Words by Michael Antonovich
Photos by Bayo Olukotun and Michael Sierens
The St. Louis Supercross is always a round of big surprises and after tonight, the tradition will continue. From the first firework explosion to the last victory lap, the crowd was in full frenzy Supercross mode while they watched the best in the world take to Travis Pastrana’s “dream” track. The Missouri clay was manicured into one of the most awe inspiring creations to ever be called a Supercross track, and even though it took up most of the massive stadium floor, many said it felt narrow and one lined. Of course, Travis wasn’t going to let his creation just sit there, and he took it upon himself to see if it was as amazing as he planned. But Feld may have had a little say-so in his cable-worthy adventure; destroying a Monster Truck isn’t cheap, and Travis’ name can put ticket sales through the roof as a way to recoup the loss. Practice took a backseat for many, as the fans filled the adjoining Convention Center well after the 5:30 eviction time soaking in the electric atmosphere that is Feld’s newest acquisition, the AMA/FIM Monster Energy Drink Supercross Series.
Lites Heat One
The first gate drop and dash to the holeshot had Moto Concepts rider Vince Friese’s name all over it. The local boy would lead many of the first laps, holding off the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/ Kawasaki of Christophe Pourcel until lap four, when Pourcel slipped by as they criss-crossed the starting line and then slammed the door shut before the finish line jump, forcing both of them to roll the massive double. The pass would stick, and Pourcel would finish the heat in first.
Behind them, Division Seven/ Star Racing/ Yamaha’s Matt Lemoine worked his way around his teammate Darryn Durham on his charge to the front. Lemoine cut the pack to pieces, and would come to the checkered flag in second position. On the final lap, Durham would come in contact with Friese and both would go down, but both were quick to remount and would safely transfer to the main event.
Top Nine
1. Christophe Pourcel
2. Matt Lemoine
3. Vince Friese
4. Steven Clarke
5. Matt Goerke
6. Kyle Keylon
7. Darryn Durham
8. Cody Gilmore
9. Teddy Parks
Lites Heat Two
The second heat was the Austin Stroupe show, as the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/ Kawasaki pilot nabbed the holeshot and walked away to the win nearly unchallenged, even with a slight slip up on lap three as he crossed the start straight for the first time. Rockstar/Makita/Suzuki sophomore Nico Izzi and Geico Powersports/ Honda rookie Blake Wharton followed his every move, but neither had anything for Stroupe the entire race, and both would run the duration of the six laps single file with little passing. But Wharton gave a preview of his speed toward the latter moments, by charging the numerous obstacles and closing the gap Izzi established. The top three riders built an impressive cushion over the rest of the back, and by the end of the race would be 13 seconds ahead on fourth-place finisher Sewell.
The riders behind them weren’t so lucky, particularly Canidae/Motosport/ Kawasaki rider Branden Jesseman. Jesseman was buried deep in the pack for the duration of the moto, and his run toward the front was halted when he fell in the back to back tabletop section. Jesseman’s flow and a bit of luck were missing this weekend, as his entire night would sound much the same.
Top Nine
1. Austin Stroupe
2. Nico Izzi
3. Blake Wharton
4. Shane Sewell
5. Kyle Gills
6. Jason Thomas
7. Jacob Saylor
8. Daniel Blair
9. Spencer Dally
Lites LCQ
The Lites class LCQ was a run away for the top two riders of Talladega Cycles’ Chad Ward and MDK Motorsports rider Tyler Wharton. The duo jumped out to first and second, respectively, and held the final two tickets to the main till the conclusion. But there was quite the hustle behind them for third, featuring numerous riders and a handful of passes. MDK Motorsport’s Kawasaki backed rider Dennis Jonon held off Star Racing rider Broc Tickle and Augie Lieber and his Shae Cycle Kawasaki, until the two forced a mistake and slipped past. Coming to the third lap, Tickle made a pass stick crossing over the start and would go on to finish third, collecting the Gas Card. Tickle shook off the disappointment, knowing he gave the LCQ everything he had.
Qualifying Riders
1. Chad Ward
2. Tyler Wharton
Page 1: Lites Qualifying Page 2: SX Qualifying Page 3: Lites Main Page 4: SX Main
TAGS: Austin Stroupe, Blake Wharton, chad reed, james stewart, josh grant, Nico Izzi, St. louis, supercross, travis pastrana
