As the opening round of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championships kicked off last weekend at the famous Hangtown Track in Northern California, many wondered who would come in the most prepared to battle the harshness of the great outdoors. Unlike past years, the riders at round 1 in 2016 were greeted with cooler than normal conditions and the best outdoor riders in the World took full advantage of it.
Both Joey Savatgy and Ken Roczen came off a Supercross Series where they came up just short of winning their respective championships. Perhaps these two riders came into Hangtown with a little extra motivation and wanted to prove that they were capable of winning races. After two long motos in the 250MX and 450MX classes, both Savetgy and Roczen proved that they will very tough to beat this summer as they dominated both motos. Riders now move South to Glen Helen Raceway in San Bernadino, CA for round two of this exciting series. Here are a few photos of Saturday’s action from photographer Krystyn Slack.
The National Anthem always is a great way to kick off a massive event like the opening round of the 2016 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championships.Let’s go racing in Hangtown.Some of the jumps at Hangtown are so big that they need a wind sock nearby.After a long series of racing Supercross, the riders were no doubt happy to be back outdoors.After a great first moto which saw Blake Baggett finish in 3rd, a hard crash pushed him back to 19th in moto 2.Many predicted a repeat performance of last year when Eli Tomac dominated both motos, unfortunately bad starts kept him from being anywhere near the lead in Hangtown.Trey Canard ran near the front in both motos and finished up in 5th overall for the day.Ryan Dungey did exactly what Ryan Dungey always does at the opening round, he rode smooth and finished 2nd overall.After coming up just short of winning the 250SX West Championship, Joey Savatgy came out swinging in Hangtown and dominated both motos.Like Savatgy, Ken Roczen came into Hangtown with a little chip on his shoulder and wanted to show that he’s ready to win races. When all was said and done, Roczen won both motos and looked ready to win this title.After a lack luster 3-9 moto score in Hangtown, Jeremy Martin gave up a lot of valuable points to his competition.
The 450MX riders jockey for position at the start of their first moto.Jason Anderson jumps into the clouds at the opening round.Joey Savatgy and his Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki Team got off to a great with their double moto victory.Ken Roczen left Hangtown with the plate that everyone wanted.Your Hangtown 450MX podium.
