MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (May 7, 2019) – With the start of the 2019 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, just around the corner, MX Sports Pro Racing would like to congratulate Red Bull KTM Factory Racing and its rider Cooper Webb on capturing the FIM/AMA Supercross Championship last Saturday night in Las Vegas. Celebratory recognition also extends to Monster Energy/Star/Yamaha Racing and its rider Dylan Ferrandis, in addition to GEICO Honda and its rider Chase Sexton following their championship-winning efforts in the 250SX regional championships. All three riders will now set their sights on even more success this summer in pursuit of the most prestigious title in the sport, when the 2019 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship begins with the Bell Helmets Hangtown Motocross Classic on May 18.

As the newest Supercross World Champion, Webb becomes the 22^nd different rider to earn the coveted crown. Like his championship-winning predecessor Jason Anderson last season, Webb began his quest for the title well under the radar. He had just two podium finishes to his credit entering the 2019 season, but a breakthrough first career win at the third round was the catalyst for an avalanche of success that followed. Webb went on to capture a series-leading seven wins and enjoyed unbeatable consistency with podium finishes in 13 of 17 races. When he was signed by Red Bull KTM in advance of the 2019 season it came on the heels of an up and down 450SX career up to that point. However, Webb took full advantage of the opportunity to align himself with the team that had won three of the last four championships, and his commitment to turning his career around resulted in a breakthrough season and impressive run to the title.

“Cooper Webb is no stranger to winning, and we all know he has the heart of a champion. We watched him become one of the most successful 250cc riders in the history of the sport just a few years ago, and while his acclimation into the 450cc division has been a challenge, his will and determination has ultimately carried him to the level we all knew he was destined to achieve,” said MX Sport Pro Racing President Davey Coombs. “We’re excited to see if he can keep the momentum going into the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, where he’s a former 250 Class Champion and is poised to add his name to the list of challengers seeking to end Eli Tomac’s recent reign of dominance.”

This season’s battles for the East and West championships of the 250SX Class were something to behold, both featuring dramatic conclusions. In the West Region, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Adam Cianciarulo established himself as the rider to beat, but inconsistency left the door open for Ferrandis to emerge as a persistent contender. The Frenchman broke through to capture a pair of wins en route to the Las Vegas finale, while Cianciarulo’s five wins left him in control of his own destiny in what was expected to be a thrilling showdown last Saturday night. When the gate dropped, Ferrandis seized the moment and took control of the race, while Cianciarulo patiently worked his way into a comfortable position that would allow him to take home the championship. However, with mere minutes remaining a costly error dashed Cianciarulo’s title hopes in the most heartbreaking fashion. That gave Ferrandis the opportunity to do exactly what he needed, taking his third victory of the season, and the West Region Championship along with it.

In the East Region, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Austin Forkner made an assertive progression to becoming the sport’s next big star, amassing wins through the first five races dedicated to that region. However, a miscue in Nashville left Forkner with a significant knee injury, which created a window of opportunity for Sexton. While he didn’t have a bag full of wins, Sexton was undoubtedly a model of consistency, and it’s what ultimately allowed him to step up when Forkner faltered. At East Rutherford the championship shifted yet again as Forkner attempted to soldier through the pain, but to no avail. Sexton was able to capture the first win of his professional career and move into control of the championship, where he put forth a conservative effort in Las Vegas and clinched his maiden title.

“Dylan and Chase are perfect examples of why you never quit in this sport. Things have the ability to change in an instant, and that’s exactly what happened in each of the 250SX regional championships,” added Coombs. “Their persistence ultimately paid off in the biggest way possible, and as a whole we were able to see a glimpse of the unpredictable and highly competitive drama that awaits this summer in the 250 Class, where all of these riders will be in search of their first ever National Championship.”

The 2019 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship kicks off on Saturday, May 18, with the Bell Helmets Hangtown Motocross Classic near Sacramento, California. Tickets to all 12 rounds of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship are available now.

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Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship

The Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, features the world's fastest outdoor motocross racers, competing aboard homologated bikes from one of six competing manufacturers on a collection of the roughest, toughest tracks on the planet. The 12-round series begins just outside California’s famed Hangtown in May, and ends at Indiana's Ironman Raceway in August. The summer-long championship includes stops at America’s premier motocross racing facilities, with events in California, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Florida, Michigan, Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, Washington, New York and Indiana. Racing takes place each Saturday afternoon, with competition divided into two classes: one for 250cc machines, and one for 450cc machines. MX Sports Pro Racing, the industry leader in off-road powersports event production, manages the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship. The series is televised on NBC, NBCSN and MAVTV, and is streamed live on NBC Sports Gold. The title sponsor is Lucas Oil, a leading producer of premium oils, greases, and problem solving additives, all made in America.  More information can be found at www.ProMotocross.com. 

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