Rockstar Energy Motocross Manager James Hanson gives his insider view of the eighth round of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship at Washougal in Washington at the weekend.

Rockstar Energy Racing travelled to the only stop in the beautiful Pacific Northwest for round eight of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Nationals. The 'Huffman's' once again had the very scenic track looking spectacular for racing in front of another huge crowd of race-thirsty fans.

The team experienced mixed results with some flashes of brilliance once again:

Ryan Sipes is still struggling with small tip overs. Again, he started out the first moto very well. His lines were good, his riding aggressive yet smooth; and he looked to be moving towards the top-five rapidly. He put an incredible pass on Chad Reed, clearly setting up for it several corners ahead. He was being patient and smart. Then as he was taking different lines in an attempt to pass another rider, he made a mistake as he attempted to hop over a hole in the track and lost his front end. After he remounted, he just didn't seem like the same rider. He was able to move back near the top 10, but was clearly frustrated. His second moto did not start well as he came into contact with a group of riders sending him to the ground again in a pile-up. Although Ryan has had some consecutive races that have not gone well, he needs to remain positive and work on the small things that are holding him back because he is very close.

Ryan Sipes: "Washougal was frustrating for me. My speed was there but I just couldn't stay off the ground. I ran in the top-five both motos before my crashes. It's just tough to pick yourself up from that and not be bummed. I'll keep working on stuff and try to come back strong at Millville. It'll come around."

Jason Anderson's first moto start did not go as planned. He had a good jump but was pinched off going down the start straight and forced way back in the pack. He began moving forward trying to pick off rider after rider. He then made a mistake of his own, hitting neutral in a soft sand section. When having no power to the rear tyre in that sort of situation, a crash is nearly inevitable. After he got back on his bike and reconvened, making-up any ground was tough. All the other riders in front of him were top guys and had fallen into a freight-train pace. Everyone was going the same speed and that is how Moto 1 continued until the end.

Moto 2 was a different story for Anderson: He didn't get a stellar start but he moved forward quickly all the way up to fifth. At times he was the fastest rider on the track. He ran a pace consistent with Eli Tomac for much of the moto: That is a big statement considering the way Tomac ran away with both motos and Anderson is very near a major breakthrough.

Jason Anderson: "We're here at Washougal and the sun is shining. An alright day. I was riding good; rode good most the day. Had a good last moto and ended up going 11th and fifth so I was happy."

Rockstar Energy Racing will now travel all the way back east to Minnesota for the Spring Creek Motocross National in Millville where Sipes and Anderson will look to improve on their up-and-down finishes and put two solid motos together.

Washougal 450 and 250 MX Image Gallery: CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS

450 Class (Moto Finish):

1. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki (2-1) 2. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM (1-2) 3. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Suzuki (3-3) 4. Jake Weimer, Twin Falls, Idaho, Kawasaki (10-4) 5. Mike Alessi, Victorville, Calif., Suzuki, (7-6) 6. Andrew Short, Colorado Springs, Colo., KTM (6-9) 7. Josh Grant, Riverside, Calif., Yamaha, (5-10) 8. Chad Reed, Australia, Honda (9-7) 9. Broc Tickle, Holly, Mich., Suzuki (13-5) 10. Justin Barcia, Monroe, N.Y., Honda (4-17)

450 Class Championship Standings:

1. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki, 380 2. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM, 338 3. Justin Barcia, Monroe, N.Y., Honda, 271 4. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Suzuki, 224 5. Trey Canard, Oklahoma City, Okla., Honda, 219 6. Mike Alessi, Victorville, Calif., Suzuki, 199 7. Andrew Short, Colorado Springs, Colo., KTM, 164 8. Jake Weimer, Twin Falls, Idaho, Kawasaki, 160 9. Broc Tickle, Holly, Mich., Suzuki, 159 10. Josh Grant, Riverside, Calif., Yamaha, 158

250 Class (Moto Finish):

1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda (1-1) 2. Ken Roczen, Apolda, Germany, KTM (2-2) 3. Marvin Musquin, La Reole, France, KTM (3-4) 4. Justin Bogle, Grand Terrace, Calif., Kawasaki (4-6) 5. Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., Kawasaki (5-7) 6. Zach Osborne, Abingdon, Va., Honda (14-3) 7. Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Suzuki (11-5) 8. Martin Davalos, Ecuador, Kawasaki (7-9) 9. Cole Seely, Newbury Park, Calif., Honda (9-10) 10. Adam Cianciarulo, Port Orange, Fla., Kawasaki (6-16)

250 Class Championship Standings:

1. Ken Roczen, Apolda, Germany, KTM, 356 2. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda, 355 3. Marvin Musquin, La Reole, France, KTM, 298 4. Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., Kawasaki, 260 5. Zach Osborne, Abingdon, Va., Honda, 239 6. Jason Anderson, Edgewood, N.M., Suzuki, 202 7. Justin Bogle, Cushing, Okla., Honda, 178 8. Kyle Cunningham, Aledo, Texas, Yamaha, 177 9. Jeremy Martin, Millville, Minn., Yamaha, 171 10. Cooper Webb, Morehead City, N.C., Yamaha, 159