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BRADLEY TAFT
250 SX / 11TH
IMAGE / KILPATRICK WORDS / LANNAN DESIGN / MOTOPLAYGROUND
>> Bradley Taft is one of those riders who overflows with natural talent. His effortless style makes watching him ride easy. Bradley also has a very strong work ethic and is dedicated to this sport that he loves. He has been trained by some of the most renowned trainers in the industry and it shows when he is on the track. Unfortunately, since turning pro in late 2016, the CycleTrader.com/ Rock River Yamaha rider has been battling the elements that pro Supercross racing puts on a rider. Crashes and bad luck have kept Bradley off the track much more than he would of liked. Luckily, he was able to find the best in these experiences and used them to learn. He then contested the outdoor series and after a season of ups and downs, Bradley was ready to shake off the rookie jitters and begin his second Monster Energy AMA Supercross season. The Ana- heim dirt was much softer than ever before and Bradley was excited to get his year started off right. He took to the track for the first practices as the day began in Anaheim. His graceful style was key to Bradley putting down some impres- sive laps as he qualified in a top ten position going into the night show. Bradley was thrown into a very competitive 250SX Heat one and was running mid pack shortly after gate drop. Fortunately, his instincts took over and he found a way to snake his way through the pack. He was running a very impressive sixth place by the end of lap one. Bradley then picked up two more positions with
just two laps to go. He continued a quick and steady pace which was good enough for a very notable fourth place finish. Bradley would go on to the Main with some much deserved confidence. When the gate dropped for the race that counts, Bradly piloted his Yamaha rocket ship down the start straight as best
as he could. The kids came together quickly and he was forced to shut down the power earlier than expected. He rounded the first corner near the top ten. The rest of the race was relatively calm for Taft as he focused on fast consistent laps. His efforts paid off and he was able to hang on to 11th place at the check- ered flag. This is the best finish in AMA Supercross of his young career so far.