Joe Gibbs Racing’s James Stewart put in an impressive night’s work to finish second in the fifth round of the 2012 AMA Supercross series at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif. on Saturday night, Feb. 4. Stewart’s third podium of the year aboard his YZ450F earned the Floridian 22 valuable championship points and draws him closer to taking third place in the standings from rival Ryan Dungey, who finished fourth on Saturday. Stewart’s JGR teammate Davi Millsaps likewise put in a strong effort to lead his heat race before finishing seventh in the 20-lap main event.
The second Anaheim race of the year brought beautiful California winter weather conditions, a likeable track layout, and great energy from a capacity crowd. Stewart set the second-quickest time in afternoon qualifying practice, and then looked set to easily win his heat race over title rivals Chad Reed and Dungey. But he lost control in a rhythm section and flew off the track, landing hard on a tuff-block. He did not finish the heat. Stewart thus needed to win or take second in the last-chance qualifier to transfer into the main event – and if he didn’t, any realistic hope of winning the series title would fade. Fortunately though, a plenty-sore Stewart not only lined up for the LCQ, but he won it by a wide margin to transfer to the 20-lap main event.
With his rivals riding well, Stewart needed a great start from a challenging gate position to have any chance at a win, and when the gate fell, he totally rose to the occasion. The two-time Supercross champion powered to the first turn inside the top eight, with Ryan Villopoto and Reed battling for the early lead. It took Stewart less than two laps to move into third and then set his sights on Reed, whom he passed for second place on lap eight. From that point on, the race order remained Villopoto, Stewart and Reed, with no rider able to significantly open or close the gap. In the end Villopoto took the win to move slightly ahead in the point standings. "I'm a little sore, but second place is good and we saved a lot of points,” Stewart said afterwards. “I also want to give a shout out to the team for sticking behind me.”
| Supercross Results |
| 1 |
Ryan Villopoto |
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| 2 |
James Stewart - YAM |
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| 3 |
Chad Reed |
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| 4 |
Ryan Dungey |
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| 5 |
Justin Brayton |
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| 6 |
Kevin Windham |
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| 7 |
David Millsaps - YAM |
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| 8 |
Mike Alessi |
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| 9 |
Brett Metcalfe |
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| 10 |
Broc Tickle |
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| Standings After 5 of 17 |
| 1 |
Ryan Villopoto |
108 |
| 2 |
Chad Reed |
105 |
| 3 |
Ryan Dungey |
103 |
| 4 |
James Stewart - YAM |
95 |
| 5 |
Kevin Windham |
73 |
| 6 |
Jake Weimer |
71 |
| 7 |
Andrew Short |
59 |
| 8 |
Brett Metcalfe |
57 |
| 9 |
David Millsaps - YAM |
56 |
| 10 |
Justin Brayton |
53 |
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In the Supercross Lites West class, Star Valli Yamaha’s Nico Izzy and Ryan Sipes set the two fastest times in qualifying on their YZ250Fs before finishing fifth and 11th, respectively, after a tough night of competition.
| Supercross Lites Results |
| 1 |
Eli Tomac |
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| 2 |
Cole Seely |
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| 3 |
Marvin Musquin |
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| 4 |
Dean Wilson |
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| 5 |
Nico Izzi - YAM |
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| 6 |
Michael Leib |
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| 7 |
Matt Moss |
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| 8 |
Vince Friese |
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| 9 |
Travis Baker |
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| 10 |
Martin Davalos |
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| Standings |
| 1 |
Eli Tomac |
113 |
| 2 |
Dean Wilson |
91 |
| 3 |
Marvin Musquin |
84 |
| 4 |
Cole Seely |
79 |
| 5 |
Zack Osborne - YAM |
67 |
| 6 |
Nico Izzi - YAM |
62 |
| 7 |
Tyla Rattray |
60 |
| 8 |
Jason Anderson |
54 |
| 9 |
Ryan Sipes - YAM |
53 |
| 10 |
Matt Moss |
53 |
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