Page 130 - ISSUE 40

NICK SCHMIDT
450 SX / 20TH
IMAGE / MPG WORDS / LANNAN DESIGN / WILSON
>> Nick Schmidt has been a common name in the privateer pits of Su- percross for many years now. He has been improving steadily over the course of his career, and is now continuing to make the Mains in one of the most stacked seasons of all time. Nick has put his Suzuki into almost every Main Event so far this year and nearly broke into the top 15 in Oak- land. There is no doubt that he is looking to continue his career improve- ment and it was evident when the program began in Daytona. Nick was quick in qualifying and was ready to go racing at the beach. When the gate dropped for 450 Heat 1, he got a decent jump and was able to hold on tight to his Suzuki as the riders charged through the mogul section. Nick was well inside the top ten as they completed the first lap. He did
all he could to move forward but was only able to maintain a top ten spot to the checkers. In the Semi, he got some major wheel spin as the bikes took off. He was able to tuck inside in the first corner but was still near the rear of the field. Nick began to go bar to bar with his colleagues as he made multiple passes in the following laps. He did his best to avoid the roost and continue his march forward but would come up just short by the time the checkers flew. In the LCQ, Nick got a much better start and would tuck into 2nd place early on. He was determined to go on to the Main, as he was able to hold on to the position all the way to the end. In the Main, Nick was lined up almost all the way on the outside gate. When the gate dropped, he knew there was no hope for a good start as he cruised his way around the first corner. He began to pick up the pace and was looking for ways forward but the track was so chewed up at
this point and it was evident that it was going to be quite the chore just to make it through the race. Nick did his best to keep pace but it was all about survival at this point. He would finish with a 20th in Daytona.
130 GRITMOTO • MARCH 12, 2017