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BRADLEY TAFT
250 MX / 10TH
IMAGE / LANNAN WORDS / MATTINGLY DESIGN / TILLS
>> With the series coming to a conclusion at this final race of the tour, there are many in the 250 field, debating on making the leap to the 450 class next year. Do we jump headfirst into a deep, more veteran field, risking a worse result in the process? Or will your style suit the 450 better, and honestly save you a bit of money in repair and upkeep, if you aren’t fortunate enough to have your bikes provided? It’s a double-edged sword, and Bradley Taft wanted to do everything in his power, to see to aid in his decision of staying or leaving this so-called “feeder” division. Moto number one saw the rev limiters echoing off of every root and stump in the county, the pack of motors flowing for miles upon miles. With fans cheering rampantly, the field situated themselves out according to their start position. He was forced to battle from the get go. And it seemed as though his climb would never descend, as it was always an uphill push. Fighting for every tooth and nail he could, the young man was working, and it was apparent to everyone in the mechanics area. The laptimes were holding solidly for his circumstances, and with the likes of Luke Renzland and Mitchell Harrison around, he knew if he could just hang on, his crew would be satisfied once he reached the canopy. He would, crossing the line in seventh with a huge exhale of the diaphragm, and looking to seek better for moto number two. The second round was a place for a redundant effort, and with his manualing technique of the rollers to begin the moto, you could tell he was doing everything in his power to captivate a further position. Bouncing down the absurd table-top at the top of the hill, no matter what the close call, you could bet he was still on the gas. Down the following straight away, his 250 was going for all she had, a fifth gear tapped scenario, all the while his glutes sliding on the edge of the gripper seat cover. Those in front of him could truly hear his motor bark, once he had reached their immediate rearview. Coming up Sean Cantrell by the end of the moto, his final finish of thirteenth was good enough for a tenth overall.
54 GRITMOTO • AUGUST 27, 2017