Gray Davenport Wins the Arenacross West Lites Championship on His Proven Powered Kawi!
AURORA, Ill. (March 28, 2014) – On the eve of the final round of the 2014 season of AMSOIL Arenacross, featuring Ricky Carmichael’s Road to Supercross, title hopefuls are making their final preparations for a possible championship-winning performance inside Salt Lake City’s EnergySolutions Arena.
One of the riders that will enter Saturday night’s action with championship aspirations is A&J Oilfield Services Kawasaki rider Gray Davenport. The Lehi, Utah native is a veteran of AMSOIL Arenacross and after a couple of years away from the circuit, he has returned better than ever and a shot at his first career title. Davenport has been a picture of consistency in the Western Regional Arenacross Lites Class Championship, finishing on the podium in four of nine races thus far and boasting an average finish of 4.4. As a result, Davenport enters his hometown race with a one-point lead in the championship standings and control of his own destiny.
This week for “10 Questions,” AMSOIL Arenacross caught up with Daveport to get his thoughts on his successful return to the championship and his mindset coming in to Salt Lake City.
Gray Davenport (#916) (Photo Courtesy: ShiftOne Photography)
1. We haven’t seen you in AMSOIL Arenacross for a couple seasons. What were you up to during that time and what brought you back to the championship?
I’ve just been training kids and riding the local Wild West Series here in Utah. I came back to arenacross because one of the kids I am training is looking to be a future competitor for the AMSOIL Arenacross championship here in the next few years, so he wanted to get his feet wet.
2. How has the competition changed since you last raced?
Every year the racers seem to improve, so being off a couple of years definitely puts you a little behind the rest of the field but I am getting more and more dialed every weekend.
3. How long did it take for you to get re-acclimated to the competition?
I’m still trying to put it all together each weekend. I have just stayed focused on being consistent.
4. Did you come back fully expecting to challenge for a title?
I came back to have fun and I think that’s what it takes to be able to do good, be consistent, and put yourself in that kind of position.
5. Your consistency has been impressive. What would you contribute that success to?
Good starts and being up front. Anything can happen in arenacross so it’s important to put yourself out of harms way immediately!
Gray Davenport (#916) (Photo Courtesy: ShiftOne Photography)
6. Your main rivals in the Western Regional Arenacross Lites Class are quite younger than you. Do you feel all your experience has played a role in bringing you to this position?
Well experience never hurts a guy. Thirty [years old] is the new 20!
7. How does it feel to come back to AMSOIL Arenacross and be in a position to win your first title?
It feels good. This is definitely something everyone desires and I am grateful to be in the running for it.
8. You’re still in search of that first win. How important is it to you to try and get one on Saturday night?
Well, it is my goal every weekend. Winning has a high importance for every rider on the gate, but consistency also wins championships.
9. What is your perspective on having a one-point lead? Do you feel it’s an advantage or would you rather be the one chasing?
I’d rather be winning than chasing for sure. I would actually rather have a four-point lead, but I was docked at the beginning of the series for doing a practice start in front of the gate. [Nevertheless], I’ll take the one point lead I’ve got.
10. What does it mean to finish the season off at your hometown race? Is there any added pressure with racing at home?
No I do not think there is any added pressure at all. I look forward to sleeping in my own bed and it’s nice having friends and family there for support. There is nothing like being given the opportunity to race in front of your local sponsors. A huge shout out to South Valley Motorsports, A&J Oilfield Services, Triple Effect Graphics, CS2, Pro-Action Suspension, Spy, Fly, Vortex, and all of my family, friends, and other supporters that have believed in me since day one! I couldn’t be here without them all!
Press Release and Photos Brought to You Courtesy of Arenacross.com