Page 104 - NOVEMBER-18

2HARDY MUNOZ >>
With Husqvarna making a push into the motocross scene in recent years, there are certainly many riders who contain speed and are pushing the brand. With Jason Anderson winning on
the sports biggest scale, many of those in the amateur ranks have followed suit; including that of Hardy Munoz. A Georgia resident, he’s engulfed himself in an abundance of talent and rigorous training partners, in order to get to that next level. He’s done well at all of the large stops on the so-called “amateur tour” and looked to take his riding to the next level, when arriving here in Ponca City. So once he had quick overview
with his trainer and riding coach, he and mechanic went on their way up to staging, to decipher which gate would be chosen. Trying to choose which would of the best, and straightest path, Munoz would put his mind to the test, accelerating off the pad, and into fifth place to begin the moto. Situated just behind Honda’s Carson Mumford, the Simi Valley native would try his best to shake that of Munoz, but it was to no avail. As Munoz,
remember he’s in fifth, would go on to claim the fastest lap time of the moto, all the while passing Mumford! This man was on rails, and the whole crew of his party was going ecstatic. He would then march his way into third, seemingly flying around the whole circuit. But suddenly, it was though his train derailed just a tad, when Mumford had pushed him back to fifth. However, he would get his wits about him, and then make a final charge into fourth; where he would reside. For round num- ber two, Munoz would round the first lap in fifth place, looking to make moves early. Moving around Cristian Fernandez, the fourth place would be an afterthought after two laps; with a third place ride in the palm of his hands for laps four and five. But, as always, Munoz was itching to better himself, and would leap into second, with his fastest lap of the moto (the only person besides Halpain to generate a 1:36) being set here as well. He would come to less than a second behind Halpain, but just couldn’t seem to make the move. A second place for the moto is where he would stay, strong enough for second overall, and the silver medal around his neck.
104 MPG • NOVEMBER • 2018