For the first time since 2008, the Honda Red Riders made their way to Ford Field in Detroit, MI, for round 11 of the Supercross series. An impressive 50,856 fans were on hand to witness Team Honda Muscle Milk's Justin Barcia claim fifth, while Muscle Milk-sponsored GEICO Honda's Justin Bogle rode to a career-high second in the 250SX competition.
450 Class
Barcia put together a stellar performance in his heat race, launching his CRF450R off the line to a second place start and taking the lead a few laps in. He was able to stay composed under pressure, clinching the win and transferring directly into the main. Barcia was unable to duplicate his good start in the main event and found himself outside the top 10 heading into the first turn. Undeterred, he progressively moved through the field, making his way into sixth by the halfway point. He ultimately crossed the finish line in fifth.
During his final showing on the Team Honda Muscle Milk CRF450R, fill-in rider Cole Seely put together a respectable night. In his heat race, Seely nailed down the holeshot and lead for a few laps until being passed by Barcia. He relinquished one more position before taking the checkered in third, transferring him directly into the main. Once again in the main event, Seely propelled himself off the line to the holeshot. He was putting together a solid race when he got tangled with another rider and went down while running fourth. He remounted to finish 15th.
It was a tough night for the Muscle Milk-supported GEICO Honda 450 crew, with Wil Hahn finishing 14th after going down early in the main event. Teammate Eli Tomac was sidelined for a second consecutive week after reinjuring his shoulder last weekend in Daytona.
250 Class
Detroit also played host to round five of the Eastern Regional 250SX class, and Muscle Milk-backed GEICO Honda's Justin Bogle scored a career best second place finish. Bogle transferred into the main via a solid second-place finish in his heat. In the main event, he navigated his way to a third place start, moving into second a few laps in. He stayed on the heels of the leader for the full 15 laps, but could not get close enough to make the pass.
"This feels so good, and is certainly a step in the right direction," explained Bogle. "It's great to get GEICO and Honda up on the podium. I finally put myself in a good place at the start. I've got the speed and fitness to run with these guys. I've got a really good feeling heading into Toronto. I think it will be a good weekend, especially because it's my birthday."
The Focus: Throttle Jockey Graphic Set
The sponsorship relationship between graphics supplier Throttle Jockey and Honda Racing began in 1998 and continues to the present. Honda wanted the best product and superior service, and Throttle Jockey stepped up and delivered. Throttle Jockey is an official Honda licensee, offering custom graphics for Honda models, and also manufactures custom graphics and seat covers for race teams and dealerships all over the United States and overseas. You can purchase your 2013 Team Honda Muscle Milk complete graphic kit for $199.99 at www.throttlejockey.com. The full kit includes: shroud decals, fender decals, swing arm decals, airbox decals (2013/14 CRF450R only), fork guard decals, VP tank decals, fork leg decals and seat cover (ripples cost extra).
RIDER QUOTES:
Justin Barcia: "Tonight didn't end how I wanted. I finally got a good start in my heat race, which was awesome because that's what I have been struggling with. I got around Cole [Seely] and lead the rest of the race. I definitely didn't make it easy on myself in the main event. I got another bad start and had to work my way through a lot of people. I started to get really tired and tight towards the end of the race and was only able to make it up to fifth."
Cole Seely: "I'm really grateful for the opportunity that Team Honda Muscle Milk has given me the last couple weeks. I'm bummed with how tonight went but overall think I rode really well. My starts were dialed tonight, I got the holeshot in both my heat and the main. In the main, I started making some little mistakes, which allowed a couple guys by me. Then while in fourth I got taken out, which sucked but I guess that is racing. I felt good though and I think the 450 suits me really well. With time I think I can be a threat in the class."
450 Supercross Results
1. James Stewart
2. Ryan Villopoto
3. Ryan Dungey
4. Andrew Short
5. Justin Barcia (Honda)
6. Broc Tickle
7. Weston Peick
8. Josh Hill
9. Justin Brayton
10. Josh Grant
450 Supercross Championship Points (after 11 of 17 rounds)
1. Ryan Villopoto 231
2. Ryan Dungey 201
3. James Stewart 182
4. Ken Roczen 181
5. Justin Brayton 167
6. Andrew Short 143
7. Justin Barcia 134
8. Broc Tickle 126
9. Wil Hahn 115
10. Chad Reed 111
250 Supercross East Results
1. Adam Cianciarulo
2. Justin Bogle (Honda)
3. Blake Baggett
4. Kyle Cunningham
5. Matthew Lemoine
6. Martin Davalos
7. Vince Friese
8. Jeremy Martin
9. Alex Martin
10. James DeCotis
250 Supercross East Championship Points (after 5 of 9 rounds)
1. Adam Cianciarulo 119
2. Martin Davalos 102
3. Blake Baggett 99
4. Justin Bogle 94
5. Vince Friese 75
6. Kyle Cunningham 63
7. Cole Thompson 58
8. Jimmy DeCotis 54
9. Matt Lemoine 53
10. Blake Wharton 51
