Page 46 - DECEMBERMPG2018

RESULTS DONOTLIE
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alive in the midst of the Supercross realm, being a contender for podiums from the mo- ment he laid his tread on this freshly dozed race course. Hitting every triple in sight, his rear brake would be tapped on occasion, putting the nose end of his Yamaha machine down, as he soared through the Floridian skies. Battling with the likes of Jeremy Ryan and Gage Linville throughout the week, he knew the task at hand would be tough, but he had all the faith in the world within him- self, and he truly reaped what was his confi- dence would bring. A sixth overall in the 125 (12-17) division, had him thriving for more when he would go to contest the gate, day after day. His momentum would continue
to rise, as a third overall in the Schoolboy 1 class, had him on the podium with a bronze medal draped around his neck. And as ecstatic as he was, he knew that he yearned for more, so to the motocross sector he would go. With a tenth overall in the School- boy 1 class, he would really bring his morale to another high, in the highly touted 125 (12-17) division. As wheel-tapped through the roller section, launching out of depths
of these valleys with stylistic fashion, a third place position in moto number one had him surging with confidence as the start for moto number two would commence. Pushing his way throughout the top ten, he knew he was sitting well, due to the shear few riders that were ahead. Launching out of the finish line, he nodded his head to his mechanic, as the laps would begin to dwindle. He would come across the checkered flag in seventh, doing well enough for an awesome fifth place overall.
MIKAYLA
NIELSEN
Residing in what many
would call the pinnacle of the motocross world, Mikayla Nielsen is in constant thought of motocross and racing two wheels of any kind really. With numerous factories, tracks, and companies having business properties in the area of Riverside, California, there’s not really too many places she can travel without being reminded of the sport she loves. So it was to no surprise, that her family and those in her tight-knit crew, would pack things up and head across the country to Gainesville, Florida, home of
the 2018 Winter Olympics. If we rewind to the likes of numerous nationals throughout the year, you could notice a pattern with Mikayla’s results: as they’re always on the top of the leaderboard. And she wanted to continue that notion as soon as the first gate dropped on the event, beginning the holiday of Thanksgiving on the right foot. The first up to bat, was the Girls Sr. (12-16) division, where she’d be racing women not only a
bit older than her, yet possibly on stronger bikes than she as well. Yet she wouldn’t ever so a hint of nervousness or discouragement, believing that she could win every time she lined up behind the gate. It would reflect in a solid fourth race, to commence her qualifier, and third place in the run-off, strong enough for a bronze medal showing. She would then go to her bread and butter,
that of the Girls Jr. (9-13) division. She hoped to
truly shine in this division, letting loose on her throttle hand and planning to roost everyone behind her. And boy would she ever, taking a dominant heat race win, and eyein the main event run-off, for a chance to hoist a clean sweep. A spectacu- lar start would catapult her into optimum position for the finale, and she would make her way into the lead, wishing to leave the field in the dust. She would do so, hanging on for the win, and a sparkling piece of gold
hardware to take home. She wasn’t done yet though, as the motocross portion saw her addressing the field in a stern manner, with a fourth place to begin the senior class again. She would then go on to improve her first moto finish, just like story of Supercross would unfold. It would generate an overall position of third respectively. Planning to dominate the (9-13) class once again, she too would go on to register a clean sweep, leaving all questions answered as the entire family would head back home.
KYLEIGH STALLINGS
Going against the practical definition of her last name, Kyleigh Stallings has no hint of “Stalling” within her riding style. Moving for- ward with all of mind, body, and locomotive, she’s a progressive rider always seeking an edge on the competition. Never getting into a rut, she keeps her head held high, regard- less of the outcome, and comes to compete when it’s time for the gate to drop. Her technique and foundational riding skills have been something she could build on, and
has proved time and time again that she’s a rider of ascending status. With her momen- tum helping her to truly climb the ranks,
both she and team thought it would be in there best interests to attend the national at Gatorback, hoping that she could walk away from an event with this magnitude with some outstanding results. She would begin her quest in the Girls Jr. (9-13) division, where
a solid start to her initial heat race had her feeling good and gelling with the motorcycle. Changing up her line choices as necessary, she would hit both the deepest ruts around the insides of the turn, and rail the rims of the bowl, depending on what was open, and what she was feeling on that particular lap.
46 MPG • DECEMBER • 2018
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