Page 64 - ISSUE_58

PHIL NICOLETTI
450 MX / 13TH
IMAGE / LANNAN WORDS / MATTINGLY DESIGN / TILLS
>> You look at the sport of Nascar, and many other stick and ball organiza- tions, there’s a lot the game of motocross can learn, as far as tactics, and structure. Few teams in this sport operate with the instinct of JGR, and where the idea of Phil Nicoletti as a quote “reserve” seems to be both innovative and efficient. Nicoletti is always on call, and is provided the resources of his team- mates, and can be moved-up at any specific moment; but when he does get the time to shine, boy is he ever ready. Budd’s Creek was a huge opportunity, and he took advantage of it. A tenth place start saw he and Eli Tomac jousting for position in the early-on, with the number 3 getting ahead, and Phil taking notes. With an array of heavy hitters seemingly screaming at the back of his jersey, Nicoletti was getting a bit rattled by all of the top-tier talent around, yet still holding somewhat strong. Cresting the ant-hills, his 450 was bouncing off the rev limiter. Eventually he would end up right behind Dakota Alix by moto’s end, taking 14th. For moto number two, he felt rejuvenated after assessing his performance from under the semi awning; he was ready to get back to his showing of the amateur days, as he was a top contender at all times. A sev- enteenth place start had him getting pinched around that treacherous open- ing bend, beelining down the start straight with reckless abandon. Each lap, he would he continue to fight, even with his weaponry losing ammo on each round. Pulling up behind Benny Bloss, and Christian Craig, the number 37 was resilient for the majority of the time in his quest to to the front. He would however find a little bit of tough work with the KTM of Alix again, and eventu- ally holding him off. A 14 –12 result would end with a 13th overall.
64 GRITMOTO • AUGUST 20, 2017