Page 28 - GRIT-83

KYLE CUNNINGHAM
450 MX / 8TH
IMAGE / KILPATRICK WORDS / MATTINGLY DESIGN / MOTOPLAYGROUND
>> The Motocross of Nations is one of the most sought out, and historical events within the realm of the sport. An Olympic type event, it allows this single man sport, to be a true team type atmosphere for one particular weekend out of the year. To many Americans, however, they feel as if Europe always hosts the race, leaving a bit of bias towards the rest of the world. But for 2018, the race is to take place at Red Bud Motocross, leaving the fans in the states ecstatic. This race would act as a prelude, and Kyle Cunningham couldn’t be happier. Accompanied with chainsaws and streamers galore, the fans were out in full force through- out the quali cation rounds. He ourished as the crowd got louder, his eyes somehow staying focused on the track, while the fans jumped into his peripheral view. Where as some riders wanted the event a bit more low key, he fed off the energy, and it ampli ed his attitude on the way to the gate in the rst moto. Looking to make moves early on, the top portion of the eld was zig-zagging in an erratic fashion. He would remain composed, calculating his moves, and eyeing the inside of the rollers for a place to make moves. Carrying enough mo- mentum to leap into the lane, he adopted a swift rhythm like no other, never once plowing into the sand and halting his speed. It was enough for him to pull from Heath Harrison, car- rying him to an eleventh ride by the end of the moto. With the afternoon clock ticking into the latter hours, the cameras were on, and he looked to relish in front of hundreds of thousands watching around the world. He immediately put his machine into motion, clicking into gear both with his left foot, and mental state. Early on, he knew Cody Cooper was going to give him ts, so he began to develop an assault plan. He had the leap well under his wing, but would have to inch away starting with some out charging. Every corner, you could see he held on the throttle just a tad bit longer; although to the naked eye, it may seem miniscule, it would work. Each lap, the gap seemed to lengthen, establishing a hefty portion of room by moto’s end. Being all but settled on the white ag lap, it came down to just simply staying upright. He would do so, taking the checkered ag in eighth and claiming eighth overall.
28 GRITMOTO • JULY 1, 2018