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MUSKEGON , Mi. (April 12, 2011) – Babbittsonline.com -
Babbitts Motor Sports Racing
Heading in the 2011 AMA Arenacross series finale in Des Moines,Iowa,
the Babbitt’s Monster Energy TiLUBE Kawasaki presented by Maxxis
Tires Team has already accomplished what they had set out to do –
winning the 2011 Championship. Yet there was still a final night of
racing, a chance to get another win, and the opportunity for Chad
Johnson to take second overall in the series.
Before the nights racing took place, new Champ Tyler Bowers
was presented with a Championship winning check, Championship
Trophy, and the Number One plate by Babbitt’s Team Owner Eddie
Babbitt, long with Arenacross promoter Feld Motorsports.
Bowers and Johnson would both qualify for the Main Event; Chad
taking second in Heat One, and Tyler winning Heat Two.
Gray Davenport was struggling somewhat in Des Moines, but
would qualify through the Last Chance Qualifier.
When the main event took off Tyler Bowers would start decently
in the main (top five), Johnson in the top ten, and Davenport
(with a second row gate position) unfortunately starting near the
tail end of the pack. By mid- point Bowers would move into
second place, as Chad Johnson began pressuring championship
rival Jeff Gibson for third spot. Then as the laps were almost
finished Bowers moved into first; with Johnson passing rival
Jeff Gibson soon after for third place. Unfortunately Gray would
continue to struggle, and finish the night in ninth. “Des Moines
was great; the track was slick, and had a very one-off layout.
It also had two sections of whoops that I was very happy about.
Taking two good starts in my heat race, and the main made it
easier to move into the lead and take care of business” said
Tyler Bowers. Chad Johnson would add “Yeah I had a rough
start, but came back to finish third – I felt strong the entire race.
Overall it was a good season; not exactly the way that I wanted
it to go, but I ended up healthy and with a strong finish!”
A disappointed Gray Davenport would later say “I bent my
shift lever in my heat race which forced me to the LCQ; after
that I had a back-row start position for the main where I just
struggled in the whoops section. Des Moines had two whoop
sections so that made it even worse for me – of course the
taller guys liked it. Overall it was a great season though;
Tyler won the championship and I really enjoyed being on
Team Babbitt’s! I really want to thank Eddie Babbitt, and a
special thanks to Denny Bartz who gave me this chance!”
One of the happiest guys at Des Moines was Team Manager
Denny Bartz who said “I’m very happy with tonight’s race; it
was great to have two guys on the podium. Chad put in a
great effort to get second in the championship, but just came
up a little short. Right now Tyler is riding to a whole other
level and is very confident, so I’m looking forward to finishing
up at the three final supercross events.”
Final thoughts on Des Moines, and the 2011 AMA Arenacross
Championship was provided by Team Owner Eddie Babbitt who
said “I’m really happy with the race, and winning the final round.
Then to take first and third in the championship wasn’t too shabby
either! Now I am excited about Tyler doing the final three
Supercross rounds where I believe that he’ll do great – then it’s
on to next year!” I want to thank all of our sponsors for another
unbelievable season, without all of your help we could not do
what we do at this caliber.
Of course Tyler Bowers had already wrapped up the title, so
when the final points were tabulated Chad Johnson was only
six points short of taking second overall in the points; while he
had won the war, Gibson had won the battle. Gray Davenport
would finish the series in seventh; that same position as his 2011 number.
Stay tuned for more from Team Babbitt’s as Tyler Bowers now tackles
the remaining three Supercross rounds. For more on the team, check out www.teambabbitts.com
April 10, 2011
Jim Kimball
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| Mindscape