Grant Fastest at High Point Practice

Shan Moore | June 13, 2009

JGR/Yamaha’s Josh Grant was fastest during morning qualifying for the fourth round of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championships at High Point Raceway in Mount Morris, Pennsylvania.

On a beautifully prepared course and under perfect conditions for motocross, Grant served notice that he is more than capable of winning his first-ever 450 national round by posting a 2:20.287 on the fifth lap of the second practice session, a full second-and-a-half better than the 2:21.976 of Team Honda’s Andrew Short.

With former points leaders Mike Alessi and Ryan Villopoto on the sidelines due to injuries, a handful of riders came into the High Point race with updated goals and renewed title hopes, and today’s winner will no doubt be anointed as the new favorite in the title chase.

Team Yamaha’s Josh Hill turned a 2:22.584 for third-fastest, while current points leader Rockstar Makita Suzuki’s Chad Reed laid down a 2:22.617 to position himself fourth in the session.

Suzuki’s Michael Byrne, MDK/KTM rider Justin Brayton, Honda rider Jeff Alessi and Team Honda’s Ivan Tedesco filled the next four spots, while Troy Adams (Hon) and Team Kawasaki guest rider Ricky Dietrich rounded out the top 10.

In the 250 class it was Ryan Dungey holding the top position, followed by Star Yamaha’s Broc Tickle, Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Tyla Rattray, GEICO Powerpsorts Honda riders Trey Canard and Blake Wharton, and then KTM’s Tommy Searle.

Today’s race will mark the first-ever live national broadcast of the series, and it appears the weather is going to cooperate. Yesterday, the forecast for today called for a 50% chance of rain, however, right now, there is not a cloud in sight, and if it rains at all it is supposed to be later this evening.