ROME, Ga. (July 7, 2016) – The seventh round of the 2016 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship will make its return to The Wick 338 this Saturday, July 9 for the first time since 2013. An iconic facility that first began hosting the world’s top racers back in 1972, features an extremely unique track design that is formed of a sandy soil, making it one of the most storied topics of the season. “The Wick” is the only sand track on the Pro Motocross schedule and is sure to provide the ultimate test to the rider’s physical conditioning and the durability of their machines. For the first time this season, Pirelli-supported riders will debut the SCOPRION™ MX Soft 410 front and rear tires, which are specifically designed to master sand or mud conditions.
Autotrader/Monster Energy/Yamaha’s Justin Barcia is looking forward to returning to the northeast as he was born and raised just a few hours away in New York. The multi-time Pro Motocross race-winner has had his fair share of success at the sandy circuit, including an overall win in the 250MX Class back in 2009. Expect for him to carry his momentum from last weekends Moto 1 podium finish and fight for position near the front of the field.
Like Barcia, fellow JGRMX teammate Phil Nicoletti is from the northeast and it is no secret that he favors the terrain and soil conditions that he grew up on. In order to battle with the front runner this weekend, it will be crucial to get good starts and the No.34 has been getting out of the gate exceptionally well as of late. Despite misfortune out of his control last week, Autotrader/Monster Energy/Yamaha’s Weston Peick has found the speed to battle inside of the top five and will be out for redemption in The Bay State.
Rookie sensation Benny Bloss has done a fantastic job during his first season on the professional circuit and is coming off of a career-best 10th place overall at RedBud. He continues to gain valuable experience with each race and has established himself as one of the premier riders in the 450MX Class. Similar to Bloss, veteran Andrew Short continues his improvement each round and recorded his season-best finish during the Fourth of July weekend at RedBud.
The No.10 of Justin Brayton is one of the fittest racers in the 40-rider field, which will play an important factor in lasting the entire 30-minute plus two laps that he will be required to withstand on one of the sports roughest tracks. He will be focused on placing himself back inside of the 450MX Class top-10.
Pirelli’s 250MX Class riders, consisting of Motorcycle Superstore Racing’s Kyle Cunningham, Jimmy Albertson, and Josh Osby will be depending on the performance advantages of the SCOPRION™ Soft 410 tires to help keep their momentum up as they search for every inch they can get. Australian Luke Clout is set to make his first appearance at The Wick 338 aboard his MAD Racing/Dirt Candy Graphics/ Suzuki.
The opening motos from the Red Bull Southwick National kick off on Saturday, July 9, 2016 at 1pm ET and can be viewed on MAV TV, while 450 Moto 2 will air at 3:30pm ET on NBC and 250 Moto 2 on Sunday, July 10 at 12:30am ET on NBC Sports. Check local listings for channel information.
To learn more about the complete line of Pirelli motorcycle tires, please visit
7/8/2016 12:12pm
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