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JUSTIN HILL
250 SX / 2ND
IMAGE / LANNAN WORDS / HARNISHFEGER DESIGN / WILSON
>> Justin Hill had all the momentum in the world heading into the race in Seattle. He entered the break on a blazing four race win streak and held a commanding twenty- one point points lead on second place Aaron Plessinger. He seemed to be completely in sync with his Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki machine and it looked like the long seven-week break did not change any of that. He started the day off in dreary CenturyLink Field with a strong showing in the single qualifying practice session held because of the inclement conditions. He just eeked out Plessinger to secure the fastest lap time on the day and he looked forward to picking up right where he left off come race time.
Hill’s heat race started off well with a solid holeshot allowing him to round lap one
in second position behind Rockstar Husqvarna rider Martin Davalos. The track was deteriorating very quickly causing massive ruts and grooves to form all over the place. Hill was conquering by finding all the good lines to use and it resulted in him pulling
up alongside Davalos. The two riders began their battle midway through the race and things almost got ugly when Davalos got sideways in a rhythm lane and collided with Hill. Hill stayed upright but Davalos careened off the course luckily falling relatively soft. Hill inherited the lead and took it all the way to the checkered flag setting up for a fun main event.
Hill got out to another great start in the main coming out of lap one in fourth. He could hear Plessinger coming up behind so he knew had to make moves quick. He ham- mered past Decotis and McElrath on the second lap to hop up to the second-place position. Unfortunately, it would not be enough to get away from Plessinger as he came ripping through passing him and race leader Martin Davalos in a jiffy. Hill did his best to try and match his pace after quickly getting around Davalos but it was just Plessinger’s night. Hill could not reel him in and would have to settle for second. He lost three
points to Hill but he still carries a sizable eighteen-point margin heading into the Easter Holiday.
34 GRITMOTO • APRIL 9, 2017