Page 130 - Issue-35

RYAN SURRATT
250 SX / OKLAND
IMAGE / MPG WORDS / LANNAN DESIGN / WILSON
>> Ryan Surratt is in the middle of a very successful rookie season among some of the greats. Ryan hit the ground running just a few weeks ago but just barely missed qualification for the first two Mains
of the year. He bounced back with an impressive 17th place finish at A2 and even broke into the top 15 last weekend in just his 4th ever Supercross race. The California kid has always been known for his flawless style but it looks like the speed can now be jotted down on his resume as well. Ryan looked calm and collected as he took to the rut- ted track on Saturday morning in Oakland. Ryan qualified in the 23rd position and was focused to get into the Main in northern California. When the racing started, Ryan got a mediocre start and was running 10th place by the end of lap one in the Heat race. With just a few laps remaining, Ryan was handed a qualifying spot due to another riders mistake. It then happened again as McElrath and Decotis tangled handing Ryan yet another position, he would finish 8th. He was getting used to the Main events by now and was ready for the start of another one as the night sky had made this day race start to seem a little more normal. Unfortunately, Ryan was victim to the chaos in the first lap and was running 16th as the riders started to settle into position. He then made a mistake and dropped two positions by lap four. He started to slowly regain his composure and began a steady climb back up. It was apparent he was determined to make the best of the night as he was picking guys off lap after lap. It looked as though Ryan could make his way into the top 15 after such a chaos filled race and he did exactly that. On lap thirteen, Ryan made the move on Ames for 15th and would hold on to the impressive position all the way to the finish.
130 GRITMOTO • FEBRUARY 5, 2017