FMF Privateer Power Award: Ironman National

Tuesday, September 3, 2019 | 3:00 PM

As one of motocross' most storied brands, it's fitting that Southern California's FMF Racing chooses to leverage its partnership and support of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship by touting the athletes who epitomize the brand's core values and, like the legendary exhaust manufacturer, continue to give it their all and strive to be the best, no matter the circumstance. With 45 years of existence, FMF's commitment to the sport is unrivaled, and its longstanding FMF Privateer Power Award has become one of the most coveted accolades amongst the riders who serve as the lifeblood of American motocross.

Each week, FMF and the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship ask the sport's loyal fan base to make their voices heard with a vote for who they think should be celebrated for his efforts at each and every stop of the 12-round season. Each selected rider will be recognized for his ability to overcome the odds in pursuit of his racing dream, and the unwavering determination to go bar-to-bar alongside the most talented racers on the planet.

As expected, the 12th and final round of the 2019 season featured exceptional competition across both the 450 Class and 250 Class, opening the door for a memorable ride from one of the many privateers looking to end the summer on a high note at the STACYC Stability Cycle Ironman National. One rider in particular that turned heads in the 250 Class was Justin Thompson. The South African rider dug deep all summer long in pursuit of coveted championship points, and showcased more of the same grit we've seen throughout the season at Ironman.

After a 29th-place start in the opening moto, Thompson battled his way forward to narrowly miss out on a top-20 finish in 22nd. Things didn't fare as well to start the final moto of the season, where Thompson emerged in 30th. However, the Yamaha rider gave it everything he had one last time and overcame adversity to pass 11 riders en route to equaling his best result in a single moto in 19th. Those combined efforts helped Thompson also equal his best overall finish of the season in 22nd, capping off a hard-fought summer in which the South African showed his mettle in the highly competitive division.

As a result of his determination, Pro Motocross fans recognized Thompson as the final recipient of the FMF Privateer Power Award for the 2019 season.