Page 32 - Issue_64

JOEY SAVATGY
250 SX / 2ND
IMAGE / LANNAN WORDS / ROEWER DESIGN / MOTOPLAYGROUND
>> Joey Savatgy had a tough break last weekend in Arizona after a bad crash in the heat race had him riding a little beat up. Recovering from last weekend’s crash the Monster Energy/ Pro Circuit Kawasaki rider was looking strong during the qualifying sessions. Putting in the third fastest lap time of the day, there was no signs of last week’s crash affecting the young rider. Getting a good jump out of the gate for the first heat race of the night Joey Savatgy was right up front through the first turn. Quickly passing the young Canadian rider Jess Pettis for second place behind the points leader Aaron Plessinger. Staying consistent throughout the entire
heat race, Savatgy finished off in second putting himself into the main event. Looking fast and healthy heading into the main for round five of the 2018 Supercross season, Savatgy was looking to gain some of those points back he lost last weekend in Arizona. Putting the power to the ground out of the gate, the Monster Energy/ Pro Circuit Kawasaki rider flew to the inside of the first turn putting himself right into third place off the get go. He was sitting several positions ahead of the points leader Aaron Plessinger and had a prime opportunity to gain back some of the points he lost last weekend. In the mayhem of the first lap he lost one position to Chisolm and fell back into fourth place. After a few laps in he was able to find the speed and get around the 51Fifty Energy Drink Yamaha rider and put himself back into third. As the time ticked away he slowly began inching his way closer to the second-place rider of Alex Martin. But in his ascent to the top Aaron Plessinger was right behind him setting some of the fastest lap times on the track. Around the half way point Plessinger really put the pressure on eventually getting the pass through a rhythm section, sending Savatgy back into fourth place. After reeling in Alex Martin, the Kawasaki rider got passed by Josh Hill leaving him in fourth place still. Not long after the leader made a huge mistake bumping Savatgy up to third once again. With only two laps left of the race he begins an intense battle with Josh Hill. Both riders staying smart went back and forth with Savatgy holding onto the pass on the last lap of the race. Finishing off round five of the 2018 SX season with a second-place podium position, he grabbed himself some very valuable points towards the championship.
32 GRITMOTO • FEBRUARY 4, 2018