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MUSKEGON , Mi. (January15, 2011) – Babbitts Power Sports
Team Babbitt's worked hard this weekend to provide great results, winning both
of the heat races in Kansas City.
After taking two podium positions the previous weekend, the Babbitt’s Monster
TiLUBE Kawasaki presented by Maxxis Tire team came into Kansas City ready
to continue their charge for the 2011 AMA Arenacross Championship. Truer
words were never more spoken when just after practice Team Manager Denny
Bartz stated that “all three riders like the track, and are ready to win”; especially
evident after Tyler Bowers and Chad Johnson set the fastest two practice lap times.
Gray Davenport clocked in at tenth fastest during the afternoon practice. By night’s
end the Team Babbitt’s trio of Chad Johnson, Tyler Bowers, and Gray Davenport
would finish third, fourth, and ninth respectively.
Early in the evening program both Johnson and Bowers would win their respective
heat races, setting the stage for impressive results in the main. Davenport also
had an excellent heat race as he holeshot, and led teammate Bowers for much of
heat two; eventually Bowers took control, but Davenport finished a very strong second!
In the main event things started out extremely well as Bowers exploded out of the
gate well, and quickly set the pace up front. Chad also had a decent start, and would
later comment “ yeah, my start was okay; I was about sixth and just tried to put my
head down and push forward. I focused on being both strong and fast, and then
moved into third by the finish.” Up front it definitely appeared that Bowers was on
his way to his first main event win of the year, until a late race crash moved him
backward. “I pulled a holeshot in the main and led for over half the race. But then
I just lost the front end near the finish line; I got back up, and made a few more
mistakes. But it’s okay; I’m just going to keep moving forward with what’s been
working, and looking forward to the next round” explained Tyler. Johnson; who
had been keeping track of Bowers up front would later say “Tyler was going fast,
pulling away, and simply checked out. I didn’t see exactly what happened, but I
think his front end slid out in a corner.” Bowers regrouped, and eventually finished
fourth for the night. With Johnson on the podium, and Bowers one spot away,
their title hopes remain good, and the duo is more focused than ever on getting
to that top podium spot!
While Gray Davenport may not be totally happy by his ninth place finish; he
nonetheless showed excellent speed and fitness. Starting outside the top ten,
Davenport was on a roll as he worked his way into sixth. But then Gray had an
incident with a lapped rider (Vincent Blair). “I was feeling really good with my
riding, but then as I tried to pass lapper Vincent Blair on the inside of a corner,
he fell over on me. It’s a frustrating way to lose positions, but it’s a lesson
learned for next week.” Talking about lapped riders Chad Johnson would
add “I’m not sure what the reason was, but lappers were everywhere tonight!”
It’s clear that the Team Babbitt’s riders have the determination, speed, and
fitness to win; it’s just about avoiding trouble and minimizing little mistakes.
Now the Babbitt’s Monster Energy TiLUBE Kawasaki presented by Maxxis
Tires Team will make its way to round 3 in at the Nutter Center in Dayton,
Ohio this coming weekend. For more on the team, check out www.teambabbitts.com
January 15, 2011
Jim Kimball
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