Page 43 - MPG_AUGUST_2017
P. 43
KILPATRICK
TALON HAWKINS
Talon Hawkins experienced his first trip to Loretta Lynn’s Ranch last year, contesting the 85cc (9-12) class aboard his KX85. The Californian showed solid speed throughout the entire week of racing in Hurricane Mills, but his overall result was
slightly affected by a couple of small mistakes. Nonetheless, the Kawasaki rider fought his way to an eighth place overall finish in one of the deepest classes in the competition, providing him with the incentive to break into the forefront of the field this year at the Ranch. Hawkins maintained his level of solid performances just a couple
of months later at the Thor Winter Olympics, most notably earning a
fifth place overall in the 85cc (12-13) class, in addition to a handful of top ten finishes. The speed continued at the JS7 Freestone Spring Champion- ship as he found himself inside the top ten on multiple occasions, knocking on the door of the top five. It’s likely that the Kawasaki rider will be barging the door down this year at Loretta’s
as he’s really found his form as the season has kicked into full swing. Hawkins earned himself a number one plate at JuniorMotoX in the 85cc (12- 13) class, and he ended up qualifying for the Ranch with a first and second place finish in both 85cc classes at the Washougal Amateur Regional. The Californian is coming fresh off a trip to France where he represented Team USA in the MX Masterkids, consistent- ly topping the timesheets on foreign soil. Although it’s only his second year racing at Loretta Lynn’s, Hawkins has quickly made a name for himself as one of the major contenders in a field stacked with talent.
WWW.MOTOPLAYGROUND.COM
43