Image: Octopi Media.

450MX title rivals Chase Sexton and Eli Tomac split the moto wins in the penultimate stop of Lucas Oil Pro Motocross at the Ironman national, separated by a single point with one round remaining.

The opening 10 minutes of 450MX moto one were led by Ken Roczen (Team Honda HRC), before red plate-holder Eli Tomac (Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha) took charge.

Title rival Chase Sexton (Team Honda HRC) had completed the opening lap in 10th and had to work his way forward, which he eventually did – despite a minor off-track excursion – and made his way by Tomac by lap 13. It wasn’t over, however, with Tomac countering two laps later and going on to win by 1.533s and take the critical points that go with it.

Sexton was second and a late surge from Aaron Plessinger (Red Bull KTM) saw him climb to third, past teammate Ryan Dungey and Christian Craig (Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha) inside the top five.

Sixth was a solid effort from Jason Anderson (Monster Energy Kawasaki) after he recovered from a first turn fall, followed by Roczen, Justin Barcia (TLD Red Bull GasGas), Freddie Noren (BBMX KTM) and Shane McElrath (Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha).

The difference between Tomac and Sexton in the standings now sits at four points with three races remaining in the series.

A decisive second premier class moto effectively required Sexton to win and that’s exactly what he did, executing the start and taking charge of the lead almost immediately. A brief challenge from teammate Roczen was had on the opening lap, but from there it was smooth sailing, going on to win by 11.293s and take the title down to the wire at Fox Raceway’s finals.

Tomac was runner-up this time out, while Plessinger was third once again following a one position penalty that was applied to Anderson. In fifth was a consistent day for Craig, followed by Roczen, Dungey, Malcolm Stewart, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna teammate Dean Wilson and Noren.

The overall belonged to Sexton after tying on points with Tomac, with Plessinger also making a welcome return to the podium. Tomac will carry the red plate into the final round by a single point, resulting in a ‘winner takes all’ scenario to determine this year’s champion.

The final round of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship will be held at Fox Raceway, Pala, next Saturday, where both champions will be crowned to cap-off the 2022 season.

Detailed results