Experience is paying off for Blake Baggett in 2012. Image: Simon Cudby.

Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Blake Baggett credits his current success to being smarter in 2012, after making mistakes throughout the season last year which ultimately put an end to his 2011 AMA Motocross 250 Class title campaign.

With one year’s experience under his belt, the young California native says he has learned from his mistakes and maintains his goal of keeping a hold of the red plate.

So far, Baggett has exceeded his 2011 performance, holding onto the series lead from round one at Hangtown throughout.

“My main goal is to keep holding onto that red plate,” said Baggett. “I don’t think I’m hungrier than I was last year, I think I’m just smarter.

“Last year I got a lot of wins, but just kept making mistakes that cost me. So this year I’ve learned from my mistakes and know what I need to do to achieve my goals.”

Baggett once again came through from behind on the rough and tricky Budds Creek circuit last weekend, riding smart and strong again proved to be the perfect recipe for the overall win.

“The track at Budds Creek was really one-lined,” he added. “Once you committed to a line it was almost impossible to change lines to make a pass, especially with all the lappers.

“It is so important to get good starts on a track like that and I was able to do that in both motos. The key to winning was keeping it on two wheels both motos, you just can’t afford to go down on a track like this.

“Overall, I was really pumped on how I rode and the result so I will try to carry that momentum into the rest of the series.”

Baggett currently holds a 13-point lead over Justin Barcia in the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship 250 Class, after five of 12 rounds.