The AMA Supercross Lites, Western Region returned from an eight-week break in Seattle last weekend with Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki's Josh Hansen dropping behind team-mate Broc Tickle after hurting his injured hand again.
Josh Hansen is now two points back from Tickle, Tickle is also not at 100% fit as he recovers from a broken collar bone.
After battling through the pain of the injured hand to Hansen finished sixth while Tickle finished third.
Over the break, Hansen was able to have surgery on his broken hand he suffered at Anaheim 2. Unfortunately, he went down in practice and re-injured the same hand. Determined to not go down without a fight, Hansen suited up for the night show. He came out swinging with a win in his heat race and took that momentum into the main, finishing 6th.
With the Supercross championship taking a weeks break Hansen will be looking to rest the hand.
"I was in a lot of pain, but I'm in this for the championship," said Hansen. "I couldn't just give up. I'm definitely thankful that we have a break so I can try and do what I can to get ready for Salt Lake City. I really want this championship and I'll do whatever I can to be there when it goes down to the final race."
Tickle's consistency over the first six rounds had put him in championship contention coming into Seattle and he now leaves with the points lead despite struggling with injury himself.
Getting out to a great start, Tickle was riding in second most of the race, making few mistakes to eventually finish third.
"I haven't been able to ride much after breaking my collarbone a few weeks back, but I don't want to put it on that," said Tickle. "I know I could have done better. The track was tough and it was hard to not make mistakes. I'm really happy to have the points lead. I wasn't expecting it because I know Josh has been doing well with his injury. It's a bummer he got hurt, but I know he's not giving up so I have to stay on my game."
Main Photo: Josh Hansen
