Dungey Extends Points Lead After Winning High Point Motocross

All eyes were on Ryan Dungey and James Stewart this past weekend, as the 2012 outdoor motocross series headed to High Point Raceway in Pennsylvania for round 4. Stewart had been cleared for racing, following a wrist injury in Colorado a week earlier. Motocross fans were excited to see a much anticipated battle between the two legends. Moto one was all Ryan Dungey though and no battle occurred. The KTM rider was in full control, looking fast and smooth, while Stewart seemed to be struggling. A disappointing start left Stewart in the back, having to work his way up and settle for a fifth place finish.  MotoConcept’s Mike Alessi was the surprise of the day, finishing second on the podium, with a solid ride and his infamous holeshot. Kawasaki’s Jake Weimer rounded out the podium in third. Weimer has done surprisingly well, filling shoes for injured teammate Ryan Villopoto.

The second moto starting gate was missing the #7 bike. Stewart explained that his wrist was hurting him, and that he’d be forced to sit out. “Halfway through the first moto I could barely hold on,” said Stewart… “I was struggling.” Moto 2 was essentially a repeat of Moto 1. Dungey took another win, with Alessi taking second and Weimer third. JGRMX Yamaha’s Davi Millsaps returned from injury to place fourth. Dungey looks like a good bet for the season title early on. His points lead is now 42 ahead of Mike Alessi, who moved to second overall in points, after his great performance at High Point. Weimer is only three points off of Alessi. with Short and Stewart sitting in fourth fifth.

Justin Barcia dominated Moto 1 in the lites class. The Gieco Honda rider was absolutely flying. His teammate, Eli Tomac, had to settle for second place, unable to catch Barcia and busy holding off pressure from Pro Circuit Blake Baggett who took third. Baggett’s lap times have been some of the fastest all season, however he has struggled with terrible starts. Both Blake Wharton and Malcolm Stewart looked strong early on, but crashed out.

Moto 2 belonged to Eli Tomac after an awesome battle. Roczen took the early lead but fell in the final laps. Tomac was all the way back in fourth but took advantage of a crash by Baggett and a pass during an intense battle with Barcia to take the win. Baggett remains at the top of the overall points, but will need to improve upon his poor starts if he plans on staying there. Cheers, Chronic MX.