Page 112 - ISSUE-47

COLE MARTINEZ
250 SX / 17TH
MAGE / MPG WORDS / LANNAN DESIGN / WILSON
>> Cole Martinez has been doing his best to carry success from a successful amateur career into the pro ranks. Although this is very tough to accomplish for aspiring up and coming riders, Cole is making the best of the situations he is presented with. Cole has bounced around from team to team and now af- ter much hard work, he has found a home on the Ibcorp Ryno Power Yama- ha ride. He has improved significantly since joining the team and was even able to break into the top ten at both Arlington and Seattle so far this year. As the day in Vegas began, he was ready to prove his hard work. He put down fast times and lined up for the 250 West Heat with confidence. When the gate dropped, Cole did not get the jump he was looking for and was forced
to shuffle to the rear of the pack. He began to put on a charge and knew he had his work cut out for him. Unfortunately, he did not make into qualifying position by the end of the race. As he lined up for the LCQ, he knew it was now or never and he HAD to get into the most prestigious Main Event of the year. Cole launched off the gate and nearly grabbed the holeshot but was forced to slide into the outside of the corner. He began to battle for 2nd place almost immediately. He would make the move but eventually would lose the spot back to Mellross. He would go on to take 3rd. In the Main, Cole had the very outside gate and was forced to the rear of the pack as the riders roared down the straightaway. As the riders made their way to the green flag, Cole was counted in 18th place. He started to find his groove and within the next couple laps, he found the speed to move up to 17th. He would encounter some pressure here and there but at this point it was about survival. He would go on to finish 17th in Las Vegas.
112 GRITMOTO • MAY 7, 2017