Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Eli Tomac has kicked off his title defence in the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship with a perfect 1-1 scorecard at Hangtown’s season opening round.

The defending champion capitalised on a mistake from rival Marvin Musquin (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) in the opening affair to take the win, while race two saw him recover from a small crash to clinch victory over the Frenchman, who wound up second for the day with a pair of runner-up results.

Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Justin Barcia strung together two third pace finishes to secure the final spot on the podium, while the top five was completed by Jason Anderson (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing) and Blake Baggett (Rocky Mountain ATV/MC KTM). In his highly anticipated return, Honda HRC’s Ken Roczen was 11th overall with 6-16 results.

In the 250MX category, defending champion Zach Osborne (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing) also commenced a perfect start to his title defence, lodging a commanding 1-1 scorecard.

The number one was forced to make multiple passes in each outing, ultimately defeating former champion Jeremy Martin (Geico Honda), who collected the runner-up position with a pair of seconds.

Third was awarded to Aaron Plessinger (Monster Energy Yamalube Star Racing Yamaha), while Alex Martin (TLD Red Bull KTM) and Justin Cooper (Monster Energy Yamalube Star Racing Yamaha) rounded the first five. Australian Hayden Mellross (Cycle Trader Rock River Yamaha) failed to complete the opening moto and did not line-up for race two.

The next stop on the Pro Motocross calendar is scheduled for 26 May at the popular Glen Helen circuit in California.

Detailed results