Windham wins Washougal, drama in 125s.

After finally ending Ricky Carmichael's historic AMA Motocross win streak last time out at Unadilla, Kevin Windham (pictured) started working on one of his own on Sunday at Washougal, sweeping both races for his second overall in a row.

Race one saw Windham lead from gate to flag, despite RC following his fellow Honda rider through turn one. Perhaps Windam's 450F four-stroke gave him better traction, or maybe he was just unmatchable, but either way - and against expectation - there was nothing Ricky could do about the man in front of him and they finished in that order.

Further back, veteran Mike LaRocco was charging hard after a string of poor races, passing Suzuki Stephan Roncada for the final podium position late in the moto, while the equally experienced Larry Ward completed the top five.

Needing to beat Carmichael to take the overall, Windham again made the perfect getaway in race two, ahead of Kyle Lewis and Nicky Wey, with his race one adversary stuck down in ninth with Roncada, Ward and Chad Reed (who had a poor start in race one) among those between himself and Windham.

Reed and Ricky moved up the order together and, with Windham showing no signs of the nerves that have tempered his talent in the past, their battle would ensure Kevin escaped.

Carmichael finally prevailed over the Australian for second, giving him second overall ahead of Mike LaRocco.

There was even greater drama in the 125cc class, where a two-tier race system has now developed: James Stewart wins the races, while three others battle for the championship.

Had Stewart not missed the early rounds due to his Supercross injuries the title would surely be heading the defending champions way, but as it is Kawasaki collegue Mike Brown and KTM duo Grant Langston, Ryan Hughes are locked in a personal battle for the series.

As expected Stewart won both races - again. But behind him Brown, Langston, Huges and Yamaha's Brock Sellards were all fighting for second. Point's leader Brown would pull away in the latter stages, with fellow veteran Hughes overcoming South African Langston for the final podium place.

Race two saw Brown get the holeshot and lead the early running, until Stewart intervened, and disappeared, leaving brown a 'safe' second ahead of the three-way fight for third between Byrne, Hughes and Jesseman.

However, drama followed in the closing stages when Brown fell hard - and was hit by third placed man Hughes. This might not have caused my attention, a simple racing accident, but the pair have clashed on and off track earlier in the year - earning them a warning from the AMA.

As such, or perhaps due to genuine remorse, Hughes was apologetic afterwards, blaming the track marshals for not warning him of the stricken Brown's presence. Mike meanwhile, was left with a dislocated shoulder... throwing the title race open once again.

As a result of the accident, Byrne took second ahead of Jesseman, then Hughes and Langston.

Brown's DNF put Langston - who only lost on the 2001 crown to Brown after wheel failure in the season finale - as the new points leader, by 11, with Hughes a further 17 behind.

The next round takes place at Millville.