Page 32 - Issue_60

AARON PLESSINGER
250 SX / 2ND
IMAGE / KILPATRICK WORDS / MATTINGLY DESIGN / MOTOPLAYGROUND
>> Throughout these past few months, the fires of Southern California have engulfed
the state, and the entire country, for that matter. Captivating the United States of America through their television sets, many watched as homes of family and friends were sim-
ply burned to the core, with ashes consuming the remains. With numerous devastated, certain areas of the West Coast region were needing a pick-me-up, so to speak; some- thing to take their mind off of the recent tragedy, and brighten their mood for weeks to come. What remedy could be better prescribed than Monster Energy Supercross? And who better to give it than Aaron Plessinger. Those in the industry have always adored his charismatic flare, and his antics on the track were enough to get even the most solemn fan on their feet. Anaheim One, 2018 was no different, as his combination of tripling in the rhythm section parallel to the starting line was jaw dropping. A mere kiss of the front fender, his chest hovering over the bars, would be followed by a slight tapping of the rear brake, landing in perfect harmony. A railing of the next turn would follow suit, preparing to launch in front of thousands. He would carry this momentum into the qualifying rounds, pushing the pace early on, trying to set the tone for the night ahead. With the bright
bulbs beaming down on the raceway below, it truly was an open audition to see who’d been putting in the work for the previous months. He excelled, the figurative judges on the outskirts of the course clapping their hands, throwing their perfect “tens” into the air. He would battle with numerous two-digit competitors for the duration of the heat, attack- ing the course with a white-knuckled grip; he would cross the line in solid position, and secure a spot for the main event. As the pin would unlatch for the final showdown, the field shifted left into the opening bend. Chaos of rev limiters, mustered by the screaming of thousands, etched through the soil for the first go-around. Setting solid with the laps ticking away, his pace and effort from the offseason reaped through this glossy soil and concrete floor. Fifth gear tapped down the start straight, it was all he could do to shut the chassis down into the following left. Battling with the likes of Adam Cianciarulo, and chas- ing down leader Shane McElrath, it was all he could do to get around Christian Craigh. After relentless effort, his line after the finish, a unique triple sequence, would propel him into second. If only his creative step-on, step-off combination could establish him the new lead; however, it was to no avail, as the KTM out front had set sail. A second would be well worth the drive, however, and he was as thankful as ever on the podium.
32 GRITMOTO • JANUARY 8, 2018