place after the first two tests . After maybe the fourth test I bumped up to second overall . Then going into the last test there , it was pretty tight between me and Craig . Six seconds apart going into the last test . So , I knew I had to drop the hammer in the last test . I knew I had to go through there without making any mistakes . I just tried to ride that last test really smooth and fast and it seemed to be my best test of the day .”
DeLong ’ s third-place finish marked his first podium in the NE Pro 1 class .
“ Coming in , I wanted to be in the mix and be competitive ,” said Delong . “ I didn ’ t expect a podium , but I ’ ll take it for sure . Right from the get-go , I kind of started off really well and kind of maintained it . had a couple crashes , but other than that it was as pretty solid day .”
Husqvarna / Max Motorsports / FXR Racing ’ s Evan Smith turned in a nice ride to finish fourth after some extended time off the bike .
“ I was super happy to get back to racing . I ’ ve been waiting a long time for that ,” said Smith . “ Test one started out pretty reserved , trying to not make any mistakes or pump up or anything , just kind of feel it out . I lost a good bit of time in there and it kind of dug me in a hole . I was definitely in podium contention for
VOL . 6 ISSUE 3 - MARCH 2021 // PAGE 81