Thor’s Villopoto Stands Out at Supercross Season Opener

For the second year in a row, Ryan Villopoto captured the win at the opening round of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM Championship. After a third-place finish in his heat race, Villopoto was the fastest out of the gate in the main event, grabbing the holeshot, and quickly building a comfortable 12-second victory over second place.

Ryan Villopoto - Anaheim 1 - 2012 - Supercross

Ryan Villopoto was dominant in Anaheim
(Courtesy of Frank Hoppen)

While the win in Anaheim marked Villopoto’s 16th Supercross Class victory, it also signified the second time he’d won while debuting the new Thor-Volcom gear. The second edition of the Thor-Volcom gear will be available throughout Parts Unlimited dealerships only.

Ryan Villopoto - AMA Supercross - Anaheim 1 - 2012

Ryan in his Thor-Volcom Gear
(Courtesy of Frank Hoppen)

“It has been great that Thor and Volcom have been able to work together to make an awesome set of gear,” said Villopoto. “This year is better than ever and I really hope everyone will go check it out.”
Sneak Peek at Second Edition Thor/Volcom Gear

Making his first appearance at Anaheim in the Supercross Class, Thor’s Jake Weimer impressed many with his come-from-behind main event finish of fifth place. Brett Metcalfe returned to supercross racing after missing much of the season last year to finish 11th, while Broc Tickle finished 12th in his Supercross class debut.

Brett Metcalfe - AMA Supercross - Anaheim 1 - 2012

Brett Metcalfe returned to SX after missing several rounds in 2011
(Courtesy of Frank Hoppen)

The Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki riders were also out in force, debuting their new Spring 2012 Pro Circuit Core Gear in Anaheim. Tyla Rattray showed speed early in the Supercross Lites Class, finishing on the podium in second place. Teammate Dean Wilson was also near the front pack and finished sixth after recovering from a last lap crash.

Tyla Rattray - Anaheim 1 - 2012 - Supercross

Tyla Rattray turned good starts into good results
(Courtesy of Frank Hoppen)

The next stop on the Monster Energy AMA Supercross schedule is Chase Field in Phoenix, Ariz. on January 14.

For all the latest from Thor, be sure to visit thormx.com, Thor on Facebook and follow @ThorMXOfficial on Twitter.

Author

Dan Lamb is a 12+ year journalist and the owner of MotoXAddicts.