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NICK SCHMIDT
Nick Schmidt has been one of the most consistent privateers in the 450 SX class for the past
couple of years. It doesn’t matter if the preseason analysis has deemed the forthcoming season to be the deepest field ever (which seems to happen every season), Schmidt has proven his speed on inferior machinery time and time again. He has qualified for 9 main events in a row coming into the 11th round in Detroit, only missing out in the very first race of the season at Anaheim 1. His string of main event finishes is impressive nonetheless, but the circumstances in which he lines up at the gate every weekend take it to another level. Not only is he riding the bike to top 20 finishes in the factory stacked 450 class, he’s doing all of the maintenance on his bike in between races. From sprocket and oil changes to routine bike washes during the week, Schmidt is practically responsible for his entire program. At the second round in San Diego, Schmidt was the only rider on the gate for the main event as a privateer entry. He still gets assistance with the logistics of traveling from his sponsors and Ted Parks with TPJ takes care of transporting his equipment, but when it comes time to go racing, Schmidt is taking care of business on his own. Although the main event streak that “The Milestone Assassin” has accumulated thus far isn’t going to be marked in the record books next to Dungey’s podium streak, it’s extremely impressive in it’s own right. He’s been able to stay fast and healthy all year long, something that can’t be said for lots of factory riders dropping in and out of the series. Will Schmidt be able to build on his current streak and make his way toward the top 15 in the 11th round of the series in Detroit?
126 GRITMOTO • MARCH.21.16
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