Anaheim 3 - LaRocco soldiers on, tough luck for Lusk

2001 EA Sports Supercross Championship, Round 5: Edison International Field, Anaheim, CA, February 3, 2001

Honda Racing's Ezra Lusk and 2000 Supercross Champion Jeremy McGrath set the stage for a battle royal as the gate dropped in the 250 main event of the third Anaheim Supercross of the 2001 season. The two riders set a blistering pace with McGrath leading and Lusk nipping at his rear tire. Kevin Windham and Ricky Carmichael followed suit as the rest of the riders snaked through a technical maze of obstacles.

Anaheim's Edison International Field has been home for three of the past five rounds, and each event has showcased a different and challenging racetrack. Lusk seemed to be faster than the defending champ, and displayed incredible speed in the whoop sections. Unfortunately on lap 11, Lusk's chain derailed sending the Red Rider over the bars and out of contention. His racing over for the night, Lusk was uninjured but obviously disappointed.

AMSOIL / Dr. Martens / Journeys / Competition Accessories / Honda - supported Mike "The Rock" LaRocco was left to carry the torch for the Red Riders and did so despite an injured foot sustained from the previous week's Supercross race in Phoenix. LaRocco started the main event in 9th place and quickly moved up on the leaders. "I was feeling good tonight", said LaRocco. Rock managed to cross the finish line in 4th place, showing that consistency does pay off. LaRocco is currently third in the points standings.

Honda Racing's French sensation Sebastien Tortelli looked great in the main event, proving that the young rider is not letting an injured left shoulder slow his momentum. "Seb", who crashed and injured his left shoulder at Round 1, put in a smooth performance by finishing 6th for the night. "It's funny, but my shoulder feels better when I'm riding than when I just stand around. I'm looking forward to Indy next week. I think that race will be really good for me," said Tortelli.

Anaheim Round 5 Supercross 250-class Results, Top 5 Finishers

1. Ricky Carmichael $B!>(B KAW

2. Jeremy McGrath - YAM

3. Kevin Windham - SUZ

4. Mike LaRocco - HON

5. Stefan Roncada - KAW

6. Sebastien Tortelli - HON

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

1. Ricky Carmichael - 117

2. Jeremy McGrath - 114

3. Mike LaRocco - 96

4. Kevin Windham - 83

5. David Vuillemin - 74

6. Ezra Lusk - 68

Upcoming rounds

Round 6 - RCA Dome, Indianapolis, IN February 10

Round 7 - Georgia Dome, Atlanta, GA February 24

END