At each 2016 AMA Pro Motocross National this summer we're going to bring you the story, in photos, showing how some racers did on their competition day. If you couldn't attend the event, and your racer didn't get a lot airtime on the television coverage, may worry, we were there for you; which is your chance to see their tale. We'll bring you different riders from each event and share them with a person throughout the week, so be sure to check back. For this photo gallery, we bring you Justin Hill who went 8-4 for 5th overall at Washougal.
Photo simply by Preston Jordan
Team Troy Lee Designs/KTM Justin Hill injured his back in March at Detroit Supercross but was back racing at their home outdoor national in Washougal. You could literally tell where Mr. bieber was on the track at all times by amount of fans that were screaming regarding him.
Photo by Preston Jordan
Justin has been at his home monitor practicing in Yoncalla, Oregon for a couple weeks to get him prepared for your tricky dirt that Washougal provides. Monty (his dad) will prep the track in the morning for Justin and he will ride his 2 30 minute motos right on his own property. If you are ever headed upon Interstate 5 South from Portland near Yoncalla, take a look on your right and you will see the picturesque track of the particular Hills.
Photo by Preston Jordan
Justin knows the Washougal track nicely, but his practice times did not reflect that. His ninth “was mediocre” as he stated, but since he has been out a while we think qualifying went pretty good.
Photo by Preston Jordan
Gerogia Lindsey of NBC Sports interviews Hill before the initial moto. Being the hometown leading man means there is added pressure since hundreds of local fans and household are at the race watching you! Hill took it all in stride and thought it was like having an excellent big family out for some grime bike riding.
Photo by Preston Jordan
In the first moto Hill started around 15th and worked their way up to eighth by the checkered flag. The Washougal track had been tough to pass in most areas, yet Hill had very unique lines going from outside to within to cut across the ruts. He discovered low lines near the edges of the track on certain jumps, which put him back on the ground generating forward quicker. He made several moves on riders this way and had been fun to watch all day.
Photo by Preston Jordan
Second moto Hill obtained a gift with a pileup just behind him after the downhill in the switchback section. He was up close to his teammate Jessy Nelson for approximately half the race, but passed back near the end as the lack of intensity of racing caught up with your pet. For a rider to land within the top five in the highly competitive 250 class his first race back again (from injury) we wouldn’t become surprised to see Hill on the podium at the next round in Unadilla.