After winning last weekend's Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship event in Southwick, South Australia's Brett Metcalfe has backed that up with a third place finish at the Steel City Motocross National in Pennsylvania.
Monster Energy Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto to his third win of the season with a perfect day of his own, extending his lead in the standings of Ryan Dungey.
TwoTwo Motorsports/Bel Ray Racing's Chad Reed of Kurri Kurri (NSW) put the disappointment of Southwick behind him to finish fourth overall.
American Honda's Justin Barcia grabbed the early lead in the opening moto, but was quickly passed by Rockstar/Makita Suzuki's Dungey prior to the completion of the first lap. Shortly thereafter, Villopoto made his way around Barcia, and set his sights on Dungey. The championship rivals were never separated by much more than a second throughout the 15-lap moto, with Dungey fending off any challenge Villopoto presented. That bike-length difference never changed, and as both riders approached lappers in the final corner, Villopoto made a move to the outside that allowed him to slip by Dungey, narrowly avoiding contact, and steal the moto win.
As the gate dropped on Moto 2, Dungey grabbed the holeshot, looking to get away from the field quickly. However, Villopoto squeezed his way into the lead for what was the winning pass. The Kawasaki rider quickly opened up a small gap by the completion of the first lap, and set sail. As Dungey looked to close in, he tipped the bike over, falling to third behind Reed. Dungey was able to fight his way back into second, but it was too late to catch Villopoto, who led all 15 laps.
The Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship concludes next weekend Pala Raceway outside San Diego.
RESULTS: Steel City National : Pennsylvania
Pos | Rider | Place of Origin | Motorcycle |
1 | Ryan Villopoto | Poulsbo : Washington | Kawasaki |
2 | Ryan Dungey | Belle Plaine : Minnesotta | Suzuki |
3 | Brett Metcalfe | Mannum : South Australia | Suzuk |
4 | Chad Reed | Kurri Kurri : New South Wales | Honda |
5 | Jake Weimer | Rupert : Idaho | Kawasaki |
6 | Mike Alessi | Victorville : California | KTM |
7 | Justin Brayton | Fort Dodge : Iowa | Yamaha |
8 | Kyle Regal | Howell : Michigan | Suzuki |
9 | Nick Wey | Dewitt : Michigan | Yamaha |
10 | Michael Byrne | Rockhampton : Queensland | Suzuki |
Lucas Oil Pro AMA Motocross Championship Standings (after Rd 11 of 12)
Pos | Rider | Place of Origin | Motorcycle | Points |
1 | Ryan Villopoto | Poulsbo : Washington | Kawasaki | 481 |
2 | Ryan Dungey | Belle Plaine : Minnesota | Suzuki | 467 |
3 | Chad Reed | Kurri Kurri : New South Wales | Honda | 402 |
4 | Brett Metcalfe | Mannum : South Australia | Suzuki | 342 |
5 | Mike Alessi | Victorville : California | KTM | 272 |
6 | Jake Weimer | Rupert : Idaho | Kawasaki | 251 |
7 | Andrew Short | Smithville : Texas | KTM | 196 |
8 | Kevin Windham | Centreville : Mississippi | Honda | 193 |
9 | Justin Brayton | Fort Dodge : Iowa | Yamaha | 191 |
10 | Davi Millsaps | Murrieta : California | Yamaha | 173 |