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KILPATRICK
Styling over the infield step over, he knew the cushion over third would be enough to claim the silver medal, but he would take one subtle glance over on the last lap just to make sure. Comforted, he was reassured of a title hunt when crossing the stripe. It was then time for the second moto, where Hasting’s rocketed out of the gate, claim- ing the lead for lap one. His first few laps were nearly flawless, but around lap five, things began to slip, and the pres- sure surmounted from Rodbell who was beginning to feel the flame of Hasting’s exhaust.
He pivoted, moving around Hasting’s on lap seven, with a three second swap, enough to secure the win by lap ten. Ezra would yet again, take second, setting him up solidly for moto number three. The jitters were beginning to enter the pit of his stomach, but a deep breath
and pre-race pep talk was all that was needed to stay calm and composed. He and Rodbell stood neck and neck, with
Zane Merrett two points behind. The slop was a less than ideal racing surface, but everyone knows at Loretta’s you must
be prepared for all elements. Squirming his way around the edges of the bowl turns, Hast- ings was in third place for the beginning portion of the moto; the number 29 of Merrett out front, and Rodbell in fifth. Tally- ing up the scores in his head, he would move into second,
but feel the walls closing in; as Rodbell was beginning to nip
at his heels. The bark of the 450 would ring throughout the sand rollers, doing everything he could to inch away from Yamaha counterpart. Somehow, someway, he would hold off, crossing the line with a 2-2-2 overall score, enough to claim the title; putting a childhood dream into his hands.
KILPATRICK
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