Atlanta Supercross results, February 24, 2001

2001 EA Sports Supercross Championship, Round 7: Georgia Dome, Atlanta, GA, February 24, 2001

Once again Honda Racing's Ezra Lusk landed himself on the podium, finishing 3rd in the main event at Atlanta's Georgia Dome. The Georgia native had 65,461 fans, (a new Georgia Dome Supercross record), screaming for the young star. Lusk finished seconds behind 1st place winner Ricky Carmichael and 2nd place finisher Jeremy McGrath.

"I'm excited about my last 10 laps of the main event. I rode strong and stayed focused. I made very few mistakes out there tonight, so I'm real pleased with that. Now I just need to work on my first few laps and pick up my pace. I can smell a win coming", said Lusk.

AMSOIL / Dr. Martens / Journeys / Competition Accessories / Honda - supported Mike "The Rock" LaRocco played his "Mr. Consistent" card as he finished 4th for the night. LaRocco steadily worked his way from a mid-pack start to close in on 3rd place Lusk. The clock and the laps ran out before Rock could make his move for a podium position.

Honda Racing's Sebastien Tortelli was ready for Atlanta. "I like the dirt here. It is very tacky and traction is awesome! My shoulder is getting better and my confidence continues to get stronger," said Tortelli. The young Frenchman beat defending Supercross Champion Jeremy McGrath in their heat race and was looking forward to repeating that accomplishment in the main.

"Seb" got out of the gate just outside the top five and was quickly moving to the front. By lap 9 he had closed in on the front runners, but unfortunately Tim Ferry crashed right in front of Tortelli's front wheel, smashing the Red Rider's pipe. Tortelli would eventually have to exit the track due to the altercation and the frustrated rider vowed to come back with a vengeance at the next round in New Orleans. Expect to see rider number 13 on the podium soon!

Atlanta Round 7 Supercross 250-class Results, Top 5 Finishers

1. Ricky Carmichael $B!>(B KAW 2. Jeremy McGrath - YAM 3. Ezra Lusk $B!>(B HON 4. Mike LaRocco - HON 5. Stephane Roncada - KAW

EA Sports 2001 Supercross 250-class Point Standings, Top Riders

1. Ricky Carmichael $B!>(B 167 2. Jeremy McGrath - 158 3. Mike LaRocco $B!>(B 129 4. Kevin Windham - 109 5. Ezra Lusk - 108

10. Sebastien Tortelli -56

Upcoming rounds

Round 8 - Superdome, New Orleans, LA March 3

Round 9 - Daytona International Speedway, Daytona, FL March 10

END