"After a supercross season that had the riders spilt racing east and west coast divisions, the team was together again as the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship got underway at Hangtown MX in Northern California. Back from injury and away from a gate drop since January, Jessy Nelson grabbed the Moto 2 holeshot on his way to a 7-6 moto result for sixth overall. Teammate Mitchell Oldenburg joined Nelson in the top 10 with an 11-10 result that placed him 10th overall for the day.

Coming back after being sidelined with injury, Nelson looked as if he never missed a gate drop as he completed his first race since January in seventh. In Moto 2, he grabbed the holeshot, but the race was red flagged and the riders were sent back to the line for a full restart. But that didn’t deter him as Nelson grabbed another holeshot once Moto 2 was restarted. He led a majority of the race and ultimately came across the finish in sixth to secure sixth overall.

“I’ve been working really hard to be prepared for the competitive outdoor season and I think that I rode pretty well considering I wasn’t sure how I would stack up after being out so long,” said Nelson. “We have a good base to work off of for next weekend and I’m really looking forward to Glen Helen next weekend.”

After finishing the first moto in 11th, Oldenburg was set to put his KTM in the top 10 during Moto 2. The red flag ended up benefitting Oldenburg as he was collected in the first turn the first time around. After the restart, Oldenburg was 13th following the first lap and made his move forward to finish 10th in Moto 2 and claim 10th overall.

Alex Frye lined up for the first time at Hangtown MX and was quick to make a good impression on the rough circuit. Despite tough conditions in the opening moto, Frey claimed 10th. With a points paying finish in Moto 2 of 17th, he was able to finish 15th overall and leave Northern California with some added experience and a handful of points.

Like his teammate Nelson, Justin Hill was also coming back from injury sustained during the supercross season. His opening moto put him outside point-paying position in 21st, but he wasn’t about to go down without a fight in Moto 2. Even after starting outside the top 15, Hill quickly made his way through the pack to finish 13th and earn 16th overall.

Shane McElrath’s day started well as he battled hard in the opening moto to claim 18th. He was inside the top 10 in the second moto when he was forced to retire early with timing and scoring crediting him with 36th."