Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Blake Baggett has said patience and putting in the hours during the week greatly contributed to his Lites class win in the opening round of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship at Hangtown.

While it could be said that the focus coming into the season was placed on other riders in the class, Baggett showed he was fastest on the day.

After placing second in the first moto after a strong come-from-behind ride, Baggett started outside the top five once again in moto two, pushing through some solid competition to take the win and the overall.

“I knew I had done all the training during the week and it was good to come out and see how I was,” commented Baggett.

Baggett credits being patient and letting the race come to him as major tactics that helped him grab the second moto win.

“I was just patient in the second moto. I knew I had to let the race come to me. I just took my time and waited to see where I was,” Baggett reflected after the race.

“I got around (Dean) Wilson and just kept trying to move forward. I put my head down and looked for lines and ultimately passed (Tyla) Rattray in the same spot I passed Wilson.”

The outdoor series now moves to Freestone, Texas for round two this weekend.