CHRISTIAN CRAIG

Hoping to return to the top-ten in his native state of California, Husqvarna’s Christian Craig appeared to be rather upbeat and “flowing” on the motorcycle as he surveyed the track for practice. Floating over the largest jumps with stylish whips, the true talent of the San Diego native was evident as he eventually acquired a tenth-place residency in the final standings. As gate(s) fell for the opening moto, Craig’s timely reaction empowered him to a position of thirteenth at the green flag. Amongst the difficult uphill rollers that were scattered on the course, and in particular, the lane that was reminiscent of a rhythm section, Craig bounced through with doubling and tripling combinations that appeared to mimic patterns on an “SX” style of circuit...which were characteristics, that simply couldn’t be taught. Christian was paralleled to the pace of Derek Kelley and Grant Harlan in front of him, before Kelley’s presentation of speed couldn’t be sustained around the halfway point...which enabled the Husqvarna rider a pathway around, where he then attempted to overtake the Gizmo Mods/Rock River/Yamaha rider. It was to no avail, however, even as Craig dove into the switchbacks that were carved before the finish line — floating through the rutted rollers amid the white flag circuit with intense focus...but as all was said and done, Craig was finalized in the twelfth-place position. For round two, the action was just as fierce — where Christian once more flocked to a thirteenth-place residency. Many of the first moto’s contenders were just near him, but the vision of Craig seemed to thrive as the track became rougher. It was more hard-packed at this stage, and the water that the track crew had placed on the circuit had made the surface considerably slicker. However, with optimal throttle control, he began to flow at the height of second and third gear in the tightest of corners — drifting from inside to outside when necessary, but always remaining aware of who was within his proximity, while also setting up passes. After passing Grant Harlan for tenth, on lap eight, Craig seemed solidified with his pace despite simultaneously being overtaken by his teammate (Malcolm Stewart) as well. Once that had occurred, Craig would do his best to mirror the talented Floridian — catching Freddie Noren in the process. However, he would run out of time to make a substantial pass on the Swedish rider...finishing eleventh for this particular segment. His consistency through both moto’s though, was enough for tenth overall to be clinched on the day.