It’s round six of the 2012 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross championships today in Buchanan, Michigan otherwise known as RedBud Track N Trail. The series picks up after two weeks off and things are starting to heat up outside and with the series.
Close to 100 degrees here at the track and with the humidity really high it’s going to be a real test for the riders and teams to try and manage the temps and still perform at a high level.
A few notable entries in the 450 Class are Yoshimura Suzuki’s James Stewart who is making his return from a hand injury. Stewart was the winner at the first two races of the year and looks to get back on form here today. Also coming back from injury is Rockstar Star-Valli Yamaha’s Nico Izzi, Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Tyla Rattray and Troy Lee Designs Christian Craig. Two riders making their first nationals of the year are KTM’s Mike Brown, fresh off an X Games gold medal a week ago in EnduroCross and John Dowd, former factory rider for Yamaha and Kawasaki. Both vets are here to try and score some points in order to hang onto their national numbers. Both riders are fan favorites and will have a heavy cheering section.
Stepping out of the series is JGR Yamaha’s Davi Millsaps who hurt his ankle mid-week and will be forced out of the next two or three races.
In the 250 Class, it’s the four musketeers of points leader Monster Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Blake Baggett, GEICO Honda’s Justin Barcia and Eli Tomac and Red Bull KTM’s Ken Roczen who are picking up their championship battles today. These four riders are providing some great racing and we’re looking forward to another incredible day from them.
The track here as usual was prepped perfectly and the signature Larocco’s Leap in the back corner was modified a bit from last year. There’s about 30 feet taken off the run for it and so far, none of the 250 riders were launching it. The sand whoop section was in full effect as well.
In the 450 Class is was the series points leader Red Bull KTM’s Ryan Dungey who clocked the quickest time with Stewart right behind. Both riders were the only ones to get into the 2:07 range. Monster Kawasaki riders Jake Weimer and Tyla Rattray were third and fourth with MotoConcepts’ (and second in the standings) Mike Alessi.
The 250’s saw Tomac run the best times in both sessions and establish himself as the man to beat today. The perennial fifth place guy was Red Bull KTM’s Marvin Musquin and he was followed by GEICO Honda’s Wil Hahn. Tomac’s best time was almost a second better than Musquin and clearly, Eli is on it today. After Hahn came Roczen, Barcia and Baggett in that order.
Stay tuned to the Racer X Twitter account (@racerxonline) for all the action from today
450 Results:
1 5 Broc Tickle Kawasaki KX 450F 2:09.714 - - 2:09.714 - 2:10.129 -
250 Results:
1 17 Travis Baker Honda CRF250R 2:11.691 - 2:14.312 - 2:11.691 - - -
WMX Results:
1 1 Sarah Whitmore KTM 250 SX-F 2:37.900 - 2:42.191 2:37.900 - - - -
9 17 Sade Allender Honda CRF250R 2:38.483 - 2:46.539 2:38.483 - - - -
10 24 Amanda Brown Honda CRF250R 2:39.400 - 2:44.744 2:39.400 - - - -
