Page 22 - GRIT-83

JUSTIN HILL
450 MX / 6TH
IMAGE / KILPATRICK WORDS / MATTINGLY DESIGN / MOTOPLAYGROUND
>> With other tracks on the circuit, there are those who critique and say, “Locals are favored here.” A certain track layout, soil composition, or a combination of the two, can provide a surplus amount of results, in favor of someone who’s accustomed to the area. However, Red Bud is no such of the aforementioned. A track that’s constantly tweaked and changed, with lines and ruts so deep, that even the most elite competitors can nd themselves navigating while being a bit hesitant. Justin Hill understands this, and it’s a reason why he placed so much emphasis on this particular round; as, if you do well here, you’re bound to continue on a high note for the rest of the series. He wanted to set the tone early in practice, establishing a vigorous pace that hardly anyone could match. It was an idea of “pin it, to win it”, and he was full-force throughout the small time period given. Although the track had been manicured, just a few short hours ago, within the opening laps, bumps were already beginning to develop. He knew the track would be treacher- ous, and went back to the canopy looking to set a mental game plan. He then headed
to the gate, where he placed the 450 in gear, slowly pulled in the clutch, and revved the throttle to near maximum capacity. Firing into the rst lap, timing and scoring registered him near the eighteenth position, with riders obviously swarming his surroundings. It was Kyle Cunningham who was behind initially, yet it was though his exhaust was spray-
ing bits of pepper, throwing the sensing abilities of the competitor into frenzy. He would wheelie and wheel-tap any and every section he could, all to shave a few seconds as
the nal bell rang. As the nal lap drew to a close, he would place tenth. The second round brought much of the same effect, as he quickly was pressured into near mistakes; yet his resilience paid dividends, with the sun beginning to set on the tip of his visor. His tented goggles would re ect the majority, but it was a subtle reminder that the end of
this phenomenon was coming to a close, therefore he must leave it all on the table. The referee issued the two lap board, and the gap between he and Blake Baggett remained well enough to give him a bit of reassurance. He crossed the line and looked back, double taking on the nal ag. Fourth place was his, along with sixth overall.
22 GRITMOTO • JULY 1, 2018