Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki Race Recap
Press Release | February 6, 2017
Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki Justin Hill Takes Over Points Lead in Oakland
Oakland, CA (February 5, 2017) – Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Justin Hill claimed his third straight victory of the season, bringing Pro Circuit’s win record to 251. With the win, Hill took over the championship point’s lead and the coveted red plate. Teammate Austin Forkner was forced to retire from the race early after an opening lap crash.
Hill had all the cards stacked against him in Oakland, but he wasn’t going to let sickness or a treacherous track keep him from his third-straight win. He started the day with the fastest lap time in qualifying and then went on to take second in his heat race. In the main event, he avoided a second turn pileup and pushed his way to the front, leading wire-to-wire. It wasn’t without drama as he had gone down late in the race but had enough of a gap to keep the lead and go on to win.
“Tonight was crazy because the track was really rutted and if you lost focus for a second you could go off the track,” said Hill. “I was sick all week and didn’t ride. My team was great. They gave me the confidence I needed to get through this tough day.”
Forkner started showing his speed in qualifying where he placed sixth. Once the night show started, he overcame a tough heat race where he went off the track early but came back to finish fifth. He shot out to an awesome start in the main event, but ultimately went down and was unable to continue, scoring him 22nd for the evening.
“Today wasn’t easy,” said Forkner. “I struggled to find my groove and get a clean lap in. Once I made it through the heat race in one piece, I made a mistake in the main and it ended my race. I have to take the good with the bad and just move on. We’ll go to Texas and give it another shot before the break.”
250SX Class Main Event Results
1. Justin Hill (Kawasaki)
2. Martin Davalos (Husqvarna)
3. Shane McElrath (KTM)
4. James Decotis (Honda)
5. Phil Nicoletti (Suzuki)
6. Aaron Plessinger (Yamaha)
7. Kyle Chisholm (Honda)
8. Justin Starling (Husqvarna)
9. Noah Mcconahy (Yamaha)
10. Heath Harrison (Yamaha)
22. Austin Forkner (Kawasaki)
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