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MARVIN MUSQUIN
450 SX / TEXAS
IMAGE / LANNAN WORDS / KILPATRICK DESIGN / WILSON
>> Marvin Musquin was coming into the sixth round of the 2017 Monster Energy Supercross se- ries looking to bounce back from two under performances in the previous two rounds. The soph- omore 450 rider sat third in the points, twenty-five markers behind his teammate at the top of the standings after racing wrapped up at the fifth round of the series. He has shown podium speed throughout the entire season, but his starts in the past two races have been a massive detriment to his results. Musquin showed the speed to battle through the pack on the technically challeng- ing course in Oakland, but he dropped his Red Bull KTM at the beginning of the race and ex- perienced a minor injury in the process -- he still managed to finish, but he gave up a handful of points due to the wasted time. He put last weekend’s troubles behind him in qualifying practice at AT&T Stadium as he looked extremely comfortable every time he hit the track. The slick surface played into the Frenchman’s expertise, earning himself the second fastest time in both combined sessions. Musquin was seeded into the very first 450 heat race and he wasted no time getting out front along with a gaggle of KTM’s. He came across the stripe on the first lap in third position as he attempted to stay in touch with Blake Baggett and Ryan Dungey ahead of him. Musquin rode smoothly and calmly for the opening half of the race, experimenting with different lines on the track in order to find his way into second position. He finally found a passing lane before the triple jump, blocking the line and shifting his focus to Dungey for the remainder of the race. He put in a couple of belting laps as the time wound down, eventually closing within three tenths of his teammate before the checkered flag. As the sun finally set and the true essence of the night show was recaptured, the main events got underway. Musquin timed the gate to perfection as he jumped out to an early lead down the start straight, hugging the inside through the opening cor- ner as he secured the lead. The Frenchman replicated his performance from the second practice session as he clicked consistently fast laps one after another, inching away from the competition in tow. The shiny surface of the dirt benefited the magical throttle control of the Red Bull KTM rider, allowing him to use his meticulous style to disappear at the front of the pack. He used his trademark whoop jumping technique to perfection as he stayed within his flow on each and every lap, eventually lapping up to Justin Bogle in ninth place. Musquin completely commanded the race from the lead as he went onto take his first premier class victory -- a moment that he cel- ebrated by riding the rear wheel through an entire whoop section before soaking up the praise of the crowd. Musquin’s win allowed him to recover second place in the championship, seventeen points behind his teammate, Ryan Dungey. The series heads east to Minneapolis next weekend as the Frenchman attempts to back up his performance with yet another victory.
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GRITMOTO • FEBRUARY 12, 2017