Baggett and Bloss on Unadilla
It was a wild return to racing this weekend, as round ten of the 2018 Pro Motocross Championship series headed to the famed Unadilla MX in New Berlin, NY. As rain came down and riders navigated the mud, Blake Baggett claimed 5th overall, Benny Bloss put in a strong performance for 6th overall, and Dakota Alix rode to 19th.
Blake Baggett came off the gate in moto 1 ready to attack the muddy track and rounded the first turn in second place. With the rain showing no sign of letting up, he kept the intensity high as he battled for position inside the top three early on. As the conditions worsened, Blake made a mid-race stop at the mechanics’ area for a fresh pair of Scott goggles. He returned to the track and pushed forward to finish 5th.
Blake started moto 2 inside the top ten. With the track tacking up, he used the superior traction of his Dunlop tires to move forward through the field. Blake continued to charge and worked his way up to 6th at the checkered flag. Combined with his first moto finish, Blake earned 5th overall and continues to hold 5th place in championship points.
“I felt good out there,” said Baggett. “The track was tough both motos, but I kept the pace, and I’m happy to leave here healthy. I’m ready to finish off the last two races strong and on the podium.”
Benny Bloss put the power to the ground in moto 1, and he rounded the first turn inside the top ten. He didn’t let the conditions slow him down, and he battled his way into the top five by mid-race. The Engine Ice supported rider didn’t lose focus as he moved up one more position to take the checkered flag in 4th place.
After a solid start in moto 2, Benny made a mistake on the first lap and went down in the mud. After being stuck under his bike for over a minute, Benny rejoined the race near the tail end of the pack. Despite the tricky track conditions, the Acerbis supported rider charged back to take 10th place at the finish. Along with his moto 1 finish, Benny’s performance earned him 6th for the day and 8th place in championship points.
“Today was a good day,” said Bloss. “My pace was there, and I was having fun out in the mud. I had a little issue in the second moto, but it felt good to come through the pack from so far back. I’m looking forward to Budds Creek and fighting for the podium.”
After a solid performance in moto 1 with a 17th place finish, Dakota Alix launched out of the gate in moto 2 and rounded the first lap at the tail end of the top 20. The Dubya Wheels supported rider stayed consistent in the mud and took the checkered flag in 19th, earning him 19th overall.
Team Rocky Mountain ATV/MC-KTM-WPS now travels to Budds Creek MX in Mechanicsville, MD, for the penultimate round of the 2018 Pro Motocross Nationals.
Pic: Kardy Photos
