MORGANTOWN, W.Va. - Just one week after claiming his second overall victory in the 2011 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki's Blake Baggett has been awarded the Ricky Carmichael Hard Charger Award for Budds Creek.

Looking for his third win in four rounds at Budds Creek, Baggett hoped to reduce the deficit that faced him in the 250 Class standings. The sophomore rider started his day in Southern Maryland by posting the fastest lap in 250 Class practice.

In the first moto, Baggett came across the line in 10th place on the opening lap, eventually working his way into seventh at the finish. In Moto 2, a better start out of the gates put Baggett in contention to challenge at the front of the field. However, a crash on the opening lap dropped him to 34th at the line.

For the remainder of the next 16 laps, Baggett displayed impressive tenacity, working his way through the field in rough track conditions. With one of the deepest fields of talent in the history of the 250 Class, Baggett had his work cut out for him and ultimately passed 27 riders in the moto to post an impressive seventh-place effort and secure seventh overall for the day.

While a win wasn't in the cards for the day, Baggett made the most of his efforts and is still a player in the 250 Class championship.

Baggett will be presented with the Ricky Carmichael Hard Charger Award at this Saturday's pre-race riders meeting prior to the Toyota Trucks Thunder Valley National, providing well-deserved recognition for his efforts in front of his peers.

Tickets for the upcoming Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship are on sale now at www.allisports.com. Special discounts and incentives are available for advance ticket purchasers.

For media information about the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, please contact Media Manager Brandon Short via email at media@mxsportsproracing.com or by phone at 949-365-5750.

MX Sports Pro Racing
MX Sports Pro Racing manages and produces the world's most prestigious motocross series - the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship. The industry leader in off road powersport event production and management, its mission is to showcase the sport of professional motocross competition at events throughout the United States. Through its various racing properties, partnerships and affiliates, MX Sports Pro Racing organizes events for thousands of action sports athletes each year and attracts millions of motorsports spectators. Visit www.mxsportsproracing.com.

Alli, the Alliance of Action Sports
Alli, the Alliance of Action Sports, is a global business that encompasses national and international action sports tours and events, multimedia production, and a consumer facing lifestyle brand. The Alliance includes: the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, the Dew Tour, Winter Dew Tour, China Invitational, King of Wake series, and the Gatorade Free Flow Tour. Alli TV Productions creates original content, produces and presents content with partners, and distributes Alli content through a variety of channels. Alli is owned by NBC Sports and MTV Networks and represents a network of athletes, fans, brands and properties. Its mission is to facilitate the momentous growth of action sports, through competition and lifestyle, for a new generation of fans and athletes. The Alli properties are home to more than 550,000 spectators each year and broadcasts more than 150 hours of original content in 100 countries and 280 million homes worldwide. Visit www.allisports.com.

Lucas Oil Products
Lucas Oil is a worldwide leader in the production of oils, lubricants and additives. Based in Corona, Calif., Lucas Oil Products is one of the fastest-growing additive lines in the consumer automotive industry, featuring a premium line of oils, lubricants and problem-solving performance additives. Through innovative product research and development, along with aggressive marketing programs, Lucas Oil Products has established itself as the top-selling additive line in the American truck-stop industry. Lucas Oil is involved in an array of motorsports sponsorships, including the "Official Motor Oil of the AMA Pro Motocross Championship." Visit www.LucasOil.com.

AMA Pro Racing
AMA Pro Racing is the premier professional motorcycle racing sanctioning body in the United States, operating a full schedule of events and championships for a variety of motorcycle disciplines. From its Daytona Beach headquarters, the organization sanctions professional motorcycle racing competition, which includes, AMA Pro Motocross, AMA Pro Road Racing, and AMA Pro Flat Track. Visit www.amaproracing.com.