Image: Octopi Media.

A rejuvenated Blake Baggett has his sights set on standing back on top of the podium in Lucas Oil Pro Motocross after finishing runner-up for the second round in a row.

The Rocky Mountain ATV/MC KTM leader has stepped up in recent weeks to challenge for victory, aiming for his first overall since High Point in 2017.

After winning the second moto at RedBud 2, Baggett carded a consistent 2-2 scorecard behind Adam Cianciarulo at Spring Creek on Saturday and applied his share of pressure to the 450MX rookie on his way to the win.

“I was trying to catch him off-guard,” Baggett said of moto one. “I had to do a little reset back there and he didn’t budge – he stepped it up, for sure. I felt like I got to his rear wheel and then he went… I was doing everything I can behind him.

“I’m sure he didn’t see it, but I was trying everywhere there was – inside, outside, top, bottom. I was going everywhere and he was solid, he rode awesome and he did great. Both motos I gave it my last-ditch best effort to get in there towards the end and he responded.

“I’ll take a 2-2 definitely, I’ll take that bonus money all day, every day! I’m excited on the 2-2. I’d love to get an overall win because it’s been a few years now, but I’ve just got to try to be better.”

Without elaborating, Baggett said a change to the clutch has transformed his bike: “We changed a clutch assembly part, a part on the bike that has to do with the clutch. We changed that for the second moto at RedBud and it changed a lot, to be honest – it’s like riding a whole different bike.”

Following what was a relatively quiet start to Lucas Oil Pro Motocross for Baggett, his recent uptrend of form has seen him rise to sixth in the championship standings with three rounds remaining for 2020.