The Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship made its lone visit to the enthusiast-packed Southeast for Round 7 of the 2020 season, as Florida’s WW Motocross Park was set to challenge riders with its demanding sand track. The highest heat and humidity of the season provided an added test at the GEICO Motorcycle WW Ranch National, and the end result featured some of the most highly competitive racing of the season. In the 450 Class point leader Zach Osborne showed patience and tactfulness in piloting his Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing machine to a 1-1 sweep and fourth overall win of the season. Over the 250 Class, Monster Energy/Star/Yamaha Racing’s Dylan Ferrandis continued his momentum surge with a second straight 1-1 outing that allowed him to open a double-digit lead in the championship standings.
In addition to celebrating the winners and podium finishers at every round of the 2020 season, each week the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship also brings attention to other riders who should be recognized for their efforts. Following every round a pair of specialty awards are handed out to riders who dig deep and overcome the odds to achieve success.
The Deltran Battery RC Hard Charger Award recognizes the 450 Class rider that embodies the relentless, never-give-up attitude that personified the career of the G.O.A.T. Ricky Carmichael, the most successful rider in the history of American motocross. The award is given to the rider that passes the most competitors in a single 450 Class moto at every round, earning the most significant improvement from his starting spot to his finishing result. Each recipient of the RC Hard Charger Award is awarded with a custom-designed trophy.
The FMF Privateer Power Award shines the spotlight on the underdog rider that overcomes the odds in pursuit of his racing dream, exceeding expectations by putting forth an incredible performance that often surpasses that of the factory-backed riders that surround him. The ability to do more with less is something that every privateer aspires to achieve, and each week this award applauds a rider who was successful in accomplishing that feat. Each recipient of the Privateer Power Award is awarded with a custom-designed trophy.
In his anticipated return to U.S. soil for the 2020 season Twisted Tea/H.E.P. Motorsports Suzuki’s Max Anstie has shown he belongs in the world’s most prestigious motocross championship. The Brit has gone bar-to-bar alongside American motocross’ most elite talent all season long and while he and his team continue to progress during their first foray into Pro Motocross, with a focus on enhanced consistency, Anstie has shown the speed and talent that made him a perennial podium contender in Europe. While his moto podium from Loretta Lynn’s 2 is certainly the highlight of Anstie’s season, one could argue his Moto 1 performance at the WW Ranch National was even more impressive. After landing off the side of the track on the opening lap of the first 450 Class moto Anstie found himself at the tail end of the field in 40th place when he finally got going again. With a lot of ground to make up the Suzuki rider put his head down and went to work, charging his way through the field to ultimately finish 13th at the conclusion of the moto. It was the most impressive comeback ride of the season, with Anstie improving 27 positions from his last place starting spot. In passing more riders than anyone else in the 450 Class thus far in 2020, Anstie is the deserving recipient of this week’s RC Hard Charger Award.
With a career that dates back all the way to 2004, no active rider in Pro Motocross has more racing experience than Kyle Chisholm. The veteran has seen everything over the course of his long career, and through it all he’s always managed to exceed expectations. For the past decade of 450 Class competition Chisholm has become beloved for his commitment to the sport. He loves to race and will do whatever it takes to line up on the starting gate. No matter what the circumstance, Chisholm’s extensive knowledge and race savvy allows him to be highly competitive amongst an increasingly deep field of talent. More often than not he manages to outperform riders who are considerably younger and is a virtual lock to score points every time the gate drops. At the WW Ranch National Chisholm made his first start of the 2020 season and like a true racing veteran he was immediately competitive. The Florida native was in the thick of the battle inside the top 15 all day long and ultimately earned 15-12 moto scores, which was enough to land him 14th overall. To obtain such a strong result in his first appearance it became clear that Chisholm was the deserving recipient of this week’s FMF Privateer Power Award.
