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SHANE MCELRATH
250 SX / A2
IMAGE / MPG WORDS / ROEWER DESIGN / WILSON
>> Shane Mcelrath is the current 250 West Coast championship points leader. The first two rounds have been a dream for the TLD KTM rider obtaining two consecutive first place finishes. Hoping to carry the momentum from the beginning of the season throughout the rest of the season, Mcelrath was ready to do work going into the third round. The #38 KTM rider had a competitive heat race with his competition Aaron Plessinger, unable to make the pass for first Mcelrath qualified into the main event with a second-place transfer spot. Making it into the main event relieves half the stress of the night, the rest of the work for Mcelrath was to keep his win streak going. Unable to get the start he was hoping for the TLD KTM rider was sitting back in fourth around the first turn, with some heavy hitters in front of him. Trying not to make any mis- takes as he made his ascent to the front, Mcelrath began a battle with the young gun of Austin Forkner. Staying aggressive he was able to pass the Kawasaki rider with a better line through the in- side of a turn. Now sitting up in third place Mcelrath had made his way onto the podium. Staying smart and consistent, the #38 KTM rider stayed within his comfort zone keeping in mind it was still the beginning of the season. The rest of the race was very steady for Mcelrath staying comfortably in third place until he went through to the finish. Even with a third-place finish Mcelrath still leads the points with a comfortable six points.
28 GRITMOTO • JANUARY 22, 2017