Monster Energy's Jared Mees Takes Silver, and Brad Baker Takes Bronze in Flat Track at X Games Minneapolis 2017
After a successful three-year-run in Austin, Texas, X Games Minneapolis kicked off with a roar as the Flat Track riders took to the course outside of the famous Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota. Though severe weather moved through the state yesterday, conditions were idyllic as racers suited up to pleasant temperatures and partly cloudy skies as the evening competition got underway.
Having just secured the point lead on the AMA Circuit last week at the Rolling Wheels Half-Mile, Mees came into the race fired up stating at the pre-event press conference that the X Games are always the “highlight” of his season. Baker meanwhile, took advantage of his third X Games invite to capitalize on the opportunity.
Out of the gate it was Mees, per usual, who secured the hole shot maintaining it for the first four laps before spinning his tires, loosing his line and giving up the lead to rival Sammy Halbert.
“The track got really dry compared to earlier in the day,” explained Mees, “So it kind of threw me off.”
And once he lost the lead it became difficult to regain as the tires on his Indian Scout were spinning through the corners unable to give him the drive he needed to push down the straightaways. Through his balance of patience and aggressiveness though, Mees held onto second the remainder of the 20-lap race.
Baker confirmed Mees’ troubles adding that, “It was one of those tracks where if you got too excited and tried to go fast you actually went slower.”
And Baker did just that, keeping his calm and hitting his marks, keeping his tires engaged all the while and maintaining a steady position throughout the race. It wasn’t until the last lap when Jeffry Carver Jr. got a flat front tire on the last lap allowing “The Bullet” to capitalize and sneak into third uncontested.
In the end it was another solid showing for Monster Energy’s Mees and Baker who have brought excitement to the sport showing the world that strategy and finesse are as much a part of Flat Track racing as deafening engines and ridiculous horsepower.
Mees is a four-time AMA Flat Track champion and took the Gold medal at last years X Games in Austin. For Baker, this marks his third Bronze in as many tries at X Games.
ESPN and ABC will televise a combined 18.5 hours of live X Games Minneapolis 2017 coverage, which will also be accessible via the ESPN App to viewers who receive their video subscription from an affiliated provider.
To score all the exclusive updates from X Games Minneapolis 2017 including photos and contest results as they happen visit http://www.monsterenergy.com. Follow Monster Energy on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram & Twitter.
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About Monster Energy
Based in Corona, California, Monster Energy is the leading marketer and distributor of energy drinks and alternative beverages. Refusing to acknowledge the traditional, Monster Energy supports the scene and sport. Whether motocross, off-road, NASCAR, MMA, BMX, surf, snowboard, ski, skateboard, or the rock and roll lifestyle, Monster Energy is a brand that believes in authenticity and the core of what its sports, athletes and musicians represent. More than a drink, it’s the way of life lived by athletes, sports, bands, believers and fans. See more about Monster Energy including all of its drinks at http://www.monsterenergy.com.
Kim Dresser, Indie Agency Inc., http://www.indiepragency.com, +1 (949) 300-5546, [email protected]
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