Page 26 - DECEMBERMPG2018

RESULTS DONOTLIE
in his qualification outings, where multiple thirds, and a first, would have him sitting pretty for the vast majority of the classes he signed up for. He would begin his run-off outings with a strong showing of seventh in 250 Pro Sport, followed by a sixth in 450 A. Being a rider of somewhat taller stature, he would relish with the 450 underneath him, able to dash around this miniature Super- cross circuit,
doing every
double and triple
combination
imaginable. It
would all come
together for
the number 17,
Yamaha rider,
in the 450 Pro
Sport main event
however, where
a holeshot would
have him thriving
in the lead with
Pierce Brown
and Jalek Swoll
just behind. He
would hold onto
the lead until
around lap five,
where the wrath
of Pierce Brown
just couldn’t be mistaken, and the number 63 KTM would make his way around. But
he wouldn’t get down on himself, seemingly trying to battle back as Brown was in close proximity. He would hug the rear fender of the number 63 until the bitter end, claiming an applaud worthy, second place overall finish. Backing up his performances on the outdoor circuit, he would end his first motos with a second, sixth, fourth, and fourth, eye- ing the last of two motos for a solid overall outing. His streak of winning ways would blossom as he would claim two individual moto wins, strong enough for an exceptional second place in 250 Pro Sport, and the pin- nacle of the week in 250 A, with a win.
TATUM MICHALES
Choosing to forego the car-racing route of his native Asheville, North Carolina area, Ta- tum Michales has seemed to make the right decision on the path of motor vehicle that’s best for him. Although young in age, his abil- ity to maneuver and handle the motorcycle is exceptional, mimicking that of a profes- sional rider under the bright lights of Super- cross. You can see him on the sidelines, eyeing those in the A classes, watching their every move. And he’s retaining the informa-
tion, memorizing their lines, seeing the “do’s and don’ts” of what works in order to thrive in an environment such as this. Although on a Cobra 50cc machine, the jumps on this treacherous Gatorback Cycle course, were ones he felt he could easily conquer, never wavering at the thought of soaring through this crisp, Floridian air. Although merely
an automatic machine, he was running
would fall into place. He would stalk the number 113 of Willis, waiting patiently for
a chance to move. With both competitors giving it all they had, Michales would make his way around on lap three, and never look back. Taking the checkered flag, he would be all smiles beneath the helmet, and ready for round two to begin. As moto two would commence, Tatum would waste no time in getting out front, but would have the usual contenders of Colt Martin and Willis hot on his heels. Focusing forward and trying his best not to look back, he would soar through the hair, keeping the bike in perfect form
as he crested these gigantic jumps. With
all three competitors seemingly less than a second away from each other, it would be a photo finish, as they approached the check- ered flag. But somehow, someway, Michales would garner all the energy he had, and come away with the victory! He would put out an outstanding effort, and deserve every bit of reward.
COLT MARTIN
If you’ve been fortunate enough to tend any respective amateur national this year, then you’ve surely come to terms with hearing the name, Colt Martin being announced over the intercom. A tenacious rider sporting the number 47 aboard his screaming Cobra 50, he’s generated enough attention to become a household name in the 50cc divisions. Mr. Martin, a southeast native in his own right, has come to Gatorback in hopes of having fun, and collecting as many trophies as
26 MPG • DECEMBER • 2018
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laptimes well near that of the older, manual transmission classes above him. Looking to do damage in the 51cc (4-6) Limited class, he and mechanic sat behind the starting gate, revving the engine to the moon, with the back wheel in
the air. Trying to clear the motor out, the Cobra would sound flush as
the thirty-second board would go sideways. With a faint nodding of
the helmet, he was checked off, and the gate would fall shortly thereafter, with Mr. Michaels screaming out to an early position of second, just behind that of fellow com- petitor, Lane Willis. Railing these bowl turns with reckless abandon, he was
a standout for certain as the field
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