Page 74 - MPG-AUGUST

MATT KRETZLER
PONCA CITY OKLAHOMA
Matt Kretzler proved himself as the premier 450 C rider at The Motoplayground Race at Ponca City. The Missouri native put together a solid run of results throughout all three classes that he contested, finishing regularly in the top ten and really hitting his stride in the 450 C class clinching the title with first and second place moto finishes, respectively. The Kawasaki rider found his form on the concrete starting pad in the opening 450 C race, rocketing out to an early lead with no immediate pressure behind him. He crossed the finish line on the opening lap with a gap of almost four seconds in hand, allowing him to concentrate on the empty track ahead, and ride his own race all the way to the checkered flag. In the second moto, Kretzler’s Kawasaki put him at an early advantage ahead of the competition yet again. He came under pressure from the Honda of Jaylend McCarty at the midway point of the affair, conceding the position to the Colorado native with the overall victory in mind. He was aware that he could afford to finish second place and still take the championship due to McCarty’s first moto score, so he rolled off the throttle and limited his mistakes, keeping his heart rate down and his composure up. The #53 Kawasaki comfortably held onto second position with a ten second advantage over third place, clinching the 450 C championship with plenty of points to spare ahead of McCarty.
74 MPG • AUGUST • 2018