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Blake Baggett has revealed training with reigning champion Cooper Webb (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) in the lead up to San Diego played a role in landing his first podium of the season.

The Rocky Mountain ATV/MC KTM rider was highly-impressive at the sixth round of Monster Energy Supercross, claiming third in the second 450SX heat race before a brilliant performance in the 25-lap main saw him emerge in third position.

“I think the track was deteriorating fast [tonight], for sure – it was getting slicker every lap, and the holes in the whoops were getting worse,” Baggett commented. “I feel I had some spots where I was catching those guys a bit, and they were kind of playing cat and mouse, so that was allowing me to reel them in a bit.

“Then when I made a mistake, they’d gap back out. It was one of those nights where I left a little bit out there in some areas, but at the same time, I’ve been pretty far away from having a podium.

“I’m just happy to be up here, and a big thanks to KTM for letting me ride with them this week – I got to ride with Cooper and that’s helped a lot.”

Baggett has shifted to seventh in the standings ahead round seven of Supercross this weekend at Tampa in Florida.

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Adam Cianciarulo says his battle with Cooper Webb (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) at the San Diego Monster Energy Supercross brought back memories of their rivalry in amateurs, the premier class rookie ultimately finishing runner-up at the sixth round.

The Monster Energy Kawasaki entry returned to impressive form at the Californian round, claiming victory in his heat race before controlling the field for 20 of the 25 laps in the main event.

He relinquished the lead to reigning champion Webb in the closing stages, however managed to hang on for this second podium of the season.

“Back in the day racing Cooper, obviously there were other guys, but when we went out there and raced each other, he was looking at me and I was looking at him,” Cianciarulo explained. “Now it’s funny that we were able to go 1-2 tonight. There are so many other people, you don’t really focus on one guy or you don’t really focus on any guy, but you know everyone is fast.

“It was cool that it came down to us tonight, and it kind of brought back some memories. It was super fun, and obviously I wish I would have won, but I didn’t deserve it.”

Cianciarulo sits fifth in the championship standings as the series heads East for the first time this year at Tampa in Florida.

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Reigning MX Nationals MX1 champion Todd Waters will defend his premier class crown while using the latest generation Maxxis tyres.

Waters, a former MXGP World Championship contender, will utilise the all-new Maxxcross MX-ST tyre that was recently introduced by A1 Accessory imports.

The Maxxcross MX-ST is a lightweight, motocross racing specific tyre designed with a uniquely spaced tread pattern designed to optimise traction, stability and braking performance.

“When it comes to choosing motocross tyres, rider comfort, feeling and grip are the most important areas I look for,” Waters commented. “I want as much confidence in my tyres as possible. When I was initially approached by Maxxis to test the new MX-ST tyres, I was honestly surprised at how comfortable I felt on them right away.

“Making the switch to Maxxis in 2020 was an easy decision – I’m excited to defend my MX1 championship and Maxxis will be a big part of that.”

A1 Accessory Imports marketing manger Aaron Marks added: “We’re really excited to have Todd join the Maxxis family. To hear Todd’s initial excitement about the all-new MX-ST tyre was really positive – it just reinforces the development and progression being made by Maxxis in the motocross segment.”

Waters is yet to publicly outline his deal for 2020, although he has confirmed he will be on Husqvarna machinery.

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Premier class points leader Ken Roczen admits he went into damage control at San Diego’s sixth round of Monster Energy Supercross, the number 94 hanging onto the red plate after finishing outside of the top five.

The Team Honda HRC rider looked set for another strong night, claiming a commanding victory in his heat race by over 11 seconds.

A less than stellar start put the German ace on the back foot in the 25-lap main event, however he struggled to progress forward alongside championship rival Eli Tomac (Monster Energy Kawasaki), crossing the line in an uncharacteristic sixth.

“The night started off really well,” Roczen reflected. “I crushed it in the heat race and had an awesome start. Ultimately in the main, I got an okay but not great jump and just got sandwiched in the first turn and again in the second turn, losing four more positions.

“It made for a tough race. I also got stuck behind [Justin] Barcia and just wasn’t riding well. Then [Eli] Tomac got me and from there on out, I was just going backwards. I lost touch with the front guys and wasn’t that good.

“Unfortunately, as much as we don’t like it, we all have those races and we did some damage control. It’s obviously not where we want to be but we’re heading to the East Coast still with the points lead, so that’s a positive. It’s still a long season ahead.”

Roczen leads Tomac by one point as the series heads East this weekend at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.

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Austin Forkner has described his rivalry with Dylan Ferrandis (Monster Energy Star Yamaha Racing) as just racing despite coming off second-best to the Frenchman on consecutive weekends at San Diego’s Monster Energy Supercross.

Forkner has taken an understanding position on their heated battles over the last two weekends, explaining the nature and competitiveness of the 250SX West championship doesn’t allow for giving track space to rivals.

The Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki rider led a number of laps in the main event, ultimately losing out to Ferrandis to take home runner-up honours.

“You’re that close – it’s inches, hundredths of seconds and everything’s that close, which it has been for the last couple of weeks and all season,” Forkner explained. “Last weekend we would inch away, catch up – we all had our fast parts on the track.

“What’s he going to do? Follow me? You can’t. If you have this much, you have to take it – that’s what I did with Mosiman when I rode by him for the main – honestly, I jumped into the inside I didn’t know if I was going to make the pass. But I had to try – he (Ferrandis) was behind me, so I had to try. It’s racing – if you guys are close, you have to throw it in sometimes.”

Forkner sits third in the series standings as the 250SX West category returns to action on 28 March in Seattle.