As we flip our calendars, we are reminded that the AMA Monster Energy Supercross season is almost here. January will mark the return of motorbikes to some of the country’s largest stadiums, beginning this Saturday at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif. While the excitement builds for the new season, the storyline looks very familiar – thanks to Ryan Villopoto.
Villopoto, 25, has won the 450SX Class Championship the last three seasons, proving to be one of the most dominant riders in recent years. Last year, the Kawasaki sponsored Villopoto mounted one of the biggest comebacks ever when he started the season in 16th place, before winning 10 times and clinching the title at the second to the last event in Salt Lake City.
Now he has a shot at earning his spot among the greatest names in motocross. Only two riders – Jeremy McGrath and Ricky Carmichael – have won more than three titles. Villopoto could place himself in elite company with another repeat performance this year, as he currently has 34 career 450SX Class wins with an average finish of 3.6, which is among the most consistent ever. McGrath, who is the winningest rider of all-time, currently holds the record for most career wins with 72 and although it was once deemed unbreakable, Villopoto is beginning to make many believe it can be broken.
It’s not going to be easy to put together another winning season, however.
Standing in his way is a variety of veteran talent, up-and-comers and youngsters. James Stewart is the most dangerous of that talent. Currently third all-time in wins (45), the 28-year-old is a proven winner, with an average of 9.5 wins per season his first five years and a championship, but since he’s slowed down big time, winning just nine races, averaging 2.5 wins per season. He’s still a big threat – as he proved last fall when he finished the AMA Motorcross season in fourth.
Ryan Dungey became the second 450SX Class rookie to ever win a title in 2010 and has tried to recapture that magic, though last year he finished the season in third. He has yet to finish outside the top three in his four year career, which means he could prove to be a challenge to Villopoto.
Add in wildcards like Chad Reed, Ken Roczen and Justin Barcia and there’s plenty of talent that could dethrone Villopoto this season – who is fresh off an AMA Motocross championship. This year will be important, showing just what Villopoto is made of and if he’ll be able to challenge the records of the sport’s best. And for the first-time ever, the entire season will air live on FOX Sports, so we’ll get to see all the action.
Ed Miller is a contributor for CraveOnline Sports. You can follow him on Twitter @PhillyEdMiller or “like” CraveOnline Sports on Facebook.
Photo Credit: Getty
