Yoshimura Suzuki’s James Stewart broke the tie for the lead in the 450 Motorcycle-Superstore.com Holeshot Championship, thanks to his quick start in Moto 2 at Spring Creek. The rider he was previously tied with, Team Honda Muscle Milk’s Justin Barcia, was quickest in Moto 1 and now sits just one point adrift of the leader. In the 250 ranks, GEICO Honda’s Wil Hahn was the big points earner, nabbing holeshots in both motos for the full four points available in the round.\
"Strong starts have been great for me," said Barica. "I just want to keep getting those strong starts, not only for the chance to win the money at the end and the points lead but also to get and stay in front of the pack for the race."
Barica turned his quick start into a third-place finish in Moto 1, followed by a fifth-place result in Moto 2. Stewart, on the other hand, ended the round with his first moto win of the season, which he took in Moto 1, as well as his first overall victory of the year thanks to his 1-3 performance.
"Taking the holeshot today along with finishing first (overall) was just so special," said Stewart. "I love this track and I had to work hard to get that holeshot. I'm happy with my starts and how I've been finishing, especially with today's podium here."
Hahn has been fastest off the start in seven of the last 10 motos, a record that has given him a comfortable eight point lead in the race for the end-of-year prize money.
"I feel great about my holeshot finishes, and I'm excited to be so far ahead in points now to get that holeshot money in the end," Hahn said. "My goal every moto is to just come out here, stay focused, and have that great reaction time to get out in front of everyone.
"Getting on the podium is my ultimate goal, but taking the holeshots and staying consistent in that is a big accomplishment for me."
The Motorcycle-Superstore.com Holeshot Championship awards one point to the holeshot winner in Moto 1 and two points to the rider that takes it in Moto 2. Should a rider score holeshots in both motos during a round, they earn a bonus point, making four total points available each round. The highest points earner in the 450 class at the end of the season will be given a $25,000 check and in the 250 class, riders are battling for a $15,000 prize.
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