Page 103 - GRRIT-11

theGRIT
Paul Coates began his day in Detroit with a tough practice crash. But he was not injured and was able to put forth a solid 16th fastest qualifying time. He was one of the top privateers with that time and knew all he needed was a good start and he would find himself going
straight through to the main event.
The heat race started with Coates getting a decent start and grabbing the green flag in 7th place. He found himself in a favor- able position to qualify straight to the main event and looked to maintain it and pick up on some lines. Coates stayed steady the rest of the race despite losing one position; he would finish 8th avoiding the LCQ.
Coates knew he needed a start if he wanted to finish inside the top 10 and he did just that rocketing into the first turn. He got through the first lap clean coming around in 4th place. It was a fantastic beginning of the race for Coates and he did his best to take advantage. He put in some quick laps but McElrath was able to get by a few laps in but would regain 4th when Tonus would run into some trouble. Then mid race Coates would lose three spots to Audette, Bowers and Davalos as they were charging after poor starts. Coates recovered briefly after losing those spots but would lose one more at the end of the race. He would finish in 8th place making that back-to-back career best finishes for the young English rider. Coates seems to be hitting his stride managing to nail good starts and complete main events.
words/SETHHARNISHFEGER
WWW.GRITMOTO.COM 103