Page 28 - MPG18

theGRIT
IMAGE/WONDERGOAT
The Geico Honda rider began to feel the pressure and Forkner was able to make the move by carrying more momentum into a scrub jump and staying extremely low - one of his specialties. At this point, Forkner attempted to keep hold of the podium spot, but his inexperience with long motos interfered
with his ability to continually run the same pace. Although his lap times began to drop off and he was forced to concede positions to a couple of the fittest guys in the class, he proved that he has the pace to contend for the podium and the race craft to trouble the top guys. He has a wonderful way of taking creative lines to shorten the track and prevent others from finding a way around him,
most notably using this tactic up the hill after turn 3 against Alex Martin. Soon thereafter, Forkner began to get tired and decided to do the sensible thing and reign it in at a comfortable pace and take home as many points as possible. He was immediately passed by A-Mart in the left hander coming out of the half pipe, then Plessinger followed suit. Osborne and Webb were also able to sneak by Forkner in the waning minutes of the race, but Forkner still answered lots of questions with his performance at Hangtown. He’ll go into Glen Helen with a 9th overall in his pocket and the confidence that he deserves to run at the front of the field.
28 GRITMOTO • MAY.23.16
words/LAKEKILPATRICK