Image: Octopi Media.

Christian Craig’s second go aboard the Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha YZ450F saw him inch closer to the top five, a day that he says was ‘a step in the right direction,’ with 6-7 moto scores for seventh overall.

After starting the 2021 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross season off with a 12th place overall, Craig came into round two of the championship looking to improve, saying he expected a lot more of himself after going 11-9 on the day.

It was clear Craig and the team had made progress as the day got underway in Lakewood, Colorado as he qualified fourth overall, eventually putting himself in the hunt for the top five in both motos.

“Thunder Valley went pretty well for me,” Craig explained. “I always look forward to coming here, and I was able to set a good qualifying time and was confident heading into both motos.

“I had some heated battles with some other guys but was able to go 6-7 for seventh overall. It’s a step in the right direction, but I’m looking for a little more to try to get into that top five soon!”

After Star Racing Yamaha took over the 450 factory effort for Yamaha this season, they’ve seemingly turned the program around, with all three premier class riders finding their way inside the top 10, with Dylan Ferrandis and Aaron Plessinger finishing second and third overall.

““The day was great from start to finish,” 450 team manager Jeremy Coker explained. “Practice went very well, and all three riders were happy going into the motos, and I’m very happy with their results.

“We will take advantage of this off week off to put our heads down, get the red plate back, and work hard to get all three guys on the podium in the near future.”

The series now takes a weekend off before heading to Mt. Morris, Pennsylvania for round three at High Point Raceway on 19 June.