Source: Supplied.

A career-first 450SX podium was a rewarding performance for Rocky Mountain ATV/MC WPS KTM’s Blake Baggett at Atlanta’s eighth round of the 2017 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship.

In a night of firsts, the KTM newcomer began his podium journey with a maiden heat race victory to put himself in a strong starting position for the 20-minute main event.

The former Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship 250 Class champion credits a combination of hard work and added comfort on his KTM 450 SX-F to the career-best third place finish.

“We have been plugging away – the whole team – and I’m getting more comfortable on the bike and I’m loving it,” said Baggett. “We’re getting better and better each weekend and I can’t thank the team and sponsors enough for believing in me and helping me get up here tonight.”

With nine rounds remaining on the 2017 schedule, Baggett now sits ninth overall in the premier class standings tied on 83 points with Australia’s Chad Reed.