastest time. In the heat race Villopoto overcame a mid-pack start and finished third. When the gate dropped for the main event, he quickly made some passes and rounded the first lap in third. Pushing the limits and making time on the leaders, Villopoto made a small mistake and lost the front end on the slick and difficult dirt. Remounting just inside the top-10, he put on a charge to the front. Villopoto methodically made his way through the pack, passing for second on the last lap. He now sits seventh overall in the points standings.
“Tonight was a lot better than Anaheim,” said Villopoto. “I wasn’t too happy with my heat race, but the main was a step in the right direction. It still wasn’t quite what I wanted, but the potential is there. We’re continuing to work on the bike during the week and working to adapt to the different conditions each week. If we can stay on the box every weekend we should be in good shape.”