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PHOENIX — James Stewart raced to his first Monster Energy Supercross victory of the season Saturday night, beating Ryan Villopoto in front of 38,339 fans at Chase Field.
Stewart, the Yamaha rider from Haines City, Fla., led from start to finish in the 20-lap finale.
"This track was tough tonight, but I haven't won in over a year so I really wanted this one," Stewart said. "I was even a little nervous out there, but I want to thank everyone on my team for giving such an awesome bike. This feels great."
Villopoto, the Kawasaki rider from Poulsbo, Wash., who opened the season last week with a victory in Anaheim, Calif., fell just behind Stewart on Lap 9, but was able to get back in the race without losing a spot.
"I was pushing James and waiting for a mistake, but I ended up being the one (to make one)," Villopoto said. "I still was able to do what I came here to do and leave with some valuable points."
Villopoto leads the season standings with 47 points, two more than Stewart.
Earlier, Kawasaki's Josh Hansen, from Elbert, Colo., raced to his second straight Supercross Lites Western Regional Championship victory.
"I'm really stoked," Hansen said. "I didn't get the start I needed to, but I tried my best to be patient and it worked out for me."
