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Cole Martinez and a top fifteen start are going hand in hand this year, and Washougal’s opening
gatedrop for the 450 class was no different. Nestled between Jesse Wentland and Colin Jurin, Martinez looked to giddy-up on his Yamaha stallion and go to battle in the Alamo. The Rock River squad strategically placed all around the track, looking to provide a bit of a boost in encouragement the number 68, however it wasn’t needed; as Martinez had enough fire underneath to jersey to grab Smoky the Bear’s attention. Each lap he would lunge for the next opponent ahead of him, smiling and pushing forward as the weak would gasp and subside. Keeping his 450 trekking throughout the trees, Martinez would come away with a 16th place. Killa Cole was pushed a little further back for the beginning of moto two, taking near 22nd across the opening stripe. Swapping paint with Nick “The Whip” Schmidt, and Benny “Big Tymin” Bloss, Martinez felt as if he was in the middle of a collegiate basketball game with the size of competitors that surrounded him. Each lap was another position he could simply toss through the net, racking up advancement and lowering his score. Diving into the grooves that were now chewed up and rigid as the Rocky Mountains, Martinez’ sleek ability to keep the throttle turned while leaning below the apex of gravity was nonetheless impressive; as his 250 West Coast experience was paying off on the slippery surface of Washougal. Heading into the final laps, he had worked his way up to 20th position, receiving a point, tallying for a 19th overall, yet another solid finish for the Yamaha pilot.
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