Reedy celebrates winning a thrilling battle between himself and KW, RC, and Bubba.

Early in the 250 main of the THQ World SupercrossGPand THQ AMA Supercross Series in Pontiac, Michigan, Team Yamaha's Chad Reed was fighting a losing battle. After a disappointing crash on the last lap of the main one-week ago in Dallas cost him valuable momentum against series rival Ricky Carmichael, Reed's night in Pontiac wasn't going much better. He was beaten by Amsoil/Chaparral Honda's Kevin Windham in his heat race, and then early in the main he made a few mistakes and lost touch with the leaders. Then Kawasaki's James Stewart zapped him with a picture- perfect block pass—a move that seemed to take the wind out of Reed's sails. Chad was back to fourth. Meanwhile, Windham had the $1500 Butterfinger Holeshot in his back pocket, and he was streaking away while Carmichael hovered in second.

Bubba got his elbow stuck behind Preston off the gate and was left in the first turn. KW came out first and put on his best performance of the year, but Reed fought his way to the front by the end.

Then Stewart—who many expected to launch an offensive after winning his first 250 main last week—washedout in a corner and crashed. Then Reed stepped up. He figured out his lines, dug deep, and reeled in Carmichael. And in a show of true mental toughness, Reed passed Carmichael in the same corner in which Stewart had passed the Yamaha rider earlier. Then he went to work on Windham, and the duo put on a spectacular battle for the win, thrilling the Pontiac crowd as they battled side-by-side for two laps. Finally Reed dove hard underneath Windham in a bowl turn after the finish-line jump and put his #22 machine into the lead. It was a phenomenal comeback to move from fourth—with Bubba, RC, and K-Dub in front of him—into the lead.

But late in the race, Carmichael always shines. Windham had gotten tight, and Carmichael was able to pass him in the same spot Reed did. Then RC put on one last charge to try to get Reed back, but there would be no last lap mistakes, or heroics, this time. Reed did what he needed to do to take his fourth win of the season, and his third race in three tries at the Silverdome. Carmichael and Windham rounded out the podium, while Stewart ended up fourth.

2005 has been a year of thrilling 250 main events. This battle for the lead had the crowd cheering non-stop.

Carmichael was disappointed with another second place—his fourth-straight. Yes, RC still has command of the points leads in both supercross series, but he wants to win races. After dominating through the early season, four races without a visit to victory lane has got to hurt Mr. Competitive. As always, he gave credit to Reed for putting in a great ride, but he had to admit he didn't ride as well as he could have.

But the real winners were the Silverdome fans, who were treated to a fantastic 20-lap-battle for the win. It has been a phenomenal season, and the Michiganders were glad to be a part of it. No one is sure if they will continue to be. The Silverdome is supposed to close down in January after the Superbowl. No word yet on SX plans for the area next season.

If the Silverdome really is done, the building created some more history in its way out. In the 125 East, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki's Grant Langston barely, barely held on to collect his first-ever supercross title. As always with Langston, it wasn't easy. This time he actually tied in points with Red Bull KTM's Josh Hansen, who won his second race of the year. But the tie goes to the rider with the most main event wins, and Langston had three.

Langston didn't ride like he wanted to, and in fact, he barely held off Samsung Wireless Honda's Steve Boniface, who was breathing down his neck trying to make a pass—one that would have cost Langston the title. Even when you've won as many titles as Langston has, you still get nervous down the stretch.

Kawasaki and Monster Energy/Pro Circuit came prepared for Langston to take the big prize, and he did--barely. He was fourth and Hansen won, so they were tied for series points. Langston had one more win on the season, thus breaking the tie in his favor.

It was a great run for Langston, who was down and out one year ago. While struggling with wrist injuries, Langston said he got depressed and started putting on weight. Now he's a champion again—and the first rider ever to win a 125 World Motocross Title, a U.S. National Motocross Title, and a Regional Supercross Championship.

It's reverse order, yes. But a title is a title.

Makita Suzuki's Davi Millsaps was in the hunt, too. As usual, Davi got a bad start, but he worked his way up to Hansen and tried to make a move for the lead before crashing. Millsaps had to get past Amsoil/Chaparral Honda's Joaquim Rodrigues to get back into second.
J-Rod took his first career podium with third.

And, of course, the 125 East Series signed off with an epic press conference, with Hansen, Millsaps and Langston showing their comedic skills for the last time. These guys really have their public-speaking games dialed in. We're going to miss them now that it's over.

Maybe in Vegas?

Hansen lived through the fuss and fine over the fight last week with Josh Grant. He bounced back and won the 125 class. He was back to his funny self, along with comedian Davi Millsaps, in the press conference. These are the funniest press conferences ever.

reprinted from http://www.racerxill.com/041005_Pontiac_SX.cfm