Photography by Jeff Allen
Hype built into Round One of the 2010 AMA Supercross/FIM World Championship was all for good reason. This is it, really, the best of the best, put into a spectacular show for the world to watch. Although "A1" at Anaheim Stadium wasn't a sellout, the atmosphere was unlike that of any other motorcycle race, dirt or paved. The "show" has really taken over, as, for many, the event itself is less about racing and more about the "scene." There were commercials on the big screens, explosives, celebrity interviews and the Jagermeister freestyle exhibition (the latter takes longer to set up than there are actual stunts). Less racing than in past years, too, a point that might only upset pure-bred enthusiasts who like to see as much on-track action as possible.
But the action that did take place was hot, especially in the last few laps of the 20-lap 450cc Main Event—as it should be. Reigning series champ, Yamaha's James Stewart, passed Ryan Dungey only to have the Suzuki rider make a last-lap effort to retake the lead. Stewart held strong to earn the checkers. The 250cc Lites class was exciting, too, with lots of action behind the leader.
Given all that, looks like we have the makings of a thrilling 17-race series. First-race nerves calmed, it's time to bring on the bar-banging action!
Yamaha's James Stewart won the opening round of the AMA Supercross series in Anaheim, California.
Good to see Grant Langston back in the action; he rounded out the top 10.
SoCal Supercross fans...
Stewart ran his fastest lap times during qualifying practice.
Dungey looks to be Stewart's biggest threat.
Suzuki's Ryan Morias is a Lites front-runner; he took the final podium spot.
Stewart's new Yamaha teammate, Josh Hill, was forced to run the LCQ after a crash in his heat. Hill showed impressive speed, finishing sixth in the Main.
It's all about the show.
Kawasaki's Chad Reed was ready for the main, but first-lap contact with another rider broke enough spokes in his front wheel to cause a DNF.
Geico Powersports Honda rider Trey Canard was most impressive, fighting his way to second in the Lites Main.
Star Racing's Broc Tickle won his heat race but a bad start had him working his way to a sixth-place finish in the Lites Main.
Fire bombs and explosions are all part of the show; here, Jake Weimer takes the Lites win.
Veteran Kevin Windham put in a strong showing, making his way to the final podium spot.
Suzuki's Ryan Dungey led most of the SX main. Dungey and James Stewart gapped the field by more than 30 seconds.
Pro Circuit Kawasaki rider Jake Weimer ran a clean race to take the Lites-class victory.
Ryan Dungey, #5, got a good jump to grab the holeshot.
