Defending Champ James "Bubba" Stewart (my favorite racer) and former SX champ Chad Reed are out taking care of injuries right now.
Stewart did win round 1, known as Anaheim 1, but Phoenix and Anaheim 2 were both won by rookie Ryan Dungey, on the Rockstar/Makita Suzuki.
Dungey shot to the lead at the San Francisco race but flew off of his bike and finished 4th. Ryan Villipoto on the Kawasaki and Josh Hill on the Yamaha put on an exciting battle and Washington's Villipoto took the top spot.
San Diego got soaked last week for the race at the Charger's Qualcomm Stadium, and Davi Millsaps gutted out the mud and wet sand for his first win of the season.
Currently, Dungey still sits atop the standings at 105 points, followed by Josh Hill (-4), and Ryan Villipoto (-10). Despite missing SF and SD, James Stewart is still in 10th, and a rider of his capabilities who has the talent to sweep an entire season can never be counted out.
Looking at the top 3, both the points and talent are too close to call anyone the favorite. Outside of the top 3 I wouldn't be quick to call any big jumps from anyone despite Stewart. Veteran Kevin Windham jumped out at me, but i get the feeling his best years have passed and i don't think he is capable of keeping up with the young talent.
We have 11 more races, and then we will be crowning the champ at Sam Boyd in Vegas. I hope it stays tight and the Vegas race is for all the marbles. If i had to call it here, I'd put my name on RV winning it all, unless Bubba comes back this week or next. I just like RV's style.
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