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AMA/EA Sports Western Regional 125cc Supercross Series Round 1 Edison International Field of Anaheim By CHRIS JON NOM PHOTOS BY KINNEY JONES AI'IAHEIM, CA, JAN. 8 ith the injury-induced departure of champion Nathan Ramsey from the 125cc Western Regional Supercross Series (he'll race in the East Series), an apparent parity among many of the contenders, and a relative absence of applicable data on newcomers like KTM's Frenchman Rodrig Thain, most pundits were left scratching their heads when pre-race discussion turned to predicting a 125ccclass Anaheim winner. In retrospect, it needn't have been such a mystery. Why? Because a simple glance down the voluminous entry list would reveal that the bulk of the 92 riders signed in were lacking in an area that can be quite invaluable in a high-pressure situation like this - the opener of what is perhaps the most-anticipated Supercross circuit ever. That area is experience, and there was one rider who had it in volume: Primal Impulse Suzuki veteran David Pingree. Of course hindsight is 20/20, and many - including this reporter - were surprised to see "Ping" turn in a nearly flawless main-event ride to start the season off with a lead in the point standings. Few, however, were disappointed by the success of the likable Californian. "It feels so good," said Pingree. "I've been coming here for six years, trying to win this championship. This is a good start." When asked what he had to say to his detractors, Pingree replied, simply, "You know what? I don't have to say anything. I just did it." FMF/Honda's Casey Lytle led start-to-finish in the first heat race, with teammate Danny Smith and SplitFire/Pro Circuit's Billy Payne in third. Heat two went the way of Motoworld's Greg Schnell, who has been turning in some strong rides of late. He was followed by Pingree and Shep's Yamaha rider Kenny Bartram. The LCQ went to Planet Honda's Jason McCormick, who was never headed. The 15-lap main event's start gave no clue as to experience's value, as young Danny Smith put his Team FMFjHonda ahead of the pack through turn one, collecting $500 for his efforts. Smith rode well, leading for three laps before Pingree moved by on a straight, then moved over to block him through the following turn. "I'm definitely on the right bike," said Smith later of his holeshot. "I got a little bit tired out there tonight, but I'm looking for better things to come. I like to run up there, and I can't wait for next weekend." He'll have to do just that, however, as Pingree's pass seemed to fluster the Idaho resident. By the following circuit, he had succumbed to Justin Buckelew (who tripled by him), Payne and Schnell. Pingree, meanwhile, rode flawlessly, coolly pulling an advantage on his rivals and maintaining it to the finish. Some of those rivals were doing their best to help out Pingree; Payne performed a wild, flailing spinout, and Buckelew also took himself out of contention. Casey Johnson, however, was moving the other way. After suffering a horrendous start, he sliced his way through the pack to finish second, but he wasn't satisfied with his riding. W Primal Impulse SUZUki's David Pingree opened the Western Regional 125cc Supercross Series with a big win. "It feels great to be on the podium," said Johnson, "but it seems like I just can't get off the gate tonight. I'll just go back to the drawing board this week, then come back in here next weekend and give David a run for his money." Schnell was a steady third, and he's hoping for more. Smith stopped his fade to finish fourth, with Bentley completing the top five. "I like the track," said Pingree. "You had to be really precise with all your jumps, and the whoops were big. It was tough. There were a lot of different things you could do. A lot of mistakes were made by a lot of people, and it allowed me to make up time." Edison Intemlltional Field of Anaheim Anaheim, Califomia Results: January a. 2000 [Round 1 of 7) HEAT t (20 riders, 6 laps. 1·9 transfer to main): 1. CZlsey Lytle (Hon); 2. Danny Smith (Hon); 3. Billy Payne (Kaw); 4, Christopher Gosselaar (Hon): 5. Jiri Dostal (Hon); 6. Robbie Honon {Suz}; 7. Erick VZlJlejo (Kuw): 8. Justin Buckelew (Yam); 9. Michael Byrne (Hon): 10. Rusly Holland (Suz); II. Mike Mason (Han): J2. Jason McCormick (Hon): 13. Bryan McGavrlln (YlIm); 14. ClIsey Johnson (Yam); 15. Brad Hagseth (Yam); 16. S<:ott Da"is (Ka..,): 17, Keith John'on (KTM); 18. Tim Beatty (Hus); 19. Anthony Amaradio (Yam): 20, Isaiah Johnson (Hon), Time: 6 min.. 53.57 sec. HEAT 2 (20 riders, 6 laps, 1·9 transfer to main): 1. Greg Schnell (Yam): 2. David Pingree (Suz): 3. Kenny Bartram (Yllm); 4. 5hae Bentley (Kaw); 5. Travis Preston (5uz); 6. Tallon Vohland (Kaw); 7. Serge,Quidelty (Hon); 8. Stephan DeMartls (KTM): 9. Gio Tedesco (Yam); 10, Rodrig Thllin (KTM); 11. Travis Elliott (Hon): 12. Kuraudo Tode (Hon); 13. Donald Upton (Ka..,); 14. Mark Burkhart (KTM); 15. Da. Kastrin (Yam); 16. Mike cue. e Continued on page 11 n e vv s JANUARY 19. 2000 9