GEICO Honda riders have goals set for Spring Creek National

MILLVILLE, Minn. (July 12) - The championship chase fires up again Saturday for the riders on the GEICO Honda team at the Spring Creek National in the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship.

Justin Barcia and Eli Tomac are running second and third, respectively, in the championship standings with the entire second half of the 250cc season yet to go.

"Anything can happen in this series," Barcia said. "It's why I give it my all every week. I'm not giving up. I'm going to keep fighting until the end of this thing."

Last week, leader Blake Baggett extended his lead to 19 points over second-place Barcia and 36 over third-place Tomac. Starting with this weekend's event, there are 12 opportunities for Barcia and Tomac to close the gap.

Barcia said he's prepared for what the Millville track has to throw at him.

"It's got some nice jumps, some bumps and rollers," Barcia said. "I'm plan on riding in the head and try to win it."

Tomac said the track has a little bit to offer everyone, but it can be deceptively demanding on a rider.

"Millville is a good track," Tomac said. "It has some sandy sections and on the back half there are a lot of good rollers. This track will tire you out, so you have to be strong."

Wil Hahn has been fighting for a spot in the 250cc class' top five, and has closed to within 28 points of fifth-place rider Marvin Musquin. Hahn says he'll feel right at home this weekend in Minnesota.

"I love that place," Hahn said. "It seems like it was really hot there last year, kind of like it was in Redbud last week. There are lots of big whoops and sand on the track. I love it there; it's what I grew up doing."

GEICO Honda rookie Justin Bogle is returning from knee surgery for the first time since the motocross season opener in May.

"I've been on the grind trying to get better than I was before the surgery," Bogle said. "I wasn't in too good of shape before that. I raced for a couple of months with my knee that way.

"It was bad at first, having to sit and watch everyone. I'm going to come back and see where I fit in and see where it all goes. I'm going to shoot for a top five, and anything better than that will be icing on the cake."

Practice for the Spring Creek National gets under way at 8:30 a.m. CDT Saturday with opening ceremonies starting at 12:30 p.m. FUEL TV will air the first motos live starting at 2 p.m. EDT with the second motos aired on the NBC Sports Network starting at 4 p.m.