Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Marvin Musquin captured 3rd overall in the 450 Class on Saturday for Round 9 of the AMA Pro Motocross Championship. Additionally, three other riders finished inside the top ten aboard their KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition motorcycles at Washougal MX Park.
In 450 Class Moto 1, Musquin had his work cut out for him as he began the race just inside the top ten. His teammate, Dean Wilson, started just ahead in the 7th place position on lap one. Musquin quickly made passes to advance toward the front where he powered his KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition into 4th place by lap three, with Wilson maintaining a steady position in 7th.
Musquin continued to gain ground on the 3rd place rider of Eli Tomac as he eventually put himself within striking distance of Tomac. However, Musquin went down in a bold attempt to make the pass on Tomac, where he landed into a breaking bump and launched off his bike.
Musquin quickly remounted to maintain his 4th place position as he continued to charge ahead. Musquin finished 3rd place in Moto 1 after gaining a position due to an unfortunate crash by Christophe Pourcel late in the race.
Wilson battled with James Stewart in the final laps, where he ultimately bested Stewart to finish 8th in Moto 1.
In Moto 2, Musquin shot off the line to capture the holeshot with his teammate Wilson close in tow. Musquin led the way on the opening lap until Roczen, and eventually Tomac, moved past to engage in a battle for the lead, while Musquin settled into 3rd place.
Musquin put forth a solid performance to earn 3rd place in Moto 2, thus securing 3rd overall for the day.
“I honestly expected better from myself in the second moto after a decent first moto and good lap times,” Musquin said. “The track was really tough – it was dry and kind of sketchy so I was trying to be safe and finish the moto but I should have had better lines. No excuses, though, 3rd overall is good but I know I can do better.”
Wilson maintained a top-five position for nearly the first half of the race before dropping back a few positions, where he ultimately finished 10th in Moto 2. In only his second race back this summer, Wilson claimed 9th overall with 8-10 moto scores.
The AMA Pro Motocross Championship will return to action on Saturday, August 13 in New Berlin, New York.
450 Class Overall Results
1. Eli Tomac (2-1)
2. Ken Roczen (1-2)
3. Marvin Musquin (3-3)
4. Weston Peick (7-5)
5. Justin Barcia (10-4)
6. Andrew Short (6-7)
7. Benny Bloss (5-9)
8. Phil Nicoletti (4-11)
9. Dean Wilson (8-10)
10. Fredrik Noren (15-8)
Championship Point Standings
1. Ken Roczen – 434
2. Eli Tomac – 379
3. Marvin Musquin – 283
4. Justin Barcia – 244
5. Christophe Pourcel – 217
