MX SPORTS PRO RACING:

After another exciting weekend of action, Rockstar/Makita/Suzuki’s Chad Reed and teammate Ryan Dungey carry the momentum into this Saturday’s Motorsport.com Motocross National Presented by Yamaha and Scott USA at Washougal MX Park in Washougal, Washington. Last weekends Suzuki sweep continued the parity-heavy 2009 season, setting the tone for more unpredictable action this coming weekend, with round eight of the 2009 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship.

Live coverage of the 450 Class can be seen on SPEED Saturday, July 25 at 9:00 p.m. EST while the 250 Class will air on the network Tuesday, July 28.

Washougal MX Park has been on the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross circuit for the past 28 years. Track owners Ralph and Carolyn Huffman have played an integral part in making the facility one of the premier stops on the tour. The lush scenery of the track has lent itself to several photo shoots of the sport’s major manufactures over the years. Located in the foothills of Southwest Washington, Washougal MX Park boasts an ‘old school’ feel, giving fans unparalleled vantage points throughout the course. Drastic elevation changes and high speeds challenge riders on the famed circuit. Washougal also is home to one of the most notable obstacles on the schedule with the infamous Horsepower Hill.

Last season in Washington, James Stewart captured his ninth 450 Class win of the season en route to sweeping all 12 races and his first-ever premier class championship. Dungey took control in the 250 Class, holding of local boy and series champion Ryan Villopoto for his first career outdoor motocross victory. Speaking of Villopoto, the Monster Energy Kawasaki star will miss his home state race this season due to a season-ending knee injury.

Last Saturday, Reed scored his second 450 Class win of the season and his career in Millville, Minn. The Australian rider extended his series points lead to 37 over Honda Red Bull Racing’s Andrew Short. This weekend, the duo will be joined by inaugural premier class winners Ivan Tedesco, of Honda Red Bull Racing, and Josh Grant, of JGRMX/Toyota/Yamaha. The foursome has been the cream of the crop in the 450 Class, but Washington native Ricky Dietrich will look to turn some heads and pull of an upset as he continues to sub at Monster Energy Kawasaki in Villopoto’s absence.

Minnesota native Dungey dominated both 250 Class motos in Millville, claiming his third overall win of 2009 in front of family and friends. With last season’s win at Washougal sparking a championship style confidence in the 19 year old, Dungey will look to continue to close the gap at the top of the standings. He trails points leader Christophe Pourcel, of the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team, by just three points heading into this weekend. Pourcel remains the only rider in the series to post overall podium finishes in each of seven races, but his rival snapped the Frenchman’s streak of winning at least one moto at each round. With a blow to his points lead, Pourcel will refuse to come up short on Saturday, hoping to recover the wave of momentum he’s enjoyed since the opening round.

Additionally, the Women’s Motocross Class (WMX) will make its return to action at Washougal after a two-race layoff. Class points leader and Honda Red Bull Racing rider Ashley Fiolek continues her quest for a second straight women’s title, boasting a perfect 5-0 record so far in 2009. However, Honda of Houston’s Jessica Patterson, a five-time women’s champion, and Cernic’s Suzuki’s Sherri Cruse continue to close the gap each week and could steal a win from Fiolek this weekend at one of the series’ most demanding tracks.

Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship Standings – After 7 of 12 Rounds

450 Class

1. Chad Reed, Australia, Suzuki, 287
2. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda, 250
3. Ivan Tedesco, Tallahassee, Fla., Honda, 238
4. Josh Grant, Riverside, Calif., Yamaha, 234
5. Michael Byrne, Australia, Suzuki, 183
6. Cody Cooper, New Zealand, Yamaha, 157
7. Thomas Hahn, Decatur, Texas, Kawasaki, 149
8. Mike Alessi, Victorville, Calif., Suzuki, 142
9. Ricky Dietrich, Menifee, Calif., Kawasaki, 136
10. Justin Brayton, Murrieta, Calif., KTM, 127

250 Class

1. Christophe Pourcel, France, Kawasaki, 299
2. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki, 296
3. Brett Metcalfe, Australia, Honda, 215
4. Tommy Searle, Great Britain, KTM, 213
5. Justin Barcia, Cairo, Ga., Honda, 191
6. Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki, 182
7. Tyla Rattray, South Africa, Kawasaki, 175
8. Broc Tickle, Holly, Mich., Yamaha, 172
9. Blake Wharton, Pilot Point, Texas, Honda, 158
10. Trey Canard, Shawnee, Okla., Honda, 139