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51 (4-8) Limited
NATHAN HUMMEL / Motocross
KILPATRICK
Walk into the kitchen of your family’s Thanksgiving meal; what do you smell? The ham basking on the stove? Biscuits rising in the oven? Ahh yes, the idea of this holiday makes the senses of many on high alert, oozing and salivating at the thought of this scrumptious meal. Now time to tap in again...drift away, you’re on the line for the 51cc (4-8) Limited class at the 2017 Winter Olympics...what do you smell? Race fuel and burnt clutches that’s what. Nothing like a true roasting of the transmission
as these animals terrorized the mud and debilitating grounds
of Gainesville, following the absurd amounts of moisture that was laid down midweek. However, what ever elements were thrown out, never faltered the minds of these pilots on the line; as they were ready, willing, and able, at the drop of the hat, to twist and turn, all in the seeking of victory. As the mechanics cleared out the machines on the line, many riders had both
feet down behind the gate; needing any extra push or edge, out of the whole they could create. As the lines squirmed, mimicking spaghetti noodles down the start straight, the field rounded the first turn and down the next straight away. Running these Cobra’s, KTM’s, and Husqvarna’s to the absolute limit, the engines were fatiguing as the first lap of competition was completed. Emerging across the finish line first, was none other than NATE DOGG, otherwise known as Nathan Hummel. The STL native, well-known all throughout his home area I might add, was bringing Cardinal pride to the Gator state. A holeshot? Check. Lead a lap? Check. Clean sweep of all seconds of racing action? You bet. Even though Austin Camden, traveling all the way from California, put up a valiant effort, the number 228 of Hummel just seemed to be a step ahead of the game. Seth Perdue, would bring home the third place ride, as they
all looked forward to the main event. For the second round of qualification, Canyon Richards launched his way to victory, soaring over every possible double, step-up, tabletop the eyes could see. Absolutely pinned on each takeoff, the number 316 would run his Egg Harbor Township machine strong, so strong in fact, that he actually ran a 1:57 time on lap number two. The next fastest you ask? A very respectable, 2:03 by Jonathan Getz. The final tally of the heat, would have Richards winning by a ridiculous 31 seconds! Trying to top the aforementioned performance, Chace Lawton’s path to victory wouldn’t be so easy. Although a clean race, with no tearoff’s used, Brody Barth readily creeped to the back of the number 150 machine until the final flag. Lawton, composed as can be, would never falter, and go on to win the moto; with Barth, and Mason Raynor rounding out the top three. Austin Camden had his starting technique to the T for the main event, shooting off the launch pad. Hummel, second, would make quick work of him however, launching out of the finish line valley, his Cobra pinned. He would keep that same attitude, through every particular portion of racetrack,
as he had to hold off a valiant charge from Canyon Richards. Pushing to the finish, the number 228 would have the ride of his life, fist pumping as he took the checkered flag, Richards right on his heels. Great job guys.
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