August 06, 2007

Burkhart Grabs Gold At X-Games 13

Los Angeles - Maintaining momentum from the AMA Supermoto Series, Mark Burkhart showed up to X-Games 13 wanting no less than gold. Unsatisfied with a silver medal in X-Games 12, Mark lined up at the start with a new game plan: patience.
The 32-lap race offered up plenty of pavement, and most riders chose to run soft to medium compound tires. The large amount of pavement lent itself to passing opportunities, and Mark needed only two opportunities: one to pass David Pingree and one to pass the leader, Jeff Ward.
Early in the race Ward, Pingree, and Burkhart broke away from the rest of the field, making it a race for podium positions. With Ward up front, Pingree held off Burkhart for as long as he could, but Burkhart stayed patient and waited for his opportunity. Finally, he saw his chance, took it, and set his sights on Ward’s back wheel.
Maintaining his game plan, Burkhart stayed on Ward’s wheel and waited. Finally, in the 30th lap, opportunity rose again. Mark struck and took over the lead. Not willing to give back an inch, he lowered his head and raced toward the checkered flag. After a bobble by Ward in a rhythm section, Burkhart gained some separation and rode to a brilliant victory.

Congratulations Mark!