YOSHIMURA SUZUKI RACING WINS SEASON-OPENING AMA PRO MOTOCROSS AT HANGTOWN NATIONAL
May 21, 2012
SACRAMENTO, CA (May 20, 2012) – Team Yoshimura Suzuki Racing could not have scripted a sweeter start to the 2012 AMA Pro Motocross season if they’d tried. Returning to the motocross series for the first time since 2008, new Yoshimura Suzuki rider James Stewart raced his RM-Z450 to victory in both 450 motos to take the overall win in round one at the Hangtown National in Sacramento, CA, on Saturday afternoon. Yoshimura Suzuki’s Brett Metcalfe was right there with his new teammate, putting together two solid motos to finish the day in a very respectable fifth-place overall.
In his inaugural race on the Yoshimura Suzuki RM-Z450, Stewart was nothing short of flawless. The first moto saw him get a great start and take the lead on the first lap. From there, Stewart slowly but surely created a gap and led all laps to take the win. In the second moto, Stewart got shuffled around a bit on the start but quickly made short shrift of the competition. Taking the lead, Stewart rode a calculated, efficient race, and again gapped the field while remaining in his comfort zone. Anything but victory was simply out of the question.
“I couldn’t ask for anything better,” said Stewart. “The Yoshimura Suzuki RM-Z450 was really fast and consistent. In the first moto, I got a great start and I was in the lead on the first lap. I rode my own race, and got a good gap and was able to win that one. In the second moto, I had to work for it. I had to come around some guys… then I was able to stay there and keep the pace. As the day went on, the Yoshimura Suzuki RM-Z450 was just better and better and better. I have to give it up to the team for all their hard work. I don’t want to get over-confident, but to start off like this – knowing this is one of my worst tracks – and know we can keep building, makes it so good.”
Likewise, Australian Metcalfe turned in a promising performance in both motos. In the first one, Metcalfe got a good start on the Yoshimura Suzuki RM-Z450 and worked his way up to second before fatigue set in and he finished fourth. In the second moto, Metcalfe again ran in a podium position before finishing fifth. At the end of the day, the Yoshimura Suzuki rider was happy to finish fifth overall. Metcalfe is in a three-way tie for third in championship points.
“I’ve been looking forward to the start of the motocross season,” said Metcalfe. “The Yoshimura Suzuki RM-Z450 is working great and Motocross is a nice change of pace. In moto one, I got a top-five start and I was feeling strong. I made some moves early and moved up to second, but wasn’t able to finish at the same intensity level I started with. Moto two was much the same, though I didn’t have a very good start. My speed and skills on the Suzuki feel really good right now, so I was able to make passes and move through the pack. Again, I just wasn’t able to finish the moto strong. We need to work on that, because if I want to contend for wins, that’s what I’ve got to do.”
As the Yoshimura Suzuki squad prepares for round two next weekend, both Stewart and Metcalfe are enthusiastic about the race in Texas. Stewart is particularly excited about the upcoming event because he’ll be contesting it as the series points leader and, as a result, will run the leader’s red number plate.
“Texas is going to be tough,” said Stewart. “But we have to take it week by week. I get to ride the red plate on the Suzuki and that’s pretty cool. This will be the first time I’ve ever had it, in Motocross or Supercross, so that should be pretty special.”
Added Metcalfe: “I’m looking forward to Texas. That’s always a physically demanding track, so the Yoshimura Suzuki RM-Z450 will work well there. We’ve got to go in confident, and after this round, get the appropriate rest and work hard this week, and come out stronger for Texas and build from there.”
Team Yoshimura Suzuki Racing’s next event is the second round of the 2012 AMA Pro Motocross Championship on Saturday, May 26th, at the Freestone National in Wortham, TX.
2012 Hangtown National MX 450 Results:
1. James Stewart
2. Ryan Dungey
3. Mike Alessi
4. Andrew Short
5. Brett Metcalfe
6. Broc Tickle
7. Davi Millsaps
8. Jake Weimer
9. Josh Grant
10. Nico Izzi
2012 AMA Pro Motocross 450 Standings:
1. James Stewart – 50
2. Ryan Dungey – 42
3. Mike Alessi – 34
4. Andrew Short – 34
5. Brett Metcalfe – 34
6. Davi Millsaps – 29
7. Broc Tickle – 29
8. Jake Weimer – 26
9. Josh Grant – 25
10 Nico Izzi – 21
About Yoshimura R&D of America: Yoshimura is “The Leader in Performance” and has been for more than 55 years. With unmatched skills, knowledge and passion for racing, Yoshimura is on the forefront of the aftermarket exhaust industry. Yoshimura pipes are race bred and feature the same legendary performance, fit, and quality that have been their trademark for more than five decades. To learn more about Yoshimura and view their wide variety of performance products, visit www.yoshimura-rd.com.
About Suzuki: Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) founded the Motorcycle and ATV Division of American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC), Brea, CA, in 1963. ASMC markets motorcycles and ATVs via an extensive dealer network throughout 49 states. ASMC's parent company, Suzuki Motor Corporation, based in Hamamatsu, Japan, is a diversified worldwide manufacturer of motorcycles, ATVs, scooters, automobiles and marine engines. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, it has 120 distributors in 191 countries. For more information, visit www.suzukicycles.com. Follow Suzuki Scoop on facebook for exclusive team content www.facebook.com/suzukiscoopfans.
Team Yoshimura Suzuki is grateful for the support of their sponsors: Yoshimura R&D, Dunlop, Motorex, Vortex, ONE Industries, Showa, Renegade Fuels, Pro Taper, Hinson Clutch Components, D.I.D, Twin Air, Works Connection, Thor, Excel, Mechanix Wear, CP Pistons, Matrix and NGK.
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