Image: Octopi Media.

Spring Creek marked the first gate-drop for Austin Forkner in over six months and the Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki rider was left satisfied with ninth overall in his 250MX return.

An incident during Anaheim’s season-opening main event forced the number 55 to the sidelines for the entire Monster Energy Supercross season and opening six rounds of Pro Motocross with a knee injury.

Making his comeback at Millville, Forkner qualified 12th fastest and worked his way forward to finish the opening moto in 11th, before battling his way to ninth in the second encounter.

“I’ll take a top 10 in my first race back,” said Forkner. “I wasn’t sure what to expect after watching these guys for so long on the sidelines. The pace is definitely high and I’ll have an even better goal for Washougal next weekend. I have always liked going there and it presents its own challenges with the shadows and the high speed – it should be good.”

Spring Creek marked Forkner’s first complete Pro Motocross event since Fox Raceway 1 last year, and he will have the opportunity to edge further up the field as the 2023 series moves to Washougal this Saturday for round eight.