SFX National Arenacross Series
Round 1 S: Tingley Coliseum
ith a substantial 17 rounds (and
two nights of racing at each
one), it's to be expected that the Arenacross Champion will more often
than not be decided before the series
is completed. Sure enough, that was
again the case this time around, as
Buddy Antunez had already collected
his fifth title by the time the racers
rolled into Albuquerque, New Mexico,
for the penultimate tour-stop. Admittedly, such situations inevitably make
for a sense of anticlimax, as fans and
competitors alike are aware that the
championship is no longer up for
grabs. In this case, however, Buddy
Antunez has become so dominant at
Arenacross that the 2001 season's
champion was never really in much
doubt, and it had become apparent
some time ago that everyone ex-cept
the diminutive, follicly challenged
Suzuki rider would be fighting for
second. The fight has been heated
for the runner-up position, so much
so that Antunez - the pressure off
with his crown already secured -
26
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PHOTOS BY RAY GUNDY
ALBUQUERQUE, NM, MAR. 16-18
W
APRIL
4,2001 •
cue ...
•
vv •
pretty much faded into the background and let the rest of the field
take the main stage in Albuquerque,
not winning a single main event and
only making the podium once. The
result was a crowd-pleasing show
that one never would have guessed
was purely academic.
With one round remaining, and with
Antunez failing to notch a victory in
Albuquerque, there is actually a bit of
unexpected drama building for the
finale. Antunez currently has 26 wins
this season, an Arenacross record. Will
he be able to make 27 in Tacoma?
crop) There was no beating Jeff Gibson
In the 125cc class In New Mexico. He
won it both ti~ around, and sits
fourth In the points standings with _
round remaining.
jAbove IeftI Gibson 1275) celebi __
with Min Arenac:.-. Michelle
Stephenson, as well as Saturday's thlrdplace-tlnl..... Keith Johnson (52) and
runn....up Pedro Gonzales (6).
jAbove) Gonzales won Friday's 250CC
tlnale, for his fifth victory of the _ .
FRIDAY
Former Cannondale rider Jeff Gibson has impressed many this season
on his Axo, Bill's Pipes Suzuki, and
