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MARVIN MUSQUIN
450 SX / 1ST
IMAGE / KILPATRICK WORDS / HARNISHFEGER DESIGN / MOTOPLAYGROUND
>> Marvin Musquin was probably one of the few people ringing in the new year without a
“new year, new me” mentality. The second half of 2017 treated Musquin unbelievably well.
The momentum he carried into 2018 was remarkable. He won three of the last five outdoor motocross rounds, won the Monster Million at the Monster Energy Cup and then claimed the King of both the Geneva and Bercy Supercross races. He was winning everything and that is exactly how he wanted to start the 2018 Monster Energy AMA Supercross series at Anaheim 1. Musquin began the season with a solid showing in the qualifying practice sessions. He was not quite the fastest but he did manage to notch the fifth fastest lap time in the 450 class just half a second off Ken Roczen’s pole setting time. He looked like his smooth, usual self and was raring to get the action going for the night show. When the gate dropped for his first heat race of the season, Musquin found himself in an uncharacteristic position, deep in the field. Usually adept off the start, Musquin rounded lap one back in eighth place. He maintained his composure and quickly started making moves. He linked up with fellow European rider Ken Roczen and followed him through the pack and was up to fifth after lap three. Then, after riding his rear wheel for the first few laps, he was able to sneak by Roczen and take over fourth on lap four. He stayed there for a few laps until Cooper Webb would crash in front of him. Musquin picked up the position but Roczen was able to get back by keeping Musquin in fourth. He pres- sured Roczen to the end but would end up finishing in the number four spot. He headed back to the pits and began his preparations for the main event. The main event began slightly better for the Frenchman as he emerged from the opening lap in fifth place. He made quick work
of Jeremy Martin to move into fourth on lap two before locking his sights on third place rider Weston Peick. Peick was running a strong pace so it took Musquin a few laps but he would make the move on lap five putting himself in third. Second place rider Justin Barcia had a nice cushion between himself and Musquin so Musquin settled in and methodically chipped away at the gap. While doing so, race leader Eli Tomac would crash out of the race gifting everyone a position sliding Musquin up to second. With the victory right before his eyes, Musquin decided he had enough of waiting and mounted a serious charge at Barcia for the lead. It took him three laps but on lap eleven, he made the pass on Barcia for the lead and the rest is history. Musquin rode it easily home for the victory despite some slight pressure from Jason Anderson down the stretch. The victory at Anaheim 1 positions himself in sole control of the champion- ship points standings as the wildly anticipated 2018 season gets underway.
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GRITMOTO • JANUARY 8, 2018