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JUSTIN HOEFT
250 SX / 15TH
IMAGE / KILPATRICK WORDS / LANNAN DESIGN / MOTOPLAYGROUND
>> Justin Hoeft has had an up and down career in motorcycle racing to say
the least. Just a few years ago, Justin decided that racing for fun was the most important thing and so far this theory has been paying off very well. Early in 2017, Justin landed a Supercross only deal with the IBCorp Racing Yamaha team, ran by Ryan Hughes. Justin now had the opportunity to race profes- sionally and he was determined to keep it fun. He busted onto the scene and looked right at home. Overflowing with talent, the young Californian continued to get better every time he got on the track. By just his third round, Justin had scored his first top ten finish in Seattle. Justin then had a mellow summer because of his Supercross only contract, although he did contest in two rounds of the Pro Motocross series where he raced in the premier division scoring two, very impressive top fifteen finishes. He then backed that up with an eleventh overall at the Monster Energy Cup just a few months ago. His performances were nothing short of amazing going into the 2018 Monster Energy Supercross season and the expectations for young Justin continued to grow as well. Justin found his pace slowly throughout the day as the series set off in Anaheim. He lined up for the first 250SX Heat and was ready to do battle in his home state. As the gate dropped, Justin took off but was forced to the middle of the pack as the riders funneled into the first few sections. Justin reached deep into his pool of talent and found just what he needed and began to pick off the riders in front of him. By the time the checkers flew, Hoeft had secured seventh place. Justin then lined up for his first Main Event of the year. When the gate dropped for this one, it was inevitable that there could be some crashes. Although he avoided the fallen riders, Justin was buried in the pack early on and struggled to get going. As the timer passed the ten minute mark, Hoeft was listed in nineteenth position. In the next five minutes, he was able to pick up one position but was clearly ready for the night to be over. By the time the checkered flag flew, Justin was able to pick up a few more positions as he finished up with fifteenth on the night in Anaheim.
86 GRITMOTO • JANUARY 8, 2018