After the flood

Well San Francisco was not quite as much of a shake up as some had predicted it would be but there were definitely some riders whose fortunes changed a bit in the rainy aftermath of the round four.

Jason Lawrence finally shook off the funk he has been in to get the top of the box for the first time in the West Coast Lites series. The Boost Mobile Yamaha of Troy pilot took control of the race from the starting laps and after battling with Monster Energy/Pro Circuit’s Metcalfe early was able to minimize the mistakes to hold the lead. Rockstar Makita Suzuki's Ryan Dungey had all kinds of issues but was able to salvage a 7th place finish and get some all important points. The shortened main event must have seemed extremely long for some of those guys, Yamaha’s Broc Hepler in particular struggled at the start and then had to try and claw through the pack in the mushy San Francisco soil. So now that Jason has shaken that big monkey off his back we may have an even more tooth and nail battle coming into the final Anaheim round. Meanwhile Motosport Outlet’s Tommy Hahn hung on and got the best finish of his young career and Metcalfe continued his steady progress. As we look at the overall points standings guess who has snuck up the ranks to the second spot? Aussie Dan Reardon who has been my pick for the underdog candidate all year long just keeps doing his job quietly. The more the front runners battle and encounter their problems the more I like Torco Honda Reardon’s steady approach.

The Supercross class main didn’t fair much better weather wise but the sun certainly shone briefly for Tim Ferry as the Monster Kawasaki pilot finally got himself a good start. Maybe that is the key for Red Dog, a little extra water on the track at the start is what he needs. L&M Racings Chad Reed suffered early in the evening with rear brake issues during his heat race that had to be rather unnerving. What surprised me were his comments about how this was something they “have always had trouble with”; I mean come on Yamaha, work that issue out. Although Chad didn’t get the best start he was able to run mistake free and hold down another win.
Personally I don’t get why so many folks have taken a dislike to the guy but if you read any of the message boards he is a frequent whipping boy. I suggest all of you Internet experts put down the Cheetos and find another hobby if you don’t like Chad because until Stewart can shake off his bad luck streak Reed is at the top of the podium to stay.
Davi Millsaps pushed his Honda to the limit and beyond a few times in an effort to redeem himself after having to pull of in the A-2 round. Even though he sampled the west coast mud repeatedly Millsaps gamely pushed ahead, this podium finish may just be the harbinger of better things to come for the Red Bull rider.
Kevin Windham may just have a horseshoe hidden somewhere on his Torco Race Fuels ride because his totally sideways, pancaked jump off the track should have spelled disaster but K-Dub calmly re-entered the track and kept on slogging through the muck. San Fran was not good for the Makita Suzuki squad as Alessi had his problems and Vuillemin ended his night early with knee issues. Hopefully DV is not hurt too badly and will be able to come back next week especially since he was just coming back to form after last summers horrific crash. Big props go out to Jacob Marsack for carrying the privateer flag high and snagging fourth place on his Bad Boy Energy/ Hammerhead ride.