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GAGE DUNHAM
51CC (4-6)
IMAGE / TENHAGEN WORDS / MATTINGLY DESIGN / WILSON
>> The warm temperatures of spring season have arisen, flowers coming into bloom, the days getting longer, and the Supercross season fading into obscu- rity. With the motocross campaign in full swing, it seems as though the stadium doors have been closed for good; however, for this one particular weekend in May, you will find some of the world’s elite amateur competitors vying for the chance to be crowned “king”, in Guthrie, Oklahoma. It’s here, where the Junior MotoX Championships take place, and the destination where Gage Dunham looks to cement his name as one of the hottest up and comer’s on the circuit. The Golden, Colorado native was on a restless trek to strike the aforementioned “relic” medallion of his hometown’s aura, and be crowned champion. Beginning with his heat race, he found himself in yet a perilous battle, vying heavily with Jamison Hindman. Taking the green flag in the lead, he looked to set the pace early, and he did, clicking of laptimes in the low 52 second range, and having
a pretty hefty gap over the other competitors in the field. It was then, however, that he had a slight hiccup on lap three, where the mistake would cost him big. He would frantically search to regain his momentum, however, the number 247 of Hindman would turn the fastest lap of the race, in contrast to his slowest, and claim the win; he would be back for redemption. The runoff saw the number five cobra rocket out to a blistering pace to begin the five lap dual. Railing both inside and outsides of the numerous two ways, his line choice was that of a profes- sional, the way he was scoping the layout for the premium route around the course. With Hindman once again knocking at his door, Gage wouldn’t budge, twisting the deadbolt and pressing forward to propel himself further away. It was enough, and by setting the fastest lap of the moto on the white, he secured a solid cushion on the final go around to claim the number one plate, his family and sponsors extremely proud.
50 MPGDIGITAL• MAY • 2017