Image: Octopi Media.

The first Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship appearance of Michael Mosiman since Spring Creek in July included several laps led and a near-podium finish at Budds Creek.

Mosiman set the eighth-fastest lap in 250MX qualifying in Maryland before leading seven laps during the opening stages of moto one. He challenged for the lead throughout the first race before an easy fall meant the loss of valuable track position, culminating in a fourth-place finish.

The number 29 didn’t put his GasGas MC 250F in as strong a position off the start in the second moto and aimed to race forward from an early seventh position. He surfaced in the top five at one point but ultimately took the checkered flag seventh, securing fourth overall with 4-7 moto scores.

“It felt really good to be back at the races after a good while,” Mosiman said after the Budds Creek round. “I felt good from the get-go. I took my time to be ready to race and not just to come out and ride, and I think that was a smart decision.”

The Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GasGas rider sat out of the Washougal and Unadilla events after crashing heavily in the opening moto at Millville in mid-July. Despite his recent absence, Mosiman made it known at Budds Creek that he has the speed to compete with the current 250 frontrunners.

“I’m really proud of my start in the first moto and making quick moves to lead about half the race or so. It just felt good being out front and focused on me! I had a battle pretty much the whole time both motos. Second moto, I didn’t quite have it but I rode my heart out. I’m looking forward to next weekend!”

Similar to RJ Hampshire, who claimed the overall victory at Budds Creek, Mosiman will look to again challenge the Lawrence brothers and Jo Shimoda up front when the 2022 season’s penultimate round begins at Ironman on August 27.