photos by: James Saechao

LITES CLASS

Without a doubt the story in the Lites Class was rookie Eli Tomac (pictured below). Fresh off a dominating performance at the Texas Amateur Nationals, we all knew Tomac would do well in this year's Lites National Series. But taking a win in his very first Pro National? In moto 1 Tomac would have had the win if it wasn't for a rookie mistake, hitting the ground while in the lead late in the moto. However, in moto 2 Tomac dominated. Once in the lead Tomac never looked back, and his 3-1 moto score gave him the overall! Tomac is the first rookie to win his first race at round number 1 of the National Series. Congrats Eli Tomac! The young rider will have a target on his back in Texas in two weeks, but I think the mature rookie will be able to handle it just fine. Tomac is going to be one to talk about all season, and for years to come!

Coming into Hangtown the safe money in the Lites Class would have been on French rider Christophe Pourcel. Pourcel looked as though he was going to run away with the win in moto 1; however the French rider cross rutted and highsided, which left him on the ground scrambling back to the bike. By the time he remounted he was just in front of Canard in 3rd. Once Tomac went down it was Tommy Searle in the lead and Pourcel all over him. Pourcel found his way around Searle and took the win even with the fall. Moto 2 would be a different story for Pourcel. Early on he found himself in 4th, sitting behind his teammate Dean Wilson, and was unable to find his way around him. Pourcel stayed there for most of the race but did finally take over 3rd late in the race. Pourcel's 1-3 gave him 2nd on the day and tied for the points lead going into Texas.

In moto 1 title contender Trey Canard (pictured below) was off his game! Canard got the start he needed, but was off Pourcel's pace and had to fight off a pack of riders right behind him. First Searle found his way around Canard, then Tomac, and by the time the checkers came out Canard would find himself falling back to 7th. Whatever the issue was in moto 1, Canard got it figured out for moto 2 riding strong and placing second. Canard took 3rd overall. I am sure Canard will be working his butt off in the next two weeks and have things dialed by the time the gate drops in Texas!

After having a great first moto, placing 2nd, Tommy Searle (pictured left) had issues in moto 2. Searle had the speed to run up front all day but was unable to finish the 2nd moto. Dean Wilson also had a very impressive day. If it wasn't for Tomac, Wilson would have been the top placing rookie, taking 6th overall with a 10-4 moto score. Look for Wilson to find a bit more consistency in Texas. Weimer, Barcia, and Tickle also rode well and will be right there battling for podium positions all season long. It is going to be a long, good season in the Lites Class.

Travis Baker (pictured below) also made his debut in the Pro Nationals at Hangtown. After a shaky start in moto 1, Baker rode solid in moto 2. He came off the line about mid pack and put on a charge. He soon found himself in 12th and moving forward. Martin Davalos was right behind Baker for most of the moto. The two Yamaha riders battled and pushed forward. When they crossed the finish line, Baker was able to hold off Davalos and took 10th in moto 2. With good starts Baker has the speed to really improve his finish come round 2 of the series! Look for Baker to really be making a spash in the coming rounds.

Blake Baggett (pictured below) put in a very impressive ride in moto 1, running with the lead pack and placing 6th. Unfortunately Baggett went down in the first turn, which caused a red flag, and was out for moto 2. Reports are Baggett is OK and should be good to go for round two in Texas!

Broc Tickle (pictured below) went 11-5 for 7th overall. Look for Tickle to improve on that at round two and the series heads to his home state.

250 Class (Moto Finish)
1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda (3-1)
2. Christophe Pourcel, France, Kawasaki (1-3)
3. Trey Canard, Shawnee, Okla., Honda (7-2)
4. Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki (4-8)
5. Justin Barcia, Ochlocknee, Ga., Honda (5-7)
6. Dean Wilson, Canada, Kawasaki (10-4)
7. Broc Tickle, Holly, Mich., Yamaha (11-5)
8. Wil Hahn, Decatur, Texas, Honda (13-6)
9. Tommy Searle, England, KTM (2-31)
10. Tyla Rattray, South Africa, Kawasaki (8-16)

250 Class Championship Standings
1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda, 45
2. Christophe Pourcel, France, Kawasaki, 45
3. Trey Canard, Shawnee, Okla., Honda, 36
4. Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki, 31
5. Justin Barcia, Ochlocknee, Ga., Honda, 30
6. Dean Wilson, Canada, Kawasaki, 29
7. Broc Tickle, Holly, Mich., Yamaha, 26
8. Wil Hahn, Decatur, Texas, Honda, 23
9. Tommy Searle, England, KTM, 22
10. Tyla Rattray, South Africa, Kawasaki, 18

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