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AUSTIN FORKNER
250 MX / 8TH
IMAGE / LANNAN WORDS / MATTINGLY DESIGN / MOTOPLAYGROUND
>> If you think about the true staples of the AMA Motocross tour, you’re sure to jot down a few speci c names. Red Bud, Washougal, Glen Helen, and of course, the notorious Spring Creek round, at Millville, Minnesota. It’s an event that’s been around for decades, playing host to some of the greatest battles, and largest wins in record history. The greats have
all done exceptional here, and Austin Forkner aspires to be lumped into that category. But he knows the effort he must portray, in order to do so. And it would start with a feverish pace throughout the qualifying rounds. Heater, after heater would be thrown down in order to con rm a solid positioning once the nal ag waved, and the roster placed his name in an outstanding slot. The moto’s would commence shortly thereafter. With the eld barrel- ing into the furthest inside portions of the opening right-hander; he knew he would have
to make moves quickly. Surrounded by numerous two digit riders and past champions, he put his stake in the ground, never budging for anyone that tried to rattle him from behind. He moved into third early on, and would pressure Jordon Smith with valiant assertion. Inside, outside, he would hound the KTM, until eventually making a move on lap ten. He could hear the rev’s of others as they pinged at the top of the limiter, when funneling into these treacherous corners; but his willpower was out of this world, never succumbing to the heat. Heading up Mt. Martin as the moments closed, he noticed Smith still in his peripheral vision, and the gap shrinking ever so slightly. However, he would remain consistent, hitting his marks until the checkered ag ew. Second place was his. For moto two, a fth place start would have him ride where he needed be, to commence the nale. Trailing Justin Cooper, there would be quite the feud between the majority of the frontrunners from moto one. Making passes on both Jordon Smith and Joey Savatgy, he could be found residing
in fourth on lap nine, and all seemed to be well. However, a bike malfunction would then force him into the mechanic’s area, with some speculation of radiator damage. As always, he would blister back onto the raceway as quickly as possible, remounting, and charg- ing to eighteenth. Although an unpleasant nish for the moto, he knew his raw speed was displayed on the Millville track. Eighth overall would be his for the day.
52 GRITMOTO • JULY 22, 2018