Image: Supplied.

In just his fifth professional motocross race, BarX Chaparral Ecstar Suzuki rider Dilan Schwartz grabbed a top 10 finish in the opening moto and an eventual top 10 overall at Thunder Valley.

Schwartz didn’t get the greatest start as the gate dropped on the first moto of round two of the 2021 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, but managed to pass 10 riders en route to an eighth-place finish.

“Colorado was awesome,” Schwartz explained. “I didn’t get the greatest of starts, but I was able to make a bunch of passes and get inside the top 10 in Moto 1, which I’m really happy with.”

His second moto performance of 12th wasn’t on target with his goal, but he was able to salvage a ninth overall on the day to mark his top overall finish, besting his 12th over at last year’s Colorado round.

“I came just a bit short in Moto 2 with a 12th. Overall, I’m really happy with getting my first top-10 overall finish and I’m looking forward to round three at High Point!”

Schwartz moved up to the professional ranks last year after a successful run in the amateur ranks, with multiple podiums at Loretta Lynn’s Amateur Nationals.

Eventually working directly with Suzuki leading into his pro debut last season, Schwartz now sits 14th overall in the championship as the series takes a weekend off before heading to High Point for round three.