The St. Louis Supercross was total excitement! This race proved how unpredictable this sport can be. Chad Reed is now the points leader, confident as ever. He had incredibly fast lap times and the fact that RC and Stewart had less than desirable race performances, Reed wasted no time in his race to the podium. The debut of the East Lites revealed not only new faces on the podium, but also proved that they are a force to be reckoned with. If you didn't see it live or on CBS, I encourage you to listen to the Supercross LIVE! Webcast. St. Louis was action packed and full of exciting twists.
When I arrived in St. Louis it looked like a nice sunny day until I stepped out side to feel the shocking cold weather. It literally took my breath away. I was very happy that the pits were indoors which was pretty cool the way it was set up. I think the fans appreciated it too. Many arrived early to fill the stands for practice and qualifying, and also to get a spot in line for autographs. I had a blast meeting the St Louis crowd and spent an extra half hour signing autographs. Many fans revealed their predictions for the night show. One guy in particular nailed it with saying Stewart and Carmichael would go down and Reed would take the win. Much to my surprise, that’s what happened. I also met up with my good friend, Patrick, from Havasu. He’s is currently attending college in Kansas . He brought along two of his friends, all who are "Newbie’s" to the sport. I took some time to show them around the pits and give them a brief education of Supercross. Pat and his friends completely enjoyed every minute! I also had time in the pits to catch up with Travis Preston, a fellow California , High Desert boy. What a great guy and an awesome rider. Then I headed off to the podium where I met up with the amazing Erin Bell – ready for the night show. She is someone I respect and have learned a lot from. We have a blast watching all the race action from the best spot in the house.
Supercross Main Event – what a ride! With RC’s scary crash in his heat race, I was curious how it would affect him in the main event. The crash was so ugly looking as he went nose first into the whoops; I know he had to be sore. When the gate dropped, the Progressive Direct holeshot was earned by Jacob Saylor who rode with a broken finger from his heat race crash. It was a crazy jumble off the start. RC unexpectedly pulled off the track during the race for a DNF because of suspension failure. I could tell from the way he was riding that he was taking it somewhat easy. This just was not his night. Now the battle was between Reed, Tedesco, and Stewart. We all assumed Stewart was going to pick the guys off one by one to the first place spot. But then, right in front of the podium, I saw him go down hitting the tuff block in the turn as he was trying to make an inside pass on Tedesco. Stewart struggled to get his bike started and when it finally fired he found himself way in the back of the pack. The race was left to Reed, Tedesco and Fonseca. Fonseca won his heat race earlier in the night and ended up 3 rd in the main event. Tedesco gave Reed a run for his money, but he landed the second place spot. Reed took the well earned first place trophy. His interview on the podium showed to be more confident and all smiles. He finally got a taste of victory.
St. Louis was the debut for the East Lites class. Millsaps not only shined in the main event, but proved to be the best in practice. Gosselaar earned the holeshot, but not long after, Hansen took the lead. Millsaps didn’t have the best start, but amazingly picked everyone off very fast to take over the lead. Gosselaar, Hanson and Jesseman were vying for the podium spots, but during the white flag lap Jesseman snuck by Hansen to leave him with the forth place finish. Josh Grant rode a strong race after winning his heat, but ended with a DNF because of a hard fall near the same place RC went down. The line up for the first East Lites podium was Millsaps, Gosselaar, and Jesseman. The East Lites proves to be full of talent.
Overall, this was another one of the most exciting races. It took many twists and turns, and brought new faces to the podium. It puts this season up another notch. This weekend in Atlanta can’t come soon enough. I can’t wait to see what’s going to happen next.
Will Reed remain as the points leader? Will we see another RC and Stewart battle? Or will more new faces shine on the podium? And will Millsaps take the win again for the East?
See you at the races!
Brittney
Miss Supercross
missupercross@yahoo.com
