words by STEPH VETTERLY photos by STEPH VETTERLY , CHRISTIAN PONDELLA / RED BULL CONTENT POOL , FUTURE7MEDIA , WINPIC PHOTO
Imagine being able to shut down multiple blocks of a state ’ s capital city for the sole purpose of racing dirt bikes . That dream became a reality for the 2022 edition of the Tennessee Knockout with a Straight Rhythm prologue in downtown Nashville . Serving a dual purpose to both promote the sport of off-road racing and the talent of the athletes in attendance to folks who may not be otherwise inclined to hike into the great unknown woods of Sequatchie , as well as setting the starting order for the hot laps later on that weekend , countless spectators stopped by to take in the show and cheer on their favorite rider .
A total of 21 racers lined up for head-to-head racing over a series of logs and tractor tires , to the mixed cacophony of bike exhaust and screaming fans . A series of practice runs were run during the afternoon , followed by a timed run to set the bracket for the evening ’ s competition . As the sun started its descent , it was time to race .
In order to proceed from the qualifying races to the semi-final and finally the final , racers had to win two of three runs against their bracket competition . Slowly , the field was narrowed from the top 16
ON THE PEGS // PAGE 84