Page 79 - October_MPG

KILPATRICK
URIAH WOOD
Michigan’s own Uriah Wood was fresh off of a third place overall fin- ish in the 51cc (4-6) Limited class at the Loretta Lynn’s Amateur National Championship, gaining him some recognition within the amateur motocross industry. The six year old came into the 2017 Baja Brawl as one of the favorites to take the number one plate in the (4-6) class after his excep- tional performance at the Ranch, ideally giving the hometown crowd something to cheer for. The week- end couldn’t have started better for the #45 as he immediately found his footing on the top step of the podium, taking the first moto win ahead of Carter Clay. The two of them started at the front of the field and although Clay held the advantage, Wood remained unde- terred and forced his way into the lead on the second lap. In the pro- cess of making the move, he set the fastest lap time of the race and began to build a small gap ahead of his competition, eventually ac- cumulating a ten second lead at the checkered flag. After a mistake at the beginning of the second moto, the Michigan native found himself almost a full minute down on the leader on the opening lap. He dug deep and clawed his way back from an eighth place start in order to salvage third position, set- ting the fastest lap of the moto on the very last lap. His determination to push through the field would have massive implications on the overall championship, providing him with the opportunity that he needed moving into the final moto. It was a flawless performance for the Cobra rider on Monday as he shot out of the gate to an uncon- tested holeshot, translating the early lead into a moto win and the subsequent championship ahead of the local fans.
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