Page 38 - ISSUE _38

COLT NICHOLS
250 SX / 3RD
IMAGE /MPG WORDS / MATTINGLY DESIGN / WILSON
>> The Atlanta Falcons took the National Football League by storm this past season.
A team that many thought were mediocre at best, had truly turned their organization around with calculated moves, hard work, and precise movement throughout regular season play. They continued to excel, reaching the pinnacle of their sport, and al- though coming a tad bit short, they presented a season that was highly noteworthy.
A rider that has been overlooked at times during his career, or better yet, put through the grinder of deteriorating gossip around the industry, Colt Nichols has been on both ends of the spectrum. Coming into 2017, he knew with his selection of the East Coast rounds that he would be in for a filled that was stacked to the brim with talent. But with adequate preparation, and an excruciating work ethic, he knew he would be ready when called upon. Running near fourth place across early timing and scoring, Nichols smooth, charismatic style was flourishing on the slick Georgia clay. Rebounding from a catastrophic injury this past fall, he was adjusting nicely to the race pace, staying calm and composed despite adequate seat time. The flare was all there, each rhythm lane attempted with a small flick, appearing as if he were out for a Sunday cruise; much less than a race in the toughest series on the planet. He would run fourth for the majority
of the moto, nestled between the podium runners. With the carnage and chaos of the 250 class engulfing him, he wanted to remain headstrong aboard the Yamaha; and he did. With the KTM duo tangling in the last few moments, the number 39 would inherit a spectacular podium position, and bring it home to the checkered flag. The Oklahoma native would make both his family and team extremely proud, a job well done.
38 GRITMOTO • FEBRUARY 26, 2017