Page 28 - Issue34

AUSTIN FORKNER
250 SX / AZ
IMAGE / MPG WORDS / LANNAN DESIGN / WILSON
>> The young rookie Austin Forkner is the new kid on the block over at
Pro Circuit Kawasaki and is proving his entitlement there with every race. He has been lighting fast in practice sessions this year but bad luck and mistakes have kept him from leading as many laps as he is capable. It’s undeniable that Austin will work his way to the top but the only question is when? It would not be a surprise if Austin jumps to the top sooner than later and will no doubt be one to watch for many years to come. Austin couldn’t wait to get on the track in Arizona on Saturday as he put his name on the board quickly and qualified a very impressive 2nd fastest going into the races. Forkner then jumped out to an amazing start in the first race of the night as he pulled many bike lengths on the rest of the field by the second corner. He began to feel pressure from Davalos in the early laps and was doing everything he could to hold him off. With just two laps to go, Davalos dove to the inside in the corner after the finish line and was able to out drive Austin through the rhythm section to make the pass. Austin would then
try to make a move on the inside before the 80-foot triple but ran out of horsepower as they approached the take off. Austin came up about a bike length too short as he slammed into the backside of the landing in full panic rev. Luckily, Austin was able to brush it off and cruise to a 2nd place finish. When the Main Event began, Austin got a similar start as he pulled an- other gigantic holeshot. He led 3 or 4 laps flawlessly until red plate holder, McElrath made a charge. Austin handed over the lead in the corner after the sand, as Shane was able to go inside of him. Austin was now doing everything he could to stay in front of his teammate, Hill. As they neared the halfway point, Austin was forced to hand over second place to his team- mate. He continued to keep his laps mistake free and very fast. He held on for his first ever podium finish as he took 3rd place in Gelndale.
28 GRITMOTO • JANUARY 29, 2017