Page 48 - ISSUE_53

AUSTIN FORKNER
250 MX / 7TH
IMAGE / KILPATRICK WORDS / PINTOR DESIGN / TILLS
>> Constantly growing and getting better each weekend Austin Forkner is consistently improving as we continue on in the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Series. Last Weekend in Tennessee racing Muddy Creek Austin battled with Alex Martin (Big Al) for 70 minutes straight. Constantly pushing himself to be better he held off the Geico Honda rider both moto number and number two. Going 3-3 and obtaining the third overall position Forkner was more than prepared to take the lead at round 5 at Redbud.
Qualifying went alright and the Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki rider placed him- self in a good position on the line for the first race of the day. The thirty second board drops and the 250’s jump off the line. Austin gets a great start as he pushes himself into 4th place
Still struggling with an ankle injury that he sustained a couple weeks ago Forkner holds onto fourth as the clock is ticking away. Trying to hold off the pressure from Ferrandis, Forker sticks to his line. Only .006 seconds off from Alex Martin Forkner continues to pursue a victory. With his radiator shroud hanging off and Ferrandis on his heels Austin tries to hold onto his 4th place position. The checkered flag is finally flown and Austin Forkner ends moto number one in 4th place.
Forkner lines himself up for the second moto sitting poised and ready to steal the holeshot. Gate is down and Forkner uses his Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki to charge to the front of the pack. He goes to take the holeshot from Jeremy Martin but goes down in the first turn leaving him in last place. Frustrated Forkner gets back up and throws down the hammer. Railing ruts Austin isn’t letting off the gas as he puts down lap after lap. Making up position after position Austin finally makes it into the top 20. Picking off a couple more riders Austin finally makes it into 14th place. A great recovery by the Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki rider, but it definitely wasn’t how he wanted to end the day in Michigan. Not letting the bad finish of moto two keep him down, Austin takes a seventh overall finish and pushes on as we go into round 6 at Southwick.
48 GRITMOTO • JULY 2, 2017