Page 142 - Issue-35

SCOTT CHAMPION
250 SX / OKLAND
IMAGE / MPG WORDS / LANNAN DESIGN / WILSON
>> Scott Champion has been a known name in the Supercross in- dustry for many years. After nearly ten years in the sport, “Champ” is still going strong and putting his Yamaha into the Mains. Scott has had some ups and downs so far this season but was looking to stabilize his season going into Oakland. Scott, coming off an impressive 11th last weekend in Arizona, was looking to break into the top ten but knew it would be tough as the track was going to be ugly by the end of the night. As the rain was off and on Satur- day morning, so were the lap times. Scott managed to put together some decent rides and qualified 24th going into the day program. He was put in 250 Heat 1, and when the gate dropped, he didn’t get the jump he wanted. He was outside of qualifying position on the first lap and knew what he had to do. He eventually made his way into qualifying position but with two laps to go, he began to feel the pressure of Monster Kawasaki rider, Forkner. Scott was able to use the push from Forkner as motivation and held on to qualifying position all the way to the checkers. Scott unfortunately fell victim to the rutted track when the 250 Main began as he made some unwanted mistakes. He was able to avoid the first section crashes but another mistake would leave him in 19th position as the riders came around for the green flag. Scott was evidently not feeling great after his incident and was just trying to finish the race out healthy. Unfortunately, tonight was not his night as he finished 20th in Oakland.
142 GRITMOTO • FEBRUARY 5, 2017