By second turn, former world champion Pourcel made his move with an impressive inside line that rocketed him to the front. From there, the French rider never looked back to continue one of the most remarkable career comebacks in the history of the sport.
“It feels great to come to America and achieve so much success in my first full season,” said Pourcel, who after an accident in 2007 wasn't sure if he would ever walk again let alone race. “I've worked really hard all season and so has my team. Tonight I got a good start and had a really good first lap. I'm really proud to win my first championship. It's been a really great season.”
Pourcel's team-mate Austin Stroupe worked his way through the field to finish second while Tickle held on for an impressive third place finish, his best result of the season. The 2009 AMA Supercross Lites Eastern Regional Championship concludes next weekend.
Racing continues next weekend in Jacksonville, Fla., for the first-ever Monster Energy Supercross race at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium on Saturday, April 4.
AMA Supercross Class Results, Toronto
1. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha
2. Chad Reed, Tampa, Fla., Suzuki
3. Josh Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., Yamaha
4. Josh Grant, Riverside, Calif., Yamaha
5. Ivan Tedesco, Tallahassee, Fla., Honda
6. Kevin Windham, Centreville, Miss., Honda
7. Davi Millsaps, Tallahassee, Fla., Honda
8. Matt Boni, Geneva, Fla., Honda
9. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda
10. Ben Coisy, Murrieta, Calif., Honda
AMA Supercross Class Season Standings
1. Chad Reed, Tampa, Fla., Suzuki, 293
2. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha, 285
3. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda, 209
4. Josh Grant, Riverside, Calif., Yamaha, 190
5. Ivan Tedesco, Tallahasse, Fla., Honda, 179
6. Kevin Windham, Centerville, Miss., Honda, 173
7. Mike Alessi, Apple Valley, Calif., Suzuki, 170
8. Davi Millsaps, Tallahassee, Fla., Honda, 166
9. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki, 165
10. Josh Hill, Murrieta, Calif., Yamaha, 128
Eastern Regional AMA Supercross Lites Class Results, Toronto
1. Christophe Pourcel, Corona, Calif., Kawasaki
2. Austin Stroupe, Lincolnton, N.C., Kawasaki
3. Broc Tickle, Holly, Mich., Yamaha
4. Branden Jesseman, New Brighton, Pa., Kawasaki
5. Matt Lemoine, Collinsville, Texas, Yamaha
6. Wil Hahn, Decatur, Texas, KTM
7. Matthew Goerke, Lake Helen, Fla., Suzuki
8. Vince Friese, Cape Girardeau, Mo., Honda
9. Daniel Blair, Modesto, Calif., Honda
10. Blake Wharton, Pilot Point, Texas, Honda
Eastern Regional AMA Supercross Lites Class Season Standings
1. Christophe Pourcel, Corona, Calif., Kawasaki, 156
2. Austin Stroupe, Lincolnton, N.C., Kawasaki, 128
3. Nico Izzi, Murrieta, Calif., Suzuki, 112
4. Blake Wharton, Pilot Point, Texas, Honda, 102
5. Branden Jesseman, New Brighton, Pa., Kawasaki, 91
6. Wil Hahn, Decatur, Texas, KTM, 83
7. Matt Lemoine, Collinsville, Texas, 82
8. Matthew Goerke, Lake Helen, Fla., Suzuki, 82
9. Daniel Blair, Modesto, Calif., Honda, 75
10. Steven Clarke, Cairo, Ga., Suzuki, 71
