Smage Captures Title Number 14
F
actoryONE Sherco's Pat
Smage extended his champi-
onship record in Exeter, Rhode
Island, July 29-30, taking the
win both days to secure his 14th
NATC National Mototrials Cham-
pionship.
The Rhode Island Trials Club
(RITC) is notorious for techni-
cal, difficult trials, and the latest
rounds did not disappoint. Unlike
the other rounds this season,
which have all been rather low-
scoring events, the terrain at the
Arcadia Management Area is not
easily adapted to an easy trial.
Having hosted a world round
and numerous national trials in
the past, the cast and crew knew
just what to do to make the rid-
ers work for their finishes.
Many a rider has chased Pat
Smage throughout the years;
some have come close to
relinquishing him of a title, and
Montesa/Honda's Marc Frexia
was able to take the 2016 title.
This year it seemed like GasGas
USA's Josh Roper might be in
contention. However, when the
terrain gets slick and technical,
Smage's talent shines.
After some heavy rainfall
WIND
IN THE
P36
