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Now, in the wake of Saturday’s events, whatever has been previously said about Cole Seely’s inadequate outdoor abilities have officially been put to rest. It didn’t start out that way as Seely qualified in 8th place and
obviously wasn’t happy. Unfortunately, the uphill wasn’t over yet as Seely started race one in 16th. Seely doesn’t race in 16th, though, and that appeared to be known around the field as riders like Howell, Nicoletti, Bisceglia, Short and Tickle began to drop to the #14 Honda that was being surrounded by Eli Tomac. The two riders now found themselves in 10th and 11th respectively with Seely unwilling to give up the spot. The two continued upward getting by Pourcel for 9th, by Brayton for 8th and then Anderson, who pulled off, for 7th. Still having Tomac hot on his heels, Seely continued his push past Bogle for 6th where the race was entering its final minutes. Seely ultimately made his way by Barcia, easily, for 5th and it wasn’t until this point that Tomac seemed to apply the heat. In the closing lap of the race, Tomac got by for 5th forcing Seely to a 6th place moto score heading into the second moto. When that gate dropped, the second and final gate of round four, the factory Honda boys of Canard and Seely found themselves battling for the lead over the first few corners. Losing a spot to Dungey before Ryan went down, Seely locked into 2nd behind Trey, beginning another summer showdown. The two went at it, allowing Seely to see 1st place temporarily before the fastest man on the track, Ken Roczen, made his way through the field and into 1st where he would finish the day. After being passed, Seely lost sight of Roczen but maintained 2nd ahead of an absolutely masterful late-race charge of Eli Tomac who made his way by in the final third of the race pushing Seely to a 4th overall finish and season-best moto score of 3rd. Now 5th in the point standings and seeing the fruits of his hard labor, Seely heads East with a smile and confidence levels through the roof.
words/BRENTECKERT
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