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AMA MX: Back In Action At Southwick
The AMA Motocross Championship returns to action following a two-week layoff this weekend at Southwick.
Media Release  |  Posted August 06, 2012   Morgantown, WV
(Photo: Hoppenworld.com)
Following a two-week break in action, the 2012 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, returns to the track on Saturday, August 11, with its anticipated return to Southwick, Mass., for the Moto-X 338 National.

Legendary Moto-X 338 will provide the most unique challenge of the 2012 season as the lone stop of the Nationals to feature sand, which provides an ever-changing surface sure to keep the world's best riders at their best. This weekend marks the series' 34th visit to Southwick, which has been the site of some of the sport's most memorable moments.

At the championship's previous stop from Washougal MX Park, Red Bull KTM's Ryan Dungey overcame a stiff challenge from MotoConcepts Suzuki's Mike Alessi to take his sixth straight overall victory and maintain his dominant hold on the 450 Class point standings. While Dungey's streaking ways continued for the overall win, his string of moto victories was halted at 10 after a captivating battle with Alessi in the opening moto.

Assuming the role of Dungey's primary challenger for most of the season, Alessi's breakthrough moto win served as the first for his MotoConcepts team while also ending a winless streak for the Suzuki rider that dated back to the 2010 season. With the anticipated return of Team Yoshimura Suzuki's James Stewart at Southwick, Dungey's competition will arguably be stiffer than what he's seen since taking over the points lead at the third round.

Last season at Moto-X 338, Team Yoshimura Suzuki's Brett Metcalfe overcame heavy rains from incoming Hurricane Irene to claim his first career motocross victory. Behind him, both Dungey and eventual champion Ryan Villopoto were forced to overcome their own bouts of misfortune, ultimately tightening the championship. With both Metcalfe and Villopoto out due to injury, Dungey will look to secure his second 450 Class win at Southwick.

A mere 11 points separates the top two riders in the 250 Class, with Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki's Blake Baggett leading the way over GEICO Honda's Justin Barcia. At Washougal, Barcia withstood strong performances by both Baggett and his teammate Eli Tomac to become the third rider this season to amass multiple victories.

This trio of riders have led the way in the division throughout the 2012 season, trading victories between one another at each round. With four races and eight motos remaining, the 250 Class title fight is far from over heading to a venue that Barcia considers to be one of his best tracks, having won at Moto-X 338 during the 2009 season when he was a rookie.

Last year at Southwick, Tyla Rattray secured his second consecutive win in the sand with a strong 2-1 outing.
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