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JEFF COX
theGRIT
Unfortunately for Baggett, stadiums and sunshine seem to be an unfavorable combination as the Yo-
shimura Suzuki rider wasn’t able to make the cut in Foxborough. Through qualifying, Baggett held 7th and was considered a serious threat as the afternoon unraveled. In his heat, heat two, a slight gate twitch caused a red flag which, at first, was a blessing in disguise for Baggett who got out of the gate 4th in the second start of the race. Pushed wide in turn two by Vince Friese, though, Baggett fell back to 7th early on and was forced to climb upwards for a transfer spot. With Seely washing out after the finish of lap three, Baggett moved up to 5th after getting by Friese on lap two. No matter what Baggett could do, the top four were already gone and with them, Baggett’s optimism. In his next race, semi two, Baggett came off the line in 4th, again, and it was one spot too far back. In 3rd was Benny Bloss, a 250 East racer riding his first 450 event. On lap two, Benny mistimed the heavy whoops and dropped the front end right in Baggett’s path. As Blake hit the ground, you could feel the urgency as he jumped up and gathered himself. He was fortunate enough to come back to 5th and have a chance at getting into the main but fell short, allowing the #761 of Cade Clason to solidify 4th and the final spot before the last chance qualifier. Baggett, realizing how close he was, started the LCQ with fury but got bumped entering the first turn and went down, picking himself up near dead last in the four lap race. Baggett rode the next lap or two but pulled off before the full four laps were finished, ending his night prematurely. A frustrating result for round fifteen but Baggett will be back as he counts down the days until the tour heads outdoors next month.
words/BRENTECKERT
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