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MARVIN MUSQUIN
450 MX / 2ND
IMAGE / KILPATRICK WORDS / HARNISHFEGER DESIGN / MOTOPLAYGROUND
>> After nishing second in the Monster Energy AMA Supercross series despite a spirited late season comeback, Marvin Musquin was ready for a new start in the outdoor series. He ended the 2017 outdoor series on a tear and he wanted to pick right up from that. He won three of the last ve rounds and n- ished second in the two rounds he did not win. He clearly found his groove and was con dent he could nd that same mojo this year. He had some momentum stemming over from Supercross as well after winning two of the last three rounds so he entered Hangtown as a favorite for the win and the overall championship title.
Musquin looked smooth and methodical per usual in the morning qualifying practice sessions. He had a nice rhythm going and threw down the second fastest lap times of both sessions. He was fast but was nearly two seconds off the fastest lap time set by his rival Eli Tomac. If he wanted a chance at the victory, he was going to have to look at lm and dig deep during the races to nd that extra edge.
Musquin got off to a nice start in the opening moto of the season. He slotted into third place after a wild rst lap that saw a lot of back and forth between the top riders. He was sitting behind Jason Anderson and early leader Christian Craig. He was applying pressure to Anderson on lap two when he left a slight window of opportunity open and Eli Tomac took advantage and slipped his way around the Frenchman. This seemed to light a re under Musquin because he retaliated by passing both Tomac and Craig on the next lap to hop into second place. He then worked around Anderson on the following lap and tried to establish a lead because he knew Tomac would be coming. He managed to build a small cushion before Tomac got into second just a few laps later. Musquin was holding onto the lead well and was not letting Tomac get too close. However, on lap six, Musquin made a simple mistake and got off balance resulting in him sliding off the side of the track. He stayed upright but it allowed Tomac to go right on by. He would remain in second place the rest of the race and did a good job keeping Tomac honest until the end.
Musquin could not repeat his nice start from the opening moto as he would only come around lap one in seventh place. He remained calm and steadily moved towards the front. He passed one rider per lap all the way until he passed Justin Barcia for second place on lap six. Once up in second, he quickly reeled in Jason Anderson who built a decent cushion, but it would be no match for Musquin’s speed. He caught him in around one lap and started applying the pressure. Musquin was going every Anderson wasn’t and it worked because he would make the pass on lap eight. He thought he was going to enjoy himself up in the lead but Tomac swung threw and spoiled the party. Musquin would only lead one lap before Tomac would scrub past him on the downhill tabletop. Musquin again would not let Tomac go easy but would ultimately settle into a comfortable second. He would nish the day with 2-2 moto performances for second overall. It was a good outing for Musquin, but he knows he will have to nd something extra if he wants a shot at Tomac the rest of the season.
38 GRITMOTO • MAY 21, 2018