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AUSTIN FORKNER
250 SX / A2
IMAGE / MPG WORDS / ROEWER DESIGN / WILSON
>> Austin Forkner is the rookie to watch for this year. Riding some impressive main events in his first two rounds of Supercross. The young pro circuit rider started the third round sitting fifth in points only a few out of the top three. Austin Forkner started the day qualifying into the night show in third place a major confidence booster for any rider in the class, but especially for a rookie. With another good chance to showcase his talents, Forkner took full advantage of his position leading into the big show for the night. The Monster Energy Pro Circuit rider nailed his jump out of the gate for his heat race putting himself right into the front of the pack. Forkner kept the throttle wide open throughout his heat race clinching his first ever Supercross heat race win. With an even big- ger surge in his confidence Forkner was ready to tackle the main event. Knowing he had the ability to really compete against the front runners the Monster Energy Pro Circuit rider was ready to put his work to test in the main event. The gate dropped and he went for it beating everyone to the first turn getting the holeshot. Be-
ing the leader was a lot of pressure and the young rider fell back to third, still a respectable podium position. Fighting to stay near the front Forkner was unable to hold the current points leader off and fell back to fourth. Not wanting to be pushed back any further he stayed consistent and mistake free through the remainder of the main event. His consistency paid off and Forkner got his best career finish with a fourth overall. Sitting fifth in points the Monster Energy Pro Circuit rider has a real chance of moving forward in the points chase.
30 GRITMOTO • JANUARY 22, 2017