There were mixed reviews for the first AMA motocross event under the lights.
On the record, most of the riders toed the company line, but whispers from the pit at Thunder Valley in Lakewood on Saturday labeled the racing dangerous.
“It’s cool for the sport,” said James Stewart, winner of both motocross races. “But the darker it got, the worse it got. With a few more lights it will be good. We need to spice up the sport a little bit.”
Stewart also went on to win the nightcap to retain the points lead in the motocross championship race.
Mike Alessi, who finished second in the nightcap, was a little more vocal about racing under the lights.
“I hope they don’t do this again,” Alessi said. “There were shadows at the bumps. It was dangerous for the racers.”
Familiar face.
Former Lakewood resident Andrew Short drew upon his knowledge of the track to finish third in the first motocross race.
“I love it here,” he said. “I grew up riding up and down the Front Range. I was racing 50ccs on up here.”
As far as the night racing, Short said: “It’s different. It’s cool for the sport and the fans. It takes it to another level. They used the best lights possible. It’s as safe as it can be.”
But he added: “Is it as safe under the lights? No.”
Love at the track.
Castle Rock residents Bobby and Alyssa Fitch are the only married couple riding in the pro motocross circuit.
The newlyweds met at races at the tracks in Colorado and their love of the sport brought them together.
“It’s awesome,” Bobby Fitch said. “We met doing our passion and now we are doing what we love together.”
The racers’ biggest obstacle is keeping two bikes running.
“Two racing budgets is very difficult,” said Bobby, who runs Fast as Fitch motocross school with his wife, blending their passion with their work.
First place.
Ryan Villopoto, the points leader, won the first motocross lites race by holding on to the hole-shot until the checkered flag. Villopoto got off to a slow start in the second race but carried the checkered flag in the second race.
“I guess I underestimated the field,” he said.
State’s best.
Ashley Boham of Loveland was the highest finishing Coloradan in the women’s first race, finishing 20th on a Kawasaki.
Lindsey Jelitto of Falcon finished 21st, also on a Kawasaki.
Eliza Marie Somers, The Denver Post
