PHIL NICOLETTI

Though declaring that this was his final run of professionalism, New York’s Phil Nicoletti vowed to maintain the utmost determination and desire to excel for his ClubMX Yamaha unit. He’d worked too hard to give anything less than one-hundred percent effort, and exhibited quite the sprint per se to begin the first moto after acquiring an abundance of knowledge amongst practice laps. For the opening race of the afternoon, Nicoletti’s Yamaha burst from the grate(s) to acquire a standing of eighth, while just behind Malcolm Stewart. Though losing a position to Chase Sexton in the laps that followed, he would put forth quite fight against the standout KTM competitor. He was solid inside the top-ten, defending his standing from Derek Kelley, Dean Wilson, and a multitude of other strong competitors while eyeing the checkered flag. Though of all opposition, in the most fatigued/demanding state of the moto, would he encounter Jason Anderson...who had fallen in the early stages of the race. But the number twenty-one wasn’t able to overtake Nicoletti as all was said and done — which solidified him (Nicoletti) in ninth, to conclude the opening portion of competition. Shortly thereafter, to begin the second round, Phil was making passes — including over that of Hunter Lawrence on the opening lap of moto two, the veteran looked sensational while acquiring second in the running order! Though passed in the minutes thereafter (by both Hunter and Chase Sexton) the New Yorker’s pace was brilliant while excelling on this Fox Raceway course. Jason Anderson would work his way by, too. But the number thirty-six was relentless with his pursuit of higher standing and would even contest Justin Barcia to remain inside the top-six in the moments thereafter! Though eventually, the multitude of slightly younger (and mostly factory) competitors were able to work their way around...pushing Nicoletti to eighth as he kept athletes like Freddie Noren at bay. He would however, lose one more position to a high caliber prospect — by the name of Justin Cooper, on the thirteenth lap. It wasn’t for lack of effort though, where the veteran from the Northeast proved that he could contend at the top of the sport despite this being his final season of competition. As the checkered flag waved on the fifteenth lap, Nicoletti was categorized in a standing of ninth...which was paired with his opening moto score (of ninth as well) — equating to an accolade of tenth (overall) to begin the 450MX Championship this year.