Adam Cianciarulo will join the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki squad this weekend for his pro debut. Image: Simon Cudby.

This weekend Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki’s Adam Cianciarulo will make his long-awaited debut in the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing.

Cianciarulo had planned to make his professional debut at Hangtown’s season opener before an ill-timed bout of salmonella poisoning struck the amateur star leading up to to the event.

After a month of recovery, Cianciarulo is ready to compete against the world’s best in the 250 class at the Budds Creek National in Mechanicsville on Saturday.

“It was the worst possible time to get sick, it took a lot out of me,” said Cianciarulo. “But sitting out the first four rounds has allowed me to get back to 100 percent. I think I’m coming into Budds Creek even more prepared than I was for Hangtown.”

Team owner Mitch Payton feels that holding his rider back was the right move to assure that Cianciarulo’s health was 100 percent before he made the move into the professional ranks.

“We wanted to make sure Adam was in top condition before lining up,” said Payton. “He has the advantage of having experienced teammates in Tyla [Rattray] and Blake [Baggett] to help him along the way and we expect him to be battling up front.”

Round five of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship will take place Saturday, 22 June at Budds Creek Motocross Park.