The 43,841 fans that came to the Anaheim Angels Stadium (CA) for the first race of the 2010 AMA Supercross and World Championship, saw a new James Stewart (Yamaha) win the final with apparent ease, after also winning his qualifier. The other qualifying race went to arch-rival Chad Reed, who was involved in an incident at the start of the final and did not figure in the results.


The real story of Anaheim was how James Stewart managed his heat and the final, taking a good start and pacing himself behind the leader in both races, before passing easily for the win in the closing laps. In past years, Stewart was only satisfied with total domination, always looking to win every start, every corner entry and exit – and crashing too often. The “New” Stewart gave nothing away to the competition, as other riders did not get to see his lines and techniques - he followed them until it was time to pass for the win. Reminds me of a certain Italian who dominates the GP races, also aboard a Yamaha!

The two rookies in the 450 class, Ryan Dungey and Ryan Villopoto, did well, with Dungey leading for 16 of the 20-lap race, and ending up a close second, and Villopoto riding well to get fifth at the end of what looked like a very long race for him.

There was more good news, as Stewart showed no signs of the illness that struck in Paris last fall. Imagine: A healthy Stewart for a full season – a long one for the other riders, no doubt.


AMA Supercross - Round 1 of 17, Anaheim
Results
1. James Stewart Yamaha
2. Ryan Dungey Suzuki
3. Kevin Windham Honda
4. Andrew Short Honda
5. Ryan Villopoto Kawasaki
6. Etc….