After effectively dominating the 2008 AMA Toyota Motocross Championships, Kawasaki team-mates James Stewart and Ryan Villopoto clinched their respective class titles with two rounds remaining at Millville on Sunday.
The championship marks the first of Stewart's career in the premier AMA Motocross class. Additionally, he continued his perfect season, clinching the title by taking the first moto win and cruising to victory in the final moto of the day. He is now a perfect 20-0 in motos this season and 10-0 overall.
"This has been my toughest season," said Stewart. "All the struggles before and everything I went through to get back [healthy]. It really makes this [championship] special to me. This is one of the [best] tracks we've ridden all year. I really want to thank Kawasaki for all the hard work they've put in."
In AMA Motocross Lites, Rockstar/Makita Suzuki's Ryan Dungey capitalised when Villopoto crashed on the opening lap of the second moto and rode to his second straight victory at his home track.
"It feels good," explained Dungey. "Two months ago I was just settling for second. I had to believe in myself to get where I am now and compared to last year, when I didn't win at all, I'm thankful to be healthy and having success."
Villopoto secured his third straight title after rebounding from his misfortune, bringing home second in the moto and second overall just behind Dungey.
"I just came down the first downhill and I was pushing hard," stated Villopoto. "I think I hit a wet spot. The next thing I know I was rolling on the ground. I didn't know exactly where I needed to finish but I had an idea. I just wanted to finish second because I knew I could [catch them]."
The AMA Toyota Motocross Championship Presented by FMF heads to Southwick for the penultimate round of the 2008 series on August 23-24.
