Team Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto led the early laps of the Houston SX main event and rode to an eventual third overall behind winner James Stewart and runner-up Chad Reed. This marks RV’s first Supercross-class podium finish, and the popular rider from Washington is confident that this is but yet another step towards being a regular front-runner in the premier division.
It took you four races, but you’re finally on the podium…
(Laughs) Yeah, It took me a little while. I made some mistakes, but things got better each weekend. Now we’re on the box, and as long as I’m racing with these guys I know I’ll be on the podium. That’s my goal, to race with James [Stewart] and Chad [Reed].
What was going through your head once you got into the lead?
Not making any mistakes, but I did make some after all. James caught up to me and passed me, but I was able to pass him back. I was looking forward to racing with him, and I stayed close to him for a little while before I went down. I was able to get back up and try my best to stay with Chad, and I was making sure I didn’t get bumped off the box again (laughs). I really wanted to stay ahead of Shorty.
So we’re four races into the 2009 series…did you expect to be on the box sooner than this?
I expected to up there a lot sooner. But everybody says it’s tough and it really is difficult. It’s a lot tougher than I originally anticipated. It’s one of those things that you don’t know until you really get in there and mix it up with guys you’re unfamiliar with. I’m happy with a third place, and all I can do is look forward to second and first place finishes.
TAGS: Houston SX, monster energy kawasaki, ryan villopoto, supercross
