Page 32 - ISSUE_62

SHANE MCELRATH
250 SX / 2ND
IMAGE / KILPATRICK WORDS / MATTINGLY DESIGN / MOTOPLAYGROUND
>> With the idea of change embodying this country for the past few years, the state of mod- ern society is in constant evolution. The ideas of government, culture, and lifestyle all are in motion, and ways of decades past are considered stagnant. And although Monster Energy Supercross’ foundation was built on the familiar format we’re all accustomed to, the idea of attracting new fans, and spicing up the original recipe overruled all. Which led us to this point, the first stop of the series in which a new format would be given; here, their would be three main events, and qualification deemed off of circuit times, instead of heat racing. Shane McEl- rath looked eager to build from the energy of the unknown, and use his quick-witted sprints
to secure solid positioning come nightfall. It would work, as he would absolutely obliterate the right-hander following the finish line, nearly dragging his titanium front brake lever. Reading the cues of his mechanic on the portable drawing board, he looked to better his time with
each particular passing. Periodically checking the scorer’s tower, reassurance overcame his state of mind, and he would be confident going into the main events. Behind the grid of gate number one, he sat quietly while the announcer screamed through the surround sound. His expression, as stoic as could be, pondered the thought of what was to come. It was here, and now; the gate would fall, and he would ferociously shift going into turn number one. As the field began to sort themselves out, McElrath was in unfamiliar territory, sitting fifth for the green flag. Quickly working his way around Mitchell Harrison, he would then set his sights on Adam Cianciarulo; the breaking point initiating on lap number four, McElrath would look to have third wrapped in the bag; until a huge mistake would be of utter devastation, and a hiccup would place him in fifth for the final. For moto number two, the idea was much of the same; sprint in the early going, to get ahead. His thermometer of aggression seamed to reach its boiling point, and with the lead in the early going, he never even took a glance back. Savatgy, although behind, never could fluster the KTM rider, as he would claim victory and a fist pump at the
line. The third round was here, and although the heart rate was up, he looked to endure the spike of adrenaline that was ahead. A devastating start to the main event was forecasted for the main event, unfortunately for the number 28. Eleventh across the opening stripe, he would continue to climb, absolutely destroying the whoops on the outside line. Never missing a beat, with the bike staying on the straight and narrow, every lap seemed to be a token of increased intensity. By the last lap, he would come across the line in fourth, generating a low enough result for second overall.
32 GRITMOTO • JANUARY 21, 2018