Following an opening six races out west that produced four different winners, Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, makes its way east for the first time in the 2014 season. After breaking through for his first win of the season last weekend, Yoshimura Suzuki’s James Stewart will highlight the 450SX Class storylines heading into Arlington, Texas, as Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto continues to lead in the way in the championship. AT&T Stadium will also serve as the site of the opening race in the Eastern Regional 250SX Class Championship.
After starting the season with a 17th-place effort due to a crash late in the Main Event of the first race, Stewart has been one of the most consistent riders in the championship. He’s captured three podiums in the last five races, tied for the most in the division, and is second only to Villopoto in average finish boasting a 3.2 versus Villopoto’s 2.4. He’s climbed to fourth in the point standings, 21 points behind Villopoto for the lead.
As for Villopoto, his unmatched consistency has helped him extend his lead in the championship to its largest margin of the season, currently sitting at nine points ahead of Red Bull KTM’s Ken Roczen, who rounded out the podium in San Diego.
One rider’s who status is uncertain for the seventh stop on the schedule is Discount Tire Racing/TwoTwo Motorsports’ Chad Reed, who shares the 450SX Class lead in victories with Villopoto at two. On the final lap of the Main Event in San Diego, Reed’s front tire made contact with the rear tire of Roczen as the two battled for third. The contact sent Reed hard into the ground, resulting in a DNF and the attention of the Asterisk Medical Crew who helped Reed off the track. Reed provided an update on his condition late Sunday night via Twitter, suggesting he intends to at least attempt to race on Saturday night.
Reed’s uncertain future will have a major impact on the championship battle, whether he’s competes or not. He had been the hottest rider in the class in recent weeks and had the opportunity to go for his third win in four races in San Diego. After entering last weekend just two points behind Villopoto for the championship lead, Reed now sits third, 15 points out of the lead.
Last season in Arlington, Villopoto raced to his third victory of the season to continue his charge towards an eventual third consecutive 450SX Class title. In the Eastern Regional 250SX Class opener, Wilson dominated to secure the fifth win of his career.
The first race held in Dallas was February 28, 1975, when Jimmy Ellis won on Can-Am. Reed has the most wins of any rider, with four victories coming over the span of six seasons. Mike LaRocco, Jeremy McGrath, Doug Henry, Kevin Windham, James Stewart, and Ryan Villopoto have all won in Dallas in both the 450SX Class and 250SX Class. Since 2007, five different winners have claimed victory in the 450SX Class.