AMA-SX: Stewart Takes Series Lead

Motorcycle.com Staff
by Motorcycle.com Staff

AMA-SX: Stewart takes series lead

Yamaha rider wins sixth race in a row
By Motorcycle.Com Staff, Feb. 18, 2009
James Stewart has gained the lead in the 2009 AMA Supercross standings and it only took six consecutive victories to do it.

The San Manuel Yamaha rider won his sixth race in a row on Valentines Day, Feb. 14 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, Calif.

Stewart led every lap and held off Rockstar Makita Suzukis Chad Reed for the win. Reed finished second for the sixth consecutive race, putting the two riders even with 152 points on the year. Stewart holds the tiebreaker thanks to his six wins.

I think a lot of people wouldnt have thought, after Anaheim I, that I could be leaving California for the east coast tied for the points lead, but its a testament to my team and the work they put in every week, says Stewart. They worked their butts off to make me comfortable, and I really do feel comfortable now. The track was definitely tough. I just had some good luck. The track was slick, but, man, this San Manuel Yamaha was awesome.

James Stewart has erased a 23-point deficit to take the lead in the AMA Supercross standings.
As much credit that Stewart deserves for his string of victories, Reed deserves recognition for his consistency in finishing on the podium. In the previous few rounds, Reed has developed a habit of falling behind early before charging through the field to finish second. Reed broke the pattern with a strong start in San Diego and stayed second to Stewart the entire race. Despite the strong start, Reed was unable to catch up to Stewart.

I got great starts and I was there, says Reed. I just wasnt quite fast enough. James rode awesome and I want to thank the team for being patient with me all day.

The AMA Supercross will head east for the next race, Feb. 21 in Atlanta, Ga. Stewart will look to extend his winning streak to seven while Reed will try to regain the championship lead.

I am really excited that we are leaving California tied on points, I will take that and use it to get ready for the East Coast events. We are aware of what we need to work on, it is just a matter of going through the motions, says Reed. The one thing I can guarantee is that I wont give up.

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Motorcycle.com Staff
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