Page 56 - MPG_AUGUST_2017

56 MPG/GRITMOTO• AUGUST • 2017
KILPATRICK
CHALLEN TENNANT
Following the thirty-fifth iteration of the Loretta Lynn’s National Championship, Challen Tennant has really found his stride on the path to the next level of perfor- mance. The Texan had a tumultuous 2016 that started with a horrific back injury that he sustained during the Texas Winter Series at the end of February. After endur- ing a lengthy recovery, he still managed to qualify for the Ranch in fine form, but he wasn’t able to ride to his potential on the big stage. Tennant went back to the draw- ing board and regrouped for the remainder of the season, hooking up with the Star Racing / Yamalube / Yamaha team heading into Monster Energy Cup. The move paid off almost immediately as he came away from Las Vegas with a second overall in the highly competitive Amateur All-Star class before heading to the Thor Winter Olympics where he grabbed five overall podiums and a number one plate despite a bike problem. Surprisingly, the Texan has yet to finish on the overall podium in any
of the years that he’s competed at Loretta Lynn’s, but he’ll be incredibly determined to erase that blemish from the stats sheet before heading into the professional ranks.
DEREK DRAKE
Derek Drake earned the first podium finish of his career at the Ranch last year, taking a second place finish in the 125 (12-16) B/C class, but the Californian was left yearning for his maiden Loretta Lynn’s victory during the trip back west. He’s man- aged five top five finishes throughout the years that he’s competed at the Amateur National Championships, but the Troy Lee Designs / Red Bull / KTM rider is ready to take the next step in his career after solidi- fying his move to the 250 for 2017. Anyone that kept up with the spring nationals is well aware that the transition is going well for the Californian -- he captured four titles at Oak Hill and another two championships at the JS7 Freestone Spring Championship. Drake was set to pile on the hardware at the California Classic, but a minor injury caused him to miss the event and readjust his focus towards Mammoth and Loretta’s. He put together two flawless performances during the Prarie City Regional where he dominated the 250 B and 250 Limited class with a pair of first place finishes, punch-
ing his tickets to the Ranch with authority. Drake continued to impress at Mammoth Mountain by putting his Troy Lee Designs / Red Bull / KTM on the podium in multiple classes, seldom finishing outside of the top five. His exceptional starting technique throughout the year as well as his ability to float through the rough, rutted terrain makes him a surefire podium contender in the B class this year.