Page 108 - ISSUE 40

COLE THOMPSON
250 SX / 13TH
IMAGE / MPG WORDS / PINTOR DESIGN / WILSON
>> Ending in 12th place last weekend in his home town Cole Thomp- son was ready to take charge in Daytona. The Canada native qualified in a solid position and looked forward to racing in heat number one. Going into the heat race with a sixth gate pick, Thompson sat on the line with his eyes on the prize waiting for that gate to drop. Losing one spot from his gate pick in the holeshot the KTM Canada rider was still top ten and pushing on towards the front. After falling back multiple positions Thompson still persisted and held his line trying to gain a ticket to the main event. Gaining speed and moving back to 7th Cole charged forward chasing down Robin. The rough terrain and tightness of the Daytona track got the best of the Thor rider, but only for a min- ute. Cole pushed forward and earned the last position into the main event. Thompson gains the 18th gate for the start of the 250 main race. Cole picks off one racer at a time. First Wentland and then he goes for Noren. Charging into 16th position Cole gains 2 seconds on Noren and widens the gap. Midway point in the race and Thompson strives to hold onto that 16th spot. As Jerry Robin falls behind Cole slides into 15th. Then he battles with Christian Craig. Thompson gets the upper hand and takes the pass on Craig. Going into the last lap and finally the checkered flag is out and Thompson sits in 13th posi- tion ending the race in Daytona.
108 GRITMOTO • MARCH 12, 2017