Fourth in Houston’s 450SX main event marked a vast improvement for Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Aaron Plessinger, delivering fast starts and strong pace on his way to a season-best result.

Plessinger qualified 12th quickest at NRG Stadium but elevated come to the night show, launching to third in the opening heat and working his way to second come race-end.

Another fast start in the final saw the number seven trailing race leader Eli Tomac (Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing) after the opening lap. After the misfortune of Dylan Ferrandis (Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing) brought out the red flag, Plessinger lost time in the initial stages following the staggered restart but was able to regroup and cross the line to bank a solid 19 points.

“I came into this weekend feeling confident in my starts I had a lot of fun out there,” said Plessinger. “In the heat race, I got a good start and had a great battle with Cooper [Webb] and another rider, where I ended up second. I rode really well in that race. I got another unreal start in the main and I was duking it out for the lead when the race was unfortunately red-flagged.

“Off the staggered start, I slid out a little in the first turn and lost a position, then another rider got around me soon afterwards. I got my bearings back and started charging, then despite a couple of little mistakes, I finished the race at a good pace in a P4 position.”

Before Houston, Plessinger’s best result in 2023 was seventh in Anaheim 2’s Triple Crown. After the improved outing in Houston, he now sits seventh in the 450SX standings.