Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki rider Adam Cianciarulo brought home an overall win from Budds Creek, four years after making his professional debut at the same track, while Eli Tomac fought hard to win the second moto and finish third overall holding on to his points lead in the 450 class. The second to last round of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship held right outside of the nation’s capitol brought unbearable heat and humidity, but did not stop the Kawasaki riders from powering forward.
After setting the second fastest time in qualifying, Monster Energy® Kawasaki rider Eli Tomac lined up determined to keep his red plate. Just as the gate dropped for Moto 1, Tomac had to put his KX™450F to work after being wedged out of a top-10 position. Not willing to give up any more points to his contenders, Tomac battled tenaciously to pass eight other riders to get to seventh place, where he remained for the rest of the moto.
As Moto 2 began, Tomac was back in contention after a much better start off the gate. Tomac was eager to get back on the podium, which led him to take chances and maneuver from fifth to first in no time at all. Although incomparable to the prior weekend’s weather, multiple days of rain in Mechanicsville, Maryland left Tomac running through 21 tears-offs before crossing the finish line due to all of the mud. Despite the limited vision, Tomac kept his eyes on the prize to finish first in the moto and third overall. Tomac retains a 28-point lead, and command on the season standings going into the final round.
“I’m really happy that I was able to turn things around in the second moto and to be on the podium today,” said Tomac. “I felt great today but had a rough start in Moto 1. Going into Moto 2, I knew I had to put myself in a better position and everything came together. There’s no slowing down now and we’re going to continue to battle at Ironman next week.”
Adam Cianciarulo was the lone Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki rider to line up at the gate after teammate Joey Savatgy suffered an injury in a crash during qualifying earlier in the morning. Cianciarulo never looked back as he took the holeshot in Moto 1 and rode his KX™250F flawlessly to seize his first career moto win.
After getting a taste of sweet victory, nothing was going to stop Cianciarulo from getting on top of the podium. AC got off to another great start but unlike Moto 1, he had to work to get around the competition. Fist in the air as the checkered flag waved, Cianciarulo left it all on the track and pushed forward to finish second in the moto and secure his first professional 250MX overall win.
“It feels so good to be able to repay everyone that has stood by me with a win today,” said Cianciarulo. “Since I made my rookie debut here in 2013, I’ve had to really work hard with some ups and downs but I’m feeling like everything is coming together. I’m looking forward to finishing the season strong and carrying the momentum into supercross.”
