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ZACH OSBORNE
250 MX / 1ST
IMAGE / KILPATRICK WORDS / KUHLHOFF DESIGN / TILLS
>> Southwick proved itself to be quite a challenge for riders, but when the going gets tough, the tough get going and “tough” is an understatement for Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Zach Osborne. The red-plated number 16 machine lined up for the first 250 moto of the day ready to fight to hold onto his current first place points standing. The sun was high, the air was muggy, and the track was sandy as the gates dropped in Massachusetts. Off the start, Virginia native, Zach Osborne did not grab the holeshot that he was looking for and found himself siting in sixth early
in the race. Lap by lap, Osborne kept his eye on the prize and made a pass on RJ Hampshire into third place by the halfway point. The track terrain got choppier as the time ticked by but Osborne’s determination to get to the number one spot did not fal- ter. Taking the long way around, Osborne made an impressive outside pass on Alex Martin for second place and quickly had his gaze fixated on the French rider, Fer- randis, out front. With two laps remaining, Osborne made attempts to close the gap between himself and the number 108, but ultimately crossed the finish line in the sec- ond place position. Capable of capturing the overall, a confident Zach Osborne lined up for the second moto of the day ready for a good start and a solid performance. The gates dropped and the number 16 immediately grabbed the holeshot. Waves
of sand poured down among the riders as they exited the first turn. Ferrandis was
in second and putting the pressure on Osborne, but the ten-year veteran stayed fo- cused and avoided the choppy conditions that were developing. With twenty minutes remaining, a curve ball was thrown at many of the riders as large raindrops started to fall resulting in a torrential downpour. In the blink of an eye, everyone’s tear offs (including Osborne’s) littered the track. Zach Osborne did not allow these conditions to bring him down. Drawing experience from his long and challenging career, he dug deep and confidently rode in the first place position all the way to the checkered flag. Osborne left The Wick with his fourth overall win of the season and will be continuing with the red number 16 plate as he looks forward to round eight at Spring Creek.
30 GRITMOTO • JULY 9, 2017