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51CC (4-8) LIMITED
KILPATRICK
NATHAN HUMMEL
The term “Supercross” and 50cc racing, to many, aren’t necessarily the most synonymous. Fans begin to think that style of racing is technical, the jumps are too big, or something to that effect. And that very well may be the case, for the aver- age adolescent on the 50cc machine; however, you have to remember the crowd you are dealing with, at the 2017 Winter Olympics. These are
the best of the best, and year after year, they continue to show how well equipped they are for the event, with spectacular racing. This year was no different, with names like Lawton, Carpenter, Hummel, and Camden claiming the first two spots in each division respectively. It was Lawton and Hummel in the first heat, their pair of Cobra’s acting as if they were the most venomous of the bunch, in attack stance from the first go-around, and willing to snap at any competitor who came near. With Lawton out front, Hummel quickly attached to his tail, meanwhile a certain KTM machine began to creep; it was Seth Dennis. The trio quickly gathered in that order, with Dennis actually running them both down, setting the fastest time in the process. Each rider choosing different options in the selection lanes, it was truly remarkable to watch. Lawton would go on to take the win, with Hummel, and Dennis right on his rear wheel. Heat two again saw a trilogy of battle take place up front, with the shuffling of Mikah Carpenter who began third, Austin Camden, who would lead early and be pushed to second, and Canyon Richards, starting second, but dropping to third. The three would interchange immensely, three wide down the start straight and slamming into the next left. Rubbing shrouds in every cor- ner, at the wire the list would run Carpenter, Cam- den, and Richards; boy was the crowd excited
for the main event. The St.Louis Ram of Hummel was in full force this go around, plowing through the field with his head down and teeth grimacing. After trouble to both Austin Camden and Mikah Carpenter, Hummel looked to take over the lead, the horns leading the way, busting through any barrier that lay in his way. With the number 930
of Seth Dennis hot on his heels, he made sure to choose the smartest lines when necessary; even if that meant hugging the inside in the majority of the bowl turns. If Dennis was going to pass, he would have to do it from the outside. The scheme would prevail, as Hummel would hold on, leading every lap in the process, and taking victory on
the day; his mechanic and team couldn’t be more proud!
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