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SHANE MCELRATH
250 MX / 11TH
IMAGE / KILPATRICK WORDS / COPELAND DESIGN / MPG
>> North Carolina’s Shane McElrath hasn’t had the beginning of his 2017 outdoor campaign go as well as he and many of his fans had imagined. After a stellar indoor series, the potential podium threat has struggled just to finish inside of the top 10. Many believe he
even has the speed to win races. The KTM rider came into the 4th round of the championship looking to improve on what has been a lack luster start for a rider of his caliber. Another weekend, another semi disappointing result for Shane. Moto 1 would be his best moto of the day. He got a decent start and was around 15th a few laps in. McElrath found a way to make a few passes before the checkered flag was waved. He finished 11th on a day that was only going to get worse for him. The second moto was bad from the start. He found himself on the ground after seemingly being involved in an early race pile up that landed him in 39th on the first lap. Some riders may have packed it in and just pulled off but not Shane, he rode hard and smart for the remaining 30 minutes plus 2 laps, scratching and clawing all the way back up to 14th, even making passes on the last laps. On
a tricky track like High Point where mistakes are easy to make and on a day where the heat was a factor, Shane showed that he has the heart of a lion regardless of circumstances. His effort earned him 11th overall. If he can work out his starts and find a way to minimize his mistakes then he has the speed and fitness to run inside the top 5. Next week’s round at Muddy Creek will be a good track for him to make a push towards the front and hear his home race fans cheer him on.
78 GRITMOTO • JUNE 18, 2017