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Austin took a little bit to adjust to the tricky slick track of Washougal. By the time practice had ended, he had found his speed and qualified a solid 5th going into the races. When the gate dropped for the first moto, Austin had troubles coming down the start straight and was sitting just outside the top twenty going into the second lap. It took him a few laps to get going but he began passing riders like a man possessed. By the halfway point he was nearing the top ten. With three laps to go, Austin finally broke into the top ten and was ready for this moto to be over. He would take 10th and channel his focus on the next one. When moto two began, Austin got off to a much better start and was running inside the top three early on. Then, the two in front of him nearly slid off the track coming down one of the downhills and Forkner was able to inherit the lead. The adrenaline filled rookie began to make multiple mistakes as Davalos closed up on him. Austin gained his composure and started to put down fast consistent laps again. His lead began to grow
as they neared the halfway point. Austin kept the pace up and it paid off. He would take his first ever win in
moto two and 2nd overall on the day at Washougal.
words/BUBBLANNAN
88 GRITMOTO • JULY.25.16