High-octane, high-performance engines, treacherous, dramatic landscapes, ear drum-ripping decibels, and world-class athletes with unmatched body control and quickness aren’t often linked, much less bottled-up. But early Saturday afternoon in the Georgia Dome, this concoction will blend together in the annual endorphin-blasting event, the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Atlanta.
Supercross aficionados know that Atlanta is the midpoint of the season featuring the best racers on extreme dirt in the world. The sport has tremendous support and tradition in Atlanta. This weekend marks the 33rd running of supercross in Atlanta. In past years, more than 70,000 fans have gathered for the show in the Dome. Fanatics also know the midway point is a critical spot on the path to the Monster Energy Supercross Finals in Las Vegas in May.
THE TALENT …
What the casual sports, motorsports or extreme sports fan may not recognize is just how talented the competitors are. Similar to a “major” in PGA golf, every one of the top riders in the world will converge on the somehow organic yet man-made course. Currently, points leader Ryan Villopoto, looks to strengthen his position, but as event organizer Denny Hartwig told Score Atlanta, “Former supercross class champions Ryan Dungey, Chad Reed and James Stewart are likely front runners for the championship as well.”
Among the storylines coming out of last weekend’s race in San Diego is the re-emergence of Reed. A six-time event winner, he won for the first time as an owner/driver Saturday.
“This is incredible,” said Reed. “I‘ve put so much work into this team to make it the best it can be. To win with your name on your chest makes everything so much better. This one is emotional.” The Florida resident will be ready and surely have fans making trip north.
The drama isn’t limited to Reed’s ambitious new dual role. James “Bubba” Stewart is the sport’s African-American pioneer. Stewart, the 2009 Series winner and another Florida representative, is reportedly refocused after diverting his attention to a reality TV show last season. Villopoto is staging a comeback a different type of comeback. He was leading the points race in 2010 when he broke his leg in April and watched Dungey claim the top spot.
Dungey is a prime example of the sport’s ability to nurture top talent. Last year was his first season in the top-flight Premier class. Before 2010, Dungey rose through the ranks of the Lites class, a sort of traveling farm system for riders. (All tour stops feature Premier and Lites races). In testament to the sports commitment to foster young talent, Hartwig noted that every one of this season’s points leaders ascended from the Lites ranks.
Supercross also develops talent by attracting the top local riders at all contests. Harwig noted that “Fans will see the top regional talent race with the world’s best (in Premier and Lites races).” The homegrown talent looking to turn their passion into a profession represents a measureable portion of the line-ups. The mix of high and low profile racers throughout qualifying gives local competitors visibility and allows fans to see the superstars race several times.
Saturday’s action will max-out in the evening’s Main Event. Just as the dirt starts to settle from qualifying and the Lites championship, the top twenty Premier riders will kick their machines in gear and stir it up one last time for the Atlanta trophy.
Loading ...
