On The Pegs July 2018 - Volume 3 - Issue 7 | Page 117

On The Pegs Vol . 3 Issue 7 - July 2018 P117

On The Pegs Vol . 3 Issue 7 - July 2018 P117

KARL DAVIS JR . WENT 3-2 IN ARKANSAS .
Pat Smage remained perfect in the 2018 AMA / NATC US National MotoTrials Series after adding his seventh and eighth wins of the season at rounds seven and eight of the series in Uniontown , Arkansas . With the wins , the Sherco USA rider closed in on a record-tying 10th U . S . national trials title , which will tie him with Geoff Aaron for the most U . S . trials titles .
Smage was relatively mistake-free in Arkansas , taking only three points total for the entire weekend , ( two on Saturday and one on Sunday ) to claim relatively easy wins over the best MotoTrials riders in the United States .
Extreme heat and high humidity was the main obstacle facing the Pro riders , as the sections were relatively easy compared to those ridden at the previous six rounds . “ The sections were on the easy side , which makes for a big mental challenge , especially when you consider that one mistake can ruin your entire day ,” said Smage .
On Saturday , Smage was clean during the entire event , but then took single dabs in the last two sections for a total of two points for the day .
On Sunday , the Wisconsin rider took a single dab mid-way into his first lap and then remained perfect for the rest of the day .
“ I think the organizers were kind of expecting the heat , which is why they set up the sections a little on the easy side ,” said Smage . “ It was a good event , and it really tested your mental ability .”
Behind Smage , Gas Gas North America ’ s Daniel Blanc-Gonnet and Scorpa USA ’ s Karl Davis Jr . waged a battle for second