Page 105 - NOVEMBER-18

250 A
THE MOTOPLAYGROUND RACE
at Ponca City
CARSON MUMFORD >> 3
The jump from the intermediate, to the professional level is one that will weed out even the best of competi- tors. It truly is the largest gap to cross, and will prove the worth of a prospect, showing if they will sink or swim among the deepest of waters, otherwise known as the professional circuit. Carson Mumford has been praised for his efforts, style, and results pretty much since his inception; therefore, when jumping to the pro class, and accounting for a little bit of adversity, could truly deter many people. However, for Mumford, being built on a foundation of resiliency and courage, he’s busted through the plateaus, and is flourishing amongst the toughest of talent at the amateur level. And that is exactly what drew him here, to the MotoPlayground Race at Ponca City. A track that could accommodate bikes by the thousands, coupled with a layout as fun
as they come; combine that with a star-studded lineup, and you have an area where racers and industry will flock and seek their attention towards. So as Mumford rolled into the gate for the first 250 A moto, he knew that it would be a rabid showing of teeth, with every competitor hungry for a moto win. Fourth place off
the start, is a position he would hold for a few laps;
but quickly would be overtaken by Hardy Munoz. And as they say, one of the toughest things to do in all of racing, is to pass someone, who you’ve been past by yourself; and Mumford put that idiom to rest, passing Munoz back shortly thereafter, and focusing then on Grant Harlan. The running order coming into the final moments would be Carter Halpain, Grant Harlan, and Carson Mumford; where they would finish respectively. For moto number two, Mumford was buried deeper than he would’ve liked, sitting in eighth place to begin. He would quickly pronounce his way forward, taking fifth and hanging there until lap five. With Grant Harlan seeming to slip just a tad, Mumford’s reflexes jumped at the opportunity to make the pass. And that he would do, taking fourth place, going on to set his fastest lap of the moto, and finishing up the race in fourth. This was quite the jump, in comparison to what he was facing last year; however, with a persistent team around him, we know he’s well on the right track to improving more and more.
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