In no particular order….

Lucas Oil Pro Motocross returned to the Southeast for the first time since 1997 at the inaugural Built Ford Tough Tennessee National at Muddy Creek Raceway just outside Bristol. Red Bull KTM’s came away with the overall in the 450 Class, breaking Monster Energy Kawasaki’s five moto win streak in the process. Dungey’s Red Bull KTM teammate Marvin Musquin survived a battle royale in the 250 Class, garnering his second overall win of his career.

The racing at round 5 of the Maxxis British championship at Foxhill was quite possibly the best so far this year. Riders in both classes showed just at what level British motocross is at right now – good job boys.

And forgetting our American brothers at Muddy Creek, just like Foxhill the racing was intense.

Here’s what the riders had to say about it all.

Steven Lenoir – MX2 #685

“I did a good job in the first and second race today, from the top fifteen to almost the win, I was quickest in the middle of each race, and I was the quickest guy on the track. In the third race, in the first chicane, a 450 took me out, I had a massive crash and that was it. My body armour was snapped, and I tried to race but it was not possible. I’m glad I am not injured, but I am in pain tonight, so, we’ll see how goes. I’ve lost a lot of points in the championship. I am very happy with the way I rode this weekend but this is the way it goes.”

Scott Elderfield – MX1 #160

“Qualifying started off as usual for me, back in twentieth place. The first race I didn’t get the best of starts, pulled through and ended up in a good position in ninth. The second one I got a pretty good start, worked my way through and ended up in eighth. In the last, mixed, one, I got a really good start and was pushing hard. I’ve not been feeling too good over the weekend and got tired and dropped back a bit and ended eighth in my class, so it’s been a really good weekend.”

Rob Herring – MX Veterans #77

“First race not a bad start, but ran into Phil in the first corner and stalled, and had to come from around last to fourth where I lost a little bit of motivation towards the end. In the second race I got a better start, worked my way to the front. The track was really really slippery, they had watered on all the worst places and where it was hard pack which is really dangerous. I wanted to get to the front because I only had two tear-offs, got to the front and at one point I thought I would pull away a little bit. Phil went past me, then Gary came out of nowhere, and I thought these boys are going a bit quicker than me and then settled for third because I could see where Greg was and just cruised around in third place.”

Lewis Trickett – MX2 #214

“Qualifying was good for once, I nearly made it into super-pole, which would have been nice and my first one. Then we realised we had a big problem with the water cooling system on the race bike, so I was unable to ride that all day long. I had to go out on the spare bike which is several horsepower down, so I was struggling for power little bit today. In the first race, crashed on the first corner, came back through, didn’t quite get into the points, ended up twenty-third. Second race got an average start and just kept trying, had a solid race and ended up twelfth, and then in the mixed final race we got down to the start line and realised we had a problem with the fuel system so I was unable to start. So not the best day.”

James Harrison – MX2 #153

“Qualifying was good, normally it’s the worst bit but it was my best bit today, got twentieth. In the first race I was going good as well, was just in the points and then I stalled it with a few laps to go, so I finished outside the points in the first race. In the second race I crashed in the first lap and that was it.”

Lewis Tombs – MX2:
“It was an okay day; I qualified twelfth in super-pole, I had a good feeling with the track and was quite positive for the first race. I got a good jump and got round the first corner quite a tidy and was around eighth, and battled away there for a bit, lost a few places and gained a few places, Kullas got me with a few laps at the end which is a bit annoying but I am happy that I got tenth. In the second race had a bad start, worked my way through and had a good battle with Trickett and Kullas again. Kullas got me around four laps from the end. And then the last race I struggled a bit but ended up coming away with a point, which was just hard work against the 450s, so overall not such a bad day.”

Wayne Garrett – MX1:
“Qualifying went well; I went pole and set myself up for the races. In the first race I got the holeshot and led feeling comfortable for the first few laps before the race was stopped, then got away in second in the restart. After a few laps I got to the front and won comfortably. In race two I got away in second and after few laps again found myself in the lead and went on to win again. In race three I got the holeshot and stayed there to finish. I felt real comfortable on my bike all day and am really happy to finally reward the team with a good day’s results!”

Kristian Whatley: “I know Tanel went out hurt in the race, and I am now leading the championship, but I try not to think or worry about that and just ride my own races as it’s a long season and I could get hurt too. I had a good pace and was on it straight away, though Matiss was pushing me for the first two thirds of the race but I guess he got tired as I managed to gap him going to the flag. I kept making to many mistakes in race two and was struggling to find my lines, so I played it smart and safe and settled for fourth place as there were a lot of people getting hurt out there. I got a mediocre start in the last race but kept it pinned into turn one. I think Matiss got tired again in the race, but fair play to him he was going very well considering the time he has had off injured”

Adam Sterry: “The weekend went pretty well and I’m really feeling good on the bike. I made great starts and apart from my crash in the last race, I rode well all day. I’m going to Ernee for the second round of the EMX250 Championship with more confidence and looking for a good result there.”

Matiss Karro: “After my injury, to come back to a hard-pack track like this and finish on the podium is really good. The wrist was sore but a little pain keeps me sharp!”

Jonathan Barragan: “I liked the circuit a lot. In race one, I made a bad start and had to push hard to come through to third. The other two races, I had good speed and I am happy to be on podium again. For the Championship I am now in second and am going good. There’s many points left to fight for and I’m really excited to do well and fight for the Championship.”

Ryan Sipes: “Muddy Creek…..it was fun, besides crashing four times in the second moto. The first moto I felt really good, felt like I had a top-five in me and I just lost the front end and ended up ninth. The second moto – the start crash – I couldn’t really avoid it. After that back in 36th, guys just don’t ride like they do in the front. Maybe I was just in a hurry but I hit a guy and went down, then went down two more times. It was a tough second moto.”

Jason Anderson: “The weekend was alright. I ended up 7-7 on the day which isn’t bad. I struggled a little bit again with some situations. All in all it’s a step in the right direction. I think I got sixth overall, so I matched my second-best finish ever outdoors.”

Blake Wharton: “I used to race Muddy Creek a lot as an amateur. I’ve been coming here since I was nine. It was a tough track then and it’s still pretty tough. It’s got gnarly ruts and you don’t know where you’re going sometimes and you just ‘gotta pin it. My first moto, I got 11th, second moto I got ninth. It was a decent weekend for me just putting in more time. I just have to keep pushing and not rest no matter what. I’m looking forward to finishing further towards the front. Highpoint will be similar to this I feel. I’m looking forward to next weekend.”

Nico Izzi: “I felt good rolling into Tennessee. Killed it in the first practice with P4 and the second with P6. Then we came into the first moto and I didn’t have the best start, probably around 12th. I made a couple passes and was battling with [Cole] Seely for ninth. Then with four laps to go, my bike was losing a lot of power and I rode it until it died and I went over the bars. I’m going to be back to lay the hammer down at Highpoint. I love that place.”

Clement Desalle: “This morning’s qualification was good. In the second practice, I was second fastest. It feels good to go into the first moto with a good gate pick. I tried a new technique on my start because I have nothing to lose here and it’s good practice for me. It was positive and my first start I was fifth or sixth. Then in the first two laps, these guys ride much different than what I’m used to – so aggressive in the first couple laps – so I lost some positions and at the same time made some mistakes. Then I was eighth or ninth and I came back to fifth. On the last lap I almost passed [James] Stewart. It was exciting. I didn’t get him but it was good racing. In the second moto my start felt so good. I was about fourth in the first corner and I think somebody hit me. I lost the front wheel and crashed and some guys ran into me. It was a big pile of bikes and mine was at the bottom so I started last. Then I came back to ninth and I tried to keep pushing, but I was really tired. The conditions were really warm here for me. But it was good practice for the season and hopefully the weather is less humid next week in Europe.”

Kevin Strijbos: “The day started out quite difficult. I didn’t feel that good on the track and I was 13th in second practice which is not so good. The start in the first race was ok. I was back in about eighth or ninth, and then I crashed from my own mistake. I had to regroup for a few laps and I moved back forward to 13th. I think my riding was good again, that I had the speed to be fifth, sixth, seventh or eighth. The second race I had a really good start but I braked too early before the corner and my team-mate crashed in front of me and I hit him. I was a little bit further back then because I think I should have been second or third. I tried to hang with those guys but they are so aggressive in the beginning of the race and we’re not used to that. I kind of pushed and made a few mistakes, then Ryan [Villopoto] passed me in the same corner where I crashed in the first race. I tried to follow him and learn some lines but he was gone too quick. Then I was just riding by myself and I saw James [Stewart] in my sights. I knew I didn’t lose much time so I was quite happy with that. In the end I was done; I gave so much in the first moto.”

James Stewart: “Practice didn’t go good for us. I was kind-of disappointed. I don’t know, it was the first time in a while that I had a complete off day. I’ve had off practices but I always made it up in the Main Event but today, I just really didn’t have anything. I didn’t have any flow with the track. And it was pretty tough, with a lot of ruts and turns and jumps where you had to be pretty perfect on the motorcycle. So to have an off day on a track like that wasn’t good. But we’re going to make some changes this week, and I personally need to make some changes with myself, and then we’ll come back strong for Mt. Morris.”

Ryan Dungey: “The whole team has been working really hard each day to constantly make improvements. I really enjoyed this track today and am glad I was able to put everything together to finally get the results we are aiming for.”

Marvin Musquin: “This track really worked for me,” commented Musquin. “Its technical and rutted and just what I like. I just pinned it the first few laps of the second moto to try and gap the field. I knew I needed to finish second to get the overall and I was determined to not let them catch me. I am so thankful to my team for building me a great bike that helped me get a win.”

Graeme Irwin: “It’s not as though the championship with Bradshaw and Lenoir is out of the question. It was a steady day, it’s just not where I want to be.”

Images by KTM, Simon Cudby, Kevin Reid, Suzuki, Honda, Dave Rich

Toyota/Yamaha/JGRMX rider Josh Grant laid down the fastest lap time of the day in the 450 Class, giving the California native first gate pick of the day. Moto 1 got off to an exciting start as Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto shot off the gate to claim his first Motorcycle Superstore Holeshot of the season, as well as the early lead. It wasn’t without contention from Team Honda Muscle Milk’s Justin Barcia though, as the two put on an exciting show for the fans by dicing back and forth at the beginning of Moto 1. In the second half of the race, Villopoto eventually put a gap on the rookie Barcia, where he went on to secure his fifth consecutive moto win this season.

Villopoto (2) ended his five-race win streak in Tennessee Courtesy: Simon Cudby

Meanwhile, reigning 450 Class Champion Ryan Dungey was forced to make his way through the field after starting mid-pack in the opening moto. The Red Bull KTM rider eventually made his way past Yoshimura Suzuki’s James Stewart to take over the third place position in Moto 1. FIM World Championship contender Clement Desalle put in a valiant ride to finish fifth place behind Stewart, while Smartop/MotoConcepts rider Mike Alessi secured a sixth place spot after running up front for most of the first moto.

In the 250 Class, GEICO Honda’s Justin Bogle grabbed his first Motorcycle Superstore Holeshot of the season, but Bogle went down, and rookie Cooper Webb immediately put his MyPlash Star Yamaha/Metal Mulisha machine out front on the opening lap. Webb went head-to-head with Red Bull KTM’s Ken Roczen early on, but this time experience prevailed as Roczen commanded the lead in Moto 1, with teammate Marvin Musquin in the second place position.

Webb then engaged in a four-way battle with Rockstar Energy Racing’s Jason Anderson, GEICO Honda’s Zach Osborne and defending 250 Class Champion Blake Baggett. Baggett was able to break free from Anderson and Webb, before setting his sights on Musquin in the second place position.

The 250 Class was full of competition at Round 3 Courtesy: Simon Cudby

Round 2 winner Eli Tomac began Moto 1 outside of podium contention but the GEICO Honda rider made his way into a top five position halfway through the race. Tomac and Webb battled it out for the fourth place position near the end of the race, where Tomac succeeded, leaving Webb to round out the top five.

In Moto 2 of the 450 Class, it was an all-out battle to the first corner between Moto 1 winner Ryan Villopoto, Justin Barcia and Ryan Dungey. In his first full-season in the 450 Class, Barcia put in a dominant ride in the first half of the second moto, holding off the defending champion for the first 11 laps. However, Dungey eventually made the pass to take over the lead for the final five laps. Barcia didn’t let Dungey too far out of his sights, holding on to second place through the end of Moto 2.

Dungey claimed his first 450 Class victory of the season Courtesy: Simon Cudby

Villopoto struggled to keep luck on his side, as the current points leader experienced a crash early on that forced him to come through the pack in Moto 2. The Monster Energy Kawasaki rider made it just outside the top five before succumbing to the racetrack once again. However, Villopoto fought his way back to the fourth place position, where he finished in Moto 2.

Team Honda Muscle Milk’s Trey Canard experienced a crash at the beginning of Moto 1 that ultimately lead to a 29^th place finish. Canard was able to bounce back in Moto 2, working his way into podium contention early in the race. Canard held off Villopoto to secure third place in the second moto, while Alessi finished close behind in fifth.

Musquin went (2-2) for the overall win in the 250 Class Courtesy: Simon Cudby

Dungey went on to claim his first overall win of the season with his Moto 2 victory, putting an end to Villopoto’s five-race win streak. Barcia claimed second overall with a (2-2) finish, while Villopoto came in third with a (1-4) score. Villopoto maintains the 450 Class points lead after three rounds of racing.

“It’s good to get the first win so early in the season,” said 450 Class winner Ryan Dungey. “It was definitely a hard fought win today. The track was rough and there were a lot of tough guys out there but I think they key is just going to be consistency this season.”

450 Class podium: Justin Barcia, Ryan Dungey, Ryan Villopoto Courtesy: Simon Cudby

In Moto 2 of the 250 Class, Tomac finally got the start he was looking for as he shot off the line to grab the Motorcycle Superstore Holeshot. Musquin put his Red Bull KTM ride into second place right away, while Virginia native Zach Osborne charged his way to the front after battling with his teammate Bogle early on.

Roczen attempted to interject himself into the battle between Osborne and Bogle but he tipped over in the process, allowing Baggett to pass by. It didn’t take long for Roczen and Baggett to make their way past the GEICO Honda teammates and that’s when the head-to-head battle began. Roczen made a mistake late in the race, which allowed Baggett to take over the third place position.

250 Class Podium: Eli Tomac, Marvin Musquin, Ken Roczen Courtesy: Simon Cudby

Tomac claimed the Moto 2 win but it was Musquin whose consistency paid off as the French rider went (2-2) for the day to claim his first 250 Class victory of the season. Tomac’s (4-1) score was good enough to secure second overall, while points leader Roczen claimed third overall for the day. Baggett went (3-3) for fourth overall and Osborne rounded out the top five at his home track in Tennessee.

Round 4 of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship heads to Mt. Morris, Pa. for the GEICO Hight Point National next Saturday, June 8.

For tickets and additional information, please visit AlliSports.com/motocross and LIKE the Pro Motocross Facebook page and follow @ProMotocross on Twitter and Instagram for exclusive content and additional information on the latest Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship news.

450 Class (Moto Finish)
1. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM (3-1)
2. Justin Barcia, Monroe, N.Y., Honda (2-2)
3. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki (1-4)
4. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Suzuki (4-6)
5. Mike Alessi, Victorville, Calif., Suzuki (6-5)
6. Clement Desalle, Belgium, Suzuki (5-9)
7. Kevin Strijbos, Belgium, Suzuki (14-7)
8. Andrew Short, Colorado Springs, Colo., KTM (12-10)
9. Trey Canard, Oklahoma City, Okla., Honda, (29-3)
10. Broc Tickle, Holly, Mich., Suzuki (13-11)

450 Class Championship Standings
1. Ryan Villopoto, Seattle, Wash., Kawasaki, 143
2. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM, 133
3. Justin Barcia, Pinetta, Fla., Honda, 114
4. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Suzuki, 99
5. Trey Canard, Oklahoma City, Okla., Honda, 90
6. Mike Alessi, Victorville, Calif., Suzuki, 85
7. Tyla Rattray, Wildomar, Calif., Kawasaki, 59
8. Clement Desalle, Belgium, Suzuki, 58
9. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, KTM, 54
10. Ryan Sipes, Elizabethtown, Ky., Suzuki, 49

250 Class (Moto Finish)
1. Marvin Musquin, La Reole, France, KTM (2-2)
2. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda (4-1)
3. Ken Roczen, Apolda, Germany, KTM (1-4)
4. Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., Kawasaki (3-3)
5. Zach Osborne, Abingdon, Va., Honda (6-5)
6. Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Suzuki (7-7)
7. Justin Bogle, Cushing, Okla., Honda (12-6)
8. Kyle Cunningham, Aledo, Texas, Yamaha (8-11)
9. Blake Wharton, Pilot Point, Texas, Suzuki (11-9)
10. Cooper Webb, Morehead City, N.C., Yamaha (5-15)

250 Class Championship Standings
1. Ken Roczen, Apolda, Germany, KTM, 138
2. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda, 132
3. Marvin Musquin, Corona, Calif., KTM, 116
4. Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., Kawasaki, 110
5. Zach Osborne, Abingdon, Va., Honda, 96
6. Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Suzuki, 77
7. Cooper Webb, Morehead City, N.C., Yamaha, 65
8. Kyle Cunningham, Aledo, Texas, Yamaha, 62
9. Justin Bogle, Cushing, Okla., Honda, 61
10. Jeremy Martin, Millville, Minn., Yamaha, 61

There hasn’t been a Pro Motocross National in the Southeast region of the U.S. since 1997 when the series made a stop in Gainesville, Fla.

There hasn’t been a Pro Motocross National in the state of Tennessee since 1977.

Victory Sports, promoter of the Tennessee National, has been putting on amateur motocross events at Muddy Creek Raceway since 1986.
As one of the largest race promoters in the country, Victory Sports puts on seven different race series from January to December.
Muddy Creek Raceway has been undergoing a facility renovation for the past six months, totaling an estimated 5,000 man-hours in the process.

Hailing from nearby Abington, Va., GEICO Honda’s Zach Osborne looks for his first 250 Class win at his home track of Muddy Creek on Saturday.

Riders from 15 different countries will line up at the inaugural event on Saturday.
The Built Ford Tough Tennessee National expects to see a record number of people on the Blountville property.

450 Class Championship Standings Through Round 2
1. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki, 100
2. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM, 88
3. Justin Barcia, Monroe, N.Y., Honda, 70
4. Trey Canard, Oklahoma City, Okla., Honda, 70
5. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Suzuki, 66
6. Mike Alessi, Victorville, Calif., Suzuki, 54
7. Tyla Rattray, Durban, South Africa, Kawasaki, 49
8. Ryan Sipes, Elizabethtown, Ky., Suzuki, 37
9. Weston Peick, Wildomar, Calif., Suzuki, 36
10. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, KTM, 34

Overall Wins
Ryan Villopoto – 2

Moto Wins
Ryan Villopoto – 4

Overall Wins by Brand
Kawasaki – 2

Laps Led (total)
Ryan Villopoto – 50
Justin Barcia – 12
James Stewart – 5
Ryan Dungey – 3
Total: 70

Holeshot Winners
James Stewart – 2
Justin Barcia – 2

250 Class Championship Standings Through Round 2
1. Ken Roczen, Apolda, Germany, KTM, 95
2. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda, 89
3. Marvin Musquin, La Reole, France, KTM, 72
4. Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., Kawasaki, 70
5. Zach Osborne, Abingdon, Va., Honda, 65
6. Jeremy Martin, Millville, Minn., Yamaha, 50
7. Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Suzuki, 49
8. Cooper Webb, Morehead City, N.C., Yamaha, 43
9. Kyle Cunningham, Aledo, Texas, Yamaha, 39
10. Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., Kawasaki, 39

Overall Wins
Ken Roczen – 1
Eli Tomac – 1

Moto Wins
Ken Roczen – 3
Eli Tomac – 1

Overall Wins by Brand
KTM – 1
Honda – 1

Laps Led (total)
Ken Roczen – 47
Eli Tomac – 16
Marvin Musquin – 3
Blake Baggett – 1
Total: 67

Holeshot Winners
Blake Baggett – 1
Zach Bell – 1
Zach Osborne – 1
Jeremy Martin – 1

Muddy Creek Raceway has played host to some of the largest amateur motocross events in the country, making the third stop on the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross tour somewhat familiar to many of the racers who grew up competing in the amateur ranks. Although the facility has undergone many changes to accommodate the Nationals, its natural-terrain, great dirt and rolling hills will showcase all the components that have made Muddy Creek Raceway such a successful venue over the years.

Re-Mastered edit from the last round – brilliant stuff

Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto has started the 2013 season perfectly, winning all four 450 Class motos through the first two rounds of competition. This Saturday, Villopoto looks to extend his undefeated record at the Built Ford Tough Tennessee National. However, with one of the most competitive fields in Lucas Oil Pro Motocross history, Villopoto will have his work cut out for him.

Sitting second overall in the championship standings, reigning champion Ryan Dungey is all too familiar with the runner-up position early in the season. After James Stewart swept the first four motos of 2012, it wasn’t until Round 3 that the Red Bull KTM rider began a win streak that lasted 10 motos. Dungey has been in lead contention all season long and the Minnesota native looks to secure his first win at an all-new venue that has the potential to deliver an even playing field for everyone.

I’ve never been to Muddy Creek before so I’ll take it with an open mind. It’s a new stop for all of us and I think it will be interesting,” said Dungey, the 2012 450 Class Champion.

The 450 Class is full of top-level competitors who have proven they have what it takes to be a contender this season. For example, Team Honda Muscle Milk’s Justin Barcia, who led 10 of 34 laps at Round 2, has proven his merit so far in his first full-time season in the 450 Class. After finishing with a (3-4) score last weekend, Barcia currently sits tied with teammate Trey Canard for third place in the point standings.

Yoshimura Suzuki’s James Stewart has had his fair share of ups and downs in the first two rounds, but the 2008 450 Class Champion remains intact for the championship chase early on. Stewart came out swinging at the opening round, capturing both holeshots and a third overall finish. Round 2 looked to be the same until Stewart collided with another rider in Moto 1, where he finished 15th. Stewart bounced back with a third place in Moto 2, allowing him to maintain a top five position in the championship standings.

In the 250 Class, several riders are looking to become the first to win the inaugural Tennessee National. Red Bull KTM’s Ken Roczen made a statement early on, sweeping the first three motos of the season. But GEICO Honda’s Eli Tomac was able to secure the overall win in his home state of Colorado last weekend, giving each rider one respective overall victory heading into Round 3.

There’s no counting out GEICO Honda’s Zach Osborne, who secured his first Lucas Oil Pro Motocross career podium finish last weekend. Osborne, a Virginia native, grew up only 30 miles from Muddy Creek Raceway and the familiarity could give the former world championship contender a possible advantage over his competition.

Red Bull KTM’s Marvin Musquin has put in consistent rides so far this season, currently holding third overall in the championship standings. The French rider tops defending 250 Class Champion Blake Baggett by two points heading into Round 3 and both riders look to secure their first win of the season in Tennessee.

The Built Ford Tough Tennessee National will commence Saturday, June 1, in Blountville, Tenn., beginning at 1 p.m. Eastern. Live coverage of the opening motos on NBC Sports Network and Allisports.com will begin at 1 p.m. Eastern. The second motos can be seen on FUEL TV and Allisports.com at 3 p.m. Eastern.

Previous Round Results and Championship Standings

450 Class (Moto Finish)
1. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki (1-1)
2. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM (2-2)
3. Justin Barcia, Monroe, N.Y., Honda (3-4)
4. Trey Canard, Oklahoma City, Okla., Honda (4-5)
5. Mike Alessi, Victorville, Calif., Suzuki (6-6)
6. Clement Desalle, Belgium, Suzuki (5-7)
7. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Suzuki (15-3)
8. Tyla Rattray, Durban, South Africa, Kawasaki (7-10)
9. Kevin Strijbos, Belgium, Suzuki (10-8)
10. Dean Wilson, Glasgow, Scotland, Kawasaki (11-9)

450 Class Championship Standings
1. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki, 100
2. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM, 88
3. Justin Barcia, Monroe, N.Y., Honda, 70
4. Trey Canard, Oklahoma City, Okla., Honda, 70
5. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Suzuki, 66
6. Mike Alessi, Victorville, Calif., Suzuki, 54
7. Tyla Rattray, Durban, South Africa, Kawasaki, 49
8. Ryan Sipes, Elizabethtown, Ky., Suzuki, 37
9. Weston Peick, Wildomar, Calif., Suzuki, 36
10. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, KTM, 34

250 Class (Moto Finish)
1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda (2-1)
2. Ken Roczen, Apolda, Germany, KTM (1-3)
3. Zach Osborne, Abingdon, Va., Honda (6-2)
4. Marvin Musquin, La Reole, France, KTM (4-4)
5. Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., Kawasaki (9-5)
6. Jeremy Martin, Millville, Minn., Yamaha (8-6)
7. Martin Davalos, Ecuador, Kawasaki (7-10)
8. Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Suzuki (5-12)
9. Cooper Webb, Morehead City, N.C., Yamaha (3-17)
10. Justin Bogle, Cushing, Okla., Honda (13-7)

250 Class Championship Standings
1. Ken Roczen, Apolda, Germany, KTM, 95
2. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda, 89
3. Marvin Musquin, La Reole, France, KTM, 72
4. Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., Kawasaki, 70
5. Zach Osborne, Abingdon, Va., Honda, 65
6. Jeremy Martin, Millville, Minn., Yamaha, 50
7. Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Suzuki, 49
8. Cooper Webb, Morehead City, N.C., Yamaha, 43
9. Kyle Cunningham, Aledo, Texas, Yamaha, 39
10. Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., Kawasaki, 39

Being a professional motocross rider can be dangerous and glamorous, AskMen talks to James “Bubba” Stewart, Ryan Dungey, and Ken Roczen of team Red Bull to find out how they compare bikes to girls.

Thunder Valley sounds like a place from the film Mad Max, not quite but still a track which sends shudders down most riders spines. Normally very hot and a track which rests at altitude which makes walking tough let alone racing two moto’s.

Here’s what the riders had to say about it all.

James Stewart: “I went 15/3. The 15 sounds pretty bad, but I didn’t get a good start in the first moto and a rider went down right in front of me and I ran straight into him. I went over the handlebars – I was way dead last – but I made my way up to 15th. It was good because I felt strong the whole race. In the second moto, I didn’t get the best start but I tried to pick off people one by one. I got into third and kind of settled in. Overall, the third was nice, the 15th wasn’t, but I feel better. We’ve really been working on bike stability and now I feel like we’ve got the Yoshimura Suzuki RM-Z450 dialed in. I’m happy with that and I actually feel really good. I think it’s time to start winning some races.”

Ken Roczen: “Eli (Tomac) rode a great second moto,I have to give him credit for the second moto as I wasn’t able to get up there and battle. I am happy to still get 2nd overall and remain in the points lead heading to the next round.”

Ryan Dungey:  “I really like this track but it is definitely getting pretty rutted and challenging. I am glad I got a good start because that is key to my finish in these motos. It’s important to be there from the beginning and not let Villopoto get away. The team and I are really happy with the progress we made this week. We know where we need to improve and we are looking forward to the next race. It’s great to be consistent but we need to start getting some race wins.”

Ryan Sipes: “Colorado wasn’t as good as I’d hoped it would be. In the first moto I kind of got a bad start and then jumped off the track. I tried to grind the side of the jump, went down and just never could get back going. The second moto I felt ok; I actually had a good start but I kind of spun-out in the first turn. It was just tough back there and the first couple of laps I got separated from some ‘dudes and it just never panned out for me; I couldn’t find the flow. I finished strong and I’m looking forward to next weekend. It’s probably as much of a home race as you can get. I grew up racing the mega series down at Muddy Creek since I was on 50′s. I know the track is ‘gonna be completely different but it should be fun.”

Blake Wharton: “Colorado; the track was a little different this year. It was a little more sandy. It still got rutted but it didn’t rut-up as much. Definitely just need to continue to try and work out my issues; my nose is healing a little more each week. Just been practicing. Got some decent starts today. The second moto I was able to ride a lot better. I’m looking forward to racing next weekend. We’ve never raced a national there but I grew-up racing on that track. Muddy Creek is kind of well-known so that will be cool.”

Jason Anderson: “This weekend was pretty good, well ‘kinda good. Half good! The first race I ended up fifth which was a decent fifth, but I feel like I should have ended up fourth. The second moto I took a digger in the first corner and came back to fourth, so I think I secured the RC Hard Charger Award. That’s about the end of my day.”

Nico Izzi: “The first moto was good ‘Man; I had a good start. I was top 10 for at least the first few laps but I lost my rear brake on the fourth lap. Then it was just survival-mode. The track was really rough and I couldn’t charge down the hills like I had to. So I just tried to stay where I could and salvage some points, so I was pumped and got 11th. Stoked for the second moto, I was pumped to go out there and rip it up, and then the same thing happened again. They lasted a little longer until about the sixth lap. So I was just basically trying to get by this weekend and salvage whatever I could.”

Clement Desalle: “The morning was good, it was positive. The first practice I was second. I’m not used to the motocross style here where everything is in one day and really quick. Two laps free then you have to make the best lap possible. So that was quite good. The first moto I started in fourth then I made a small mistake and Trey Canard passed me. I was faster than him but I could never pass him back and I finished fifth. In the second moto my start was not so good. I was sixth and then I finished seventh. I’m not used to high altitude. It’s not an excuse but it was a long trip and really busy last week, so it’s not too bad.”

Kevin Strijbos: “I think overall it was a fairly good day for my first national especially with the elevation here which was pretty tough. It’s so different in practice how you go two laps slow and then you have to be on it. It was kind of strange. In the first race I think I had a good start then I crashed in the first corner. Then I was charging and I came back to 10th from 38th so I was really happy with that. I was really kind of tired. Then in the second race, again I got a good start. I went kind of wide in the first corner to be sure that nothing happened and I could make it safe into the first lap. Then I was trying to push but I felt really quick that I already didn’t have the power from the first race and I was already a little bit tired. So I just slowed down a little bit so I could keep a good pace the whole race. In the end I was eighth so overall I’m happy. I think this is the most tired I’ve been in the last six-to-eight years so I’m dead but I’m really happy with this. We can build on this and try to make it better and be ready for the next round.”

Villopoto picked up right where he left off at the opening round last weekend, throwing down the fastest lap time of the day in qualifying before sweeping both 450 Class motos at Thunder Valley. In Moto 1, it was Team Honda Muscle Milk’s Justin Barcia who got off to the early lead after grabbing the Motorcycle-Superstore.com Holeshot. Reigning 450 Class Champion Ryan Dungey contested the leader right away, while Villopoto rode close behind.

Ryan Villopoto swept the 450 Class with a (1-1) score. Courtesy: Simon Cudby

Barcia led the pack until the mid-way point when Red Bull KTM’s Dungey made a pass for the lead. From there, Barcia and Villopoto kept the pressure on Dungey and it wasn’t long before Villopoto took over the lead.

Yoshimura Suzuki’s James Stewart, third a week ago at the series’ opener, ran into some issues in Moto 1 when a downed rider caused the Florida native to crash early in the race. Stewart recovered from his fall, making his way back to fifteenth in the opening moto.

Meanwhile, Team Honda Muscle Milk’s Trey Canard and FIM World Championship contender Clement Desalle had a race of their own in Moto 1. Canard was able to hold the Belgian rider off for fourth place in the opening moto, as Desalle followed closely in fifth.

Barcia, Dungey and Villopoto battled all day in the 450 Class. Courtesy: Simon Cudby

In the 250 Class, GEICO Honda’s Zach Osborne made it to the first corner ahead of the pack, grabbing the Motorcycle Superstore Holeshot, but it was Red Bull KTM’s Ken Roczen who jumped to the lead right away. The GEICO Honda teammates of Osborne and Eli Tomac were side by side on the opening lap, with Osborne just ahead. However, while battling with his teammate, Osborne went down and lost a few positions in the process. Rockstar Energy Racing’s Jason Anderson capitalized on Osborne’s mistake, taking over the third place position early on.

Red Bull KTM’s Marvin Musquin and MyPlash Star Yamaha/Metal Mulisha’s Cooper Webb had a quick pace set from the start. The duo made their way up to podium contention, where Musquin made the pass on Anderson for third. That’s when the rookie Webb made his charge toward the front, passing Anderson and Musquin to secure his first career podium finish in Moto 1.

Tomac made a valiant charge on the leader Roczen as the two went head-to-head on the final lap of Moto 1. As Tomac neared the rear wheel of Roczen, he ended up tipping over in the corner and Roczen grabbed his third consecutive moto win of the season.

Zach Osborne secured his first career 250 Class podium at Thunder Valley. Courtesy: Simon Cudby

In Moto 2 of the 450 Class, Barcia once again grabbed the Motorcycle Superstore Holeshot and his Team Honda Muscle Milk Honda teammate Canard latched on as the two got ahead of the pack early on. Smartop/MotoConcepts Mike Alessi also injected himself into the lead battle, and not far behind was Moto 1 winner Villopoto, followed closely by Dungey, James Stewart and Desalle.

Villopoto made quick work of his competition, taking over the lead in the early portion of the second moto. From there, Dungey battled his way to second place as Barcia followed close behind. James Stewart made up a lot of ground in Moto 2 as he started off well outside the top five and battled up to a podium position. His first moto score (15) held him to seventh overall for the day.

We got a pair of wins today and we’re really going to try to keep it rolling. With the way the racing is this year and the guys that are in the class, just to be up front means you’re riding well, said 450 Class overall winner Villopoto.

Dungey, a three-time winner at the Thunder Valley National, finished second overall with a (2-2) score, marking the first time the defending champion hasn’t won this event since joining the 450 class in 2010. Barcia scored (3-4) to secure third overall in his second round as a full-time 450 Class competitor, while his teammate Canard went (4-5) for fourth overall. Alessi rounded out the top five overall with a pair of sixth place finishes.

450 Class podium: Ryan Dungey, Ryan Villopoto, Justin Barcia. Courtesy: Simon Cudby

In Moto 2 of the 250 Class, MyPlash Yamaha/Metal Mulisha’s Jeremy Martin grabbed his first-ever Motorcycle Superstore Holeshot in front of a stacked field of riders. Osborne spent a short time in the lead early on but Tomac eventually took control of what would soon become a personal milestone for the Colorado native.

Coming into the second moto with a win under his belt, Roczen had his sights set on a clean sweep for the day but Tomac set a pace early on that just couldn’t be matched by the former World Champion in Moto 2. Roczen looked content in second, but Osborne kicked it into gear on the final lap of the second moto as he also made his way past Roczen to take over the second place position.

Tomac’s score of (2-1) was enough to give the Colorado native his first-ever win in his home state, as well as the first moto win of the season.

It feels good to get the win today, I feel like I’ve kind of let Colorado down the past few years. I actually haven’t been close to leading a race here [at Thunder Valley] at all, so to finally make it happen today was sweet,  said 250 Class winner Eli Tomac.

Colorado’s Eli Tomac secured the overall win in his home state. Courtesy: Simon Cudby

Roczen ended his three-race win streak with a third place finish in Moto 2 and the current points leader took home second overall for the day with a (1-3) score. Osborne, a Virginia native, was third overall, his highest overall finish ever in Lucas Oil Pro Motocross.

Red Bull KTM’s Marvin Musquin was a top contender in both motos, taking home a pair of fourth place finishes for fourth overall. Reigning 250 Class Champion Blake Baggett struggled with starts and crashes all day, but the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki rider ended his day with a (9-5) score to round out the top five overall.

250 Class podium: Zach Osborne, Eli Tomac, Ken Roczen. Courtesy: Simon Cudby

Round 3 of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship heads to Bristol, Tenn. for the Built Ford Tough Tennessee National next weekend, May June 1.

For tickets and additional information, please visit AlliSports.com/motocross and LIKE the Pro Motocross Facebook page and follow @ProMotocross on Twitter and Instagram for exclusive content and additional information on the latest Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship news.

450 Class (Moto Finish)
1. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki (1-1)
2. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM (2-2)
3. Justin Barcia, Monroe, N.Y., Honda (3-4)
4. Trey Canard, Oklahoma City, Okla., Honda (4-5)
5. Mike Alessi, Victorville, Calif., Suzuki (6-6)
6. Clement Desalle, Belgium, Suzuki (5-7)
7. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Suzuki (15-3)
8. Tyla Rattray, Durban, South Africa, Kawasaki (7-10)
9. Kevin Strijbos, Belgium, Suzuki (10-8)
10. Dean Wilson, Glasgow, Scotland, Kawasaki (11-9)

450 Class Championship Standings
1. Ryan Villopoto, Seattle, Wash., Kawasaki, 100
2. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM, 88
3. Justin Barcia, Pinetta, Fla., Honda, 70
4. Trey Canard, Oklahoma City, Okla., Honda, 70
5. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Suzuki, 66
6. Mike Alessi, Victorville, Calif., Suzuki, 54
7. Tyla Rattray, Wildomar, Calif., Kawasaki, 49
8. Ryan Sipes, Elizabethtown, Ky., Suzuki, 37
9. Weston Peick, Wildomar, Calif., Suzuki, 36
10. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, KTM, 34

250 Class (Moto Finish)
1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda (2-1)
2. Ken Roczen, Apolda, Germany, KTM (1-3)
3. Zach Osborne, Abingdon, Va., Honda (6-2)
4. Marvin Musquin, La Reole, France, KTM (4-4)
5. Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., Kawasaki (9-5)
6. Jeremy Martin, Millville, Minn., Yamaha (8-6)
7. Martin Davalos, Ecquador, Kawasaki (7-10)
8. Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Suzuki (5-12)
9. Cooper Webb, Morehead City, N.C., Yamaha (3-17)
10. Justin Bogle, Cushing, Okla., Honda (13-7)

250 Class Championship Standings
1. Ken Roczen, Apolda, Germany, KTM, 95
2. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda, 89
3. Marvin Musquin, Corona, Calif., KTM, 72
4. Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., Kawasaki, 70
5. Zach Osborne, Abingdon, Va., Honda, 65
6. Jeremy Martin, Millville, Minn., Yamaha, 50
7. Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Suzuki, 49
8. Cooper Webb, Morehead City, N.C., Yamaha, 43
9. Kyle Cunningham, Aledo, Texas, Yamaha, 39
10. Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., Kawasaki, 39

Round 2 is the earliest Thunder Valley has ever been on the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross schedule. Last year it was Round 3.
The mile-high altitude at Thunder Valley is a unique element of this national. It will provide an additional challenge for mechanics in making a bike perform at its peak, while riders must physically adjust to the thinner air.

Thunder Valley was the site of the first professional motocross event to ever be held under the lights, during the 2008 season. The track also hosted a night race during the 2009 season. In 2010, it was the host venue for the Motocross of Nations.
Ivan Tedesco is the only rider to win at Thunder Valley in both the 250 and 450 Class. Both of his inaugural victories came at this track, which he considers to be his home race.

Blake Baggett looks to be the first repeat-winner at Thunder Valley in the 250 Class since Ryan Villopoto’s second win in 2008.
Thunder Valley marked Ryan Dungey’s first Lucas Oil Pro Motocross victory aboard a KTM, also marking KTM’s first win in the 450 Class. Dungey has won the last three years in the 450 Class.

450 Class Stats
The first Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship race was held at Thunder Valley on July 24, 2005. Ricky Carmichael won on a Suzuki.
Four different riders have won in eight races at Thunder Valley. Three of the four – Ricky Carmichael, James Stewart and Ryan Dungey – have gone back-to-back.
Ivan Tedesco is the only rider to win in both classes at Thunder Valley. Jake Weimer and Justin Barcia will look to achieve the same feat this weekend.

Wins by brand at Thunder Valley
Suzuki – 4
Kawasaki – 2
Honda – 1
KTM – 1

Last win by brand at Thunder Valley
KTM – 2012
Suzuki – 2011
Honda – 2009
Kawasaki – 2008

First time winners at Thunder Valley
Ivan Tedesco, 2009 – Honda

Riders to win at Thunder Valley in both classes
Ivan Tedesco

Brand Sweeps at Thunder Valley
Kawasaki; James Stewart (450 Class) and Ryan Villopoto (250 Class) – 2008
Kawasaki; James Stewart (450 Class) and Ben Townley (250 Class) – 2007

2013 Current Stats

450 Class Point Standings – After 1 of 12 rounds
1. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki, 50
2. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM,44
3. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Suzuki,40
4. Trey Canard, Oklahoma City, Okla., Honda,36
5. Justin Barcia, Monroe, N.Y. Honda, 32
6. Ryan Sipes, Elizabethtown, Ky., Suzuki, 27
7. Andrew Short, Colorado Springs, Colo., KTM, 26
8. Mike Alessi, Victorville, Calif., Suzuki, 24
9. Tyla Rattray, Durban, South Africa, Kawasaki, 24
10. Weston Peick, Wildomar, Calif., Suzuki, 21

Overall Wins
Ryan Villopoto – 1

Moto Wins
Ryan Villopoto – 2

Overall Wins by Brand
Kawasaki – 1

Laps Led (total)
Ryan Villopoto – 29
James Stewart – 5
Total: 34

Holeshot Winners
James Stewart – 2

250 Class Stats
The first 250 Class race at Thunder Valley was held on July 24, 2005. Ivan Tedesco won on a Kawasaki.
Justin Barcia broke Kawasaki’s seven-race win-streak last season, taking the 2012 win on a Honda.
With Barcia’s departure from the 250 Class, Blake Baggett will attempt to be only the second repeat winner at Thunder Valley. Ryan Villopoto is currently the only repeat winner at Thunder Valley in the 250 Class.

Wins by brand at Thunder Valley
Kawasaki – 7
Honda – 1

Last win by brand at Thunder Valley
Honda – 2012
Kawasaki – 2011

First time winners at Thunder Valley
Ivan Tedesco, 2005 – Kawasaki
Jake Weimer, 2009 – Kawasaki

2013 Current Stats

250 Class Point Standings – After 1 of 12 rounds
1. Ken Roczen, Apolda, Germany, KTM, 50
2. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda, 42
3. Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., Kawasaki, 42
4. Marvin Musquin, La Reole, France, KTM, 36
5. Zach Osborne, Abingdon, Va., Honda, 28
6. Kyle Cunningham, Aledo, Texas, Yamaha, 27
7. Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Suzuki, 24
8. Jeremy Martin, Millville, Minn., Yamaha, 22
9. Joseph Savatgy, Cairo, Ga. KTM, 21
10. Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., Kawasaki, 20

Overall Wins
Ken Roczen – 1

Moto Wins
Ken Roczen – 2

Overall Wins by Brand
KTM – 1

Laps Led (total)
Ken Roczen – 30
Marvin Musquin – 3
Blake Baggett – 1
Total: 34

Holeshot Winners
Blake Baggett – 1
Zach Bell – 1

Past Winners

THUNDER VALLEY MOTOCROSS PARK
Lakewood, Colo.

450 Class
Date / Winner, Hometown / Machine
June 2, 2012 / Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, MN / KTM
June 25, 2011 / Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, MN / Suzuki
June 26, 2010 / Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, MN / Suzuki
June 27, 2009 / Ivan Tedesco, Murrieta, CA / Honda
June 29, 2008 / James Stewart, Haines City, FL / Kawasaki
July 22, 2007 / James Stewart, Haines City, FL / Kawasaki
July 23, 2006 / Ricky Carmichael, Havana, FL / Suzuki
July 24, 2005 / Ricky Carmichael, Havana, FL / Suzuki

250 Class
Date / Winner, Hometown / Machine
June 2, 2012 / Justin Barcia, Monroe, NY / Honda
June 25, 2011 / Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, CA / Kawasaki
June 26, 2010 / Christophe Pourcel, France / Kawasaki
June 27, 2009 / Jake Weimer, Rupert, ID / Kawasaki
June 29, 2008 / Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, WA / Kawasaki
July 22, 2007 / Ben Townley, New Zealand / Kawasaki
July 23, 2006 / Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, WA / Kawasaki
July 24, 2005 / Ivan Tedesco, Murrieta, CA / Kawasaki