photos by: James Saechao & S. Parkinson

MX CLASS

In the MX Class Chad Reed (pictured below) looked like the defending National Champion in moto 1, grabbing the lead and checking out! In moto 2 after a mediocre start Reed wasn't able to dominate like he did in the first moto, but was able to battle his way into 3rd. His 1-3 moto finish gave him the overall and the points lead heading into Texas.

There was no doubt Mike Alessi (pictured below) was coming into Hangtown ready; however, was his bike ready, would the 350 have the power needed, would the Alessi camp get sucked into the drama and rumors bouncing around like a racket ball the last few months? Personally I think the Alessi camp thrives in the midst of drama and rumors, and as for the bike, Mike looked awesome on it! In moto 1 Alessi would have to settle for 4th place; however, moto 2 was a whole different story. Alessi got a patented holeshot and never looked back! He took the moto 2 win in a dominating fashion. His 4-1 moto finish gave him second on the day and winning moto two in such a dominating fashion will no doubt be a huge confidence builder.

Davi Millsaps came into Hangtown ready. He ran upfront in both motos and looked fast! If he finds a way to finish with the speed he showed in the first half of the race, he will be contending for wins all season. It will be interesting to see how he holds up in the heat in Texas.

Making the move from the Lites Class for the National Series was Brett Metcalfe (pictured below). He looked solid aboard the 450 going 5-4, taking 4th overall.

Coming into Hangtown Josh Grant was the choice of many to take the win. After setting the fastest lap time in practice, I think he even won over a few more critics. In moto 1 Grant looked good but settled into 4th behind Reed, Millsaps, and Alessi for most of the moto. Late in the race Grant put on a charge, soon taking 3rd from Alessi, and then finding his way around Millsaps on the last lap to take 2nd in moto 1. It was a solid ride. However, moto 2 would have a much different outcome. The Hangtown track was super hard to pass on and with Grant getting a bad start, he got stuck in the pack and was only able to work his way into 10th. Grant's 2-10 gave him 5th overall.

Although his moto finishes do not show it, Ben Townley (pictured below) was railing at Hangtown. Townley hit the ground in both motos, yet he managed to finish 6th overall! If Townley keeps it on two wheels he is going to be a threat all season long!

Starts were huge at Hangtown and Ryan Dungey (pictured below) couldn't buy one! The track really was one lined and was incredibly hard to pass on. Chad Reed really seems to be the only one all day long to recover from a bad start. Dungey had bad starts and even stalled early in moto 1. It was just too much to recover from. Look for Dungey to get his starts dialed in and to come into Texas ready to do battle.

Also making the move from the Lites Class was Ryan Sipes (pictured left). Sipes looked really good aboard the 450. Sipes ran up front most of the day and finished 7th overall with a 7-8 moto finish. Sipes looked impressive. I would look for him to build up some confidence and continue to improve and the season moves forward!

Though you may not know it from his results Ben Evans (pictured below) also put in a really strong ride at Hangtown. The Idaho native made the move from the Lites class to show what he can do on a 450. After placing mid pack in moto 1, Evans was hungry to improve on his finish in moto 2. Unfortunately, Evans found himself on the ground on lap 1. He remounted and put on a charge, moving his way through the pack on the hard to pass track. Afterwards Evans said he was OK with his performance because he had nothing left, leaving it all out on the track. Look for Evans to improve in Texas and turn some heads as the series moves on!

Weston Peick (pictured below) put in a solid ride in moto 2 at the Hangtown Classic. The Rock River Yamaha rider was able to get into the points after putting on a charge and placed 20th. Look for Peick to improve as the series heads to Texas.

450 Class (Moto Finish)
1. Chad Reed, Australia, Kawasaki (1-3)
2. Mike Alessi, Victorville, Calif., KTM (4-1)
3. Davi Millsaps, Murrieta, Calif., Honda (3-2)
4. Brett Metcalfe, Australia, Honda (5-4)
5. Josh Grant, Riverside, Calif., Yamaha (2-10)
6. Ben Townley, New Zealand, Honda (6-7)
7. Ryan Sipes, Flaherty, Ky., Yamaha (7-8)
8. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki (10-6)
9. Ken DeDycker, Belgium, Yamaha (8-11)
10. Andrew Short, Smithville, Tex., Honda (15-5)

450 Class Championship Standings
1. Chad Reed, Australia, Kawasaki, 45
2. Mike Alessi, Victorville, Calif., KTM, 43
3. Davi Millsaps, Murrieta, Calif., Honda, 42
4. Brett Metcalfe, Australia, Honda, 34
5. Josh Grant, Riverside, Calif., Yamaha, 33
6. Ben Townley, New Zealand, Honda, 29
7. Ryan Sipes, Flaherty, Ky., Yamaha, 27
8. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki, 26
9. Ken DeDycker, Belgium, Yamaha, 23
10. Andrew Short, Smithville, Tex., Honda, 22

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