AMA Supercross title could be decided in Vegas

Usually, the AMA Supercross championship has been clinched and tickets are available when the series makes its only annual sojourn to Sam Boyd Stadium to end the season.

But when the series visits May 7, a championship battle like never before is expected, and no tickets will be left.

The event has sold out previously but never three weeks in advance like this year. A year ago, it didn't happen until a couple of days before the race, which drew 39,506 to the stadium.

Heading into Saturday's penultimate event in Salt Lake City, three riders are within nine points of leader Ryan Villopoto, who is gunning for his first Supercross title. Chad Reed trails by six points, with reigning champion Ryan Dungey seven points out of first and James Stewart nine back in fourth.

Only a handful of times have two riders contended for the championship in the finale.

"I'm excited to be a part of what has been considered the greatest season ever," Reed, a two-time champion competing for the first year with his own team, said Thursday at a news conference in Salt Lake City. "With two races to go, it's time to lay it on the table and bring it."

If all four contenders finish in the top five Saturday, the points battle will extend to Las Vegas. The event winner gets 25 points and the runner-up 22. Eighteen points are awarded for third place, 16 for fourth and 15 for fifth.

■ SUPER CHEVY SHOW -- The annual Super Chevy Show drag race and car show runs today through Sunday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and will include three fast and loud imports.

Three of the four 250 mph nostalgia AA/Fuel Dragsters that will compete in the Chevrolet-themed event will use traditional Chrysler engines. Only Brendan Murry's dragster uses Chevy power.

The dragsters run at noon and 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Visit SuperChevy.com for more information.