Page 144 - Issue-35

JOSH HANSEN
250 SX / OKLAND
IMAGE / MPG WORDS / LANNAN DESIGN / WILSON
>> Josh Hansen is aboard a Husqvarna for 2017 and is giving the 250 class another run. So far this season, Josh has struggled to keep up with the young guns but is keeping his smooth effortless style in check. Josh is gifted with an enormous amount of natural talent of being able to navigate a dirtbike through a Supercross track and it’s easy to see each and every time he rides. The new father has been putting his Husky into the Main Events week after week and there are no signs of him slowing down. Josh was ready to
do it all again when the day program began in Oakland. A little bit of ruts and rain weren’t a problem for Josh as he navigated his Husky to 13th fastest amongst the young guns. When the gate dropped for 250 Heat 2, Hanny got off to a good start and was running 6th early on. He made his way into 5th about halfway through and was looking fast. Then, he lost a position to Mar- tinez with just a few laps left. Josh was then handed two positions with two laps to go as McElrath tangled with Decotis. He would finish a respectable 4th place. When the 250 Main began, Josh was eager to get the night over with as healthy as possible. Unfortunately, Josh’s tires met Austin Forkners head in just the second corner, sending Josh over the berm and onto the Oakland ground. Fortunately, Josh was able to brush the dirt off his shoul- ders as he remounted in 19th position. He put his head down and began to pick off riders left and right. By the end of lap 4, Josh had already made his way into 15th position. He continued to charge up and began a battle for 12th with Catanzaro. Josh was close as they came into the steep double before the sand. Catanzaro was forced to single the jump due to a mistake and Josh launched it. The two paths came together and Josh’s back wheel slammed onto the other rider’s bike, causing both riders to slam into the ground. Un- fortunately Josh spent a long time on the ground and thoughts go out to him making a quick recovery. Hopefully there are no serious injuries and we will see both riders next weekend. He was counted with 21st place.
144 GRITMOTO • FEBRUARY 5, 2017