Pro Circuit at MXoN

CORONA, Calif. - Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki rider Blake Baggett helped Team USA capture its seventh straight Chamberlain Trophy during the 2011 Motocross of Nations (MXoN) at Circuit du Puy de Poursay. Joining Baggett at the world-renowned event were South Africa’s Tyla Rattray who raced in the MX1 class on a Pro Circuit prepared Kawasaki KX450F and Dean Wilson who represented Great Britain and battled with Baggett in the MX2 class. Once the checkered flag was waved, Baggett was a member of the victorious Team USA while Wilson helped Great Britain to a fourth-place result and Rattray led South Africa to a sixth-place finish.

For Baggett, the MXoN was his first time racing for his country in an international event and though nerves could have held him back, he showed his determined spirit throughout the event.  Baggett won his qualifying race on Saturday and looked confident heading into the two motos on Sunday. Unfortunately he went down in both motos falling to the back of the pack, but his resilience showed throughout as he moved up to 17th both times and earned fourth overall in the MX2 class.

"It was such an honor to be chosen and be a part of a whole new experience,” said Baggett. “I didn't ride my best on Sunday and I think I learned a lot about the different format they use for this race. After crashing in my motos, I knew I had to do everything I could to make up position so we could lower our score. The results weren't great, but I'm glad they didn't put us over and we ended up getting the win."

For Wilson the trip to France was filled with highs and lows. Representing his Scottish heritage has always been a highlight of his career but the 2011 MXoN came at a bad time. The young Scot broke a bone in his wrist during the final AMA National on Sept. 10 and raced the qualifier, and two motos with the injury.  In his first moto, Wilson finished ninth but during the second the pain became almost unbearable as he came home 27th.  His strong first moto still kept his team within one-spot of the podium and his toughness bore out a good finish.

"I knew this weekend wasn't going to be easy,” said Wilson.  “My hand has been feeling bad since Pala. I didn't want to know what it was so I just taped it up and rode for my country. In the end I couldn't really do well in my second moto, but I think our team did great. We were close to the podium and maybe next year we will break into the top three."

After missing the event last year, South Africa came to the starting gate looking to prove something. With Rattray on-board a 450cc machine for the first time in competition his hunger showed throughout.  He finished fifth in the MX1 qualifying race and then turned in moto finishes of fifth and third. His strong showing placed him second in the MX1 class and helped South Africa finish sixth at the event.

"Riding the big bike over the past few weeks has been awesome,” said Rattray. “I had so much fun finally taking it out to race. The MX1 class is full of talented guys and to get second behind (Ryan) Dungey is a great feeling. I'm happy I was able to help my country after we sat out for a year from the race."

Baggett became the fourth different Pro Circuit rider to help Team USA earn a MXoN title joining Ivan Tedesco (2005), Ryan Villopotto (2006,’07,’08) and Jake Weimer (2009). During 2011 the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team combined for 21 main event/overall wins and captured both the AMA Supercross East Region and AMA Motocross championships on the strength of riders Josh Hansen, Broc Tickle, Baggett, Rattray and Wilson.