Torco Racing Fuels Honda's Kevin Windham (Photo: Steve Cox) » More Photos

There were championship implications in the 450cc class as well, as San Manuel Yamaha’s Chad Reed was a week out from his shoulder and lung injury he incurred in Detroit, and no one knew what to expect from him.

Reed was among the fastest in practice, although he only put in two fast laps before bowing out. However, in the main event, Reed grabbed the early lead over championship rival Kevin Windham of the Torco Racing Fuels Honda team, Motosport/Xtreme Kawasaki’s Tommy Hahn, Reed’s teammate, Nathan Ramsey, and Honda Red Bull Racing’s Andrew Short. Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Timmy Ferry got knocked out of the race in the first turn, while Short’s teammate, Davi Millsaps, also went down on the opening lap, which forced him to come from behind.

After pressuring Reed for nearly four laps, Windham finally made his move through the whoops to take over the lead.