Kawasaki’s Villopoto and Ferry Lead Monster Energy Team USA
BUDDS CREEK, Md. (September 23, 2007) – Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto dominated his two moto races, helping lead the Monster Energy Team USA to its’ third-straight victory of the 2007 Motocross of Nations at Budds Creek Motocross Park. The annual race featured teams from 35 countries and marked the first time in 20 years that the event was held in the U.S.
Villopoto came out strong during the first of three motos as he captured the holeshot and left behind the competition to take the first victory of the day. In the second moto, Villopoto repeated his first-moto performance with another wire-to-wire victory, giving Monster Energy Team USA an early lead in the overall standings.
“I was given the first gate pick for both my motos and was able to get out front and run my own race,” said Villopoto. “You can’t win this event with just one rider and it was definitely a team effort. It means a little bit more to win it in the U.S., especially for all the fans that were able to come out.”
He added, “I’m really excited to win this back for the U.S., and it definitely feels great to win both my motos.”
With the moto sweep, Villopoto became the first MX2 rider in the 60-year history of the Motocross of Nations to lead every lap of both motos raced.
Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Timmy Ferry got tangled up in a crash just after the start during his first moto, coming from 32nd to finish with a remarkable fourth-place. Coming out with a fourth-place start in the second moto, Ferry worked his way up to second during the first half of the race to finish off a strong day on his Kawasaki KX450F.
“In the first moto, I went down after some guys collided in front of me,” said Ferry. “I stayed calm, had to come in to fix my brake and was able to make up the time I lost. It felt good to make the important passes in the second moto, and from there I was able to ride the speed I was comfortable with.”
He added,” To be on a team for this kind of race and for it to be in your home country is a once in a lifetime experience. I was very honored to be apart of the team and I feel that I did my best; I won my class.”
With the help of USA teammate Ricky Carmichael, each rider won their respective classes, finishing the weekend with a total domination of the 2007 Motocross of Nations by the Monster Energy Kawasaki Team USA.
Motocross of Nations
Budds Creek Motocross Park – Mechanicsville, Md.
September 22-23, 2007
Motocross of Nations Overall Results (Total Points)
1. MONSTER ENERGY TEAM USA, 8
2. France, 34
3. Belgium, 35
4. Italy, 57
5. Great Britain, 63
6. Spain, 68
7. Japan, 77
8. Switzerland, 84
9. Germany, 89
10. Canada, 90
