Press Release

Rookie Baggett Wins First AMA Supercross Lites Class Race of his Career

San Luis Obispo, CA (March 22, 2010) - Rockstar Energy, Suzuki, Canidae Pet Foods rider #66 Blake Baggett knows a lot about perseverance. As his night started in Irving, TX in the brand new Texas Stadium, the rookie rider could not catch a break as he went down hard in his heat race causing him to ride in the LCQ (Last Chance Qualifier) to try to make it into the main.

As the LCQ got started, Baggett got a great start and put himself in second place, the last transfer position. As Baggett crossed the start / finish line for the first lap, the red flags were waving, stopping the race. Because there was a rider down that required medical attention, the race was started over and Baggett was well outside a transfer position on the second restart. For most young riders, they would put their head down and try again at the next race but not Canidae’s Blake Baggett. Blake would move up to fourth and while putting pressure on the second and third place riders, Baggett would just barely avoid their collision and move into second place and secure the final spot for the Main Event.

With the last choice on the starting line, Baggett did not start from a great or even good position but that would come back to save him as the young rider was almost in last place down the start straight. With a great move to the inside, Baggett almost lost the front end as he avoided a huge first turn pileup that took out more than half of the field. Baggett and teammate Jake Moss would battle inside the top 5 as the lead riders pulled away from the riders involved in the first turn mess. Baggett would move into 4th as Moss would make a move for 2nd when Troy Adams would cut him off sending both riders to the ground in a violent crash. The crash would end Moss’ night with a hurt wrist but his misfortune would open up the door for Baggett who was now in second!

Baggett would begin his charge to the front as he seized his opportunity for a podium finish in this, only his 5th professional Supercross race. The run for the front would be tough as last week's winner, Justin Barcia would stick a wheel in on Baggett in almost every turn. Almost everyone expected Baggett to crack under the extreme pressure but the young rider from Grand Terrace, CA would shock everyone by pulling away from Barcia and closing in on race leader Ryan Sipes. With 2 laps to go, Baggett would pull to the back wheel of Sipes and the two would carve their way through lapped riders. Just after the tricky whoop section, Sipes would leave the smallest opening for Baggett and the rookie phenom would rocket to the inside and take the lead. Try as he might, Sipes would not be able to regain the top spot and Blake Baggett would win the Lites class!

What a great and gutsy performance of what should be a glimpse into the future of this fast young man. Baggett was overcome with emotion and broke down in tears as he came to a halt in the waiting arms of his mechanic, Steve Westfall and his proud father, a moment that will not soon be forgotten for anyone involved.

There is little time to revel in the great success as the series moves to Jacksonville, FL next weekend as Baggett tries to make it two in a row. For all the race action, log on to www.canidaeracing.com to see how the Canidae sponsored drivers, riders and teams are getting to the winners circle in a town near you.

About Canidae All Natural Pet Foods

Founded out of love for pets and animals, Canidae Pet Food, Inc. manufactures and distributes a complete line of healthy meat-based, holistic, all natural dog food, cat food, and gourmet pet treats sold worldwide through independent pet food retailers including over 6,500 locations throughout the United States and Canada. For the most recent information about Canidae and its line of healthy pet products, visit http://www.canidae.com/Canidae-news-updates.html.

Photo Caption

 - Rockstar Energy, Suzuki, Canidae Pet Foods rider #66 Blake Baggett



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