SX: RV1's Revenge

SX: RV1’s Revenge

Ryan Villopoto escaped to score a dominating win at Cowboys Stadium while title leader Davi Millsaps continued to rack up the points with another podium result.

SPEED Staff | Posted February 16, 2013 Arlington, TX

Monster Energy Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto (Photo: Kawasaki Racing)

Reigning double champ Ryan Villopoto's up-and-down season enjoyed a big 'up' Saturday night in Arlington, TX.

Following a pair of disappointing (and error-prone) outings in recent weeks, the Monster Energy Kawasaki superstar was absolutely flawless in his execution at Cowboys Stadium. RV1 stormed to the holeshot and quickly proved too much for the field, blasting away to a lopsided win.

Villopoto's win was the 27th of his career, tying him with the legendary Bob 'Hurriance' Hannah for sixth on the all-time list.

"The fun wasn't there (prior to tonight)," Villopoto said of changing his mindset and bringing the right attitude into this title fight. "Everyone knows the sport is stressful but you still have to have fun with it. If you get a third… a third is a third -- it's on the podium and that's good. A second is a second. We've got to start thinking that way and not put ourselves up on a pedestal and when things don't go our way be bummed about it."

While Villopoto's brilliant performance served as a boost to his dented title hopes, the ever-steady Davi Millsaps once again proved unflappable and didn't allow the champ to make up too much ground. The Rockstar Energy Racing pilot didn't get an ideal launch out of the gates, but somehow found a hole to sneak through while navigating the first turn. He slipped into second behind Villopoto, briefly surrendered the position to two-time champ Chad Reed, but then countered to reclaim the runner-up spot, which he would hold to the checkered flag.

Millsaps' runner-up finish was his eighth podium finish in his last nine outings dating back to 2012. Perhaps even more disheartening to his pursuers, Millsaps pulled off the result despite coming into the weekend feeling under the weather. He said, "I didn't know what to expect in this race; I didn't ride all week. I put my head down and just pushed and pushed and pushed."

Rather than work for a counter of his own after being repassed by Millsaps, TwoTwo Motorsports' Reed was forced to turn his attentions to fending off fellow former champ Ryan Dungey on the Red Bull KTM. Reed did well to keep Dungey behind him for several laps, but the Minnesotan finally pulled the trigger by way of an aggressive maneuver with six to go.

The pass was big for Dungey, not only putting him on the box for a fourth consecutive week, but allowing him to stay a few points ahead of rival Villopoto for second in the points standings.

Dungey said, "I got off to a good start in the main, things sort of settled in and I just kind of ran out of time. I got close there (behind Millsaps) at the end."

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