Page 24 - Issue_68

JORDON SMITH
250 SX / 3RD
IMAGE / KILPATRICK WORDS / MATTINGLY DESIGN / MOTOPLAYGROUND
>> Let’s rewind back, merely a year ago, to the historic Super Bowl between the Atlanta Fal- cons and New England Patriots. The dirty birds, seemingly coming out of nowhere to capti-
vate the league and rally through the playoff’s, were absolutely dominating the sports biggest platform, until mental breakdowns left both the team and city in ruins, as Tom Brady and the Pats would amass a serious comeback. Ever since, the city has been in need of a pick me up so to speak, and that’s exactly what the stars of Monster Energy Supercross could provide. Jordon Smith always looks to captivate the crowd, and with the antics he had shown in practice, his mantra of dazzling continued, getting the fans out of their seat early. His times throughout practice, reiterated how serious he took the quali cation process; however, he still had to time to provide a bit of charismatic are, leaving the fans in the stands craving more. With the Triple Crown portion of the series being in full effect, he would look to make a statement in the rst main. Pushing off of the line, the track was relatively fresh, his tires etching into the clay as
if it were a blank canvas. Cutting in and out of these rutted bowl turns, at times, he could be found slashing across ruts, rather than digging through them in a slalom effect. It would work, pushing his way in front of Austin Forkner, as Dylan Ferrandis scurried ahead. Holding strong with a pack of ravaged dogs just behind, he would bring home the third place nish. A quick turn-around would lead into main event number two, his heart rate still a bit spiked from the rst outing. Reiterating the notion to breathe and remain calm, anytime airtime was presented, a
bit of peace would overcome him. Upon landing, the throttle would then be twisted once again, pushing the chassis of the machine to the point of snapping. In a slingshot battle with RJ Hamp- shire, the yo-yo effect was in full swing, as the rst half of the track provided a bit of favor to his standing, and the latter to the opposition. And although the heat would begin to rise, he wouldn’t boil over; nishing fourth, as contender Ferrandis was now out. It was now time for the third round, an odd numbered event to break all ties throughout the point standing. He elevated in a time of need, knowing what needed to be done. Jockeying through the whoops on the opening lap, the track was now beaten to a pulp; the ruts looking like ravines throughout the landmine littered section. Battling with Hampshire again in the early going, he would feel the pressure closing in on the rear fender. The win could be his, with all of the right placing of other riders. It seemed to be within his grasp, until leaving the door open, and Hampshire would come to give him a bit of a love tap; he would go down, resulting in a falling of places. As the laps continued, he would eye the checkered ag, knowing what was at stake. Holding on for dear life, the white knuckled grip would redeem for a checkered ag, taking sixth for the event, and third overall on the evening.
24 GRITMOTO • MARCH 4, 2018