Australia’s Tye Simmonds (KTM) has topped his Group C qualifier for tonight’s AMA Supercross opener at Anaheim Stadium.

Unfortunately, his time of 1 minute 02 seconds was only good enough to place him 22nd outright in the three groups.

Fastest out of the three groups, however, was returning former AMA Supercross champion James Stewart, the Yamaha rider who bombed out of the series last season and spent much of 2010 on the sideline with injury.

Stewart circulated in a best time of 57.6 seconds.

Also on the pace — in second, third, fourth and fifth fastest respectively – were Trey Canard (Honda, 58.5), Chad Reed (Honda, 58.5), Ryan Dungey (Suzuki, 58.8), Ryan Villopoto (Kawasaki, 59.00).

Yamaha’s Austin Stroupe was quickest in the group B session, with a time of 1min flat.

© Words and photo by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com