Washougal MX Race Recap

Round Eight – Washougal MX 7/21/12

After two hard fought motos at Round 8 of the AMA Pro Motocross Championship at Washougal MX Park in Washougal, Wash., Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Blake Baggett finished third overall in the 250 class with a 6-1 moto result. His hard charging style paid off in the second moto where he made a late-race pass to secure the win and retain the coveted red plate on his KX™250F.

After a frustrating first moto that left Baggett finishing in sixth, he came out swinging in the second moto aboard his KX250F. When the gate dropped, he powered to the front of the pack and three laps later he was right on the heels of the leader. He paced the leader for 11 laps waiting for a mistake and scoping new lines where he might make a move. With three laps remaining, Baggett made his move and took command of the race. The moto win earned him third overall and allowed him to keep the red number plates on his Kawasaki for an eighth-consecutive round. Baggett currently holds an 11-point lead over second in the championship standings.

“I was feeling really good during practice,” said Baggett. “I was second fastest in qualifying, but the first moto didn’t go that well. I found myself on the ground twice, almost three times, but I saved it. I just struggled, started second and went backwards after a few crashes and ended up sixth. We made some tire changes and a little bit of a suspension change going into the second moto. I got a good start and was able to hunt them down and get to the front. It was a battle with four laps to go, but I was able to get it done and salvage some points. I lost some points so now I’m going to have to come out swinging at Southwick. My goal is to have my name on Mitch’s (Payton) door by the end of the year.”

Dubbed “The World’s Most Scenic Raceway”, Washougal MX Park has many facets which set it apart from all of the other tracks on the outdoor national circuit. Just driving to the track feels more like you are embarking on a camping trip deep into the Pacific Northwest rather than visiting a popular race track. Set in the middle of a dense forest and surrounded by lush vegetation and beautifully clean rivers, the track stays much cooler than most tracks. The large Pine and Hemlock trees which surround the track also provide much needed shade for spectators and competitors alike.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

250 Class Championship Standings
1. BLAKE BAGGETT, GRAND TERRACE, CALIF., MONSTER ENERGY/PRO CIRCUIT/KAWASAKI, 355
2. Justin Barcia, Monroe, N.Y., Honda, 344
3. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda, 323
4. Ken Roczen, Apolda, Germany, KTM, 305
5. Marvin Musquin, La Reole, France, KTM, 256
6. Wil Hahn, Decatur, Texas, Honda, 218
7. Blake Wharton, Pilot Point, Texas, Suzuki, 185
8. Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M, Suzuki, 168
9. Jessy Nelson, Paso Robles, Calif., Honda, 144
10. Travis Baker, Temecula, Calif., Honda, 134
13. IVAN TEDESCO, ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., MONSTER ENERGY/PRO CIRCUIT/KAWASAKI, 105