Page 18 - Issue_39

BROC TICKLE
450 SX / 3RD
IMAGE /MPG WORDS /ROEWER DESIGN / WILSON
>> Broc Tickle has been putting in the work this season, each round getting closer and closer to the front of the pack. After success in the 250 class a few years back Tickle has had a difficult time making it in the premier 450 class. The Rch/ Yoshimura/ Suzuki Factory racing rider hasn’t seen a 450 Super- cross podium since he started his career 74 gate drops ago but has been fighting hard each weekend to get back himself up there. The chilly Toronto weather didn’t faze the Michigan native qualifying into the night show as the fifth fastest qualifier. Tickle got a decent jump out of the gate in his heat race sitting well within the top ten. Making his way all the way into fifth place the Suzuki rider barely missed that direct transfer spot into the mean, moving him into the semi’s. The start of the second semi went much better for the number 10 machine getting a killer start out of the gate. He quickly put himself into first where he proudly went through to the finish. Hoping to carry the momen- tum of the night’s success Tickle needed to get another good start in the main event. Tickle’s Suzuki loved the Toronto dirt sending him out of the gate in the main event like a rocket ship putting him well within the top five through the first turn. Sitting in third Tickle’s first podium was well within reach but there was still a long main event ahead of him. Staying focused the Suzuki rider kept his head down as the minutes ticked away at the clock. About half way through the race Bagget hit a kicker that was claiming many riders that sent him over the bars, pushing Tickle into second place. Holding strong onto his position the heavy hitter of Ryan Dungey began to put the pressure on. Re- ally trying to keep his flow Tickle wasn’t letting the fact that the points leader was behind him getting into his head. Before the race was over the KTM rider found the opportunity to pass Tickle and pounced on it sending Tickle back to third. Staying where he was through to the end of the race Tickle gained his first hard earned career podium.
18 GRITMOTO • MARCH 5, 2017