SEATTLE — Former Poulsbo resident Ryan Villopoto earned his fifth win of the 2014 Monster Energy AMA Supercross April 12 at CenturyLink Field.
For the second straight week, Villopoto earned his way into the 450SX Class Main Event through the semi-final, and once again was able to pilot his Monster Energy Kawasaki to the Nuclear Cowboyz Holeshot Award when the gates dropped on the night’s final 20-lap race. Red Bull KTM’s Ryan Dungey followed in second with BTO Sports/FLY Racing KTM’s Andrew Short in third. Team Yoshimura Suzuki’s James Stewart asserted himself into fifth.
“I don’t think I’ve ever raced in front of a crowd cheering me on this loud. It’s tough to race at home and in the past I haven’t been that stellar here, so to have a race like that is awesome,” said Villopoto, who’s first career 450SX Class win came in Seattle during his 2009 rookie season. “With [James Stewart] and [Ryan Dungey] standing up here next to me, getting a win is huge. I’m not thinking about the championship right now, but it does feel good to have an opportunity to wrap up the title in New York in a couple weeks.”
Stewart and Dungey maintained their podium positions throughout the race and finished in second and third, respectively, ultimately preventing Villopoto from wrapping up his fourth consecutive championship. With a 48-point lead in the standings, Villopoto can clinch the title at the next race, which will take place at MetLife Stadium April 26.
450SX Class Results: Seattle
- Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki
- James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Suzuki
- Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM
- Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda
- Justin Barcia, Pinetta, Fla., Honda
- Trey Canard, Shawnee, Okla., Honda
- Ken Roczen, Murrieta, Calif., KTM
- Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, KTM
- Josh Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., Suzuki
- Mike Alessi, Hilliard, Fla.,
Suzuki 450SX Class Season Standings
- Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki, 318
- James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Suzuki, 270
- Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM, 267
- Ken Roczen, Murrieta, Calif., KTM, 249
- Justin Barcia, Pinetta, Fla., Honda, 214
- Justin Brayton, Cornelius, N.C., Yamaha, 196
- Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, KTM, 194
- Broc Tickle, Holly, Mich., Suzuki, 126
- Josh Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., Suzuki, 124
- Wil Hahn, Menifee, Calif., Honda, 122
