Yoshimura Suzuki’s James Stewart takes victory in Vegas at the 2013 Monster Energy Cup.

Yoshimura Suzuki’s James Stewart captured the first Monster Energy Cup of his career with two wins from three main events, cashing in on the $100,000 prize money at Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas, today.

Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto, who won the 2011 Monster Energy Cup, raced to the Toyota Holeshot Award in main event number one, edging out Red Bull KTM’s Ryan Dungey.

Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jake Weimer and Dean Wilson followed in third and fourth respectively. Red Bull KTM’s Marvin Musquin moved into third place after moving past Wilson and Weimer.

On lap nine Villopoto rode through the Joker Lane – a rugged sand section that the riders have to pass through at least once in each main event – and Dungey moved into the lead.

Although he crossed the line first, Dungey failed to ride through the Joker Lane and was assessed a five-position penalty, which gave him sixth place. Villopoto earned the win with Musquin in second and Weimer in third.

“It is definitely a chance [to win the $1-million],” said Villopoto. “I still need to get two more good starts and it’s not going to be easy. On the last lap, I thought [Dungey] had already rode through the Joke Lane, but, apparently, he did not.”

In the second final Stewart out-raced Villopoto through the Toyota Holeshot and set the stage for an epic 10-lap race. Dungey moved into the number-three position through turn one, but was passed by defending Monster Energy Cup Champion Justin Barcia.

Red Bull KTM’s Ken Roczen passed Dungey on lap 2two as the battle up front between Stewart and Villopoto ensued. On laps five and eight, the two traded places. Stewart protected his lead and rode to his first-ever main event win at the Monster Energy Cup.

Villopoto, who did not go through the Joker Lane this time around, crashed heavily on the last lap and was unable to finish the race. Barcia finished second and Dungey finished third.

After finishing fourth in the first two main events, Roczen won the Toyota Holeshot in the third final. Stewart made quick work of Dungey for the number-two position. On lap four Stewart passed Roczen for the lead and rode to victory. Dungey finished second and GIECO Honda’s Eli Tomac finished third.

“You don’t understand how special this is for me,” said Stewart. “I am speechless right now – this is a huge win for me and I am pretty damn happy. I know we are making the right steps to get our program to where it needs to be.”

Overall it was Stewart the victor from KTM duo Dungey and the ever-consistent Roczen, on debut aboard the 450 SX-F.

RJ Hampshire won the Amateur All-Stars overall, edging out Zachary Commans and Jordon Smith. The Super Mini class went to Austin Forkner, from Chase Sexton and Michael Moisman.

The Dirt Shark Biggest Whip contest presented by Nuclear Cowboyz hosted a seven-rider prizefight for the $15,000 purse. After earning his spot in the main event through the afternoon qualifying session, Tom Parsons earned the lion’s share of the prize money, followed by Edgar Torronteras and Australian Jarryd McNeil.

2013 Monster Energy Cup overall results:
1. James Stewart (8-1-1)
2. Ryan Dungey(6-3-2)
3. Ken Roczen (4-4-4)
4. Eli Tomac (5-6-3)
5. Marvin Musquin (2-9-8)
6. Cole Seely (13-7-5)
7. Broc Tickle (10-8-9)
8. Justin Barcia (7-2-18)
9. Dean Wilson (20-5-6)
10. Josh Grant (15-10-7)