Intern Report: San Diego Supercross

By: mxgirl99

Posted: 02/17/09

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Sweet home San Diego... The 2009 Monster Energy AMA Supercross series made its stop at Qualcomm Stadium in what could debatably be coined America's most beautiful city, though I may be bias due to the fact that I live here. :-)

Prior to race day James Stewart shared his perspective on the season so far.

"The seasons been going good, everything besides A1, the first few races were a struggle but the last three have been pretty good."

What has been your greatest obstacle so far this year?
"Getting used to my bike. I'm finally now feeling pretty good."

What have you had to get used to, what are the major differences?
"Just getting in a race situation they flex different, turn different. The suspension handles different. We found some issues, and we changed our settings, and I instantly felt comfortable."

How have you felt about the tracks so far this year?
"I think the tracks are actually alright. At the end of the day we all have to ride them, there's no sense in complaining, these guys build the tracks how they want to. Yeah you could change some things and make it a little bit better for passing but at the end of the day this is what you deal with. This weekend looks like one of those tracks so we'll just see how it goes."

Do you feel you're at a disadvantage without fuel injection?
"No, not at all, I don't know anything different. I don't feel like I'm at a disadvantage. I think if I start using that, it's more of an excuse. Obviously our bikes must be pretty good because we've won every race so far."

In the opening ceremonies we've been seeing a lot of entertainment from your end of the show, where did this come from?
"I'm just having fun, I used to never do anything like that. It started in Bercy when I dressed up with the wig, and I think people love it. I think it's fun, it gives me a different personality and it relaxes me before a race."

You have been working really hard to promote motocross in a positive light and have taken on an ambassador like role for the sport, can you explain that a little bit?
"I only do what I can do. I think doing X-Games this year is going to help a lot and I'd like to say I'm one of the biggest names in the sport. I think it's going to help people come to motocross. You just have to get rid of the old, it's a small sport idea. It's our job to get people to tune in."

What's your take on the hype surrounding you and Chad?
"People hype it up so much, I think you need it for the sport, Chad and I are definitely the two top guys. There's no animosity between us, we just don't hangout, we want to beat each other. Sometimes you have to play into it to get the magazines and everyone going, but there's nothing to it really."

At press day James Stewart, Kyle Chisholm, Ryan Morais, Jake Weimer and Josh Grant all put in a few quick laps around the track.

Race day in San Diego carried a wind of both excitement and remorse. Many riders paid their respect to Jeremy Lusk, a beloved member of the motocross community. Although, this air of solemnity didn't prevent the riders from putting on a remarkable show that included a few spills and thrills.

One surprise of the evening came in the form of a win by Trey Canard in heat one of the Lites class. So far this season Trey has struggled to find his place among the big dogs of the west coast. This is what the Canard had to say.

"It hasn't been going great, it could always be worse, there are a lot of ups and downs. I just try to keep my head straight and learn something and have something positive come out of it."

Do you have a specific goal you hope to reach by the end of this season?
"I'm not even in the top 10 right now, somewhere around the top 5 would be nice. I'd really just like to get the ball rolling for outdoors."

What do you think has kept you out of the top 10?
"Just a run of bad luck and letting the bad luck get me down. It's really hard to keep picking yourself off the ground when you keep hitting the ground. I'm keeping my head up and pushing forward."

What are your plans for the break?
"I thought about going and watching some East coast rounds, I definitely won't be riding any in the 450 class but I'm just going to start getting ready for outdoors and get an outdoor bike as good as I can get it. I'd like to focus on that."

How have you felt about the tracks this year?
"The tracks have been different this year. I don't think that's been part of my struggles this year, I mean everyone has slumps and downtimes, even the greatest."

One rider who has definitely turned quite a few heads this year is Ryan Morais. Morais is currently third overall in points for the West coast championship.

"This season has been awesome! I've been on the podium every race but one. I just can't ask for more.  The Monster energy pro circuit Kawasaki team has been awesome and able to provide me with everything I need."

You have experienced a great deal of success over the past weeks, has that changed your perspective when you race?
"I would say my confidence is higher, my bikes over here are just amazing. Just being confident with my equipment is good. It seems like when you're doing good and you come to the races its more relaxing. You know you're doing what you need to be doing, and you're running up front. You aren't searching for what you need to be doing or changing. Running up front takes a lot of pressure off my shoulders which makes racing a lot more fun."

What has been keeping you from getting your first win?
"I've been able to get good starts here and there but just really being consistent with those and being fast for the first 3 or 4 laps is tough.  I struggle there a little but, and always have to play catch up near the end. I just need to tape everything together."

Ryan Morais finished out the night with a second in the main event, only to Ryan Dungey who is currently the points leader in the Lites class. Dungey who has battled the entire season with Jake Weimer looked upon the track with close friend Ivan Tedesco.

In the 450 class Davi Millsaps was able to celebrate a fifth place finish in the main event as well as his birthday. This season has been a rollercoaster for Millsaps who has only recently been able to get on the box.

"A lot of my struggle is confidential between me and Honda. We've just been working really hard lately to get back on the podium and last weekend it worked."

How do you stay motivated?
"You stay at it, all my friends, my fiancé and my trainer are all behind me and that's how I stay motivated."

How do you feel about the tracks so far this year?
"They're not that good."

We already spoke to your fiancé, and we wanted to ask you what you did to celebrate Valentine's day?
"I woke up, rolled over and said happy Valentine's day. I mean since we're going out to celebrate my birthday tonight that kinda covers both I think."

Davi Millsaps fiancé explained how she's spending her Valentine's day in San Diego.
"We aren't huge into the Valentine's day, and we got a hotel instead of the usual motor home but since it's Davi's birthday we are going to be celebrating that."

Valentine's day was easily overlooked, seeing as though race day always takes precedence. Despite this, Chad Reed prepared a special Valentine's day tribute to his wife Ellie, during opening ceremonies. Putting most riders to shame, and in the doghouse, Reed was all smiles. He also sported a custom Charger bolt helmet.

As Supercross moves East Coast the Lites riders will get an 8 week break, and the 450 riders will continue to battle for the coveted points lead.