Mikey Rush Tops Vegas AMA Pro Flat Track Final Qualifying
Larry Lawrence | November 20, 2015
Photo by Larry Lawrence
LAS VEGAS (Nov. 20, 2015) – Mike Rush has earned a reputation over the year as a flat-track specialist and his qualifying run tonight in Orleans Arena did nothing but solidify that status. Rush, 28, of San Jose, Calif., turned a 10.230-second lap on his No. 54 Honda CRF450R. That just bested second-place qualifier Henry Wiles (10.276) and Briar Bauman (10.332) who rounded out the top three.
Among the three championship contenders it was series leader Jared Mees coming home ahead qualifying sixth at 10.391. Bryan Smith and Kenny Coolbeth, Jr. were 21st and 22nd respectively.
Britain Oliver Brindley surprised by putting his Kawasaki atop the charts in the GNC2 class with a 10.352 second run. Justin Jones and newly-crowned GNC2 champ Davis Fisher rounded out the top three.
In spite of Rush’s blazing run in GNC1 qualifying, he was over having the valving on his front fork changed at Rach Tech Suspension.
“There’s always room for improvement,” Rush smiled. “I have a lot of time on these types of tracks for sure. My motorcycles are good and I feel comfortable. I’m confident – it’s a short track 450 National and I’ve won two of these, so I’m real excited.”
The 21st-place qualifying run for Bryan Smith, who is trying to make up a seven-point gap on Mees in the title chase could not have been happy with his results, but it’s still early and there’s time for adjustments.
Opening ceremonies start at 10:30pm Eastern and the races can be watched on www.fanschoice.tv