Mototips

Rockstar Makita Suzuki's Dungey Wins Lites Race At Season-Opening Anaheim Supercross
Round 1 - AMA Supercross Series
Anaheim, CA
Angel Stadium
Jan. 5, 2008
Rockstar Makita Suzuki Factory Racing's Ryan Dungey started out the 2008 AMA Supercross seasonin style by winning the first round in the Supercross Lites class at Angel Stadium in Anaheim,California, on Saturday night. Dungey battled the elements as well as the competition, racing hisRockstar Makita Suzuki RM-Z250 in swamp-like conditions to take the win in his six-lap qualifyingheat race as well as the victory in the 15-lap SX Lites main event. This win puts 18-year-old Dungeyin the lead of the championship points chase.
In the Supercross class, Rockstar Makita Suzuki's Mike Alessi had a successful debut in both theclass and on the new Suzuki RM-Z450. After winning the qualifying LCQ, Alessi got a good start in themain event and was racing for a podium spot. Focusing on finishing in less-than-stellar conditions,however, Alessi backed off and rode a smooth race, maintaining a strong sixth-place position until therace's end. Teammate David Vuillemin also put in a smooth and consistent ride, getting a good startand running in the top-10 for the entire 20 laps before finishing in 10th position.
Ryan Dungey:
"It was a good race and definitely a great night. The whole Rockstar Makita Suzuki team, weprepared so much for this race. And the Suzuki RM-Z250 was working awesome - we were able toput it all together and come out on top. I was able to take my time and was patient and just let therace come to me so I could put in some good laps. Winning this race, it feels like a weight has beenlifted off my shoulders. It's so good to just be racing again and I'm pumped to get the win."
Mike Alessi:
"This first Supercross was a learning experience for me. It was pretty muddy this weekend, but wetried to take the good with the bad and make the best of the situation. The bike was awesome and Igot a great start and was in third when a few guys got around me. I was having a good race in fifthand riding a smooth pace because I didn't want to make any mistakes and fall. But with about fourlaps to go, I saw somebody coming up on me and I tried to put up a fight but I realized I was riding alittle hard and I didn't want to ride over my head and crash. So I settled for sixth and now I'm justlooking forward to next week's race at Phoenix."
David Vuillemin:
"You know, I haven't raced in five months, so I was kind of rusty. And with the mud, we only had onepractice and went straight to the race. My plan was to ride safe and smooth, and not take anychances, especially with the weather being kind of sketchy. In the main event, I made a few mistakesand some guys got past me, but overall I am satisfied. The bike was really strong and consistent, andthe team was great. I want to do better and I know I can do better, I'm just rusty from not racing.Now I'm just looking to build from here with better results."
Rockstar Makita Suzuki Factory Racing will race next at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona, on Saturday,Jan. 12, 2008.
Mike Alessi, Rockstar Makita Suzuki Factory Racing RM-Z450, #800
6th Place - Anaheim 1 Supercross
6th Place - Overall Championship Points Standings
David Vuillemin, Rockstar Makita Suzuki Factory Racing RM-Z450, #12
10th Place - Anaheim 1 Supercross
10th Place - Overall Championship Points Standings
Ryan Dungey, Rockstar Makita Suzuki Factory Racing RM-Z250, #28
1st Place - Anaheim 1 Supercross Lites
1st Place -- Overall Championship Points Standings
AMA Supercross Top 10 Finishers:
1. Chad Reed, Yamaha
2. James Stewart, Kawasaki
3. Tim Ferry, Kawasaki
4. Grant Langston, Yamaha (Holeshot)
5. Kevin Windham, Honda
6. Mike Alessi, Rockstar Makita Suzuki Factory Racing
7. Davi Millsaps, Honda
8. Andrew Short, Honda
9. Nick Wey, KTM
10. David Vuillemin, Rockstar Makita Suzuki Factory Racing
AMA Supercross Lites Top 10 Finishers:
1. Ryan Dungey, Rockstar Makita Suzuki Factory Racing
2. Jason Lawrence, Yamaha
3. Justin Brayton, KTM
4. Dan Reardon, Honda
5. Austin Stroupe, Kawasaki
6. Tommy Hahn, Kawasaki
7. Gavin Gracyk, Honda
8. Andrew McFarlane, Kawasaki
9. Chris Blose, Suzuki
10. Will Hahn, Yamaha
*Matt Lemoine, Honda won the Lites Holeshot


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