Page 34 - Grit_Issue_69

AUSTIN FORKER
250 SX / 3RD
IMAGE / KILPATRICK WORDS / PINTOR DESIGN / MOTOPLAYGROUND
>> March 10, 2018 marks the 77th edition of Daytona’s Bike Week. Fans across the United States crowd the streets of Daytona, Florida to celebrate and appreciate all that motorcycles have to offer. Along with a number of other events that are hosted during Bike Week, Monster Energy Supercross hosted their 45th annual race at the infamous world center of racing; Daytona International Speedway. Making his rst debut race at Daytona as a pro rider Austin Forkner was hungry for another win. Looking to bring home his 3rd career win and the red number plate Forkner buckled up his boots, threw on his helmet and was ready to battle to the end. Proving that he meant business the number thirty- ve quali ed with the best lap time of the day. Heat race two for the 250 class is underway and Forkner res out of the gate like a cannon. Getting a mid pack start the Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki rider charges hard towards the front. Tak- ing every line he can and passing riders left and right Forkner lands himself in the third postition as the checkered ag ies for heat race number two. Getting a solid position
on the gate Austin is prepped for the 250 main event. Hoping to gain the red number plate and the points lead over Zach Osborne Austin heads into the main event with his mind only on winning. The gate drops and the start is underway. Forkner gets pinched into the middle of the pack leaving him to battle to the front. With the track breaking down with every move he makes Austin continues to push his Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki to its limit. The minutes are passing by as Forkner manages to bring himself into the top ve. Finally he gets himself into the 3rd position after passing his teammate Martin Davalos. Only a couple minutes to go and Forkner continues to gain on Jeremy Martin of the Geico Honda Team. Along comes Zach Osborne of the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna team chasing down Forkner. Osborne is hungy for a win and holding onto his point lead over Forkner. The Monster Energy Pro Circuit rider isn’t letting down though. With a couple second lead on Osborne, Forkner only has one lap to go and he nishes in third. Osborne has Austin in his grips, but screws up in the sand section. Forkner holds his position and nishes his race on the podium in third place at Daytona International Speedway.
34 GRITMOTO • MARCH 11, 2018