Race Report – Monster Energy Supercross: Atlanta

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Sat, Feb 26 2011 11:25 pm | Comments

Kawasakis Sweep Atlanta Barn Burner

By Jordan Powell

Photos by Chris Kinman

The eighth round of the 2011 Monster Energy Supercross series headed back East this weekend to Atlanta, Georgia. With thousands of fans in attendance at the Georgia Dome, Dean Wilson and Ryan Villopoto took the win in their classes. Both main events were amazing, even by Atlanta SX standards.

SUPERCROSS LITES

After crashing in his heat, and winning his LCQ, Geico Powersport Honda’s Blake Wharton rocketed off the line in the Lites class. Right behind him, though, was his Honda teammate, Justin Barcia. For the first few laps the running order was Wharton, Barcia, Blake Baggett, Ryan Sipes, and Dean Wilson. On the fifth lap, Wilson was able to make his way around Sipes. Wharton, on the other hand, continued to hold his lead.

At the halfway point, things started to tighten up a bit, and Barcia, Wilson, Baggett, and Sipes were going into a four-way battle. While up front, Wharton went down and handed the lead over to Wilson. Wharton was able to get back up, and he got back going in fourth. Baggett and Barcia battled from almost start to finish, but the Geico Powersports rider was able to hold off the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki rider. At the end of the 15 lap main, Wilson took the checkers, followed by Barcia and Baggett. On top of the podium, Wilson said, “I’m glad to get the monkey off my back.” Barcia said that lappers made it hard to pass, but he was also riding with a hurt wrist that he injured earlier in the day. Also, Wilson’s win was the 200th win for Pro Circuit, as well as his first win in the Supercross Lites class.

Results

1. Dean Wilson (Kaw)
2. Justin Barcia (Hon)
3. Blake Baggett (Hon)
4. Blake Wharton (Hon)
5. Ryan Sipes (Yam)
6. Hunter Hewitt (Suz)
7. PJ Larsen (KTM)
8. Malcolm Stewart (Suz)
9. Jason Anderson (Suz)
10. Matt Lemoine (Kaw)
11. Lance Vincent (Hon)
12. Alex Martin (Hon)
13. Justin Sipes (Kaw)
14. Levi Kilbarger (Hon)
15. Bradley Ripple (Hon)
16. Michael Akaydin (Kaw)
17. Sean Lipanovich (Suz)
18. Nick Myers (Hon)
19. Vernon Mckiddie (KTM)
20. Killy Rusk (KTM)

EASTERN REGIONAL SUPERCROSS LITES CHAMPIONSHIP POINT STANDINGS

1. Dean Wilson (47/1 win)

2. Justin Barcia (47/1)

3. Blake Baggett (40)

4. Ryan Sipes (34)

5. Blake Wharton (33)

6. Jason Anderson (26)

7. Matt Lemoine (23)

8. Lance Vincent (23)

9. Malcolm Stewart (20)

10. Alex Martin (20)

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