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PHIL NICOLETTI
250 SX / A2
IMAGE / MPG WORDS / MATTINGLY DESIGN / WILSON
>> Once a competitor in the Supercross series has found himself buried amongst the pack in which they compete, it becomes very easy to get overwhelmed. The heart rate begins to near the V02 max threshold, perspiration is at an all time high, and the mind can get into a state of panic. It takes a very strong sense of character to remain composed, and truly let the race come to them. Nicoletti has a very strong sense of relaxed demeanor, and no matter what the race tends to throw at him, he tends to leave the course with his head held high, display- ing a strong sense of satisfaction. Although his start was less than what was his preferred (a three rider pileup with himself included), his effort level was at an all time high.Railing each bowl turn with a popping of the rev limiter, he knew that he had little time to dwell on his opening sequences; he had to focus forward and turn the negative to the opposite end of the spec- trum.The laps clicking off, 20th became 19th and so forth; his stamina from his enduring 450 class experience really pay-
ing dividends as he climbed up the leader board.It seemed as though when the track began to roughen, Nicoletti’s notorious outdoor flare began to rare its head, as he hit the ruts, cups, and bumps with loads of precision.He would charge until the final flag waived, garnering a respectable 12th place finish by the time the last bell rang.