Photography by Larry Lawrence
MT. MORRIS, PA (June 8, 2013) – Ryan Villopoto said the key to a fast lap time on the muddy High Point Raceway motocross course was being calm and smooth. Ironically, from the spectator point of view, the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross series leader looked anything but en route to setting the fastest time of 2:13.451 in qualifying Saturday morning for round four of 12-event championship. Villopoto’s marked was far and away the fastest time among the 450s. Second-place qualifier Ryan Dungey (2:15.055) was over a second-and-a-half off Villopoto’s time.
The hope for the field is that weather is expected to clear as the day wears on and the track should be much drier and tackier by the time the gates drop this afternoon.
While many riders struggled and were tentative in their approach, the slippery conditions didn’t seem to be any bother to Villopoto whatsoever. He sent the No. 2 Monster Energy Kawasaki sideways into high-speed 25-yard slides, trusting the berm he was about to hit would hold, then bounced off and nailed the exit and following jump perfectly.
“I was out there looking to stay out of the deep mud and hit the right ruts,” Villopoto explained. “The track is pretty one-lined right now, but I think as long as the weather holds we’ll have a really good track by race time. High Point has always been one of my favorites so I’m looking forward to it.”
Perhaps the one surprise was the third-place time turned in by Broc Tickle on the RCH Racing Suzuki. He was in the same 2:15 bracket as Dungey.
Notable down the timing chart in 18th was 2009 High Point 450 winner Chad Reed. The Aussie only managed a 2:21.949 on his TwoTwo Motorsports Honda. He continues to struggle with an undisclosed ailment that has sapped him of his endurance and prevented him from his normal training for the last month. Muscle Milk Honda’s Justin Barcia was another notable outside the top-10 in qualifying. He was 12th.
Things were considerably closer in the 250 class. It was 2011 High Point 250 National winner Blake Baggett nailing down the fast time with a 2:14.749 on the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki. Baggett was closely followed by series leader Ken Roczen (2:15.175)on the Red Bull KTM. His teammate Marvin Musquin was next with a 2:15.728.
I’ve always liked this place and have good luck in the past here,” Baggett said. “I’ve raced here when it was when it was completely dry and dusty and also when it was a mudder. I think it’s going to shape up to be a good race when they re-groom the whole track and get rid of the single lines.”
Rookie sensation Cooper Webb struggled a bit in the mud, managing only the 13th best time. Top 10 ranked Kyle Cunningham was also off the mark at 16th fast.
Here’s a rundown on how you can watch the GEICO High Point National National on Saturday, June 8th.
USA
Live Practice
Online: AlliSports.com (LIVE)
The 2nd practice session will only be available online and viewable on our Live Extra page and Mobile App ( iOS / Android ). So come check in a few hours before the race to see how it goes down.
Moto 1
Online: 1-4PM ET, AlliSports.com (LIVE)
TV: 1-3PM ET, Fuel TV (LIVE)
The live stream of 1st Motos can be viewed via the Live Extra page and Mobile App ( iOS / Android ).
Moto 2
Online: 4-6PM ET, AlliSports.com (LIVE)
TV: 5-7PM ET, NBC Sports Network
Please note: In order to watch a live stream of an NBC Sports Network broadcast you have to verify your cable provider. Live Extra is a service offered through participating cable, satellite and telco TV providers that allows you to watch Motocross coverage of live events on the NBCSports Network. Don’t see your provider? Contact your provider by clicking here to express your interest in receiving this service. Provide your email address and we will contact you once your provider has been added. We are actively working to add additional TV providers to this service.
For more information about verifying your cable, satellite and telco TV, click here to visit our Live Stream FAQs.
Highlight Show
TV: Wed. June 12, NBC Sports Network
NBC Sports Network will have a 1-hour show next Wednesday recapping the High Point races.
International
Moto 1
Online: 1-4PM ET, AlliSports.com (LIVE)
The live stream of 1st Motos can be viewed via the Live Extra page and Mobile App ( iOS / Android ).
Moto 2
TV: ESPN Brasil, ESPN Central and Latin America and Caribbean, Extreme Sports Channel, Fox Sports Australia, Rogers Sportsnet in Canada, Sport 1 in Germany, SuperSport, Duke Marketing
The Nationals will be simulcast to 104 countries across the globe. Check the TV listings for your local station (listed above) for the time in your area.
450 Qualifying – High Point Raceway
1 2 Ryan Villopoto Kawasaki KX 450F 2:13.451
2 1 Ryan Dungey KTM 450 SX-F FE 2:15.055
3 20 Broc Tickle Suzuki RMZ 450 2:15.845
4 7 James Stewart Jr. Suzuki RMZ 450 2:16.444
5 35 Ryan Sipes Suzuki RMZ 450 2:16.878
6 28 Tyla Rattray Kawasaki KX 450F 2:16.990
7 800 Mike Alessi Suzuki RMZ 450 2:17.584
8 41 Trey Canard Honda CRF450R 2:17.938
9 10 Justin Brayton Yamaha YZ 450F 2:18.165
10 12 Jake Weimer Kawasaki KX 450F 2:18.559
250 Qualifying – High Point Raceway
1 1 Blake Baggett Kawasaki KX 250F 2:14.794
2 94 Ken Roczen KTM 250 SX-F 2:15.175
3 25 Marvin Musquin KTM 250 SX-F 2:15.728
4 338 Zach Osborne Honda CRF250R 2:16.515
5 21 Jason Anderson Suzuki RMZ 250 2:16.850
6 77 Jeremy Martin Yamaha YZ 250F 2:17.324
7 17 Eli Tomac Honda CRF250R 2:17.905
8 34 Justin Bogle Honda CRF250R 2:17.928
9 30 Dominic Izzi Suzuki RMZ 250 2:17.931
10 40 Martin Davalos Kawasaki KX 250F 2:18.148
