AMA-SX: 2009 Salt Lake City Results

Stewart arrived in Utah with a three-point lead over Chad Reed, and left with a six-point margin after beating Reed in front of 40,612 spectators at the Rice-Eccles Stadium. Stewart won by under four seconds, but the race was not without controversy.

Reed took the early advantage in the main event, taking the holeshot for Rockstar Makita Suzuki. Honda Red Bulls Davi Millsaps followed close behind with San Manuel Yamaha s Stewart third.

Stewart made his move on lap four to briefly move ahead but Reed quickly reeled him back in to retake the lead. Stewart tried again on lap eight, but once more, Reed was able to reclaim the lead. Stewart made one more effort on lap 12 and was finally able to hold onto the advantage. He would hold on to the lead for the remainder of the 20-lap race for the win.

Reed held on for his 11th runner-up finish, each one coming behind a Stewart victory. The Utah race featured several dramatic lead changes, but after the race, Reed claimed the victory was tainted by some blocking by a lapped rider on lap 15.

Reeds public relations team released a statement claiming the defending champion was poised to challenge for the lead when he was blocked by Stewarts San Manuel Yamaha teammate Kyle Chisholm. The statement claims Chisholms erratic riding helped Stewart take a three-second lead. Race officials saw things the same way, immediately waving the black flag to disqualify Chisholm.

There are little things here and there that I need to work on, but I was basically happy with the way I rode tonight, says Reed. With regard to the Chisholm incident it is what it is, I cant dwell on it. I gave it everything I had but unfortunately it wasnt enough.

Meanwhile, in Supercross Lites action, Rockstar Makita Suzukis Ryan Dungey earned the West Region championship with a fourth-place finish. Dungey earned 18 points to win the title 178-173 over Utah runner-up Jake Weimer. Geico Powersports Hondas Trey Canard took the race victory ahead of the Monster Energy Kawasaki duo of Weimer and Ryan Morais.