Here’s a shot of the first 450 moto pile-up. The Yamaha is that of Kyle Regal.
BTOsports.com/Suzuki’s Michael Byrne was another rider that went down in the first turn. The Australian crashed in the first moto and only completed one lap before returning to the pits with what appeared to be a mechanical issue. Byrne found redemption in the second moto, though, as he carded a fifth.
Once again, MotoConcept’s Mike Alessi took the holeshot in both 450 class motos. The Suzuki rider jumped out to lead the first moto for numerous laps before succumbing to the pressure of Red Bull KTM’s Ryan Dungey. Alessi went on to go 3-2 for second overall. He remains second in the points standings.
It just isn’t Southwick without local hero John Dowd racing. The 47-year-old racer has done a couple other races this year with the hope of retaining his number 16 for another year. In order to do that he had to earn 25 points this season. By earning points in both motos at Southwick (10-16) and finishing 14th overall, Dowd just squeaked in with 26 points, keeping his national number for one more year. Dowd plans to race Unadilla next week.
Another Southwick legend, Doug Henry, is still a very big part of the race with the front straight being named after him. The friendly rider was also on hand to take in the action.
TAGS: ama, blake baggett, championship, dirt bike, john dowd, Lucas Oil, motocross, mx, mx338, ryan dungey, southwick
