Yamaha‰Ûªs Grant Langston established the fastest lap time in today‰Ûªs practice in preparation for Sunday‰Ûªs Monster Energy/Kawasaki Pro Motocross National, Round 10 of the AMA Toyota Motocross Championship Presented by FMF. Kawasaki‰Ûªs Austin Stroupe set the fastest lap time in AMA Motocross Lites at Steel City Motocross Park.
Langston posted a lap time of 2:07.950, edging out current series points leader Timmy Ferry, who clocked a 2:08.672 aboard a Kawasaki. Honda‰Ûªs Kevin Windham was third fastest at 2:08.760.
With the recent retirement of Suzuki‰Ûªs 15-time AMA Champion Ricky Carmichael coupled with today‰Ûªs announcement that Kawasaki rider James Stewart would miss the remainder of the season with a knee injury, the championship battle is now up for grabs. Ferry and Honda‰Ûªs Andrew Short enter Steel City tied atop the standings, with Langston just 11 points back. KTM‰Ûªs Mike Alessi is also in contention and trails by 19.
Stroupe got his rookie debut weekend off to a great start in turning a fast lap time of 2:09.411, which was just tenths of a second quicker than his Kawasaki teammate Brett Metcalfe (2:09.555). Current points leader Ben Townley was third with a 2:10.068, giving Kawasaki the three fastest lap times in today‰Ûªs practice.
Australia's Jake Moss qualified for tomorrows event with a lap time of 02:20.549 which will see the Australian Champion with 38th pick at the gate.
