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BLAKE BAGGETT
450 SX / 8TH
IMAGE / KILPATRICK WORDS / PINTOR DESIGN / MOTOPLAYGROUND
>> Well everyone knew that the last triple crown event of the season was going to be eventful, but no one expected a late spring blizzard. At least this weekend the racing would occur in a closed stadium. The Rocky Mountain ATV/MC KTM rig was ready to race no matter what and so was Blake Baggett. Struggling with a thumb injury througout the outdoor season Blake struggled post surgery nding his rhythm for Supercross. Not letting that slow him down though Baggett gained
a few podiums and nally had a taste of victory. Still thirsty for more the Rocky Mountain ATV/MC KTM rider and his team were ready for a rst place nish. Qualifying earlier in the day with 50.126 seconds per lap Blake put himself in a good spot for a gate pick. Holeshot devices set, eyes locked on the gate, and throttle reving Baggett storms out of the gate. Baggett gets a solid start as they come into the rst corner sitting in ninth for the holeshot. Main event number one is under way and Baggett is right on Malcolm Stewart’s tail. Gaining momentum and charging hard Baggett passes Malcolm. Baggett nds himself sitting behind Marvin Musquin. Baggett is on a mission and doesn’t care who’s in his way, he wants a podium nish. Musquin goes back and forth with the Rocky Mountain ATV/MC rider, but Blake wants it more. Continuing to hold off Marvin, Baggett keeps
his KTM pinned staying in the sixth position. Musquin grabs too much throttle and goes down in a corner leaving Baggett with lots of cushion in sixth place. The checkered ag is own and Baggett gets the sixth spot for the rst event. After a short intermission Blake puts his helmet back on and heads over to the starting gate for the second race in the 450 class. The board counts down and Baggett canons off the start. With a perfect start Baggett gets into second right behind Justin Bray- ton. Once again Musquin is right on Blake’s rear fender. Musquin falls off into the tough blocks giv- ing Baggett some breathing room. Not long before Jason Anderson is right behind Baggett. Battling and trying to hold his line Baggett eventually falls into third as Anderson moves into second. Peick ies past Baggett. Now Baggett has both Marvin Musquin and Eli Tomac on his heels. Making a small mistake over the triple Baggett gets into fth. Anderson comes along and moves Blake out
of the way leaving Baggett in sixth. Not letting down though Baggett continues to push his Rocky Mountain ATV to the limit. Last lap is underway and the checkered ag nally is out. After and eventful second race Blake earns a well deserved fth. One last race to go and that will end the triple crown series for 2018. Baggett has battled hard the rst two races and is ready to nish this last race strong. Saddled up on his bike Blake watch intently as the gate falls to the ground. The Rocky Mountain ATV/MC KTM shoots out of the gate placing Blake in fourth for the start. Baggett falls into six place as the rst lap unfolds. Baggett makes a mistake and goes down falling into 14th. With seven minutes to go Blake tries to salvage as many positions as possible. Last lap and Baggett nishes in 12th. After a sold two rst races and struggling this last one Baggett is awarded the 8th overall spot in Minneapolis.
60 GRITMOTO • APRIL 15, 2018