AMA-SX: 2009 St. Louis Results

The two riders have split victories in all but the 2009 season-opening race in Anaheim, Calif., with Rockstar Makita Suzukis Reed holding a 271-260 advantage despite San Manuel Yamahas Stewart winning eight of 12 races.

It was Anaheim I winner Josh Grant that took the early lead in front of 55,815 fans in St. Louis Edward Jones Dome. Grants lead lasted only a couple of laps before Reed overtook him. By lap four, Stewart made his move and jumped past both Grant and Reed for the lead.

The two championship rivals pulled away from the pack but Stewart was able to hold Reed off until he made a mistake on lap 15.

It was tough going through those whoops, I went into neutral that last time, and unfortunately it cost me, says Stewart. I just had an off night, and honestly Im glad to come out of here safe.

Stewart fought his way back to second but Reed had already taken control of the race to claim his third win of the season. Stewart finished 4.468 seconds behind while Grant followed to complete the podium.

Reeds description of the race was a fitting description of his season as well.

It all started in practice for me tonight, I felt good, the bike wasnt the fastest out there but it was consistent which is what is working for me at the moment, says Reed. This thing is 20 laps, not one lap, its about being there all race long and capitalizing where possible, which is what I did.

Multiple X Games medalist Travis Pastrana designed the St. Louis track and came out of retirement to compete in the race. Pastrana crashed in his heat race, forcing him to compete in the Last Chance Qualifier. An incident with another rider in the LCQ punctured his Suzuki RM-Z450, preventing him from qualifying for the main event.

The 2009 AMA Supercross season continues north of the border, March 28 at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, Canada.