Page 52 - Issue-46

JOEY SAVATGY
250 SX / 8TH
IMAGE / LANG WORDS / HARNISHFEGER DESIGN / WILSON
>> Joey Savatgy entered the break in the 250 East Coast series with a small but comfort- able six point points lead over Red Bull Troy Lee KTM’s Jordon Smith and a larger twelve- point lead over early points leader Zach Osborne. He was in control of the championship despite notching a solid but frustrating four straight second place finishes before the break. He had to be stewing over those results during those several weeks off especially knowing he threw away potential wins by crashing while leading. He put his head down during his training at the GOAT Farm and was determined to resume the series stronger and more consistent than before. He was thirsty for that top step of the podium despite a firm grasp of the red plate.
Savatgy looked solid in the morning qualifying sessions going out and securing the third fastest lap time of the class. He appeared to be ready for a healthy night of racing in front of the fans in New Jersey. He got out to a decent start in his heat race rounding lap one in fourth. However, he would not last there for long as Mitchell Harrison came out of nowhere to steal away the position. He would sit in fifth for a few laps before finally regaining his bearings and take fourth back from Harrison. He then set his sights on title rival Jordon Smith for third. Savatgy hounded him for the last few laps showing a front wheel in nearly every corner but just could not get close enough for a pass. He’d settle with a fourth and regroup for the main event.
Savatgy looked much more fired up at the start of the main as he flew out of the gate and immediately into the lead. He started throwing down solid, consistent laps slowly inching away from his teammate Adam Cianciarulo. He led the first half of the race with ease but ran into trouble when Zach Osborne reeled him in. Savatgy could not match his intensity and got passed by the Husqvarna rider. With points in mind, Savatgy settled in behind him rather than risk it all in retaliation. He looked to have second place on lock when late in the race he once again suffered a big mistake. He went down over a step on step off but luckily landed soft and he was able to remount in third. He only lost a spot to Dylan Ferrandis but he would be unable to get the spot back with just a few laps left and he’d have to settle
with a third. However, his misfortune would not end there. Hours after the races were over it was announced that Savatgy would be docked five positions for “cutting the track” when remounting from his crash. This creates all sorts of drama in the points standings as it gives Jordon Smith a one point lead over Savatgy and Osborne who are in a tie for second. Get your popcorn ready for Las Vegas.
52 GRITMOTO • APRIL 30, 2017