Dungey wins again... Tedesco, Villopoto injured in St. Louis.
Ryan Dungey captured his fifth SX main event of the season at the Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis in front of 59,000 fans. The battle that everyone anticipated between the “Ryan's” (Dungey and Villopoto) was more than advertised for the first 10 laps. The two riders battled hard and on lap nine after an aggressive move by Villopoto both riders ended up on the ground. The riders quickly re-mounted and resumed their battle until the 11th lap when Ryan Villopoto crashed hard on a rutted jump while leading. “Villo” jumped off of his bike when he saw that he was going to come up short on the landing but unfortunately landed hard on his feet in the face of the jump breaking his leg. This same rutted jump would also claim Ivan Tedesco later in the race sending him to the hospital with a collapsed lung and several broken ribs. Ryan Dungey took over the lead after Villopoto crashed and was challenged briefly by Kevin Windham but was able to hold on to win his fifth main event of the 2010 season. Kevin Windham finished in second followed by Andrew Short in third. Dungey now has a 37 point lead in the series with his main rival in the hospital.
The lites class in St. Louis saw Justin Barcia claim the Spike holeshot as well as the second win of his career. Barcia was followed by Monster Energy / Pro Circuit rider Dean Wilson and Geico Powersports team mate Brett Metcalfe on to the podium. ONE Industries team rider Blake Baggett got tangled with Martin Davalos at the start and had to charge through the entire pack to finish a solid 5th place. This marks the 5th time Baggett has had a top five finish in the eight race East Coast Lites Series including a win in Dallas. The rookie has definitely proved he has what it takes to be a top contender in the series.
The Supercross series heads back west for the remaining three rounds. Next weeks event in Seattle is an open air stadium that “usually” has rain involved either before or during the event. Look for more exciting racing next week in Seattle and another race report back here next Monday.
ONE Industries wishes a speedy recovery to team rider Ivan Tedesco and to Ryan Villopoto. We hope to see both of these riders ready for the beginning of the outdoor National series late next month.