Page 105 - MPG_JANUARY

KILPATRICK
450 PRO SPORT
GARRETT MARCHBANKS / MOTOCROSS
Transitioning from the intermediate classes, to the professional ranks, is one of the most difficult leaps a rider will make throughout their entire motorsports career. The B class, although very fast in its own respect, doesn’t necessarily pro- vide the depth that the professional divisions do. It seems as though the speed trickles through
all positions, and everyone is willing to fight for their position to the bitter end. And looking at
the roster list upon first glance, it was as though this field could be stacked to the brim with speed and excitement. Marchbanks, a newcomer from the intermediate ranks, set out to prove a point in the early going, blitzing the field on lap two. Willing to continue climbing, he dug in to the sides of these limestone rock quarries, chiseling his way with hammer and climbing rope. Drop- ping into the 1:45’s on lap three, Dylan Greer
in second, was fearing that the pace ahead just may be too much, and decided to relinquish his overly aggressive efforts. Marchbanks, would go on to claim the win, meanwhile Greer, second, and Derek Drake would take third. It truly was anyone’s ballgame, going in to the first moto. For round number two, the stakes were set
high; Marchbanks was going have to ride a spectacular pace, to keep the assault of riders blanketed behind. He would do it again, but this time, the road was a little bumpier, both literally and figuratively. Greer, who would actually run the fastest lap of the moto, would pull to a slight edge on lap two. The track, seemingly chewed up and spit out by the most gigantic Gator you can imagine, was having its way with the riders, almost acting as another competitor. Greer,
after throwing down the wickedly fast lap, would make a huge mistake, giving up the lead to Marchbanks. Subsequently, he would also let go of Falk, who would move into the second place ride. Garrett now had room to work with, as his mechanic could be seen trackside waving the towel in a circular motion. He knew to get away from Greer, he must move forward while the
777 was recuperating. Lap after lap, he would solidify his gains, taking the momentum away from both Falk and Greer. Meanwhile, in a last ditch effort to take second place, Falk would be passed, by the early race leader of Greer. The final running order, would stand as Marchbanks, who set sail to the field, Dylan Greer, and Mitch- ell Falk. Marchbanks felt this win stood out more than many others, as he had made his presence known officially, on the outdoor professional circuit.
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