Ryan Villopoto will lead the AMA field into Phoenix this weekend. Image: SImon Cudby.

After an exciting start to the season in front of a sold-out Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, heads to Phoenix this weekend for the second race of 2012 from Chase Field.

Reigning champion, Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto, dominated last Saturday night, posting a flag-to-flag win and starting his title defense on a high note.

Last weekend, Villopoto made a statement to his rivals with his impressive performance.

After grabbing the holeshot in the 20-lap main event, Villopoto sprinted through the opening laps, setting an exceptionally quick pace and opening up a healthy advantage over the field.

Behind him, TwoTwo Motorsports/Bel-Ray Honda’s Chad Reed, Red Bull KTM’s Ryan Dungey, and Toyota/Yamaha/JGRMX’s James Stewart engaged in a captivating battle for the runner-up spot that kept the capacity crowd on its feet.

Ultimately, a crash by Stewart allowed Reed and Dungey to duel for second, with Reed prevailing.

After playing integral roles in the most competitive season in Monster Energy Supercross history in 2011, each of these four riders proved that there is more hotly-contested racing in store for 2012.

“It was a phenomenal night for me,” said Villopoto. “I didn’t have the heat race I wanted, so I didn’t have a great gate pick.

“Once I was out front, I wanted to lay down fast laps and make no mistakes. I did make one small one, but overall, it was a great race for me.”

The dominant effort by Villopoto not only gives the Washington native the early points lead, but also puts the pressure on his three closest rivals since none were able to contend with the Monster Energy Kawasaki rider once the gate dropped.

Even though Villopoto has delivered the first blow in the championship battle, there is no doubt that Reed, Dungey, and Stewart will be working overtime to come back stronger than ever inside Chase Field and respond with their own winning effort.

Last year in Phoenix, Villopoto was in search of back-to-back victories to start the season, and was on the heels of Stewart for the lead throughout the main event.

However, a fall by Villopoto allowed Stewart to pull away and take the win. In the Supercross Lites class last season, Josh Hansen captured the win for Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki.