Tickle Takes Over Points Lead in Seattle

CORONA, Calif. - Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Broc Tickle took over the points lead at Qwest Field in Seattle, Wash. as he rode to his fifth podium of the season. His third-place finish was good enough to put him two points ahead of teammate Josh Hansen in the AMA Supercross Lites, Western Region championship standings. After crashing in practice, Hansen was forced to ride with an injured hand, but still came away with a sixth-place finish. Tyla Rattray came back from the eight-week break strong, scoring fifth in the tough track conditions.

Getting back into the groove early, Tickle showed speed on the tough, rutted track throughout practice. He translated that into the main event as he shot off to a great start. Trying to make as few mistakes as possible, Tickle maintained a fast pace and finished in third.

“I’m happy about getting the points lead, but I’m not too happy with my performance,” said Tickle. “The track was pretty gnarly and it was hard to settle down because it was so easy to make mistakes. I’ve been working hard over the break and I am definitely happy to leave with the points lead.”

Rattray continued to prove that he is a serious competitor in his rookie supercross season. He finished third in his heat and got a great start in the main event. He limited his mistakes and was able to come away with a fifth-place finish.

“My goal was to put in 15 solid laps since the track was so sketchy,” said Rattray. “I want to be on the podium, that’s what I race for every weekend. I just want to get through these next two rounds healthy so we can concentrate on outdoors.”

Once again, Hansen showed how much drive he has for the AMA Supercross Lites, Western Region championship. Although he injured his hand during a crash in practice, Hansen rode through the pain to finish in sixth. The heart-felt finish still has him in championship contention, only two points down from Tickle.

“I was in a lot of pain, but I’m in this for the championship,” said Hansen. “I couldn’t just give up. I’m thankful that we have a weekend break so I can try and do what I can to heal up. I really want this championship and I’ll do whatever I can to be there when it goes down to the final race.”

The Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki West Coast riders will get a one-week break before heading to Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah for the penultimate round of the AMA Supercross Lites, Western Region series. Tickle leads the championship standings with 145 points, while teammate Hansen sits just behind with 143 points. Rattray improved his position and now sits sixth with 96 points.