Villopoto, the Monster Energy Kawasaki rider from Poulsbo, has a seven-point lead over Ryan Dungey after nine races.
“It was definitely a good day,” Villopoto said about his 23rd birthday. “The team and I made the decision to go to 2012 Kawasaki for this weekend, and it was definitely the right move. Knowing what we had was a lot better, I felt like we were in a great position to win today. I got good starts and was able to work my way through the field.
“It seemed easy to get by guys. I don’t know if it was the bike, or my confidence, but it’s put us in good position for the championship.”
Dungey, the Rockstar/Makita Suzuki star from Belle Plaine, Minn., was second in both motos.
“I fought it a bit today,” Dungey said. “I didn’t get the start I needed in either moto. I had to battle through guys, and once I got into second, I couldn’t make the time up on Ryan. We’re looking forward to the next three races, and battling for this championship.”
In the 250 Class, Scotland’s Dean Wilson helped seal a perfect day for Kawasaki, sweeping both motos for his first victory of the summer.
“It was a great day,” Wilson said. “I was just having fun out there. I feel like when I’m out there having fun, I definitely ride my best.”
ELSEWHERE
Kurt Busch, who learned Tuesday he would be driving the No. 22 Dodge while Brad Keselowski rests his broken ankle, won the Nationwide Series race at Watkins Glen International in New York. Busch held off Jimmie Johnson to win the Zippo 200, his first series win since 2006. … Kyle Busch, Kurt’s younger brother, won the pole for today’s NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Watkins Glen, breaking the track record with a lap of 126.421 mph around the 11-turn, 2.45-mile circuit. … IndyCar points leader Dario Franchitti won the pole for today’s 225-mile race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon. Franchitti averaged 170.843 mph in two qualifying runs. Oriol Servia was second in 169.831 mph. … IndyCar rookie Pippa Mann will miss today’s race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway after crashing during a practice run Saturday. ... Rick Taylor and Max Angelelli won the fastest race in Grand-Am Rolex Series history, averaging 122.308 mph in the Canadian Tire 200 at Watkins Glen.
TODAY
NASCAR: Watkins Glen 220.5, 10 a.m., ESPN, 850-AM, 1380-AM
IndyCar: Loudon 225, 12:30 p.m., Ch. 4
