Baggett Takes 250 First-Moto Win
Cycle News Staff | May 19, 2012
Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Blake Baggett won a thrilling first moto in the 250 class at the Hangtown Motocross Classic. Baggett successfully pulled off one of his patented late-race, come-from-behind charges that saw him pass GEICO Honda’s Justin Barcia a few laps from the end then get around Red Bull KTM’s Ken Roczen on the last lap to take the win.
Barcia led the first part of the race but couldn’t break free of Roczen, who eventually got around Barcia for the lead around the halfway mark.
Roczen settled into fast pace up front, opening up a small gap on Barcia. But coming up through the pack was Baggett, who turned it up a notch towards the end. He caught GEICO Honda’s Eli Tomac for third, then Barcia for second, before making a gutsy pass on Roczen with about a quarter of a lap left.
Roczen tried getting him back, but Baggett held on for the win as they took the checkered flag nearly side by side.
Barcia finished third, followed by Tomac.
RESULTS
1. Blake Baggett (Kaw)
2. Ken Roczen (KTM)
3. Justin Barcia (Hon)
4. Eli Tomac (Hon)
5. Marvin Musquin (KTM)
6. Ivan Tedesco (Kaw)
7. Wil Hahn (Hon)
8. Jason Anderson (Suz)
9. Kyle Cunningham (Yam)
10. Jake Canada (Hon)
