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AUSTIN FORKNER
250 SX / A-1
IMAGE / MPG WORDS / ROEWER DESIGN / WILSON
>> The rookie Monster Energy Supercross racer Austin Forkner came charging into A1 with some high expectations. After a good start to his professional career in the outdoor motocross nationals in 2016, the chance of seeing the young Pro Circuit Monster Energy Kawasaki rid- er on the podium is likely. He started the high intensity night of racing pulling a second place in the heat race right behind the heavy hitter of Martin Davalos. Coming off an excellent heat race, the rookie had the confidence he needed going into his first ever Supercross Main event. With a fast reaction Forkner was able to put himself into a respectable eighth place after the first lap. Trying to stay focused and not get too excited the rookie was working his way forward passing Hill. A battle began to sour between the teammates and Hill passed him back through the whoops. As they were headed down them it looked as if Hill was going to come over, so Forkner tried to slow down causing him to swap out and go over the handle bars into a tough block. A tough break for the rookie, but he wasn’t going to let that bother him. Getting up quickly he got back on his bike around sixteenth place with a lot of work in front of him. Setting some of the fastest lap times in the race Forkner charged his way through pack. Passing rider after rider like he has been racing Supercross for years. He was able to squeeze his way back into the top ten, but that wasn’t enough. Not settling and with only a couple minutes left of the race he managed
to pass Decotis and Chisolm as they were battling, sending him into eighth place. It was smooth sailing the rest of the way to the finish line and the young rookie Austin Forkner finished off his first ever Monster Energy Supercross in eighth. A fantastic start to the season.
84 GRITMOTO • JANUARY 9, 2017