The Unadilla National has been very tough on Monster Energy Kawasaki's James Stewart lately (with crashes at the last three Unadilla Nationals knocking him out of the races), and even Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto has had some recent trouble at the track (a rock busting his radiator at last year's event).
With both of the riders on win streaks that have lasted from the opening round, Unadilla could've proven to be an obstacle for both of them.
Villopoto (1) looked to have the opening-moto holeshot, but went wide in turn one, handing the holeshot to MDK KTM's Martin Davalos (577).
Davalos (577) led the first time through "Gravity Cavity" over Rockstar/Makita Suzuki's Ryan Dungey (28) and Villopoto (1).
However, coming out of "Screw U", on the opening lap, Villopoto (1) passed both Dungey (28) and Davalos (577).
Villopoto (1) was hounded by Dungey (28) for much of the rest of the race.
Villopoto led every lap of moto one.
Dungey was second in the opening moto.
After fighting off a slew of riders, including Kyle Cunningham, Josh Grant (20) finished third in the opening moto.
Stewart (7) stole the opening 450cc-moto holeshot from Rockstar/Makita Suzuki's Michael Byrne (26).
Stewart led every lap of the first moto.
Byrne put in his best ride ever in the class, finishing second.
Timmy Ferry was third in the opening moto.
Motosport/Xtreme Kawasaki's Tommy Hahn (32) got the holeshot to start the second Lites moto, only for the race to be red-flagged after the skies opened up and lightning became a danger after nearly 10 minutes of the moto had been run.
On the restart, Davalos (577) again was up front, but it was Dungey with the holeshot.
Dungey (28) led the first two laps before finally giving way to Villopoto. Dungey was second overall.
Villopoto led the rest of the laps and got his 15th moto win in a row. He now leads Dungey in the points standings by 108 with four rounds left to go.
Brett Metcalfe finished fourth, behind Villopoto, Dungey and Davalos, but it was good enough for third overall on the day.
In moto two, Stewart (7) stole the holeshot from Cody Cooper (902, behind Stewart).
Cooper challenged Stewart for much of the moto, but came up short at the finish. Still, the second-place finish was his best yet, and landed him on the podium overall with a 5-2 score.
Byrne was third in the moto and second overall after Ferry fell late in the second moto and dropped back to sixth.
Stewart finally conquered Unadilla on a big bike and now leads the points by 120 over teammate Ferry with four rounds to run.
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