The Loretta Lynn’s Amateur Motocross Nationals in the United States are typically a good litmus test for who might be among the next batch of factory professionals.
And one rider from this part of the world certainly staking his claim this year was Waitoki’s Cole Davies.
The young rider from Dairy Flats, in the Rodney District, near Auckland, finished a superb fifth overall in the Open Pro Sport class and third overall in the 250 Pro Sport class in the event held at Hurricane Mills, Tennessee.
New Zealander Davies finished 10-6-2 in his three Open Pro Sport outings and 1-8-2 in the 250 Pro Sport class.
On the heels of capturing the 250 Pro Sport title one day earlier, Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green’s Drew Adams, from Chattanooga, Tennessee, had entered Saturday’s final moto for Open Pro Sport in control of his own destiny thanks to wins in the previous two motos.
When the gate dropped to begin race three, it was North Carolina’s Noah Stevens out front with the holeshot, but he was quickly passed by flying Kiwi Davies.
Adams emerged within the top five and showed patience on the opening lap as he settled into fifth.
As the opening laps unfolded it was Davies who continued to lead, while Minnesota’s Avery Long gave pursuit from second and Adams following in third.
The lead trio remained unchanged through the middle portion of the moto, which is when Adams started his push to the front.
The Tennessee native got around Long for second and then erased a deficit of more than three seconds over the next couple laps to catch Davies and seize control of the moto lead.
From there, Adams quickly distanced himself from the field.
The Kawasaki rider went unchallenged the rest of the way and easily completed the 1-1-1 sweep of the motos by a margin of 8.8 seconds over Davies, with Long in third.
California’s Parker Ross was fourth, with fellow California rider Leum Oehlhof in fifth.
Adams capped off an impressive performance at the Loretta Lynn’s ranch with his second championship of the week and sweep of the Pro Sport divisions.
Long earned the overall runner-up finish with his 7-2-3 scoreline, while his team-mate Oehlhof finished third overall (3-8-5).
© Words and photo by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com
Find BikesportNZ.com on FACEBOOK here