Beginning with Stewart, the world’s fastest motocross racer kept his perfect record intact this summer (10-0 overall, 20-0 motos) with a convincing 1-1 performance at Spring Creek. Stewart, who was lapped in a moto last year at Millville (by Monster Energy’s Ricky Carmichael), was stoked with his first-ever premier class outdoor championship.

“This was good, to get this one out of the way – it was a long time coming,” he said. “To sweep both motos and win was awesome. This has been my toughest season. All the struggles before and everything I went through to get back (from a knee injury) – it really makes this special for me.”

For Villopoto, though the overall championship didn’t come with a Spring Creek moto sweep, the fact that he was able to clinch with two races remaining (Southwick & Steel City) on the series schedule was a testament to how well he and his Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team ran in the weeks leading up to this past weekend.

“Pleased I could bring another title back to Pro Circuit and Kawasaki,” said Villopoto. “This team does an amazing job working together and it shows with all the No. 1 plates we have on our rig. And thanks to Monster Energy for being part of the program again this year. With our combined titles I feel we’re the strongest team in motocross, and look forward to trying to prove that to the rest of the world at the Moto Des Nations.”

Villopoto’s only sketch came early in the second moto while leading the race. On a downhill section he hit what he believed to be a wet spot on the track, wadded up and gave up the lead to eventual winner Ryan Dungey. Villopoto was able to remount and give chase, fighting back valiantly for 2nd in the second moto, giving him 2nd place overall on the day.

Also making the podium was Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Brett Metcalfe, who put in an excellent performance for 3rd overall (4-3). Metcalfe’s got a solid hold on 3rd overall in the MX Lites class point standings with two races remaining, leading Jake Weimer (4th o/a) 305-259. And Monster Energy/Kawasaki’s Tim “Red Dog” Ferry was able to make the podium in the first moto (3rd), but only could manage a 12th in the second moto and wound up 5th overall. Ferry is in 2nd place in the overall MX class standings, six points out front of Andrew Short (334-328).

Finally, putting up a career-best outdoor finish was Monster Energy-backed crossover athlete Tucker Hibbert. The Thief River Falls (Minn.) native killed it on his home track, scoring a 12th overall (15-12). Hibbert’s previous best finish at an Outdoor National was 16th.

This weekend Stewart, Ferry, Josh Hill, Villopoto, Metcalfe and Hibbert will hit the sands of Southwick (Mass.) for the 2008 AMA Toyota Motocross Championships’ lone sand race (Aug. 24).

Monster Energy supports the sport. Be it MX, SX road racing, supermoto, off-road, FMX, skate, MTB, wake, off-road, surf, snow, BMX – name it – the athletes are rockin’ Monster Energy more than anything these days. Check out all the types – Original Monster Energy, Monster Lo-Carb, Monster Assault, Monster Khaos, the new Monster/fruit juice hybrid called “M-80” and the ground-breaking Java Monster premium coffee & cream supercharged with our Monster Energy blend. Stewart, Ferry, Hill, Villopoto, Metcalfe, Lawrence & Hibbert dig ‘em – so will you. On the ‘Net at www.monsterenergy.com.