Page 112 - MPG_JAN_2017

112 MPG • JANUARY 2017
250 Pro Sport
C TENNANT
IMAGE / WONDERGOAT WORDS / KILPATRICK DESIGN / WILSON
>> Sean Cantrell flew out of the gate to another holeshot aboard his TLD KTM, but Challen Tennant put himself in prime position to sneak up the inside before they took the dive into the gator pit. It was a familiar battle for the lead as the two riders have made themselves comfortable at the front of the pack throughout the week. Justin Cooper didn’t get the most advantageous jump off the line, but he was able to make amends on the opening lap as he executed multiple passes as quickly as he could. Cantrell was the KTM filling
in the Yamaha sandwich as the three of them left the rest of the field to battle over 4th place. Tennant stretched the lead- ing advantage with a couple of laps to go, turning deceptively fast laps as he utilized his smooth, precise style. The Texan has grown more and more comfortable with his Yamaha in every passing moto, turning some of the fastest laps of the entire week as the moto began to come to wind down. The gap remained relatively steady as the two of them began to drop Justin Cooper back in 3rd, pushing each other to faster and faster times. With only a couple of laps to go in the race, Cantrell suffered bike malfunctions as his KTM let go over the top of the dinner table, affording Tennant an extremely healthy gap over 2nd placed Cooper. The Star Racing Ya- maha rider took advantage of his newly acquired cushion and simply cruised to the checkered flag as if he were out for a trail ride. Tennant has been the man to beat all week long; nothing has changed heading into the second motos as he put himself in perfect position to win a couple more champi- onships.