Jeremy Martin Secures Back-to-Back Lucas Oil Pro Motocross 250 Class Championships

Nelson surged out of the gate to start Moto 2, edging out Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki's Joey Savatgy for the Motosport.com Holeshot Award. In need of a win and some luck, Musquin securely positioned himself inside the top 10 while Martin found himself on the ground outside the top 20. Webb was also mired deep in the field and ended up crashing out of the race on the opening lap.

Nelson and Savatgy set a torrid pace early to open a slight lead over the field, but Plessinger was once again on a march to the front after starting sixth. The Yamaha rider slotted into third on Lap 2 and began to apply pressure on Savatgy for second. As the two riders battle for the spot Nelson, who had opened up a gap out front, crashed out of the lead on Lap 4 and lost several positions. Savatgy assumed the top spot but Plessinger continued to apply pressure and eventually made his move on Lap 7.

Once out front the rookie rider pulled away and took the first moto win of his career, 10.715 seconds ahead of Savatgy. Musquin salvaged his afternoon with an impressive ride to third-place. Martin did what he needed to do to capture the title, overcoming his early trouble to cross the finish in ninth.

When the overall results were tallied, Plessinger's 2-1 effort made him the 77th different winner in 250 Class history and the second first-time winner of the 2015 season. He also became the third Star Racing Yamaha rider to stand atop the podium this summer.

"This is amazing. I only live about two-and-a-half hours from here [in Ohio]," said Plessinger. "I was able to charge hard in both motos and it ended out working really well for me in the end. Today was a great learning experience. I'm just a rookie but I have many years ahead of me and I'm looking forward to continue improving."

Savatgy recorded a runner-up finish (5-2), while Nelson rounded out the overall podium in third (3-6). Martin's 4-9 effort landed him sixth overall, with Musquin bringing home a 10th-place finish (40-3).

While two points separated Martin and Musquin when the day began, Martin finished the season 12 points ahead to become the first back-to-back champion since Ryan Villopoto in 2007-2008.

"What a crazy year. Marvin [Musquin] was really strong this season and pushed me to my limit. He's a great competitor," explained Martin. "It was a weird summer. I'd get great starts and good finishes, but I also had trouble at times when Marvin would do well, so it was a constant battle until the end. This year was a much tougher championship to win. It was tough last year, but this was a dogfight all season long and I'm even more proud to end the year on top."

"It was a great year. The best year of my career [in the U.S.] so I feel like I can't really complain," said Musquin. "My team was fantastic all season. We came into the first moto [today] really strong and I was ready to battle.

"Unfortunately my bike had a problem. It was the only time I had an issue all year long. I've had so much support from all the fans in America, France and throughout Europe. I kind of feel like I let everyone down, but we still had a great season."

Australian Honda Privateer Hayden Mellross finished his maiden season racing the 250 class with a season best result. Racing to a fine 13th place finish in race one, Mellross backed up in raced two and finished 14th ending the day 13th overall.