Image: Simon Cudby.

Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Eli Tomac broke through for his first Lucas Oil Pro Motocross victory of the 2016 with a commanding 1-1 performance at Southwick on Sunday.

In the series’ return to the sands, Tomac became the third overall winner of the year ahead of title leader Ken Roczen (RCH Soaring Eagle/Jimmy John’s/Suzuki Factory Racing) and Justin Barcia (Autotrader/Monster Energy/Yamaha).

“The track here at Southwick is unique with the sand and I am excited to have it back on the schedule,” said Tomac. “I came into the day with a positive mindset, which I think was important. It’s great to get a win, but we want to keep the momentum rolling into the remaining rounds.”

Roczen capped off back-to-back runner-up finishes by following Tomac across the line. It was the first time this season that Roczen failed to win a moto.

“We just weren’t clicking today,” Roczen reflected. “I felt like my bike wasn’t good enough for these conditions and on top of that Eli and the Kawasaki team absolutely crushed it today.

“I tried to put up a fight in the second moto, try to get a win or at least hang with him, and that’s what I did so I’m happy with how we rebounded from the first moto.”

In the 250 Class, Yamalube/Star Racing Yamaha’s Cooper Webb extended his winning streak with his third-straight overall victory, extending the championship points lead he took over one week ago.

Defending back-to-back 250 Class champion Jeremy Martin (Yamalube/Star Racing Yamaha) won the opening moto, before Webb’s second race win secured him the overall.

Joining the pair of Yamahas on the podium was rookie Austin Forkner (Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki) in third, while previous red plate holder Joey Savatgy was ninth today.

Jackson Richardson had a reasonable day on his privateer Honda as leading Australian in 21st, with a high of 12th in moto one. Suzuki-mounted Luke Clout was 25th overall.