Torrance, CA: Following a weekend off for Easter, the Honda Red Riders returned to battle this past Saturday at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas, for round 13 of the 2013 Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship series. It was a successful night for Team Honda Muscle Milk with Trey Canard capturing his third podium appearance of the season with a third-place overall, and Justin Barcia finishing just shy of the podium in fourth. In the 250 class, Muscle Milk-backed GEICO Honda's Wil Hahn put in a strong race effort once again, finishing on the podium for the seventh time and extending his series lead to eight points.
450 Race
After missing Toronto due to an injury, Canard came out swinging this past weekend in Houston. With the second-quickest qualifying time in practice, Canard put together a stellar heat race, leading wire to wire to claim his first heat race win since 2011. He grabbed a third-place start in the main event but quickly made his way into second. He went from second to fourth and then back to third at the end to grab the final podium position.
"I am just grateful to be here," stated Canard. "This is probably the most clear-headed I have been in weeks and is probably the best day I have had all season. My result at Anaheim 1 was better but overall this day was great. It has been a long time since I have won a heat race and that really helped heading into the main. I did the best that I could tonight and that is all I can ask for, so I am grateful to be on the podium."
It was a good night for teammate Justin Barcia as well, who was fourth quickest in practice and finished in second behind Canard in his heat race. Barcia launched off the line to a mid-pack start and began working his way through the field with each passing lap. He tucked into fourth, which is where he finished. Barcia currently sits fourth overall in the championship points chase.
"I would prefer to be on the podium but overall, today was an okay day," said Barcia. "I felt good in practice and was able to get a good gate pick heading into the heat. I made a mistake at the beginning of the heat but was able to come back and finish right behind Trey in second. In the main event I didn't get a great start but finished fourth."
250 Race
As the 250 Supercross East Class season begins to wind down, Muscle Milk-supported GEICO Honda's Wil Hahn put together an exceptional ride Saturday night, extending his lead to eight points over second place with only two rounds remaining. Getting off the line in third Hahn rode patiently, waiting for the best time to strike, which came when the second-place rider went down in the challenging whoop section. Once in second, he made multiple charges for the lead position but was unsuccessful and was forced to settle for second on the night.
"I'm definitely happy with tonight's result," explained Hahn. "I obviously want to win but being able to gain some points this late in the season is great. I rode good all day, felt confident in practice, won my heat and was riding great in the main. I made a few mistakes but overall I am happy; we maintained the points lead and the red plate will stay on the GEICO Honda heading into Minneapolis."
The Focus: Honda of Houston Dealer Appearance
On Friday April 5, Team Honda Muscle Milk's Trey Canard and Justin Barcia, along with GEICO Honda's Wil Hahn and Kevin Windham stopped by Honda of Houston—the largest dealership in the area—for an autograph session with the fans. There was a huge turnout and fans were able to meet their favorite riders while also winning a ton of free swag.
450 Supercross Class Overall Results
1. Ryan Villopoto
2. Ryan Dungey
3. Trey Canard (Honda)
4. Justin Barcia (Honda)
5. Davi Millsaps
6. Justin Brayton
7. Andrew Short
8. Josh Hill
9. Jake Weimer
10. Broc Tickle
450 Supercross Class Championship Points (after 13 of 17 rounds)
1. Ryan Villopoto 277
2. Davi Millsaps 256
3. Ryan Dungey 252
4. Justin Barcia 202
5. Chad Reed 196
6. Trey Canard 185
7. James Stewart 171
8. Andrew Short 162
9. Justin Brayton 137
10. Broc Tickle 133
250 Supercross East Class Overall Results
1. Blake Wharton
2. Wil Hahn (Honda)
3. Marvin Musquin
4. Tyler Bowers
5. Gavin Faith
6. Cole Thompson
7. Peter Larson
8. Lance Vincent
9. Daniel Herrlein
10. Steven Clarke
250 Supercross East Class Championship Points (after 7 of 9 rounds)
1. Wil Hahn 156
2. Marvin Musquin 148
3. Blake Wharton 133
4. Vince Friese 89
5. Dean Wilson 87
6. Gavin Faith 82
7. Kyle Peters 78
8. Cole Thompson 72
9. Jeremy Martin 71
10. Justin Hill 68
About Honda
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. was established in 1959 and is the sole distributor of Honda motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and side-by-sides in the U.S. The American Honda Motorcycle Division is responsible for the sales, marketing, and operational activities for these products through authorized Honda dealers. For more information on Honda products, go to www.powersports.honda.com.
About Muscle Milk
Muscle Milk® Ready-to-Drink is a protein-enhanced functional beverage that promotes workout recovery, lean muscle growth, and sustained energy. Muscle Milk takes the guesswork out of high performance nutrition, delivering a precise blend of premium proteins, complex carbohydrates, functional fats, vitamins & minerals. CytoSport™, the maker of Muscle Milk®, is among the largest sport nutrition protein beverage companies in the U.S. and offers a complete line of protein-enhanced powders, shakes and bars. Muscle Milk® was named Ready-to-Drink Beverage of the Year by bodybuilding.com, Best Functional Beverage and Beverage of the Year by BevNet and Company of the Year by Beverage Forum presented by Beverage Marketing Corporation and Beverage World.
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