Ryan Dungey's first ever win in Oakland was his easiest of the season as he led Round 4 of the 2016 Monster Energy Supercross series wire-to-wire to grab his third straight win and extend his points lead to 22.
While Dungey's place at the top of the box remained secure a new face for the 450 class showed up and the 250SX West class brought a major shake-up and a new points leader all thanks to vapor lock. Maybe.
If it's even possible, Dungey appeared on another racing level demonstrating a riding clinic and once he passed the first turn it seemed futile to expect a first-place fight. He zoned out, extended his podium streak to 20 and unless he encounters what happened to Cooper Webb there's little reason to believe anyone can catch him.
"It's just like we practice at home, when you're out in front you're riding your own laps," Dungey said. "It's nice, you're away from the carnage, just trying to hit your marks and focus."
Ryan Dungey got his first win in Oakland and third of the year
Rolling past the finish line more than three seconds behind him was Ken Roczen who exorcised last year's crash in Oakland that resulted in losing the points lead to Dungey and ultimately bowing out of the season several rounds later.
"We're making steps in the right direction every week. No excuses, Ryan was better today," said Roczen who is now in fourth-place, just two points from Jason Anderson and Chad Reed, both tied with 75 points.
Ken Roczen and Marvin Musquin battle for second place in Round 4
Roczen was followed by rookie Marvin Musquin grabbing his first career podium in the 450 class. Reed was unable to make it a race with Dungey like he did the last two rounds instead finishing in fifth-place, behind Anderson. Eli Tomac, who looked blazing fast with a win in his Heat race, started 12th for the Main and was only able to get into seventh-place ending his streak of three straight fourth-place finishes.
James Stewart returned, albeit briefly, from his Round 1 concussion with a strong outing in his Heat race, finishing second to Tomac, and starting fourth in the Main hanging out in the Top 5 for a bit before he dropped a few spots and then pulled out altogether on Lap 9. He flung his goggles off in disgust as he rode back to the pits and it was reported later he experienced blurry vision, likely continued effects from the concussion.
Trey Canard, who won Oakland last year, practiced with six stitches still in his right hand from last week's crash but opted not to race at the last minute after his hand swelled up. He's also suffering from a pre-season groin injury that's affected his riding.
Chad Reed got knocked off the podium but still made the Top 5 in Oakland
In the 250SX West class, Webb was on his way to his fourth straight win (eight consecutive counting last season) and further extending his points lead when his bike stalled with three laps remaining. Heavy exhaust fumes spit out the tailpipe as he attempted several times to get started before walking off the track. Ultimately he reentered the race but the damage was done. The win streak, hope for an undefeated season and, most importantly, first place in the points standings gone in a puff of smoke.
Joey Savatgy celebrates first career Supercross win
As a result, Joey Savatgy was more than happy to take his first career win, second podium of the season and a two point lead in the standings. Savatgy, riding in second and who had no chance of catching Webb otherwise, also dealt with a mechanical issue when the shifter got bent down to the foot peg and he only had first and second gear for the final few laps.
"I want to be emotional but I feel like it's so over do," he said. "Cooper was riding a good race (but) I'll take it."
Webb showed poise afterwards and said the problem was vapor lock something he experienced 10 years ago at Loretta Lynns, however, his team believes it was more likely an electrical issue.
"It's all good, I'll be back. I ain't no quitter," he said with a smile.
In second-place, Colt Nichols worked his way from ninth for his first career podium. Nichols, a former MotoSport sponsored rider, has quietly put in an exceptional season with Top 10s across the board, and is fourth-place in points.
"It was just a really good ride for me," he said. "This has been such a dream of mine for so long."
Christian Craig took third-place for the second straight week as well as the holeshot and he sits in fifth-place. He led for three laps and wasn't nearly the match for Webb as he was last week and said he felt like he threw the race away.
Webb's one point showing negated an 18-point lead over Zach Osborne and a 22 point lead over Savatgy. Osborne's fifth-place result dropped him to third-place, three points back from Webb. What once looked to be a foregone conclusion, the 250 West is now a battle with the Top 3 within five points of each other with just four rounds remaining.
Supercross leaves the Golden State for the first time this season with Round 5 on Saturday at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, AZ. Buy tickets online or at the box office.
2016 Monster Energy Supercross Oakland Results
Oakland Supercross 450SX Class Results
- Ryan Dungey
- Ken Roczen
- Marvin Musquin
- Jason Anderson
- Chad Reed
- Cole Seely
- Eli Tomac
- Jacob Weimer
- Justin Brayton
- Wil Hahn
Oakland Supercross 250SX West Class Results
- Joey Savatgy
- Colt Nichols
- Christian Craig
- Mitchell Oldenburg
- Zach Osborne
- Kyle Peters
- Michael Leib
- Kyle Cunningham
- Jimmy DeCotis
- Cole Thompson
2016 Monster Energy Supercross Season Standings
450SX Class Season Standings
- Ryan Dungey (97)
- Jason Anderson (75)
- Chad Reed (75)
- Ken Roczen (73)
- Cole Seely (70)
- Eli Tomac (68)
- Marvin Musquin (51)
- Justin Brayton (47)
- Jake Weimer (46)
- Davi Millsaps (45)
250SX West Class Season Standings
- Joey Savatgy (78)
- Cooper Webb (76)
- Zach Osborne (73)
- Colt Nichols (65)
- Christian Craig (62)
- Jordan Smith (61)
- Jimmy DeCotis (59)
- Kyle Peters (51)
- Mitchell Oldenburg (48)
- Kyle Cunningham (41)
