AMA Supercross Atlanta and Daytona Excite Fans - Same Three on Podium after Huge Crashes

     Wow, AMA Supercross excites all ages! Last week in the Georgia Dome nearly 70,000 people cheered for their favorite riders as dirt flew, motors roared, and flames leaped into the air during the main events. Tonight, under completely different track conditions at Daytona International Speedway on the GOAT Ricky Carmichael designed course that had more sand, presented a different line every lap, and was part motorcross and part supercross, the fans again experienced the wild excitement that continues to bring huge crowds trackside week after week.


     Last week in Atlanta, James “Bubba” Stewart took the holeshot, but allowed Chad Reed to catch and pass him early in the race. Stewart fought back and as the two came to the white flag, it was neck-and-neck as the riders aggressively fought for first place. Then, it happened! No. 22 Reed and No. 7 Stewart tangled up, crashed, and fell to the dirt allowing Ryan Villopoto to take the victory (and the points lead) while reigning champion Ryan Dungey took second place. Reed finished third and Steward forth.

     Tonight at Daytona, James Stewart again blasted from the gates and took the holeshot. In a magnificent display of riding, Stewart built up a huge lead. Then, it happened! Stewart in a single bike crash flew head-over-heels as his bike continued without him off of the track. Stewart, in what was clearly a very hard crash, stumbled around for what seemed like minutes. After apparent dizziness, confusion, and more falls, he remounted No. 7 and reentered the track. After the fall, Ryan Villopoto moved into first place where he remained to receive the checker flag and the first back-to-back Daytona Supercross victories since Ricky Carmichael. Stewart displaying amazing fortitude, raced hard to finish in the top ten and a standing ovation. Chad Reed took second, and despite what had earlier been a horrible weekend, Ryan Dungey secured the last podium spot.

     The shots above of the three podium finishers from both weeks are from Atlanta. Next week, AMA Supercross heads to Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Be sure to watch full coverage of the series on Speed TV with Erin Bates.


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