Eli Tomac has won his second round of the 2016 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship.
By Hayden Gregory
Fans were treated to a sensational battle between Eli Tomac and Ken Roczen at Washougal with the pair once again proving they’re the leading riders in the premier class.
In moto one, Roczen hit the lead on the opening lap with Tomac starting back in sixth place. The Suzuki rider was able to press on from the rest of the field stretching a lead while Tomac was forced to play catch ups. The Monster Energy Kawasaki rider slowly made his way through the pack as Musquin went down and Pourcel eventually gave in to Tomac’s relentless pressure.
In the closing stages Roczen backed off the pace yet would hold out to take moto victory. Tomac impressed for second place while Musquin recovered for third.
In moto two, Roczen once again found himself in the early lead with Tomac close behind. The pair began to build a gap on the field before outstanding line choice saw Tomac take control of the race. Once in front the Kawasaki rider began to turn it on. As the chequered flag waved, Tomac had mounted a 16 second lead over Roczen, while Musquin was unchallenged for third.
A win in moto two handed Tomac round victory despite finishing on equal points with Roczen. Victory marked his second in three rounds as he aims to keep the championship margin honest.
“I don’t know [how to describe today]. The first moto was a little funky. I was a little off. I was tight in the first half and came around in the second half,” said Tomac. “I got to the front pretty quick in the second moto and when I got to Kenny he kind of just gave it to me. I took it and laid it down after that. I was just in a good rhythm.”
Roczen holds a 55 point lead over Tomac in the 450 championship with Musquin nearly a 100 points further back in third.
“I’m pretty happy with my day. This is not my favorite place for some reason,” said Roczen. “It was tough in the second moto. It was the driest I’ve ever seen this track and it was difficult with all the sun and shadows [to see and ride a normal pace]. I still got two good starts today and won a moto, so I’m leaving happy. It was one of those days where I’m finished second and I’m ok with it. I’m glad it’s over.”
Racing will now take its last break before the final three rounds begin on August 13th in New Berlin, New York.
450 Class Championship Standings
1 Ken Roczen, Germany, Suzuki – 434
2 Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Kawasaki – 379
3 Marvin Musquin, France, KTM – 283
4 Justin Barcia, Monroe, N.Y., Yamaha – 244
5 Christophe Pourcel, France, Husqvarna – 217
6 Broc Tickle, Holly, Mich., Suzuki – 171
7 Andrew Short, Colorado Springs, Colo., KTM – 155
8 Justin Brayton Fort Dodge, Iowa, KTM – 152
9 Cole Seely, Newbury Park, Calif., Honda – 151
10 Benny Bloss, Oak Grove, Mo., KTM – 151
