Page 14 - MPG22

theGRIT
IMAGES / LAKE KILPATRICK
Now reaching the depths of the afternoon in the hot and humid oven of Tennessee, the 450’s suited up for moto two and thirty more minutes of rage. This time around, Roczen again hesitated of the line but was able to grab a stronger jump, identifying himself with the top five riders from the first turn. Instantly finding Tomac in the first few turns, the two dropped the hammer and began showing their awareness of each other’s presence. As a result, Roczen was unwilling to waste time and absolutely railed by Cole Seely, setting the sight on Tickle, who pulled the holeshot in his best start of the season. As the first lap wore on, Kenny, again, used his momentum on the outside line to move around Tickle for the lead. Relentlessly dropping immaculate laps, he had built a six second gap over Tomac, now in 2nd, by the half way mark and didn’t appear to back off. Before long, the distance be- tween the top two riders began to diminish, as Tomac got stronger while the clock wound down. Late in the race, Tomac was able to show Kenny a wheel or two, setting up a two-lap showdown to the checkers. Finding different lines and avoiding any mistakes, Roczen held his lead while Tomac pushed his limits. With the white flag out, Tomac’s time running out, the Kawasaki rider carried everything he had to an inside line that robbed his chance, allowing Roczen to sweep the fifth round. In two of his most treacher- ous motos thus far, Roczen has confirmed his goals and extended his points lead heading to Michigan next weekend.
14 GRITMOTO • JUNE.27.16
words/BRENTECKERT