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DAN REARDON
250 SX / 7TH
IMAGE / LANNAN WORDS / MATTINGLY DESIGN / WILSON
>> There’s a fine line in the world of Supercross between pushing the envelope and catastrophe. The mental and physical demands of this game are like no other, where a lapse in focus doesn’t simply equate to a missed shot, strikeout, or bogey; it can result in a serious injury that can absolutely devastate a career. That’s what makes this sport so jaw-dropping, as competitors such as Dan Reardon risk their well-being every weekend in order to clinch that ever so mystic title of champion, and put on a show for the crowd. But don’t be mistake, this isn’t a monetary goal, or something tangible that makes him wake up in the morn-
ing and put in the work; this is something at his core, a dose of self-worth, that pushes him to the limits each and every weekend. He has many close calls, and Salt Lake City was no exception; however, when in doubt, he continues to hold the throttle on, and push like there is no tomorrow, and that’s why both fans and sponsors hold him in high regard. His line choice throughout practice was a bit unorthodox, as he could be found zig zagging and hopping to an unusual path at certain points, but he made it work, and found himself amongst the best as prac- tice concluded. As the night show came around, it was time to flip the switch and do what he know’s best, compete as an elite. With a fourth place in heat two, he was set up well for the main event, although the age difference was getting any dimmer as the series began to creep on. He would rally a start inside the top ten, fighting his way into seventh within the first few laps, pressured by fellow 25+(Er) Martin Davalos, and chasing the pumpkin of the flying freckle, Mitch Oldenburg. His craftiness was beginning to blossom, with his accustomed technique to the slick Aussie soil raring its head here in Salt Lake; he was seen going a gear tall in the flat turns, really weighting the outside footpeg and driving the outer tread of the rear tire into the dirt for all the grip he could gain. With a shuffle of all kinds around him, he would take a glance over his shoulder, seeing Mellross behind, knowing that he could rest assured for the final few seconds; and with a swift blow of the breeze, he would cross the finish line, comfortably in the seventh place spot.
50 GRITMOTO • APRIL 23, 2017