Stewart, Stroupe Quickest In Glen Helen Qualifying

Kit Palmer | May 25, 2008

James Stewart and Austin Stroupe will have first gate pick in their respective classes after turning in the quickest lap times in this morning’s final practice/qualifying for this afternoon’s first outdoor National of the year at Glen Helen Raceway.

In the MX class, Stewart, on the Monster/Kawasaki clicked off the quickest time of the morning with a 2:37.407, which was more than a full second quicker than Makita/Rockstar Suzuki’s Mike Alessi, who did a 2:38.841. Third quickest was Honda Red Bull’s Davi Millsaps with a 2:39.612, and his teammate Ivan Tedesco was fourth quickest with a 2:40.216. Another factory Honda rider Ben Townley was fifth fastest, followed by Suzuki rider Cody Cooper, Kawasaki’s Tim Ferry and Honda’s Tim Ferry.

In the MX Lites class, Stroupe, on the Monster/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki was quickest with a 2:41.586, but was just a tick quicker than teammate and defending class champion Ryan Villopoto, who turned in a 2:41.867. Third quickest was Suzuki’s Ryan Dungey with a 2:43.511. Lites SX West Champion, Yamaha of Troy’s Jason Lawrence was fourth fastest with a 2:43.780, followed by Lites SX East Champion, Geico Powersports/Honda’s Trey Canard with a 2:44.116.

Track conditions are ideal, and the weather remains cool and cloudy, though there is a slight chance of rain later this afternoon.