Pro Circuit Looking for Season Sweep at Pala

CORONA, Calif. - Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki riders will head west this weekend as the AMA Motocross Championship season finale brings the riders just north of San Diego, Calif. to Pala Raceway. The 250 class win streak is on the line as newly crowned champion Dean Wilson, and teammates Tyla Rattray, Blake Baggett, and Broc Tickle attempt to claim all twelve overall wins.

Last year’s Pala winner Wilson was able to secure the 250 class championship at the penultimate round in Pennsylvania, but won’t be backing down in California. With this only being the second time the series has stopped at Pala Raceway, the Scottish rider is eager to keep his name as the only 250-class rider to win at the venue.

“It was amazing to wrap up the championship because it was something I had wanted for so long,” said Wilson. “I had dreamed about becoming a champion and to actually have it come true kind of makes me speechless. Now I can race at Pala and go after another win here without the stress of the championship.”

Trying to add another win to the season, Rattray has shown consistent speed throughout the season, placing him second in the standings coming into the finale. He currently has four overall wins and a fifth would tie him this season with teammate Baggett for most overall victories.

“After losing out on the championship, obviously I would love to go out on top for the season and win the final race,” said Rattray. “I definitely want to keep my place as second in the standings and a win would top off a good season overall. The track is always fast at Pala and I know I’ll have to push hard to get up front.”

With the championship already wrapped up, Baggett is now looking to make up ground on his teammate Rattray and finish out the season as the runner-up in the standings. Only down by nine points, a good race out of Baggett could land him the spot behind Wilson in the championship standings.

“I haven’t really been on it lately and I need that to change at my home race,” said Baggett. “I wasn’t able to race Pala last year because of injury, but I’ve been able to ride there before for practice and I definitely like it. It would be nice to end the season on a good note.”

The determined Tickle is eager to get out and make the most of the final race. After a season of ups and downs, a podium finish at Pala Raceway would be the best way to forget about the hardships he’s endured this season.

“I haven’t had the easiest motocross season,” said Tickle. “If I have a great first race, I get taken out of the second one. Things like that have really put a damper on my season. I really love going to Pala and I think it will be the best chance I have to getting a spot on the podium.”

The AMA Motocross Championship series heads to Pala Raceway just north of San Diego, Calif. for the season finale.  Wilson captured the championship last weekend with 488 points, while Rattray sits in second with 436 points. Baggett is close behind in third with 427, while Tickle is in seventh with 290 points.