The gate dropped on the opening round of the 2019 Pro Motocross Championship series at Northern California’s Hangtown MX outdoor national this past weekend. It was a special race as Team Rocky Mountain ATV/MC-KTM-WPS came together with 51Fifty Energy Drink and the Carlos Foundation to dedicate this round to Autism Awareness. With the bikes sporting special graphics from HBD MotoGrafx, riders Blake Baggett started the season with an 8th place finish, while teammate Justin Bogle charged to 10th place finish.
As one of the heavy favorites, Blake Baggett grabbed traction out of the gate for moto one and rounded the first turn just outside the top five. The Dunlop supported rider wasted no time going to work and made the move for 5th place. Blake kept the charge and as the rain started to come down, Blake would slide back one spot taking the checkered flag in 6th. The rain didn’t stop for the second moto, as Blake kept on the throttle at the start and rounded lap one inside the front pack. After slipping back outside the top ten mid-race due to worsening track conditions, Blake navigated the muddy track fighting his way to 10th place at the checkered flag, earning 8th overall for the day.
“Not the ride I wanted to start the season with,” said Baggett. “I felt good out there, it’s just unfortunate the track conditions were treacherous. The important thing is we leave here healthy and I am looking forward to Pala next weekend.”
Justin Bogle rounded the first turn in moto one inside the top five and looked prepared to do battle.
After slipping back outside of the top ten mid-race, Justin battled his way forward and took the checkered flag in 10th place. A solid start in moto 2 allowed the Acerbis supported rider to battle inside the top ten. While working his way forward, Justin would go down in the mud mid-race while making a move for 7th place. He would recover to cross the finish line in 9th place, earning 10th overall for the day.
“It was a tough day,” said Bogle. “My starts were there, and I rode strong both motos to leave here with a top ten. We have a few things to work on and I’m looking forward to another good weekend at Pala.
Team Rocky Mountain ATV/MC-KTM-WPS travels to Southern California for round two of the Pro
Motocross Nationals in Pala, CA.