Blake Baggett is determined to hold onto the red plate. Image: Simon Cudby.

Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Blake Baggett has already taken the red plate further this year than ever before, as he maintains his 250 Class lead while the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship heads into round three at Colorado this weekend.

After replicating his 2011 performance at Hangtown this year with a 1-1 sweep, Baggett took second overall at round two in Texas to maintain his lead. Something that he was unable to accomplish last year.

After losing the red plate at Texas in 2011 and never regaining it, the young California native is happy with his results to date and looks forward to Colorado where he aims to keep a firm hold on that vital championship lead.

“I couldn’t ask for anything better, I salvaged points and still got the red plate so thats the main key to it,” Baggett told Racer X of his Texas performance.

“I’ve just got to keep that thing for 10 more rounds and whatever it takes, it takes.

“I’m excited to go to Colorado because I really like that place, it’s got a lot of ruts and the altitude, it’s just a fun track.”

Baggett leads Eli Tomac in the championship standings by 14 points after two of 12 rounds in the 2012 series.