Page 77 - DECEMBER_MPG

KILPATRICK
COLIN MEGAW
When you hear the phrase “Sea of Blue”, in conjunction with state of Florida, most would assume the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and
the Gulf of Mexico to the west. However, in present-day terminology, the so-called sea is found in Gainesville. And to be more specific, at Gatorback Cycle Park, home of the 2017 Winter Olympics. This sea of blue is anything but calm, hosting a starting gate full of rampant competitors, all itching to showcase their skills in front of the monstrous crowd. Cutting to the chase, the 51cc Shaft Drive Limited class, is
a full of Yamaha’s; the only thing on the gate to be exact. So it’s very easy to get lost in
the revolving cycle of blue blur. But there are those who stood out, with riders such as Colin McGaw stealing the show. The first moto saw McGaw jump out to an early lead, with Colt Martin hot on his tail. Pegging the automatic machine for all it had, the suspensions of these PW’s were taken a pounding, slapping from side to side throughout the roller sec- tion. Neck and neck for the remainder of the moto, Martin would try to occasionally sneak up the inside, making sure not to follow, yet it was McGaw who held strong, taking the win with Martin in tow. Following his third in moto one, Jackson Beck came to the line ready to make a statement, ready to dethrone the two ahead of him. Unfortunately, his quest would be made a bit easier, as Megaw and Martin were jousting out front, and Martin fell victim
to trouble on lap two. Following a pass for the lead, Megaw went from the head of the field to runner-up, but would quickly inherit his normal position as Martin had to DNF. Megaw would continue to take the offer and run, with Beck just behind. Doing all he could, Megaw would find his ever so familiar lead, resulting in Beck having to settle for second. A solid ride by the two of them, that’s how they would finish at
the stripe; Megaw, Beck, and Nolan Simmons third. The third and final moto brought all kinds of battle, and the competitors were ready to duke it out. Jackson Beck and Colin Megaw found themselves in a battle early. Your leader at the beginning of the race, Colin Megaw, saw that Jackson Beck was coming for his spot.
He would put up one heck of a fight, however, Beck would make his way around towards the ending moments. With all of the scrambles of scores, it was Colin Megaw, who would come away overall as champion. He proved that con- sistency, and being at the front of the field, can win you titles, riding well beyond his years.
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