Pirelli Claims Five out of the Top-10 Spots in the 450 Class at Southwick

SOUTHWICK Mass. (July 10, 2016) – For the first time since 2013, the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship returned to The Wick 338 for the seventh round of the 2016 season on Saturday, July 9. The legendary northeastern facility witnessed an energetic crowd turn out for an action packed day of racing, which consisted of below normal temperatures in the low 70’s. The sandy circuit tested the preparation of riders and their equipment, however, Pirelli’s SCOPRION™ MX32™ front and MX Soft 410 rear tires successfully navigated every obstacle in its path.

“Pirelli boasts an incredible 64 Motocross World Championship titles, including a variety of sand-based tracks on European soil,” said Pirelli motocross tire technical specialist Doug Schopinsky. “The success in Europe played a tremendous help in our tire selection today as the MX32™ Soft-Mid front cut through the sandy top soil, yet gripped well on the clay base. For the rear, the MX 410 Soft prevailed as the tire of choice due to its ability to cut through the sandy top and provide the ultimate straight line drive, while still managing excellent grip on the clay base.”

As a former winner at Southwick back in 2009, Autotrader/Monster Energy/Yamaha’s Justin Barcia had high expectations for himself heading into the weekend. After qualifying first overall in the 450 Class, he would find himself on the ground as the 40-rider field entered the first corner of Moto 1. The No.51 remounted with a spectacular charge all the way to sixth at the finish. In Moto 2, he circulated the opening lap in fifth place before passing his way into third and maintaining it until the checkered flag waved. Barcia captured his first podium of the season with third overall (6-3).

Autotrader/Monster Energy/Yamaha rider Weston Peick began the opening 450 Class moto inside of the top-10, but was quickly shuffled back a few positions in the early laps. The Californian would regain several spots to finish seventh. He kicked off Moto 2 by rounding out the top-10 on the opening lap, but quickly went to work and bull dogged his way through the talented field. At the conclusion of the race, he finished an impressive fourth place behind his teammate Barcia, giving him fifth place overall (7-4) on the day.

The BTO Sports/WPS/KTM rookie sensation Benny Bloss entered Southwick full of confidence after his first career top-10 finish last weekend at RedBud. A quick reaction time helped him get out of the gate strong in Moto 1, eventually crossing the line in eighth. Moto 2 once again saw another stellar performance from the youngster as he made several veteran-like passes to claim the sixth position. At the end of the day, it was another career-best performance with seventh overall (8-6).

Fellow BTO Sports rider Justin Brayton ran inside of the 450 Class top-10 at the start of Moto 1, maintaining a strong pace throughout the entire 30-minute plus two lap moto to finish ninth. In the second moto, the veteran started well again as he was credited with seventh place on the opening lap. His valuable experience and performance of the MX Soft 410 rear tire helped him grab another ninth en route to ninth place overall (9-9).

Andrew Short was all smiles as he returned to The Wick 338 for the final time of his career and held a positive attitude at the track that has brought him success in the past. Despite starting outside of the top-10 in Moto 1, he rebounded for 11th. He found himself outside of the top-10 to begin Moto 2, but relied on his fitness to score another 11th, giving him 10th place overall (11-11). Autotrader/Monster Energy/Yamaha’s Phil Nicoletti fell victim to misfortune during 450 Class Moto 1 and retired early, but retaliated in Moto 2 to score a solid 10th place. He finished 14th overall (39-10).

The Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship will return to action next weekend on Saturday, July 16 for round eight at Spring Creek Raceway in Millville, Minnesota.

450 Class Overall Results (Moto Finish)

1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Kawasaki (1-1)
   
   
2. Ken Roczen, Germany, Suzuki (2-2)
   
   
3. Justin Barcia, Monroe, N.Y., Yamaha (6-3)

4. Marvin Musquin, France, KTM (3-7)
   
   
5. Weston Peick, Menifee, Calif., Yamaha (7-4)

6. Christophe Pourcel, France, Husqvarna (5-5)
   
   
7. Benny Bloss, Oak Grove, Mo., KTM (8-6)

8. Broc Tickle, Holly, Mich., Suzuki (10-8)
   
   
9. Justin Brayton, Fort Dodge, IA., KTM (9-9)

10. 
    Andrew Short, Colorado Springs, Colo., KTM (11-11)
    
    

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14. Phil Nicoletti, Cohocton, N.Y., Yamaha (39-10)

450 Class Championship Standings

1. Ken Roczen, Germany, Suzuki – 337
   
   
2. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Kawasaki – 290
   
   
3. Marvin Musquin, France, KTM – 201
   
   
4. Justin Barcia, Monroe, N.Y., Yamaha – 181

5. Broc Tickle, Holly, Mich., Suzuki – 171
   
   
6. Christophe Pourcel, France, Husqvarna – 168
   
   
7. Cole Seely, Newbury Park, Calif., Honda – 151
   
   
8. Justin Bogle, Cushing, Okla., Honda – 136
   
   
9. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM – 131
   
   
10. Justin Brayton Fort Dodge, IA., KTM – 120