Blake Baggett is the new national 250 Class champion in American Motocross. Image: Simon Cudby.

Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Blake Baggett is celebrating his first career Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, picking up his fifth overall of the season in the 250 Class at Lake Elsinore on Saturday.

Baggett sealed the series in style aboard his KX250F, the Southern Californian taking a 1-2 moto score to capture the overall and his maiden professional title.

“I had to fight for every bit of this championship, all 24 motos,” said Baggett. “It was a gnarly day from the heat to crashing the second moto, but we knew we needed to come out swinging and came out on top.

“I had a lot of moto wins last year, but couldn’t put it together. This year, I never lost the red plate from Hangtown to here and it’s insane to say I finally did it in front of all my family and friends.”

After finishing off of the podium the past two rounds, Baggett came into the season finale ready to show everyone why he has held the red-plate for all 12 rounds.

The first moto saw Baggett ride a near perfect moto. He started amongst the top three and immediately headed to the front, taking the lead on lap five and never looking back.

In 100-degree heat, Baggett won by 14-seconds and while the other top finishers couldn’t even make it to the podium due to heat issues, Baggett high-fived the fans that lined the fence surrounding the podium.

He only needed to finish 13th or better in the second moto to clinch the title, but Baggett prefers nothing but to win.

Nearly last place off the start of moto two, Baggett charged to the front and was catching the leader until a tip-over forced him to settle for second.