Page 102 - Issue34

JIMMY ALBERTSON
450 SX / AZ
IMAGE / MPG WORDS / MATTINGLY DESIGN / WILSON
>> This sport has a way of building an individual up to the highest of peaks, as it can be labeled as the ultimate mix between man and machine; a sport of true gladiators willing to take a test and withstand the elements of athleticism and fear.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, it can provide the lowest of valleys, physically slamming riders into the ground, leaving them destructed and fragmented into pieces, emotions in an absolute whirlwind.
Jimmy Albertson has seen all sides of this conundrum, taking wins, podiums, and top-tier finishes throughout his amateur and professional journey.
He’s also been mangled within the hospital bed, family and friends sticking by his side, and times of other’s nearest him beginning to loom because he’s no longer at the top; he’s truly seen it all.
They say patience is a virtue, and the 2017 season is a breathing example of that; the good thing with Monster Energy Supercross is that each weekend offers a slate of re- demption, and Phoenix was no different.
The gate fell for the 450 main event, offering a bounty of free track to whomever claimed the opening position around the left handed first turn, his Suzuki eagerly searching.
The pack storming through rhythm section one and two, he was being stuffed by a mass of both former champions and two digit competitors.
His charismatic whipping over the 70 ft triples had the crowd leaping from the seats (and at times spewing their 10 dollar Bud Light). Although his place was less than ideal after falling to the back of the field (dropping numerous positions), he picked both body and frame of mind off the stadium floor, and would attempt to put the pieces back together.
Truth be known, the forecast was not what was intended for the Phoenix round; a 20th place by night’s end would leave him with a measly one point, but in hindsight, he would live to rider another day.
102 GRITMOTO • JANUARY 29, 2017