Page 26 - ISSUE_77

JOEY SAVATGY
250 MX / 7TH
IMAGE / KILPATRICK WORDS / MATTINGLY DESIGN / MOTOPLAYGROUND
>>As the Supercross series concludes, there are two trains of thoughts in which enter the heads of riders on the AMA Pro Motocross tour. There are those who are a little upset, that the technicality of stadium-type tracks are gone, and then there are those
that ooze with excitement, to enjoy the good ol’ outdoors. Joey Savatgy is the latter, where he’s marked his calendar for the past few months, in anticipation to display his skills on the world’s biggest stage. He reiterated this attitude from the moment practice commenced, pushing the envelope far and wide, in order to secure a solid spot on the gate. Skying over the outbound table-top past the start, he would ick the chassis to the left, pulling a tearoff at the same time. A blend of charisma, are, and style suited his attitude toward the event, as he would summit towards the top of the leaderboard, once practice concluded. The opening moto would then get underway, and he would be found in fth to end lap one. Positioning himself solidly throughout the following laps, he would chip away little by little towards the front, even though the leaders were beginning to pull away. Although a tad displeased, his effort was to the fullest extent; power-driving the suspension through this rugged chop, and the series of moguls that littered the raceway. Running laptimes near the 2:22 mark, his pace was sustainable until the bitter end, as he would hold off a charging Alex Martin, after dicing it up with Aaron Plessinger early on; his nal result would be sixth. Moto number two was upon him quickly and after a quick refreshment and cool down session, he approached the gate once again. Scanning the start straight for any particular rocks or huge chunks of debris, he visualized his path to the rst turn, but unfortunately had a bit of trouble. Ringing the piston for its entire stroke, he was thirteenth after lap one. Looking ahead towards furthering his position, he man- aged to keep steady while riders were making mistakes all around. Surrounded by tough competitors including RJ Hampshire and Michael Mosiman, he knew his pace must to his best ability, in order to hold a solid spot in the front. These lines were becoming gro- tesque, trenches and ravines being dug down every straightaway, mogul, and jump face you could nd. It was a mental fatiguing raceway, with all parts of the nervous system being tested. He was taxed by the end of the moto, but his nish would be somewhat satisfying, with a tenth place; he was seventh overall.
26 GRITMOTO • MAY 21, 2018