First-ever premier 450 class Monster Energy AMA Supercross win came this past April 18th, 2009, at his hometown track of Qwest Field in Seattle, followed by a dominating 1-1 finish at the Glen Helen MX National opener in May.

Winner of three-straight AMA Outdoor National Motocross Lites Championships the former Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki great, Ryan Villopoto, graduated to the premier 450 class this year and quickly paid dividends for the Monster Energy/Kawasaki team. Undisputedly the best young motocross racer in the world, Villopoto is also the rider all insiders believe will make a run at Monster Energy/Kawasaki rider James Stewart’s dominance upon gaining the valuable pro-level seat time in the 450 class throughout 2009, though an early-season knee injury has sidelined him. Blessed with a technically perfect riding style, a gritty work ethic and a burning, almost demonic desire to win, the youngster from Washington State has all the makings of the next great motocross racer and one certainly capable of filling the formidable boots of both Ricky Carmichael and Stewart – and even teaming up with them and Tim Ferry in an All-Monster Energy world domination of the past two Motocross Des Nations events.