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Lusk returns to form in Anaheim Supercross opener

9 January 2001

2001 EA Sports Supercross Championship, Round 1: Edison International Field,
Anaheim, CA January 6, 2001

"I dreamed to come back and have a race like this one tonight, battling with the
front guys".

And that's exactly what Team Honda / Universal Studios rider Ezra Lusk did.
Lusk, who was sidelined for the entire 2000 Supercross series with a shoulder
injury, was not sure how competitive he would be coming into round one. But
there was no questioning his speed once the gate dropped in his 250 heat race,
and Lusk won the 8-lap sprint race easily.

In the 250cc main event, Lusk looked remarkably calm and patient, picking off
riders in a very tactical manner. By lap 4, Lusk moved into second place, and
that is where the 25-year-old rider would stay until the finish line. Last
year's 250 Supercross Champion Jeremy McGrath won the race in front of Lusk,
while 2000 AMA Motocross Champion Ricky Carmichael finished third. Mike LaRocco
took fourth, riding for Honda's support team Factory Connection.

Team Honda / Universal Studios rider Sebastien Tortelli bruised his left
shoulder during a practice crash. Under the advice of his sports trainer, Dr.
Jeff Spencer, Tortelli flew to Phoenix, AZ for further diagnosis. Further news
will be provided as it becomes available.

Anaheim Rd. 1 Supercross  250-class Results, Top 5 Finishers

1. Jeremy McGrath - Yam

2. Ezra Lusk - Hon

3. Ricky Carmichael - Kaw

4. Mike LaRocco - Hon

5. Travis Pastrana - Suz

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

1. Jeremy McGrath - 25

2. Ezra Lusk - 22

3. Ricky Carmichael - 20

4. Mike LaRocco - 18

5. Travis Pastrana - 16

Upcoming rounds

Round 2 - Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, CA, January 13

Round 3 - Edison International Field, Anaheim, CA January 20