Newly-crowned Supercross Lites champion Justin Barcia and defending Hangtown winner Eli Tomac are revved up and ready to kick-off the 2011 AMA Lucas Oil Motocross Championship series this Saturday at the revered Hangtown National outside of Sacramento.
Both men bring their ultra-competitive GEICO-branded 250cc Honda motorcycles and plenty of high expectations into the outdoor AMA Motocross season.
Riding high after securing his first pro-level title a week and a half ago in Las Vegas, Barcia plans to bring the aggressive and successful style he used in Supercross to the outdoor series.
Justin Barcia (GEICO Honda CRF250R Motocross) says: “Supercross was just unreal for me this year. I had an awesome season. I earned a podium finish at every race and I plan to do that at every outdoor race this season too. I’m not going to let up a bit.”
Barcia earned a solid fifth-place finish at last Motocross season’s Hangtown race but says he’ll need to step it up if he wants to reach his next goal of winning a Motocross championship.
Justin Barcia says: “I did okay here last year. I just hope I can get up on the podium this season. I’ve figured out that I like it up there and I know if I want to collect the championship in 250 outdoors then I should make it a habit of finishing up there.”
Tomac is coming off a spectacular rookie season in Supercross, where he finished second in the Lites West points. He made his pro debut in Hangtown one year ago and shocked the MX world by winning the overall title at the event. The son of legendary mountain biker John Tomac, Eli was born and raised in western Colorado and admits he enjoys riding on natural terrain.
Eli Tomac (GEICO Honda CRF250R) says: “It’s definitely a nice change up to go from Supercross to Motocross. I like the outdoors. You really get to open up the throttle and ride more.
“I want to start off like I did last year and just keep it rolling from there. I just plan to keep it consistent all season and hopefully we’ll end up on top.
“It’s nice to have a year under my belt. I know a lot more as to what to expect as far as racing everyone plus I’ve been to all the tracks now so that’ll help out a bunch. I already know what to do and how to do it.”
The Rockstar Energy Hangtown National will take place at Prairie City OHV Park in Rancho Cordova, Calif. Gates open at 7 a.m. PDT and opening ceremonies begin at 12:40 p.m.
