There were a lot of fans present at the Traxxas Pala National from Pala Raceway to witness Ryan Villopoto (Kawasaki) secured his first premiere AMA Motocross 450 Class title.

In the first of two rounds in the 450 Class, both Villopoto and his championship rival, Ryan Dungey (Suzuki) found themselves within the top 10 at the start of the race.

It looked as though Mike Alessi (KTM) was the fastest man on track with Justin Barcia (Honda) right on his tail.

After just three laps, Barcia took over the top spot, but it was only a matter of time before the series' perennial front-runners were battling for the lead. Both Villopoto and Dungey followed nose to tail throughout the moto, and on Lap 12, Villopoto slipped past Barcia and never looked back. Dungey followed suit two laps later, finishing second, and also losing an additional three points in the standings.

In Moto 2, the championship leaders found themselves in similar positions off the start, while Chad Reed (Honda) took over the early lead. While leading, Reed went down, allowing once again Barcia to take command.

Dungey past Reed quickly and set his sights on Barcia, and the overall win. Villopoto took his time getting around the Australian, using his healthy points lead to his advantage, but eventually settled into third, where he would finish Moto 2.

At the front of the field, Barcia and Dungey brought the fans to their feet, battling for the win over the final two laps, with Dungey prevailing to secure his fourth win of the year.

Villopoto's 1-3 moto results placed him second overall for the day, but with 12 points to his credit over Dungey, was able to claim the season championship - his fourth career AMA Pro Motocross title.

With the AMA Supercross Championship to his credit earlier this season, Villopoto becomes the 12th rider in AMA Pro Racing history to win the title in both disciplines in the same year.

<sup>AMA Motocross Class 450 - Traxxas Pala National Results
Pos. Rider Bike (Moto Finish)
1. Ryan Dungey Suzuki (2-1)
2. Ryan Villopoto Kawasaki (1-3)
3. Justin Barcia Honda (3-2)
4. Brett Metcalfe Suzuki (5-5)
5. Mike Alessi KTM (4-7)
6. Kyle Regal Suzuki (6-8)
7. Chad Reed Honda (12-4)
8. Justin Brayton Yamaha (9-6)
9. Jake Weimer Kawasaki (10-12)
10. Les Smith Yamaha (14-9)

AMA Motocross 450 Class Championship Standings - Final
Pos. Rider Bike Points
1. Ryan Villopoto Kawasaki - 526
2. Ryan Dungey Suzuki - 514
3. Chad Reed Honda - 429
4. Brett Metcalfe Suzuki - 374
5.Mike Alessi KTM – 304</sup>