This weekend’s Lucas Oil AMA Outdoor National Pro Motocross action wrapped up in Hangtown, closely following pre-race predictions. Intense racing created several lead changes and great individual battles across the track. The track offered multiple lines for passing at high speeds. Veterans dominated the day overall, but rookie challengers also fought their way into the top 10, with one rider, Justin Cooper, leading the race before finishing in the top five. Here is the breakdown of the top eight.

Finishing order

1. Zach Osborne [50 Points, Moto 1 – First, Moto 2 – First], in his chase for a historic fourth-straight title in the 250 class, jumped out early and never looked back, showcasing exactly why he’s the defending champion.

He carved up the pack and easily picked off all competition with a steady charge to the front, kicking off his title defense in perfect fashion.

2. Jeremy Martin [44 Points, Moto 1 – Second, Moto 2 – Second] grabbed the holeshot in the second moto and led briefly, but eventually, Osborne chased him down and made the pass. Martin would finish second in both motos. In his interview afterward, Martin indicated he was happy to finish "two-two," keeping him in the hunt and on Osborne’s rear tire where he hopes to apply enough pressure to keep Osborne looking over his shoulder.

3. Aaron Plessinger [38 Points, Moto 1 – Third, Moto 2 – Fourth] struggled with his start in the first moto, but made a strong drive through the pack, taking third.

In the second moto, he was neck and neck with Jeremy Martin on the start and made the pass to briefly lead the race, but couldn’t hold it for long. He dropped back, stopping the slide in fifth position. He then re-passed Chase Sexton and was reeling in Alex Martin on the final two laps, but ran out of time and finished fourth.

In his interview, Plessinger was happy overall, particularly with his strong charge in the first moto. Getting a great start and having the lead, only to drop and finish fourth in the second race, left him somewhat less enthused. Still, it was a good day, keeping him in the title chase, and giving him a solid foundation to build on heading into next week's race.

4. Alex Martin [34 Points, Moto 1 – Seventh, Moto 2 – Third] got off to a slower start in the first moto but roared back for a third-place finish in the second moto. Having last raced in July of last year, Martin was very pleased with his overall day. He made some solid passes and held off Plessinger at the end of the second race. He can definitely build on this performance moving forward.

5. Justin Cooper [28 Points, Moto 1 – Fifth, Moto 2 – Ninth] is a rider to watch. He edged out veteran Joey Savatgy by one place in each race. A fifth overall in just his fifth outdoor national start made for an impressive opening round.

6. Chase Sexton [26 Points, Moto 1 – Eleventh, Moto 2 – Fifth] is another young rider to watch.

Just outside the top ten after the first moto, he bounced back for a strong fifth in the second. He made a pass on Plessinger early for fourth, but gave back the position in the closing laps.

7. Jordan Smith [26 Points, Moto 1 – Eighth, Moto 2 – Eighth] rode two consistent (and identically positioned) races, not a big surprise following a Supercross season that saw him finish second to Osborne in the final standings. This was a solid outing.

8. Joey Savatgy [26 Points, Moto 1 – Sixth, Moto 2 – Tenth] had two quiet top ten finishes. This is probably below expectation, but it is still a solid result. Consistency over the course of a full season is what will put him near the top, and he is well-positioned going into week two.

Disappointment for one contender

Injury sidetracked Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki's rider Austin Forkner. He was fast despite coming into round one only five weeks removed from a collarbone injury. He battled hard in the first race, holding off Jeremy Martin to run in the second position for a time. Martin would eventually make the pass, and a stall dropped him behind Plessinger to finish a strong fourth. In the second race, however, he had to pull off the track mid-way through the race, citing lower back pain. He could not return to the track and took a DNF.

Race highlights from Moto 2

Round two

Next weekend, May 26, round two moves to Glen Helen in San Bernardino, California. Once again, both motos can be seen between MAVTV and NBCSN. Check your local listings. Moto 1 starts at 4 PM ET and Moto 2 starts at 6 PM ET.
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