Page 52 - ISSUE 40

KYLE CUNNINGHAM
250 SX / 7TH
IMAGE /MPG WORDS / MATTINGLY DESIGN / WILSON
>>What must one do to be able to call themselves a pioneer, or be placed at the pinnacle of their sport? Is it just a results based merit? A certain aura of style and flash, blended with a mix of charisma that captivates fans? Or is it something that lurks within the heart, and soul, pushing them to their absolute best, in all types of circumstances. It’s a combination of the three, but the latter, its what truly garners a sense of respect from all that surround, and keeps him pushing in the tough- est of moments throughout his training schedule. What we don’t see is the work Kyle Cunningham puts in, the other six days of the week. A place where his will, and determination is tested day in and day out, and he must lay at rest at night, knowing that he’s done all he can, in order to accomplish the dreams he sat out as a child. Well, the hard work has amounted, and brought him here; he contin- ues to thrive week after week, getting the applause and contract of sponsorships alike. He is known, and well known at that. Coming into Daytona, he wanted to cement himself with the top tier in the sport yet again, push to heights he’s never reached. With a sub 1:15 time during practice, his speed in the rhythm lane, and mogul section heading away from the finish line were immaculate; clicking up a gear when many would shut off. However, a little bit of mistake and misfortune would strike him in the main, causing him to fade a little further than he would like, and rally once the field began to sort themselves out following the start. His tearoff stack? Gone. Destroyed within the first few laps, sweat dripping off his bangs and pores gasping for breath; but he couldn’t quit his effort now. The roll- ers this track was creating, goodness gracious, were mounds in the Sahara, the paddle tires clawing in and sandblasting everyone in sight. He was battling near the latter half of the top ten, but remaining strong, seeming to provide a second boost of energy near the midpoint of the moto. He would stretch, lunge, and dive bomb into every tight corner, clipping hay bales, all to get that last line of attrition. The effort, by race end, would have timing and scoring clocking him in a seventh place position just behind rookie Lorenzo Locurcio and veteran Alex Martin; and although not ideal, with his recent circumstances of changing teams, he would press on.
52 GRITMOTO • MARCH 12, 2017