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The green blur, with a flash of 214, rocketed out of the gate, eyeing the frontrunners just ahead. The small stature and build of Forkner was a positive element within his arsenal of weapons, as the steep
hills and plethora of offcambers allowed the Kawasaki to really dig in on the climb. Battling the likes of Osborne and teammate, Arnaud Tonus, he sat comfortably inside the top five for the majority portion of the moto. Although a charge from the number 17 was nearing, Forkner would go on to fend off the series leader, showcasing his maturity and comp- sure, bringing a fifth place back to the semi. Second time around, time to show the veterans what’s up; Forkner, had business to take care of, as he’s been known to show speed in the second motos of the last few rounds. Third as they crossed the stripe, all eyes were ahead as chaos ensued just behind him; he needed tunnel vision, and immense focus to stay ahead. Lurking, lurk- ing, and pouncing when necessary, he quickly lunged his way to the back of Cianciarulo. And after methodical patience, as the two crested an inside-outside option, Forkner dove in, hitting the arc of the berm with perfect precision, and taking the lead. Fol- lowing a few lap stint, Forkner seemed to be making a few mistakes, bouncing off berms and ruts rather lethargically. Allowing
a number 16 to creep into view. And once Osborne smelt blood, he acted in aggression, consuming the lead, leaving Forkner in second. The young man would follow the much older Osborne around the course for the remaining laps, etching notes inside his mind, consumed to the brim. He would take a spectacular second moto, finishing runner-up and third overall.
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