For the second straight week, Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto dominated Saturday’s Monster Energy Supercross, delivering a commanding win at O.co Coliseum in Oakland, Calif. Villopoto led wire-to-wire after nailing the holeshot to earn his 26th career victory. In the 250SX class, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Martin Davalos finished fourth and Tyla Rattray came home in 11th. Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jake Weimer was unable to compete due to illness.
Building Momentum
Coming off a dominating victory last weekend, Villopoto expected nothing less in Oakland. After getting a good start in his heat race, the Poulsbo, Wash. native grabbed the lead and never looked back in the 8-lap race. In the main event, Villopoto once again rocketed out of the starting gate, grabbing the holeshot and leading all 20 laps.
“This was a good win for us,” said Villopoto. “My guys on the Monster Energy Kawasaki team made a few minor changes to the bike today and they paid off tonight. Everything is starting to come together for us right now.”
Balancing Act
After getting the holeshot in the main event, Villopoto built a five-second gap on second place in the first three laps. With such a large cushion, the tough track made it difficult for him to keep pushing hard.
“It was a difficult balance for me tonight,” said Villopoto. “The track was very challenging and it was easy to fall into a groove where you go a little slower. I built a big lead early so without being pushed from behind, I had to concentrate on going fast and getting the lap times I needed.”