Vet Racers Kick
Off Mammoth
Motocross
T
he Mammoth Motocross has officially be-
gun in Mammoth Lakes, California, mark-
ing the start of the week-long racing event.
"Vet Weekend" kicks off the festivities before
the midweek mini races and wraps up with
the big bikes the following weekend. Every
rider on the gate competes for a coveted bear
trophy, and it was Ryan Villopoto who stood
out during weekend one with double wins in
the 30+ Pro division.
Saturday marked the first day of racing at
the venue, which is located at an elevation of
8000 feet. The 30+ Pro class proved to be the
one to watch, as two former superstars—Josh
Grant and Ryan Villopoto—went head-to-head.
Grant, riding a Honda CRF450R, started things
off with a win in race one. He started second
behind RJ Wageman, and the two traded
spots in the opening laps. Eventually, Grant
got the better end of the deal and came out
with the win in race one. Villopoto started
outside the top five but marched his way to
second at the checkers. Wageman rounded
out the podium in third.
The second moto saw Villopoto lead
from start to finish. The former Motocross
and Supercross Champion put his Yamaha
YZ450F at the front of the field and used 2-1
finishes to earn the overall win. Grant charged
to a close second and set the fastest lap of
the race on the final lap. After flip-flopping
results with Villopoto, Grant claimed second
overall. Wagemen's 3-3 earned third overall for
Saturday.
Sunday allowed another chance for the
rest of the field to challenge, but once again,
Villopoto found himself at the front. He led
all but one lap on the day and swept the top
step with 1-1 results. Grant claimed second
for the second day in a row with 2-2 finishes.
Wageman again finished third overall with 4-3
scores to beat out Blayne Thompson's 3-5.
VOLUME ISSUE JUNE , P37
Ryan Villopoto got
things started at the
Mammoth Mountain
Motocross with a
victory in the 30+
Pro class.
Other notable winners include Dylan Bennett and
Bubba Warren, who traded wins in 30+B. Tyson
Taylor swept both motos on both days in the 40+A
division. Bill Sauro won all four motos of 50+A, while
Kurt Nicoll cleaned house in the 60+ Open class. Nick
Lapaglia won both days in the Pre '76 Vintage divi
-
sion, and Matt Barber and Ciaran Naran traded wins
in the Vintage 2 '76-89 class.
Racing continues this week with minibikes taking
to the track before the big bikes finish off the action
over the June 27-29 weekend.
CN
30+ Pro Saturday (Top 5)
1. Ryan Villopoto (Yam) 2-1
2. Josh Grant (Hon) 1-2
3. RJ Wageman (Yam) 3-3
4. Sean Lipanovich (GG) 4-6
5. Gary Sutherlin (Kaw) 6-5
30+ Pro Sunday (Top 5)
1. Ryan Villopoto (Yam) 1-1
2. Josh Grant (Hon) 2-2
3. RJ Wageman (Yam) 4-3
4. Blayne Thompson (KTM) 3-5
5. Gary Sutherlin (Kaw) 6-6
