AMA Racing announced today that Jason Lawrence and Ryan Villopoto
have been penalized at the Honda Hangtown Motocross Classic from
Sacramento, Calif., the opening round of the 2007 AMA Toyota Motocross
Championship presented by FMF.
According to AMA Racing SX/MX Director Steve Whitelock, for actions
detrimental to the sport, Lawrence has been fined $7,500 and placed on
probation for one year beginning May 18, 2007. Additionally, as
part of the penalty, Lawrence loses his earned gate pick for both
motos of Sunday’s Motocross Lites event and will now pick 40th out
of the 40-rider field.
Villopoto has been fined $2,500.
The penalties stem from a series of instances that occurred during
Saturday’s two practice sessions which culminated in a scuffle
between the two riders late in session two.
According to Whitelock the severity of the penalties is relative to
each riders’ actions. “Jason Lawrence and Ryan Villopoto
both share in the blame for what happened today,” said Whitelock.
“However, the penalty is harsher for Lawrence because he was the
instigator and has demonstrated a pattern of questionable behavior.”
Whitelock confirmed that Lawrence had received a verbal warning
regarding his actions after the first practice session.
The final decision on the penalties was reached Saturday evening
after meeting with both riders and their teams, reviewing photos and
considering the reports of AMA race officials.