Babbitt’s Monster Energy/AMSOIL Kawasaki presented by Maxxis rider Tyler Bowers claimed his third consecutive AMSOIL Arenacross class title and became the inaugural winner of the Race to the Championship in Denver.

As the gate dropped on the second Main Event, Fun Mart Cycle KTM’s Michael Willard positioned himself at the front of the field, while Team Faith/FLY Racing KTM’s Jeff Gibson was inside the top five despite the last gate pick.

Bowers wasn’t much farther behind, but needed to make up ground on his closest title contender Gibson in order to maintain his points lead.

Gibson made quick work of the riders in front of him and moved into second before the halfway point. Just a few laps later, he passed Willard for the lead. Zach Ames followed him into second shortly thereafter.

Bowers was successful in his climb through the field, but needed to make a last-lap pass on Willard in order to secure a spot on the podium.

In the end, Gibson’s perfect night and overall victory gave him the best shot at surpassing Bowers, but he ultimately fell just three points short of the title.

Earlier in the evening, Bowers provided an additional cushion to his points lead by winning the Head-to-Head Bracket Racing. He was awarded an additional championship point for his triumphant effort. That point proved to be vital in the overall classification for the evening, helping Bowers finish second overall, just one point ahead of his teammate Ames in third.

Bowers completed the 2013 season with a class-leading 10 overall wins, including 20 Main Event victories. He became just the third rider in AMSOIL Arenacross history to claim three consecutive championships, joining Dennis Hawthorne and Buddy Antunez.