Page 72 - SEPTEMBRO_MPG

TANNER BASSO COLLEGE (18-24)
KILPATRICK
With this class being one of the newest at the ranch, it provides an opportunity for rider’s to showcase their skills, in a separate age bracket, rather than by designated skill level. It’s open to anyone, but many are looking to take the momentum of a win in the division, and translated to professional success. Tanner Basso fits that mold. A California native, he’s grown up battling the best of the best on the West Coast, and at times has been overshadowed by some of the elite in the country. Loretta’s 2017 provided an opportunity for him to claim what was rightfully his. It wouldn’t come by easy route however, as both Felix Lopez and Scott Meshey would have other plans in mind. Felix Lopez took the lead early on in the first moto, never looking back. All the while Tanner Basso was composed, hov- ering near the 2-minute mark for the entire moto. The feeling of being out front at Loretta’s can be startling, however Basso continued to hit each rut with meticulous intent. The inside leg hovering over the ground, a finger on the clutch at all times, it was just as he prac- ticed; his efforts would be redeemed with a second moto. The trio were again emerging at the front of the field this go around, with Jonah Smith being thrown into the mix. As he sat the fastest laptime early on, everyone would be moved up a spot, as the Bermuda rider would begin to fade. Basso took the lead, with Lopez hot on his heels. Carving the sand sweeper on both inside and outside, his
72 MPG • SEPTEMBER • 2017