Day 1 Report: Rockstar Energy U.S. Open

Words by Kristen Beat, photos by BrownDogWilson

As thousands entered the MGM arena the sounds of thundering four-strokes drowned out the sins of Las Vegas. It's the '08 US Open and there's a lot to report on. I'm on the scene here; let me fill you in on what what's gone down so far.

During practice Stewart pulled the fastest lap time followed by Reed and then Dungey. Speaking of Reed and Dungey, both made changes to their number plates. Ryan Dungey will now be (a permanent) number 10 and Chad Reed will (temporarily) sport Grant Langston's number 8, showing respect for his former teammates health situation.

Langston had this to say about Reed's number choice. "You know I heard Chad had decided to run my number, and that's cool…" The former Champion is dealing with eye complications that have put his career in question, no word yet as to whether he'll be able to return to racing.

This however has not prevented him from being actively involved in the industry of motocross, "I have been doing basically everything that doesn't involve riding a bike, I'm working a lot with Langston racing, visited my Grandmother, I'm doing quite a bit of P.R. work, I've really started to get into the business of it all, also I visited South Africa and been working to help the children over there."

Langston explained that he has been putting a great effort towards raising money for autism research. "If they actually put the effort in and realize this is a serious issue, they may be able to find this thing out and nip it before it becomes out of control, because it really is a serious problem."

Another rider spending his recovery time as a spectator was Trey Canard. "I just had to get out of the house and break out of the monotony of therapy, and just the same old same old every day. I just had to get my racing fix, it's good to be back at the track I can't wait to get back on the bike and I'm looking forward to racing and this is the next best thing, I'm really happy to be here."

When asked about his plans for the '09 season, he said "just to get healed up, therapy wise if I don't heal I don't even have a shot. I'd like to ride West coast but if not, I'll race East, whatever I'm ready for I'll be there and I'm just really excited to get back out there."

Trey Canard has been focusing entirely on his therapy and healing. "It's pretty basic I do therapy three times a week, doing a lot on the road bike, the swimming pool, time in the gym, I have a lot of time to kill and I'm just enjoying it but looking forward to getting back out there and racing."

Before qualifying got underway James Stewart had this to say about the upcoming night, "You know I just want to have a good time out there, the first time being out there I just want to see what happens."

Photo: Kristen Beat

As the sun started to set on a long day of qualifying, anticipation began to rise. Only the top 36 day qualifiers would advance into the night program. Justin Brayton on the 114 MDK KTM, became the heat one winner followed by Josh Hill and Michael Byrne. During heat two Reed recovered from a bad start and made a mad dash to eventually take the checkers, followed by Broc Hepler and Andrew Short.

Heat three gave the audience what they paid for as Dungey came out of the gate quickly. By lap two he was overtaken by his mentor and friend James Stewart, but it was very exciting to see him out there battling the big bikes on his 250F, no less. The entire heat was an epic battle between the two. On lap 3, due to Stewart over-estimating the corner, Ryan Dungey grabbed the lead. By lap 4 Stewart regained the number one spot and held Dungey off for the remaining time. With 1 lap to go Stewart's mechanic wrote this on his pitboard, "1 lap, no rush!" It was evident at this time that Stewart would take the checkered flag. Ryan Dungey placed second followed by Tommy Hahn.

In the 50cc class, Miles McDonald took the win. Wide eyed and sporting an ear-to-ear smile this vivacious rider said his favorite part about racing was, "the jumps!" Miles wants to be a professional motocross rider, and insists upon riding for, "Team Kawasaki." Without hesitation McDonald also said his favorite rider was James Stewart.

James Stewart was the overwhelming favorite inside the MGM Grand garden arena, but only time would tell if he could take the win. On lap one Reed and Dungey fell victim to a corner pileup, which would eventually force Reed to forfeit his effort. On lap 14 in an aggressive attempt to pass Tedesco, Andrew Short took out not only himself but Tedesco and Brayton as well. Tedesco was able to remount and maintain his position, although Josh Hill took over third. Mid race Dungey was making remarkable progress. Dungey motored through the pack, and eventually earned a top 5 finish.

Final results:

1. James Stewart
2. Ivan Tedesco
3. Josh Hill
4. Justin Brayton
5. Ryan Dungey
6. Broc Hepler
7. Michael Byrne
8. Tommy Hahn
9. Nico Izzi
10. Kyle Chisholm
11. Chris Blose
12. Andrew Short
13. Daniel Reardon
14. Chad Reed

After racing, Heath Voss said, "The start is everything, it's a bull ring out there and so the only way to pass is to run people over. It's really important to get the start." Discussion in the pits surrounded the advantages of riding a 250 for this Arenacross style race. "The 250 when they are modified are pretty much the perfect bike, they are just as fast and really the only advantage the 450 has is out of the gate."

The first night gave an inside into what the 2009 Supercross season could potentially have in store, although quite a few riders were M.I.A. Villopoto, Windham, Stroupe, and Grant, only to name a few, were no where to be seen.

Night two will name the champion, and as James Stewart is set up to win the trifecta bonus, there will be no holding back. Check back for the night two race recap.

Click here for photos from Friday.