Page 86 - APRIL_ISSUE_2017

Stockton Stinebaugh
250 C
IMAGE / KILPATRICK WORDS / KILPATRICK DESIGN / WILSON
>> Stockton Stinebaugh put it on for the home state crowd as the Texas native came away from the 2017 JS7 Freestone Spring Championship with a pair of titles and a couple of podium finishes to add to his resume. The Yamaha rider contested four different classes and never finished outside the top five in any of his motos, proving his consistency throughout the week of racing. Stinebaugh was at his best in the 250 C class and the 450 C class where he put in some incredible performances, remaining undefeated in both classes. The young Texan obviously felt very comfortable on his home soil as he racked up the wins and po- diums throughout the week. In the opening 250 C moto, he sped down the start straight and put himself in second position behind New Jersey’s Dylan Kucowski on the opening lap. Stinebaugh made quick work of his fellow Yamaha rider and promoted himself into first position with urgency, subsequently setting consistent laps throughout the remainder of the moto on his way to a dominant victory. In the second race, the young Texan found himself in a similar position as he put the Yamaha power down to the ground and elbowed his way through the first corner to a clear holeshot. He took advantage of the open track ahead of him in the slick, challenging conditions that followed an afternoon downpour, keeping it steady on his way to the overall victory. In the 450 C class, Stinebaugh replicated his performance from the first 250 C moto as he found himself in second place on the opening lap. He picked up the pace in the early stages of the race and fought his way to first in a matter of no time, securing the lead and never surrendering
it all the way until the checkered flag. At the start of the second moto, he found himself in a tightly contested battle with his main championship rival, Devon Bates. The two of them pressured Wesley Allen in the lead and forced him into
a mistake on the opening lap, promoting them to first and second place, respec- tively. Stinebaugh remained composed under pressure and was able to bring his Yamaha to the checkered flag in first place with a comfortable advantage behind him, earning his second number one plate of the week while doing so.
86 MPG • APRIL 2017