Image: Octopi Media.

A runner-up result in the opening round of 250SX East will provide a strong base to work from for defending champion Chase Sexton, yet to identify any added pressure in wearing the number one plate.

Geico Honda’s Sexton was second last weekend in Tampa to open the season and will be looking to go one better in Saturday night’s Triple Crown round at Arlington.

A collarbone injury in the off-season caused Sexton to return to the east for the 2020 Monster Energy Supercross series, providing him the opportunity to wear the number one plate in his title defence.

“There’s obviously a weight to the number one plate, but to me it’s an honor that I dreamed about when I was little,” said Sexton. “You just want to perform for the people that support you and we made big strides this off-season.

“Last year at the opener I didn’t feel good at all – I didn’t have any race pace and finished fifth. This year, the bike feels really good. I just want to leave my bike, focus on myself and my riding. Feeling a lot better going into Dallas than I did after the first round last year.”

Sexton is only three points behind opening round winner Shane McElrath (Monster Energy Star Yamaha) entering the weekend in Texas, in the frame to regain the series leader red plate if he is to take victory on Saturday night.