Page 44 - Issue45

AUSTIN FORKNER
250 SX / 6TH
IMAGE / LANNAN WORDS / MATTINGLY DESIGN / WILSON
>> The domes and vibe of the East Coast have now faded for the time being and are replaced by the open stadiums and aura of the West Coast mentality, resuming again on this late April weekend. The hiatus has allowed to teams to pause, regroup, and adjust to the errors they made prior to Anaheim one, re- juvenating both rider and team alike. Austin Forkner used this time to focus on preparation and continuing his adequate training regimen, working on his weak points, and hitting the test track as often as he could. A bit of outdoor testing added a slight need for speed, and change of territory can often represent positive changes, rather than partaking in the same old course of matter. It was apparent when the pack hit the field for their opening practice session, as he looked to show off and display what he had gained outside the series lime- light, and put it to use in an actual race format on a Saturday night. Solidifying himself with quality line selection, pristine technique as always, and the heart of a lion, he had placed himself into the heat races, looking to make his move thoroughly as the night began. Qualifying into the main event with a fifth overall gate position, he set his sights on the ever so pristine white chalk that laid just after the opening turn; and once he was locked in, he grabbed that ever so sweet holeshot with all of his might. Three wide in the opening rhythm sec-
tion alongside riders such as Aaron Plessinger and Shane McElrath, he knew he would have to be one hundred percent in order to maintain this piece of solidarity. Staying within the top three for the first few laps, he had a great pace going, trying to take after his elder of the number 38 just in front of him. After the mistake from Aaron Plessinger, he was now dealing with tons of lap traffic, clipping tires, and being forced out of the main line. He would hold the runner up spot for quite some time, hopping through each rhythm section with superior synchronization. And in an instant, he was down, endoing through the whoops, scrambling to get back to his feet. He would, but would only be able to hold onto the sixth place position; devastated and filled with dismay, but knowing he has what it takes to run with the best.
44 GRITMOTO • APRIL 23, 2017