MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (May 7, 2018) – With less than two weeks until the start of the 2018 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, MX Sports Pro Racing would like to congratulate Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing and its riders Jason Anderson and Zach Osborne on capturing their respective supercross championships last Saturday night in Las Vegas. Added celebration also extends to Aaron Plessinger and his Monster Energy/Yamalube/Star/Yamaha squad following their championship-winning season. All three riders will now set their sights on continued success this summer in pursuit of the most prestigious title in the sport, one that Osborne will seek to defend beginning on May 19 at the Red Bull Hangtown Motocross Classic.

As the newest AMA/FIM Supercross World Champion, Anderson fittingly becomes the 21^st different rider to earn the coveted crown, matching his career number. The New Mexico native known as “El Hombre” took a page out of the playbook of his former training partner Ryan Dungey, and amassed unparalleled consistency throughout the demanding 17-round season with four wins and 11 podium finishes. Perhaps even more importantly, Anderson minimized the damage done on his bad days and finished outside the top 10 just once, the result of incidental contact that caused damage to his bike that needed to be repaired midrace.

“We’ve watched Jason evolve from an enthusiastic rookie looking to harness his talents, to one of the most consistent and tactful riders in the sport,” said MX Sports Pro Racing President Davey Coombs. “He’s one of an elite group of riders that have managed to win supercross titles in both the 250SX and 450SX class, and I believe we’re still in the early stages of Jason reaching his full potential as a competitor. This could be the start of a successful career filled with multiple titles, the journey to the next of which begins in just a couple weeks with the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship. Also a special congratulations to Husqvarna for earning its first premier Supercross Championship.”

Much like his 450-mounted teammate in the same phase of his career, Osborne has showcased exceptional growth over his past two seasons of competition in the 250 division. He broke through with his long-awaited first career 250SX East Region title one year ago, and repeated that feat this past weekend after amassing three wins and six podium finishes. The hallmark of Osborne’s wave of success can be attributed to his uncanny ability to battle through riders, and it’s that relentless drive that carried him to the 250 Class title last summer. With one successful title defense under his belt this season, he’ll no doubt be favored to do the same at the Nationals.

Ever since he stepped into the professional ranks people have had their eye on Plessinger. As a second-generation racer that honed his talents riding through the woods in GNCC competition, he possesses a unique skillset that is further complemented by his tall, lengthy frame. Plessinger has progressed with each passing season, and thus far 2018 looks to be the breakout year everyone has been waiting for. He won often in the 250SX West Region and it carried him to the first title of his young career. With a few wins already under his belt in the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, Plessinger is poised to give Osborne a serious challenge for the 250 Class crown.

“Zach and Aaron represent the two captivating ends of the spectrum in the 250 Class,” added Coombs. “Zach is an experienced veteran that has learned to apply all of that knowledge to his race craft, and he’s become one of the most mentally tough and determined riders in the sport. On the other hand, Aaron’s wealth of natural talent has given him untapped potential since the beginning, and now we’re seeing that potential being realized. It makes for an intriguing storyline in the 250 Class to say the least.”

The 2018 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship kicks off on Saturday, May 19, with the Red Bull Hangtown Motocross Classic near Sacramento, California. Tickets to all 12 rounds of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship are available at www.ProMotocross.com.

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