I took the day off from work entirely yesterday to go watch the opening round of the Lucas Oil Motocross Championship at Glen Helen. This is the spot from where, I watched the first two motos. Best view in the house! Later on I cruised down into the middle of the track.

Chad Reed chases Andrew Short in the sand section. This is the corner right before Reed jumps in front of Short to take his position.

Mike Alessi out front and all alone, but not for long. Ryan Villopoto was on the charge.

Andrew Short looked very fast all day.

Here comes a freight train. Josh Grant being hunted down by Ryan Villopoto and Chad Reed

After watching practice I thought Josh Grant was going to be the man to beat. He’s looking like a title contender this year, no doubt.

Last shot before my camera died. This is where Ryan Villopoto dropped the hammer to pull away from Reed, while reeling in Mike Alessi to go 1-1 for the day. Best racing I’ve seen in a long time.

Decked out in Answer Gear, a Red Bull wrapped Bell Moto 8 helmet, Alpine Stars Boots, on board his San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, Yamaha yz450f, James Bubba Stewart is doing what most motocross fans feared he’d do in the 09 supercross season. James Stewart is riding alone. Sure the #1 of Chad Reed showed a flash of brilliance at Anaheim 1, but ever since the opening round it’s been a snooze fest for us fans with exception to the 250 class. I sure hope that Chad Reed or  Ryan Villopoto can help me stop wishing Stewart gets a horrible start as the gate drops on the remainder of the races this season.

Photo: Steve Cox (photochop ME)

There must be some fans of motorcycle racing over at Volcom, cause each year their Stone logo continues to increase it’s presence on racers. Could there be racing gear in their future plans as a brand? Time will tell.

Monster Energy Kawasaki’s, Ryan Villopoto snakes his first podium of his rookie supercross season in the big bike class.

Amateur sensation and Rockstar, Makita, Suzuki factory pilot Nico Izzi podiums at the opener of the east coast supercross lites class.

photos Simon Cudby

James Stewart roosts a berm in Houston, TX practicing for the main SX show tonight where he’ll try to make it three wins in a row. Must be a slick or difficult track, word on the streets is that Stewart went down twice in practice and Chad Reed went down three times. I guess if you aren’t on the ground then you probably aren’t trying hard enough. To view other images of the guys practicing click on the photo below.

photo Steve Cox