French Teen to Give Supercross Another Try

Sebastien Tortelli, a French teenager who became the youngest world motocross champion in history when he won the 125cc class last year, will make another foray into American Supercross on a Kawasaki tonight at the Coliseum.

Tortelli, 18, came to the United States last year as a little-known European rider and failed to qualify for main events at Anaheim Stadium and San Diego Jack Murphy Stadium. He returned home and won 11 of 12 Grandes Prix to win the world championship.

Tonight he will be riding in the 250cc class because of an American Motorcyclist Assn. rule that says any rider in the top five in the 125cc world standings must ride a 250 in Supercross.

Tortelli, who lives in Agen, in southwestern France, did not ride in last week’s Supercross opener but was at the Coliseum as a spectator. Greg Albertyn of South Africa, who also has won a 125 world title, was the winner on a Suzuki. Albertyn moved to Corona two years ago to compete during the full U.S. season, but Tortelli will return to France after tonight’s race to run in the world 250cc series.

Windham, the national 125 champion from Baton Rouge, La., is favored to continue his domination of the Supercross support class. Windham, 18, won six of eight events last year as a Team Yamaha rider and was a runaway winner in this year’s opening race.