The Monster Energy AMA Supercross season returns to racing this weekend to Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans after the series one and only weekend break over Easter.
With the Championship already wrapped up by Monster Energy Kawasaki rider Ryan Villopoto, the attention has now turned to the final two places on the podium come the end of the season.
Second place is still currently held down by KTM rider Ryan Dungey, but with Dungey sidelined for the remainder of the series at this stage the battle is now between 2011 team mates Davi Millsaps and Justin Brayton for second place, with the two riders being separated by just ten points with four rounds remaining.
Though Brayton himself nearly Seacombe to and early season exit after he sustained a fractured tibia at the San Diego stop earlier this year, the Factory Honda rider raced through the pain without missing any races setting himself up for a career best season result.
"I really kept believing in myself through the leg injury and working hard with the team," said Brayton. "I think having that injury let me rest during the week and come into the weekend hungry and ready to go.
"It's really a bummer to see so many injuries. Unfortunately, that's part of our sport and to make it a full season without injury is very tough. I've been very fortunate to not have a major injury that forced me to sit out." Brayton explained.
"Other than a small fracture to my leg, there have been some nagging injuries but nothing too major." he added.
In the 2011 Monster Energy Supercross Championship Millsaps and Brayton finished eighth and ninth, respectively, overall as team mates competing for the JGRMX/Toyota/Yamaha race team.
"I really just need to keep focusing on myself, getting good starts and putting myself in a good position to win every weekend. It's going be fun. He's (Millsaps) a great competitor, very talented and has always raced me clean." concluded Brayton.
Supercross Class Season Standings
1. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki ‰ÛÒ 296
2. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM ‰ÛÒ 192
3. Davi Millsaps, Murrieta, Calif., Yamaha ‰ÛÒ 191
4. Justin Brayton, Murrieta, Calif., Honda ‰ÛÒ 181
5. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha ‰ÛÒ 178
6. Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki ‰ÛÒ 170
7. Kevin Windham, Centreville, Miss., Honda ‰ÛÒ 166
8. Brett Metcalfe, Lake Elsinore, Calif., Suzuki ‰ÛÒ 154
9. Mike Alessi, Hilliard, Fla., Suzuki ‰ÛÒ 154
10. Chad Reed, Dade City, Fla., Honda ‰ÛÒ 128
