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DEAN WILSON
450 SX / 5TH
IMAGE /MPG WORDS / ECKERT DESIGN / WILSON
>> The #15 of Dean Wilson could be considered one of the most consistent wildcards on the starting line throughout the 2017 season. Still seeming to be adapting to the big bike, Wilson has popped in and out of the top ten, reached the top five once and has avoided the misfortune of pulling out of a race to lead his Husqvarna backed bike to an 8th place in the seasons’ point standings through the first sixteen rounds. Without a chance to reach 7th, Dean entered Sam Boyd stadium with nothing to lose and if you know any- thing about Vegas, it made him a very dangerous man. Clearly realizing the odds and taking advantage of the opportunity, Wilson saw the gate twitch to start heat one and had it pinned as soon as the metal cleared the squared-knobs of his front tire. Entering the first turn just behind Davi Millsaps, the two battled out of the stadium and through
the sweeper. Settling into the race pace with grace, Dean latched on to Millsaps in front of him for the entire first half of the race. A relentless drive allowed Dean to pressure Millsaps into a mistake, giving Wilson the lead. The mistake by Davi also let Blake, now in 2nd, to catch up to Dean, resulting in the two riders throwing dukes for the next few corners. The battle ended when Blake grabbed the top spot and ran away for the final few laps, giving Wilson a 2nd and a solid finish heading into the final race of the season.
Jumping out of the gate just inside the top ten, Wilson started the main smoothly and railed the sweeper to regain the rhythm he had reached in his heat race. As the field reentered the stadium, the dust off the starting line clearing the way for the twenty minute showdown, Dean sat in 7th ahead of Justin Barcia. Pulling a gap over 9th for the majority of the race, Dean was feeling alive and with Sin City on it’s feet for the fireworks of the finale, Wilson gained another spot by Marvin Musquin for 7th with less than 8 minutes left. Behind Reed with the finish drawing near, a mistake by Blake Baggett allowed Dean into 6th. At this point, the top five riders are within a few seconds of each other and Dean is breathing down their necks. Reed, still in front of Wilson, took a fast line to pick up 4th and get by Jason Anderson but the #21 took Chad deep in the turn before the finish line. The move opened the door for Dean who grabbed 5th and held on for dear life for the fi- nal few moments. The finish tied Dean’s season best and if anything can be said, Wilson will be leaving Vegas with fuller pockets than he came with.
20 GRITMOTO • MAY 7, 2017