July 20, 2004
New Berlin, NY - Team Chevy Trucks Kawasaki rider James Stewart and Team Kawasaki/Pro Circuit/Chevy Trucks rider Matt Walker put Kawasaki on top this weekend at the Unadilla Valley track in New York. Stewart, aboard his KX125, returned to his winning ways by sweeping both motos with ease, while Walker enjoyed the best weekend of his season thus far with his first podium finish aboard the KX250F four-stroke.
In the first 125 moto, Walker grabbed the holeshot over his teammate Stephane Roncada. Roncada got by him on the second lap and held the lead for three laps, but eventually was forced to pull out of the moto after he caught his foot in the dirt and twisted his knee. Stewart was derailed by a crash in the first turn, but quickly regained his bearings and began picking off the field. He was in front by lap five and took the win with ease, more than 46 seconds in front of second place. Walker went on to finish third.
In 125 moto two, Stewart had a great start and rounded the first corner in second place. He made quick work of the competition, pulling in front by the end of lap one and never looking back. Walker was again impressive, holding onto third for most of the moto. After running behind Davi Millsaps for much of the race, Millsaps suffered a mechanical problem on the last lap, paving the way for Walker to pick up second place and second overall. Roncada attempted the second moto but was forced to pull off due to the knee injury sustained in the first moto.
Stewart’s teammate, Paul Carpenter, suffered a crash on the first lap of moto one that looked to have a painful outcome. After pulling off the track and being checked for injuries, he was given the nod to race in moto two and finished a respectable 12th. Team Kawasaki/Pro Circuit/Chevy Trucks rider Ivan Tedesco struggled in both motos at Unadilla, and teammate Eric Sorby remains sidelined with a lingering knee injury.
In 250 action, Michael Byrne had an impressive run aboard his KX250. After he posted the fourth fastest time in practice, Byrne was looking good in moto one. He was running in third early in the race and held onto that position for the first five laps. After being passed by Sebastian Tortelli, Byrne continued to ride strong and held onto the fourth place position, his best moto finish of the season. In moto two, Byrne once again had to battle with Tortelli, and finished in fifth, giving him fifth overall.
Team Chevy Trucks Kawasaki and Team Pro Circuit/Kawasaki/Chevy Trucks now head to Troy , Mich. , for round seven, on July 25.
