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MUSKEGON , Mi. March 12, 2011 – Babbitts Motor Sports Racing®
Just as they had one weekend ago, the Babbitt’s Monster Energy
TiLUBE Kawasaki presented by Maxxis Tire team took on the
competition with a solid 1 – 2 punch at the BI-LO Arena in Greenville,
South Carolina this past weekend. At the conclusion of the night’s
racing, Tyler Bowers had clocked in yet another win; over teammate
Chad Johnson in second. Third team member Gray Davenport would
not be quite as successful; still after a second row start he was able
to recover to finish seventh.
Early in the evening program Bowers would win his heat race with
Johnson taking second. In his (first) heat race, Davenport would
struggle getting off the gate, forcing him to transfer through the LCQ.
“I just made a slight mistake and really wheelie-ed off the gate; which
put me way back at the start of my heat race. Then I just missed making
the main and had to go to the LCQ” added Davenport. A short time later,
Tyler Bowers would also win the always popular Dash for Cash race.
The Riders were thrilled at how well the Maxxis Tires were hooking up on
the South Carolina soil!
Taking a great start in the main, and rounding the first turn in second,
Chad Johnson would quickly over- take Jeff Gibson and enjoy taking the
lead position until a red flag was waved; signaling a re-start (due to fallen
rider). With the track then cleared and the riders lined up single file,
Johnson had the “pole position” just ahead of Tyler Bowers who had
moved into second. During the restart Johnson quickly jumped into the
lead followed by Bowers. When they moved through the whoops section,
Bowers was able to then overtake Johnson and the two would finish first
and second for the night. As Johnson would say “everything was good;
the bike and the way I rode. I wanted first but Tyler just had a better line
through the whoops. I’ll just keep on focusing on myself, and continue
working hard.” Unfortunately with his second row start, Davenport would
only be able to work up to seventh – on paper not that impressive, but after
starting last it was certainly the sign of his aggressiveness and determination.
“Obviously I’m not really happy with my finish here, but the good thing to take
home is that near then end of the night we really got my bike dialed in, my
ENZO Suspension is Awesome and I am looking forward to next weekend”
said Davenport.
“I’ve already probably said this after some previous races, but all in all it
was a great night. We finished first and second, and Gray did an admirable
job of overcoming a terrible start position and moving up to seventh.
We maintain the points lead with Tyler, and now Chad is tied with Jeff
Gibson for second” added Team Manager Denny Bartz. “I’m just focusing
on myself and my riding, and trying to move forward while avoiding any
trouble. There’s always so much happening on the track, so I just want
to keep focused” explained Tyler.
Tyler Bowers continues to lead the point standings with 302 points; 38 points
over Chad Johnson and Jeff Gibson who are tied for second. Gray Davenport
maintains his fourth in the championship points with 203.
Now the Babbitt’s Monster Energy TiLUBE Kawasaki presented by Maxxis
Tires Team will make its way eastward to round 11 at the Mid America
Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa this coming weekend. For more on the team,
check out www.teambabbitts.com
March 13, 2011
Jim Kimball
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