For the first time in the 2015 Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, Discount Tire Racing/TwoTwo Motorsports’ Chad Reed won the 450SX Class Main Event at the Georgia Dome in front of 51,023 fans. Reed became the fifth different winner in eight races this season. Yamalube/Star Racing/Yamaha‘s Jeremy Martin won the second Eastern Regional 250SX Class Main Event of his career.
Reed earned the first Hole-shot Award of his 2015 season to begin the 450SX Class Main Event, and ultimately controlled all 20 laps of the race. Yamaha teammates Phil Nicoletti and Weston Peick held down the second and third positions, respectively, on the opening lap. Dungey moved into third place on Lap 1.
Peick, who is competing in his second race since returning from an injury, moved into second place on Lap 1 but was passed by Dungey on Lap 5 and subsequently Team Honda’s Trey Canard. Suzuki’s Ken Roczen, who came into tonight’s race in second place in season standings, crashed on Lap 4, remounting near last place.
“Being on the podium is important,” said Dungey. “Consistency is key, and I say it all of the time. We will keep plugging away and look for the win next week here.”
It has been 11 years since Reed won his last Main Event at the Georgia Dome, and he has gone a record 11 seasons with a win.
“It has been a long year for me,” said Reed. “I always say you have to give yourself a good start to give yourself a shot at the win, and that is what I did tonight. I am excited to come back here next weekend and race for a win.”
Dungey extended his points lead to 25, and Canard moved into second place in season standings past Roczen, who finished 18th tonight.
With the win tonight, Reed has control of the Duel in the Dome, the inaugural race that awards the rider with the most points at the two Atlanta events with a commemorative trophy.
Husqvarna’s Martin Davalos, who finished ninth last weekend, jumped out to an early lead in the Eastern Regional 250SX Class Main Event with the Hole-shot Award. Defending champion Justin Bogle put his Honda in second place on the opening lap. Last weekend’s winner Marvin Musquin started in fifth place and by Lap 3, he was in third place.
Martin assumed the fourth position on Lap 2, and set his sights on the lead. Near the halfway point of the race, a three-way battle ensued between Bogle, Musquin and Martin, who ran second, third and fourth, respectively. On Lap 8, Musquin was unable to jump the triple, which allowed Martin to pass him for third place.
Bogle moved into the lead on Lap 9, and on the same lap, Martin and Musquin passed Davalos for second and third, respectively. Martin made his move on Bogle for the lead on Lap 13 and rode to victory. Musquin also advanced past Bogle on Lap 13 for second place.
“I went down in my Heat Race tonight, so I am glad to have bounced back and landed on the podium tonight,” said Musquin. “I am glad to be able to come back here next weekend with the points lead.”
Musquin has a four point lead over Martin in season standings.
“What a great night for me and my team,” said Martin. “That was an amazing, crazy race, and I am looking forward to coming back here next weekend.”
24
Comment