Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto (Photo: Steve Cox) » More Photos

But you seem to have your foot on their throats. Does that change how you go about your racing at all?

Not really. Not at all. I’ve still got to do what I have to do.

Did you see Dungey’s crash in that second moto?

I saw the end of it, and we have it on film, and it was dirty.

Did that cross your mind, too, to see your closest championship rival wad himself up like that?

Yeah, it did, and that’s why I think my first couple of laps, I was taking my time, for sure.

Did the altitude affect you at all?

Normally, yes, it does, but with it not being hot out, and with the night race, you didn’t really feel it like you do when it’s hot out. It’s not really an outdoor national. Nationals are supposed to be hot and rough.

Guys in shape and who are winning always want the hot, rough outdoor national...

That’s what I’m saying now when I’m on a 250F, but next year I’ll be on a 450, so I might be changing my tune.

You’ve won all but one moto this year, and James Stewart did that in 2004 – winning all but one moto for the season. That’s the record, and you can tie it if you win out. Have you thought about that?

It’d be cool. Obviously, I’d like to do that, but that’s not really what we’re aiming for. We’re aiming for the championship, and that’s really it.