Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/127799
series By Cameron Coatney Photos By Kinney Jones BINGHAMTON, NY, AUG. 25 hen the AMA 250cc National Motocross Series rolled out of Washougal, Washington, last weekend, something happened that has not occurred in nearly two full seasons Team Honda/l-800-ColJect/Fox's Jeremy McGrath was not in charge of the 250cc championship points standings. Team Kawasaki's Jeff Emig took control of the points lead by eight points when he finished second overall and McGrath suffered a rare DNF in the second moto, scoring only 12 points for' the day in 15th overall. McGrath sustained a nagging foot injury at the Millville National and sustained a few more injuries in Washougal, and was not considered by most to be up to fuJ l speed coming into Binghamton. But McGrath proved his doubters wrong when he holeshot both motos and took the overall victory in convincing style, going 1-1 at the Binghamton AMA 125/250cc National Motocross held at the Broome- . Tioga Sports Center, moving to within just two points of Emig with one race, two motos, to go. McGrath's win at Binghamton assures the fact that the AMA 250cc MX Championship will be decided in the final two motos of the year - and most likely it will be decided.in the final moto. This is what we've all been waiting for since McGrath' started his reign of championships four years ago. Some suspense and uncertainty. Imagine that. W 14 Round 12: Broome-Tioga Sports Center McGrath came into Binghamton not even certain himself whether he was up to riding the pace he would need to stay close to Emig in the motos and the point standings. As the day progressed through practice and the first moto, McGrath must have come to the realization that he was up to the t~sk of setting his sights on the target - Emig - and pulling the trigger. . "Well, I did what I had to do," McGrath explained. "In the first moto, r was a bit hesitant on dabbing it (the left foot), but in the second moto I just went for it - it felt good. Adrenaline can sometimes erase the pain, but my foot feels pretty darn good right now (lifting his foot and moving it after the second moto). It was, basically, now or never. I felt good on my bike alJ week and in practice. Before Washougal I didn't ride for two weeks,. but now I'm ready for next weekend. I'd say Jeff (Emig) has a few more things to worry about than me - Steel City is my favorite track and l'm pumped going into the final." (Above) Team Honda's Jeremy McGrath (1) leads Greg Albertyn (16), Anthony Amaradlo (30), Doug Dubllch (45), Demon Bradshaw (28), and the rest of the 250cc field at the second mote In Binghamton. Doug Henry (15), Jimmy Button (100), and Ryan Hughes (hidden) tight to atay upright. (Left) Team Kawasalcl's Jeff Emlg came Into Binghamton with an eight-point lead In the points standings and left with a ~Int lead over McGrath after getting second with a 2-2•.