AMA-SX: Stewart Wins Anaheim 3

The San Manuel Yamaha rider has been unstoppable since crashing out of the Jan. 3 season-opener on the Anaheim, Calif. track. Stewart redeemed himself with a victory at the second Anaheim race two weeks later. In the rain-soaked third Anaheim round, Stewart jumped out ahead after the first corner to take the holeshot and never gave up the lead despite the efforts of runner-up Chad Reed.

I saw Chad behind me. We stayed the same distance, then I pulled away and soon got caught up with the lappers; he came close again and it was good racing, says Stewart. I think, for me, it was kind of tough because the lappers were battling each other and I knew he was following close behind, but hey, it was a great race. I put myself in the best position and I was able to get a win.

Reed shook off a press-day crash on Feb. 5 to take his fifth-consecutive second place finish. As he had in previous rounds, the Rockstar Makita Suzuki rider found himself trailing well back of the race leaders at the start of the race before working his way to the front.

The biggest issue I had tonight was where I started. I made a bad gate pick but with the track conditions, I wanted to play it safe and it didnt work for me, says Reed. My laps are definitely there but unfortunately my starts arent at the moment. I need to put it all together and make it happen.

Reed maintains a slim hold on the championship standings, but Stewarts string of victories has cut the margin to only three points.

In the Supercross Lites class, Jake Weimer claimed his third victory of the season to take over the series lead. The Monster Energy Kawasaki rider now holds a 113-110 lead over Rockstar Makita Suzukis Ryan Dungey who finished fourth in Anaheim.