Over 50,000 fans filled Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, TX Saturday night to watch round seven of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship. Team Honda Muscle Milk's Justin Barcia and Trey Canard had to overcome some adversity throughout the night, but were both able to finish respectably in the top 10. This weekend also showcased round one of the Eastern Regional 250 Supercross class with Muscle Milk sponsored-GEICO Honda's Wil Hahn and Zach Bell taking the stage. Hahn started his season strong, making his first podium appearance with a third-place finish.
450 Race
Following two crashes in his heat race, Barcia was forced to fight for a final transfer spot via the Last Chance Qualifier. He nailed down the holeshot in the LCQ and rode unchallenged the remainder of the race, transferring him into the main event. In the main, Barcia got a good jump off the line but was forced wide sending him towards the middle of the pack. He began to charge through the field, laying down lap times comparable to the leaders and making his way to sixth, where he finished.
"The track was really challenging today with the traction," said Barcia. "The last two races have been pretty tough with the tight track so I need to get used to that. I was on the way outside of the gate in the main event, got a good start but got pushed out into some tuff blocks and basically had to play catch up from there. I pushed it as hard as I could, but am really looking forward to heading to my home race in Atlanta."
In heat one, Canard got a decent jump off the gate and was in good position, but went down in the second turn sending him to the back of the pack. He spent the remainder of the 8-lap race charging through the field to nab the final transfer position. Unfortunately, when the gate dropped for the main Canard was towards the back heading into the first turn. The remainder of the 20 laps was spent in an admirable charge through the pack, which eventually netted him seventh place.
"The night was okay overall. I am out of here safe," said Canard. "This year if you don't get a good start it is hard to be anywhere in the front, which was definitely the issue in the main event. I put my head down to try and save as many points as possible and make the best of the situation, which is what we did."
250 Race
Cowboy's stadium marked the opening round of the Eastern Regional 250 Supercross class, and GEICO Honda's Wil Hahn had a strong showing all day. Hahn led a majority of his heat race until going down towards the end, but he was able to recover and finish fifth. He nailed down a top-10 start in the main event and was able to make steady progress throughout the entire 15-lap race, ultimately taking the checkered in third.
"It was all-around a good night," stated Hahn. "I made a few mistakes on the first three laps of the main event and didn't stick to my game plan, which hurt me. I need to show those guys I deserve to be up there and not let them push me around. The track was slick, so you had to be pretty patient when passing. Overall I am happy with a podium, and am looking forward to next weekend. I am going after this championship full force."
Rookie Zach Bell had a difficult night aboard his GIECO Honda CRF250R, crashing while leading his heat race forcing him to transfer to the main event via the Last Chance Qualifier. In the main, Bell went down again and was unable to return to the race.
TwoTwo Motorsports' Chad Reed grabbed a good start aboard his CRF450R, and battled throughout the entire 20-lap main event to finish just shy of the podium. Andrew Short also finished within the top 10 with a ninth overall.
The Focus: DFW Honda Dealer Appearance
There was an impressive turnout Friday evening at the local Honda Dealership, DFW Honda, where riders spent time signing autographs and meeting fans. Team Honda Muscle Milk's Justin Barcia and Trey Canard, along with GEICO Honda's Kevin Windham, Wil Hahn and Zach Bell were all in attendance. Also joining the fun was DFW Honda's Shayna Texter, who made AMA Grand National history in 2011 for being the first female to win a GNC Pro Singles flat track main event.
450 Supercross Class Overall Results
1. Ryan Villopoto
2. Davi Millsaps
3. Ryan Dungey
4. Chad Reed (Honda)
5. Justin Brayton
6. Justin Barcia (Honda)
7. Trey Canard (Honda)
8. Matthew Goerke
9. Andrew Short (Honda)
10. Broc Tickle
450 Supercross Class Championship Points (after 7 of 17 rounds)
1. Davi Millsaps 154
2. Ryan Dungey 133
3. Ryan Villopoto 130
4. Trey Canard 119
5. Chad Reed 115
6. Justin Barcia 98
7. Andrew Short 95
8. Justin Brayton 83
9. James Stewart 75
10. Matthew Goerke 69
250 Supercross East Class Overall Results
1. Dean Wilson
2. Blake Wharton
3. Wil Hahn (Honda)
4. Kyle Peters
5. Justin Hill
6. Marvin Musquin
7. Gavin Faith
8. James Decotis
9. Vince Friese
10. Lance Vincent
250 Supercross East Class Championship Points (after 1 of 9 rounds)
1. Dean Wilson 25
2. Blake Wharton 22
3. Wil Hahn 20
4. Kyle Peters 18
5. Justin Hill 16
6. Marvin Musquin 16
7. Gavin Faith 14
8. James Decotis 13
9. Vince Friese 12
10. Lance Vincent 11
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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