Page 60 - Issue45

Christian Craig
450 SX / 11TH
IMAGE / LANNAN WORDS / KUHLHOFF DESIGN / WILSON
>> What an exhilarating night for Christian Craig. After recently announcing that he would definitely be on the 450 for the outdoor season, Craig decided to do
a little test run and make his early debut on the 450 in Salt Lake City. All eyes were on the number 48 rider, curious as to how he would finish amongst some very tough competitors. Elevation and emotions were at all time highs as riders lined up for the first 450-heat race of the night. Immediately, Craig proved himself a threat as he and Millsaps found themselves in a very heated heat race battle. Christian Craig finished heat one in the seventh place spot, not too far off from the top four transfer spots. Headed for the Semi, a confident Christian Craig knew what had to be done if he wanted to truly prove himself worthy of the 450 class. He finished in the Semi with a very commendable fourth place and was going
to the Main Event. As a 250 supercross rider, a chill Christian Craig was not too concerned with the results of his 450 debut, but was more focused on what his future transition into the 450 class would be like. This California native seemed relaxed, but when these guys line up for the Main Event and the adrenaline starts pumping through their bodies, they care about results, and let’s admit it, a top ten in his 450 class debut would make for a pretty powerful statement by the Geico Honda rider. The Rice-Eccles Stadium was buzzing with enthusiastic fans and the Main Event was about to be underway. After a rocky start, Craig found himself in the eighteenth place position early in the race. He used the remaining time left wisely and started making moves. With eleven minutes plus one lap left, Craig moved into eleventh, where he stayed until the checkered flag flew. Only one spot outside of the top ten, I’d say that Christian Craig’s debut in the 450 class was a success. I cannot wait to see what he brings to the table for outdoors.