Monster Energy Kawasaki’s James Stewart (Photo: Steve Cox) » More Photos

The action in the 450cc class is almost scripted at this point. For basically the entire series -- except for round two -- it has gone like this: Rockstar/Makita Suzuki’s Mike Alessi grabs the holeshot, but then gives way in the very early going to Monster Energy Kawasaki’s James Stewart, who leads the rest of the race while Alessi finishes second.

Colorado was a carbon copy of that exact scenario. Alessi got the holeshot in the first moto, only to give way to Stewart before the end of the first lap. The eventual finishing order was Stewart, Alessi, and then local boy Andrew Short of the Honda Red Bull Racing squad. After him came teammate Davi Millsaps and Alessi’s teammate Michael Byrne.

Moto two saw the scenario repeat, with Alessi getting the holeshot, only this time leading three laps before Stewart got by and began to pull away. Millsaps ended up third, while Short held off Timmy Ferry for fourth, and Byrne finished sixth.

Stewart’s 1-1 gave him the overall win, and he still remains undefeated on the season through five rounds now. Alessi’s 2-2 was good for second, and Millsaps’ 4-3 was good for third, just in front of Short (3-4) and Byrne (5-6).

“That second moto, it took me a while to adjust to the lights,” Stewart said. “So I took my time, and then once I felt comfortable, I went for it, and luckily, I was able to get the win.”

On the July 4th weekend the series heads to legendary Red Bud Track ‘n’ Trail in Buchanan, Michigan, where it will return to hot, humid, rough conditions -- something the two series leaders are looking forward to.