Page 10 - Issue_68

MARVIN MUSQUIN
450 SX / 2ND
IMAGE / KILPATRICK WORDS / QUARNBERG DESIGN / MOTOPLAYGROUND
>> Red Bull KTM rider Marvin Musquin has had tough few races in 2018. From being involved in battles that have led to him laying his bike down to struggling through whoop sections and having mediocre starts. However, it’s only matter of time before Musquin nds his stride and we see him throw down one of his notorious heel clickers over the nish line. With Ryan Dungey retiring at the end of the 2017 season, Red Bull KTM is relying on Musquin to be their poster boy for their factory team. Musquin got off to another decent, but not perfect start in the rst main event of the eve- ning was cruising in seventh place as he set his sites on the leaders. Fortunately for Musquin, the whoop section in Atlanta didn’t appear to give his as much trouble as past rounds have this sea- son. There was an intense battle brewing up front with Monster Energy Kawasaki rider Eli Tomac, Honda HRC Christian Craig and Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Jason Anderson. Musquin eventu- ally worked his way into the picture and went on a charge to real in Eli Tomac who he eventually passed for the fourth-place position. As the gate dropped on main event number two, Musquin again failed to get a good start and began the race in eighth place but appeared to be focused and comfortable. He put on a smooth ride with enabled him to position himself inside the top six half- way through the race. Soon after, Musquin was able to make his way by Smartop Motoconcepts Justin Brayon to secure a spot inside the top ve. With one main event left in Atlanta, Marvin was still looking for that solid start that he needs in order to land a spot inside the top three, or better, a win. Luck struck as Musquin came out of turn one in third place, right behind Honda HRC Chris- tian Craig. Musquin was able to avoid a disaster as Rocky Mountain ATV/MC KTM Blake Baggett nearly went over the bars in a rhythm section. With Baggett down, Musquin quickly caught up to Craig and took over the lead with ease. Musquin cruised to victory and secured second overall in Atlanta. If Musquin can manage to get consistent starts, he will be a force in rounds to come. Look for Musquin to come out strong as we roll into Daytona Florida where Musquin looks to carry over his momentum from Atlanta.
10 GRITMOTO • MARCH 4, 2018