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CRISTIANFERNANDEZ Loretta Lynn Amateur National Motocross Champion
2016 was the first and last time that Cristian Fernandez took part in competi- tion at the Loretta Lynn Ranch. The Texan contested Schoolboy 1 (12-16)
B/C as well as the 125cc (12-16) B/C class, finishing outside of the top twenty overall in both divisions. After missing the 2017 Loretta Lynn Amateur National Championship, Fernandez returned in 2018 to contest 450 B and 450 B Lim- ited, quickly proving that he’s drastically improved as a rider throughout the last couple of years. The KTM rider kicked things off with a sensational start in the 450 B class, combatting the treacherous early morning conditions that leave the Tennessee soil moist and malleable, leaving deep ruts that allow the most technical riders to shine. Fernandez sat comfortably in second position for the opening portion of the race, clocking the fastest time on the third lap of the race, but a mistake on the seventh lap forced him to drop a couple positions by the checkered flag. Although the Texan showed the most impressive speed of anyone in the class, he’d be forced to limit his mistakes in the second and third moto in order to properly challenge for the title. As the gate dropped on the second 450 B moto, Fernandez left it all on the line as he rocketed through the first corner with an early lead. The KTM rider laid down some sprint laps and built a hefty advantage ahead of his closest competition, managing the lead all the way to the checkered flag in a comfortable and confident manner. Inconsis- tencies from his championship rivals as well as the win put him in a good spot for the overall win heading into the third moto and Fernandez rose to the occa- sion. The Texan put on a repeat performance of the second moto, pulling the holeshot before quickly laying down the fastest lap of the race, managing a five second advantage all the way to the checkered flag. Fernandez didn’t need the win in order to clinch the title but he decided that the safest place on the track was at the front of the pack, pushing the pace as he normally does. Barring one small mistake in the opening moto, it was a relatively scot-free week of racing for the rider out of Texas as he grabbed his first Loretta Lynn Amateur National Championship in his sophomore year of competition at the Ranch.
2018
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