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COLLEGE (16-24)
KILPATRICK
JUSTIN RODBELL
The College division; such a pivotal time
in these riders careers, as they’re on the cusp of professionalism, graduating into adulthood. Yet, it was just a few short years ago for some, that they were on minicycles. On the other side of the equation, you
have those transitioning to the Vet classes, knowing these are there last few years to compete as the eldest in their division. It’s a concoction of options, and whoever shall be crowed, would have their work cut out for them. Moto number one took off from the gate, and Justin Rodbell truly wanted
to assert himself as the top dog of the field. Leading, and throwing down the fastest lap of the moto on lap number two, his goal was to build as big of a lead as possible, and then ride comfortably out front. It would work, to the point that even had a ten second lead at the halfway mark; bringing
it to a close, Marco Cannella couldn’t do much in terms of battle, as Rodbell had
the victory wrapped up. In his pre-race visualization, all Rodbell kept playing was the highlight reel of his first moto run; engraining the lines, and confidence into his memory bank. It worked, as he once again, shot off the metal pad with authority, blasting through the gearbox, and into turn number one. Tapping the Yamaha down the first straightaway, he tucked into the following left, hugging the inside. His peg, nearly clipping the haybale, allowed no one to squeeze into this particular pocket of racetrack. Knowing that if he could outlast everyone in these first few chicanes, he could breathe. The pace the number 58
set was impressive, dropping the hammer, slamming the suspension harshly into this Florida hard packed terrain. Scuffing the bottom of his front fender in the process, the bike was taking a pounding, as Rodbell manhandled his way through each and ev- ery section on the track. Meanwhile, Wyatt Lyonsmith was making his way into third, and Cannella inching onto the last step of the podium. Strong rides, for certain; but they were of no match to the Prince Fred- erick native in the lead. Rodbell seemed to be clicking in all facets, looking to play for keeps, and sweep the championship with a perfect score. That’s exactly what he did, coming across the line on lap six, taking home the victory, and securing the title for both his family, and the boys at Yamaha.
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