Page 42 - MPG22

Able to eliminate the pre-race anxiety and keep all nerves at bay, Martin Davalos rocketed off the line in moto one to a 2nd place, getting by Savatgy in the first turn shuffles. As a result of not hitting the huge “Bomber” step-up, Savatgy gets back by, along with Jordan Smith who also made a push to the front. In 4th, nearing the halfway point and dealing with some major heat from Webb, Davalos was able to keep his race stride alive, keeping Webb at his rear for a few minutes. Before long, Cooper did in fact make his way by for 4th and Davalos was left to hold off another hard charging rider in Osborne, who eventually gets by Martin
with ten minutes on the clock. Holding 6th until late, Davalos gets heavy pressure from the pack behind him, losing spots to McElrath and A-Mart in the final minutes. Fortunately for Davalos, Alex went down with three to go, placing Davalos in 7th just in time for the finish and one of his better moto’s of the season. As luck would have it, moto two would end up being Martin’s worst moto of the year after making contact with Star Racing Yamaha’s Aaron Plessinger, forcing Davalos out very early in the moto. Earning some major points with the first moto performance, though, Davalos secured 14th overall and can only hope for some better luck at round six; the #49 Husqvarna definitely has the speed to contend inside the top ten with regularity.
words/BRENTECKERT
IMAGE / WONDERGOAT
theGRIT
42 GRITMOTO • JUNE.27.16