Today’s AMA Outdoor MX opener at Hangtown was full of surprises, but one thing wasn’t surprising – Suzuki’s Ricky Carmichael went 1-1 for 1st overall in the 250cc class.
Chad Reed (Yamaha) rode to a consistent 3-3 for 2nd overall, and 3rd overall went to his teammate David Vuillemin (2-4). Kawasaki’s James Stewart took sixth in the first moto after crashing early in the race, then pulled off midway through the second moto complaining of feeling dizzy. Stewart was credited with 12th overall. Kevin Windham (Honda) went down on the 1st lap of the 1st moto, and had to pull in to repair some damage to his bike. He finished 21st in Moto 1, which combined with his 2nd-place finish in Moto 2 was enough to earn him 9th overall.
The 125cc class featured some exciting racing, with the first moto going to Suzuki’s Broc Hepler, who crashed in the second moto and finished fifth for 3rd overall. Mike Alessi (KTM) came out strong and led much of the second moto before being taken out by Grant Langston (Kawasaki) on the last lap. Alessi remounted to finish 15th, which combined with his sixth place in moto one gave him 9th overall. Having finished second in moto one, Langston’s moto two win gave him the 125cc overall on the day.
Second overall went to Mike Brown (Honda), who finished 3rd in moto one and 2nd in moto two.
Carmichael and Langston lead the points in their respective classes. For more info, results and points, visit the official AMA Motocross site.
