Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
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AMA 1 25cc Eastern Regional Supercross Series Round 3: RCA Dome points, and I'm looking forward to the outdoor sand race of Daytona next week." Perhaps the biggest surprise was to see the face of 2000 125cc Western Regional Champion Shae Bentley on the podium. After two full years of serious injuries, Bentley left Pro Circuit Kawasaki and went over to Team ECC Suzuki. The ~orgian finished third in his heat race and then gated well in the final, starting seventh. Bentley forged ahead and took advantage of some crashes to get on the podium for the first time since 2000 - and the first time ever for ECC. "I've worked so hard and have had a bunch of unfortunate accidents over the last few years, but I think 'Shag Nasty' is back," Bentley said from the podium. "It's been a rough road, and it's been a while. I've got the ability and just need to gain some more confidence. I went through a few depressions and wasn't sure if I even wanted to see another motorcycle again. I just need some more races underneath my belt." And how about his new ride? "I've (Above) Kelly Smith (56) grabbed the holeshot in the main, followed by Steve Boniface (55), Brock Sellards (18), Kevin Johnson (757) and the rest of the pack. Notice Jesseman (26) In the back. (Left) Sellards (18) led Smith (56), Brett Metcalfe (123) and Bentley (background) earty in the race. been with Kawasaki since I can ever imagine, and they IECC Suzuki] called me and gave me an offer," he said. "They also have that milliondollar bonus, and they believe in me. There's no pressure, and it's a different scene here, and ('m happy." Red Bull KTM's Brett Metcalfe fin- (Below left) Shae Bentley's back. His stan could've been better, but the former 125cc champ charged through for his first podium in two years. ished fourth after starting third. The New Zealander recently recovered from a broken hand, and he surprised many as he held a top position for most of the race - getting passed a few times, but repassing riders later my Own Race: 125cc 1] 7}@ Erick Vallejo 6th Team Solitaire's Vallejo is haVing a good year in Supercross altogether, not only in the 125cc East lately. The friendly rider from Mexico moved into fifth in the points as a result of his fine ride. "I'm really happy right now," Vallejo commented after the race. "Things are going really good, and the team is working out well. Ryan Clark is a great motivator and a good friend, and he's helped me a lot this year. I'm excited about moving into fifth in the points after three races." @@ Kelly Smith 5th After grabbing his third (of three) SXGP.com holeshot award of $1000 in the main event, Smith rode his Racerhouse.com/SoCal-backed VZ250F to a strong fifth-place finish. He held second for four laps until he crashed hard off of a step-on, step-off. Smith regrouped and passed a few riders back to get ftfth. "' got a good start and was holding on for a few laps. and then , flipped it out there and went through the haybales," Smith said with a smile. "I'm just happy to even get ftfth." @@ Ryan Mills 10th The New York native has gone 11-10- lOin his first three supercrosses ever, and he has made some noise in the heat races as well. Indy was no exception. Mills finished fourth in heat two and started midpack in the final. After all was said and dooe, he was in 10th at the checkers and retained ninth in the points going into Daytona. "I've been riding every day with Byrne, Carmichael, laRocco, Preston. Fonseca, and they've all been teaching me new things," the Amsoil/Chaparral Honda rider said of his training. "I'm still in the top 10, and I think I'll shine at Daytona." 14 MARCH 12, 2003· cue • e n e _ s