Supercross: Ryan Villopoto Takes New Jersey Win, Claims Fourth Consecutive Title

Shan Moore | April 26, 2014
Ryan Villopoto

East Rutherford, New Jersey (April 26, 2014) – Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto won the inaugural Monster Energy AMA Supercross race held at MetLife Stadium, wrapping up his fourth consecutive 450SX Class Championship in the process.

After collecting the holeshot at the start of the main event, Villopoto went wire to wire to grab the win, which marked his sixth victory of the season and third in a row.

RCH/Soaring Eagle Suzuki’s Josh Hill ran second for the first four laps of the race, however, GEICO Honda’s Eli Tomac eventually passed Hill for second place and held on until the finish, tying his season-best finish. Hill rounded out the field in third place, marking his best finish of the season.

“It’s been an awesome day here at MetLife Stadium,” said Villopoto. “We had a little bit of rain, but I couldn’t believe how well the track held up. It feels great to lock in my fourth-consecutive championship. It’s been a hard-fought season with a few ups and downs, but it was obviously my most consistent, so I’m glad to be able to close it out on top.”

Villopoto, who won his 40th 450SX Class race, became just the second rider in Monster Energy Supercross history to win four consecutive championships.

Yoshimura Suzuki’s James Stewart, who came into tonight’s race in second place, withdrew from the race with what looked like an apparent injury to his left leg.

En route to winning the championship, Villopoto also won the inaugural Toyota Triple Challenge and was awarded a brand new Toyota Tundra for his efforts. The Toyota Triple Challenge included the third race at Anaheim, Calif., Arlington, Texas and culminated tonight in East Rutherford.

450SX Class Results

1. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki

2. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda

3. Josh Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., Suzuki

4. Justin Barcia, Pinetta, Fla., Honda

5. Ken Roczen, Murrieta, Calif., KTM

6. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM

7. Mike Alessi, Hilliard, Fla., Suzuki

8. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, KTM

9. Trey Canard, Shawnee, Okla., Honda

10.  Weston Peick, Wildomar, Calif., Suzuki

 

Shan Moore | Contributing Editor

Moore covers all facets of off-road racing for Cycle News – from AMA Supercross and Motocross to GNCC and National Hare Scrambles events.