Page 40 - ISSUE 29

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Able to make his way into the top 10 in the opening laps, Plessinger quickly made the move up to 9th with Webb in toe and pushing hard. Taking completely opposite lines, the two blue dudes went back and forth while getting around Osborne and fellow teammate Mitchell Harrison. Unfortunately, when the battle lost its flare, Plessinger ended up on the short end of the stick and was pushed back to 9th, behind the two other Star Racing riders. By the mid-way point, the track was primo but the thick mud was robbing the riders of RPM’s
causing the 250’s to struggle through the switchbacks. Finally, though, Plessinger was able to make the pass stick on Harrison and held down 8th to the finish. Known as a serious unexpected, late season threat, Plessinger knew he had one more shot
to continue his reputation and he didn’t disappoint. Jumping out near the front from start of moto two and making his way into second early, Aaron began to apply pressure on Forkner, who was up front for the second moto in a row. After a majority of the moto in second, the constant harassment forced Forkner into a mistake causing the rookie to hit the ground and Plessinger to slide into 1st. From there, the #23 was lights out and rode onto a dominant victory with over a ten second lead. The finish earned Aaron 2nd overall in the form of another flash of brilliance. It’s the perfect way to end the 250 championship for the Star Racing Yamaha team capping in impressive three championships in a row, where Plessinger finished the year 5th in the standings. You know what they say, you’re only as good as your last race so Aaron carries all the momentum into 2017.
words/BRENTECKERT
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GRITMOTO • AUGUST.29.16