Page 144 - ISSUE _38

DAKOTA ALIX
250 SX / 19TH
IMAGE / MPG WORDS / LANNAN DESIGN / WILSON
>> Dakota Alix has always shown great speed but something was differ- ent as his 2017 season began just a week ago in Minneapolis. Alix was quick all day but something really clicked as he got a fantastic start in the Main from a terrible gate position. Unfortunately, just a few seconds later, Dakota performed one of the most spectacular crashes we have seen all year as he spun like a helicopter through the air. Luckily, Dakota was able to fight through the pain and get back on track when the day started in Atlanta. Dakota looked comfortable and was assuredly eager to finish a Main Event healthy. He was placed in 250 Heat 2 and was itching to grab another good start. As the gate dropped, the riders took off and Dakota’s #70 KTM was looking to be one of the first bikes into the corner. Sadly, Dakota hugged the inside a bit too much and made a bit of contact with
a tough block. He was able to keep his bike moving and came out of the first section in 4th place. As he battled the chaos, he was shuffled back a few positions. He was running just inside of qualifying position and with two laps to go, Ganon Audette made a run through the whoops and was able to put a block pass on Dakota. He was now on the outside looking in and was doing his best to make a charge to take back the position. Fortu- nately for Dakota, another rider ahead of them went down which handed the qualifying position back to Dakota just in time for the checkered flag. When the Main began, Dakota shot out of the gate to an outstanding start once again. Only this time, Dakota grabbed a little too much juice, as he was unable to get his KTM slowed down to corner speed. He was forced to go off the track and regrettably forfeited the holeshot. Dakota was now sitting in 22nd place and knew he had his work cut out for him. Unfortunately, it seemed the pain of his multiple injuries was getting to him, as Dakota was only able to make it up to 19th place by the end. Look for Alix to regroup and come back strong next week.
144 GRITMOTO • FEBRUARY 26, 2017