Page 70 - Issue-46

NICK SCHMIDT
450 SX / 15TH
IMAGE / LANG WORDS / ECKERT DESIGN / WILSON
>> Privateer powerhouse and LCQ specialist, Nick Schmidt isn’t new to playing the underdog when it comes to Supercross. The rider out of Washington has been racing on his own for quite some time now and continues to be a true example of a weekend warrior following his dreams. He’s had plenty of strong performances in the past, with top fifteens being the goal but this year, Schmidt hasn’t been able to reach the same results; his sea- son best being a 16th. Not to say the season hasn’t been successful for Schmidt, it has
as the ‘Assassin’ has made all but two main event’s thus far and grabbed plenty of points to keep his two-digit number. Gunning to finally break his way into the top fifteen for 2017, though, Schmidt came into East Rutherford with confidence. Signed up for heat one and starting off the night for the 450’s, the #75 held it strong into the first turn. Finding himself inside the top five before being lost in the first lap mayhem, Schmidt was pushed to 8th where he trailed all the heavy hitters. Unable to make any progress, Nick looked to his Semi to turn the fortune around. He got a similar start inside the top five but being pushed back a couple spots led to a mistake that caused Nick to fall out of contention for a qualify- ing spot. Luckily for Nick, he’s no stranger to the LCQ and the experience paid off as he nearly led wire-to-wire in commanding fashion. The win earned Schmidt a spot in the main event and an opportunity at achieving his goal.
The race started quickly but, with the track deteriorated beyond belief, Schmidt got a solid jump and worked his way to 12th across the holeshot line. He lost a few spots on the opening lap but still riding at a high pace, Schmidt latched on to the riders in front of him. Grabbing a spot back, on a big mistake by Cooper Webb, a few laps later, the ‘Assassin’ was all by himself in 15th. Holding it down for the majority of the race, he moved into 14th, temporarily, with a fading Cole Seely dropping to the back of the pack. It was short-lived though as the #75 was pushed back to 15th in the final minutes when Webb had finally regained his rhythm before the finish. It wasn’t the prettiest ending to an otherwise great ride but the result was a season best for Schmidt and a good sign of what to expect at the final round next weekend.
70 GRITMOTO • APRIL 30, 2017