AMA-SX: Stewart Wins Anaheim II

Racing in front of 43,000 fans, Stewart won the second of three AMA Supercross events at Anaheim, Calif.s Angel Stadium. The win made up for the season opening Anaheim race on Jan. 3 where Stewart was forced to retire after first colliding with Reed and, after attempting to remount, with Geico Powersports Kevin Windham.

Though Stewarts result was better, the second Anaheim race wasnt easy. Stewart had another collision in a practice session before the second Anaheim race, cutting his hand after hitting Travis Preston. Fifth after the opening lap, Stewart didnt gain the lead until halfway through the 20-lap race when he overtook Windham.

It was a tough weekend for me as far as getting adjusted to the track, says Stewart. Also, physically, it was definitely tough for me. But if we can get wins like this, I cant imagine what it will be like when things go smoothly; maybe we can do even better.

The first and second practices went well, and in the heat race, I realized it would be important to get a good start. In the main event, I got down there in the top four but came together with another rider and went down, says Reed. I thought it was going to be a real tough race maybe Id get a top five or something so to get up on the podium, second especially, is awesome.

The second-place finish was Reeds third podium appearance, giving him the series lead with 64 points. A fifth-place finish for Joe Gibbs Racings Josh Grant dropped the rookie to second with 61 points. Despite the two wins, Stewarts 52 points is only good enough for fourth, a point behind Honda Red Bull Racings Andrew Short.

In the Supercross Lites class, Ryan Dungey earned his second straight win for Rockstar Makita Suzuki to increase his lead in the West Coast Championship standings.

Lining up for the Main, I felt like the night was our night again: I had to take control and do what I knew how, but at the same time, I knew a holeshot was going to be key because it was tough to pass out there, says Dungey. But I was able to put myself in a good position, ride out my laps and be smart and be smooth.

The Monster Energy Kawasaki duo of Ryan Morais, followed by Jake Weimer, completed the podium.

The 2009 AMA Supercross season continues Jan. 24 in Houston, Texas at Reliant Stadium.