Page 148 - ISSUE _38

PAUL COATES
250 SX / 21ST
IMAGE / MPG WORDS / LANNAN DESIGN / WILSON
>> Paul Coates is now in his second full season of Supercross racing. The man from the UK put in some very commendable finishes last year as he solidified his self as a top ten contender. Last weekend at round one of 250 East Coast racing, Paul put his bike in the Main and was able to start off his season with a 19th place. He looked solid as practice began in Atlanta and was hoping to improve upon his finish from just seven days prior. As the riders took to the track for 250 Heat 2, Paul launched off the line as the gate dropped. He came across
the holeshot line in 6th place but was a bit sideways. As he launched the first double, he was pitched at the wrong angle causing him and his bike off the track and onto a tough block. Paul remounted at the back of the field and knew his chances to catch back up to qualifying position were slim. Paul sliced and diced his way up into the top fifteen by the time the race was over but unfortunately it wasn’t good enough. He would go onto the LCQ where he would get a similar start to his heat but with no hiccups. Paul was in 5th place for the first couple laps trying to find a way into qualifying position. Then, with a lap and a half to go, Paul launched himself out of one of the rhythm sections putting his Yamaha to the inside of the rider in front of him. He demanded the position and went on to punch his ticket to the show. With a very unde- sirable gate pick, Paul’s start wasn’t what he was looking for when the gate dropped for the Main. He was running around 17th place after the corner and was doing his best to maintain the position. Unfortunately, the track would not be Paul’s best friend tonight as it forced a mistake out of the Yamaha rider. It was clear to see that Paul was ready for the night to be over. He was scored with 21st place in Atlanta.
148 GRITMOTO • FEBRUARY 26, 2017