Kit Palmer | December 16, 2002
Team Yamaha’s Chad Reed became the first Australian to win a 250cc THQ World Supercross GP, presented by UFO Plast, at the Gelredome in Arnhem, Holland, Saturday, December 14. Frenchman David Vuillemin, who also rides for Team Yamaha, finished second and holds the series points lead by six points. Honda’s Mike LaRocco finished third, while Marc de Reuver won the 125cc main event.
Suzuki’s Sebastien Tortelli earned the UFO Plast Holeshot award, with Vuillemin and Reed holding second and third, respectively, early on. Reed, however, swept by Tortelli and Vuillemin on the first lap, taking over the lead. Vuillemin also got around Tortelli, who later crashed and dropped to fifth.
“I’m ready to win each week from here on out,” Reed said. “I don’t practice hard all week to come here and lose. I wanted this win all week, and I am ready to go back to America and keep winning.”
“I was sick all week, so I am happy with my results,” Vuillemin said.
RESULTS: 1. Chad Reed (Yam); 2. David Vuillemin (Yam); 3. Mike LaRocco (Hon) 4. Grant Langston (KTM); 5. Sebastien Tortelli (Suz); 6. Timmy Ferry (Yam); 7. Jeremy McGrath (KTM); 8. Andrew Short (Suz); 9. Manuel Rivas (Kaw); 10. Keith Johnson (Yam).
WORLD SUPERCROSS GP POINTS STANDINGS (After 2 of 17 rounds): 1. David Vuillemin (47/1 win); 2. Chad Reed (41/1) ; 3. Grant Langston (38); 4. Timmy Ferry (37); 5. Mike LaRocco (34); 6. Sebastien Tortelli (34); 7. Jeremy McGrath (29); 8. Damon Huffman (22); 9. Andrew Short (20); 10. Keith Johnson (19)
Kit Palmer | Off-Road Editor
Kit Palmer started his career at Cycle News in 1984 and he’s been testing dirt and streetbikes every since – plus covering any event that uses some form of a knobby tire. He’s also our resident motorcycle mileage man with a commute of 120 miles a day.
