Page 48 - Issue_60

BROC TICKLE
450 SX / 8TH
IMAGE / KILPATRICK WORDS / ARMSTRONG DESIGN / MOTOPLAYGROUND
>> A lot of things have changed for Broc Tickle in the past year. Most notably would be his transition from the RCH Suzuki to the Factory Red Bull KTM team. Broc has been with the RCH team the past few seasons and at the end of 2017 the dirt bike world was shocked when word got out that the RCH team was go- ing to be closing their doors and everyone employed on the team would be left without a job for 2018. Broc Tickle got himself on the phone with Roger Decoster ( Factory KTM’s Manager) and after negotiations the two parties where able to come to terms for 2018. KTM had an open spot because their top rider Ryan Dungey announced his retirement after winning the 2017 Supercross Title. Many riders went after the KTM deal but Broc Tickle prevailed. Not only did Broc take over Ryans role at KTM but he also took over Ryans spot at the Bakers factory, boosting his training regimen to the top of the Supercross field. With all things changing for the better Tickle is coming into 2018 with higher goals. The night at Angel Stadium started off great for the #20 of Tickle as he got his Red Bull KTM to a holeshot in the 450’s second heat race. While in the lead Tickle tripled into a right hand corner and lost control of his machine bringing him to the stadium floor. Broc quickly gathered his thoughts and re-entered the race track in 11th. Three laps remained when Tickle got himself around Tyler Bowers for 10th. @ broctickle continued to charge and was able to steal 9th away from Alex Ray in the very final stages of the race. This gave the #20 the final ticket out of the heat race to the main event, keeping him out of the LCQ. Broc had near last gate pick heading into the main event and was only able to come around the first turn in 17th. Due to a bad start Tickle was forced to grind his way through the field
to get himself towards the top 10. After ten minutes of racing Broc had himself positioned in 11th fighting for a top ten with Josh Grant. The two exchanged po- sitions a handful of times before Tickle was able to make the move stick. When the checkered flag flew Broc found himself in a respectful 8th place.
48 GRITMOTO • JANUARY 8, 2018