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Supercross & Motocross
AMA MX: Race Day Update - Freestone
Brandon Short checks in following the Freestone free practices to preview today's AMA Motocross race action.
Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki's Broc Tickle (Photo: Kawasaki Racing)
The second round of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship is upon us with arguably the most challenging stop on the entire 12-race schedule. Freestone Raceway, located in Wortham, Texas, is notorious for challenging riders with its intense temperatures and rugged layout. Despite its placement near the start of the season, this is the site where a championship can easily be won or lost.
The morning practice sessions have wrapped and the riders are preparing for a pair of grueling motos in both the 450 and 250 classes. A pair of familiar names headed the order, but at a track like this, it’s going to take more than just raw speed in order to stand atop the podium.
To absolutely no one’s surprise, James Stewart paced the 450 Class, nearly a full second quicker than second-ranked Ryan Dungey. Stewart’s blistering lap came in the second session of the day, while Dungey took the top spot following the first session. As the only rider to break the two-minute barrier, Stewart definitely carries an early edge into the motos, but the nature of the elements in Texas could play to Dungey’s favor over the long haul thanks to his tendency to get stronger as the motos wear on.
Josh Grant and Broc Tickle posted impressive laps of their own, landing third and fourth, respectively. Grant appears to be back to full health and is ready to show what the Jeff Ward Racing team is capable of. And Tickle's strong start at Hangtown appears to be carrying over to Freestone and he’s looking like the dark horse rider for the day. Perhaps a podium finish is in the cards for Broc.
Meanwhile, Eli Tomac has emerged the rider to beat in the 250 Class, pacing the opening practice with a time that was good enough to stay on top for the day. Just a couple tenths behind was last week’s winner, Blake Baggett, who was absolutely attacking the track. Baggett is determined to make a statement early in the season and it wouldn’t surprise me if he does something similar to last week, even coming from behind if need be.
Another rider who looks hungry today is Jason Anderson, who posted the third quickest lap. Anderson used the second practice session as his own personal moto, laying down a series of laps at race pace.
The KTM duo of Ken Roczen and Marvin Musquin rounded out the top five, with Justin Barcia right behind. Both Roczen and Barcia were fixtures at the front of the field last week and while they may be a little further down on the charts than expected, they should be factors in the motos.
Freestone has been known to produce some wild races and there’s no reason to think that the 'norm' will play out today. Stewart and Dungey remain the guys to watch in the 450 Class, but there is a large contingent of riders ready to make a statement. As for the 250 Class, it could be anyone’s races. Starts are going to play a big role because moving through the field will be tougher than usual in these conditions.
The heat has been bearable thus far today, but the index could rise at any point, becoming the 41st competitor in any given moto. It should be a gritty and intense day of competition at a truly challenging facility.
The morning practice sessions have wrapped and the riders are preparing for a pair of grueling motos in both the 450 and 250 classes. A pair of familiar names headed the order, but at a track like this, it’s going to take more than just raw speed in order to stand atop the podium.
To absolutely no one’s surprise, James Stewart paced the 450 Class, nearly a full second quicker than second-ranked Ryan Dungey. Stewart’s blistering lap came in the second session of the day, while Dungey took the top spot following the first session. As the only rider to break the two-minute barrier, Stewart definitely carries an early edge into the motos, but the nature of the elements in Texas could play to Dungey’s favor over the long haul thanks to his tendency to get stronger as the motos wear on.
Josh Grant and Broc Tickle posted impressive laps of their own, landing third and fourth, respectively. Grant appears to be back to full health and is ready to show what the Jeff Ward Racing team is capable of. And Tickle's strong start at Hangtown appears to be carrying over to Freestone and he’s looking like the dark horse rider for the day. Perhaps a podium finish is in the cards for Broc.
Meanwhile, Eli Tomac has emerged the rider to beat in the 250 Class, pacing the opening practice with a time that was good enough to stay on top for the day. Just a couple tenths behind was last week’s winner, Blake Baggett, who was absolutely attacking the track. Baggett is determined to make a statement early in the season and it wouldn’t surprise me if he does something similar to last week, even coming from behind if need be.
Another rider who looks hungry today is Jason Anderson, who posted the third quickest lap. Anderson used the second practice session as his own personal moto, laying down a series of laps at race pace.
The KTM duo of Ken Roczen and Marvin Musquin rounded out the top five, with Justin Barcia right behind. Both Roczen and Barcia were fixtures at the front of the field last week and while they may be a little further down on the charts than expected, they should be factors in the motos.
Freestone has been known to produce some wild races and there’s no reason to think that the 'norm' will play out today. Stewart and Dungey remain the guys to watch in the 450 Class, but there is a large contingent of riders ready to make a statement. As for the 250 Class, it could be anyone’s races. Starts are going to play a big role because moving through the field will be tougher than usual in these conditions.
The heat has been bearable thus far today, but the index could rise at any point, becoming the 41st competitor in any given moto. It should be a gritty and intense day of competition at a truly challenging facility.
SX Seattle
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