FMF Privateer Power Award: Spring Creek National

Friday, July 26, 2019 | 3:00 PM

As one of motocross' most storied brands, it's fitting that Southern California's FMF Racing chooses to leverage its partnership and support of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship by touting the athletes who epitomize the brand's core values and, like the legendary exhaust manufacturer, continue to give it their all and strive to be the best, no matter the circumstance. With 45 years of existence, FMF's commitment to the sport is unrivaled, and its longstanding FMF Privateer Power Award has become one of the most coveted accolades amongst the riders who serve as the lifeblood of American motocross.

Each week, FMF and the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship ask the sport's loyal fan base to make their voices heard with a vote for who they think should be celebrated for his efforts at each and every stop of the 12-round season. Each selected rider will be recognized for his ability to overcome the odds in pursuit of his racing dream, and the unwavering determination to go bar-to-bar alongside the most talented racers on the planet.

Every fan loves a good underdog story, and that's exactly what played out for TPJ/FLY Racing's John Short at the Frescados Tortillas Spring Creek National. The Texas native showed he had the potential for a big afternoon after qualifying sixth in the lone qualifying session of the event, but given how tricky the track conditions were it was going require a pair of great starts in order to back up that effort. With the opportunity of a lifetime within reach, Short rose to the occasion in both motos, starting third and fourth. While the rest of the field battled through the mud, Short thrived on a relatively clear track, with that all-important track position.

Prior to Spring Creek, Short had earned just one top-10 finish in 32 career 450 Class starts. That career-best came just a few weeks ago at Southwick. In Millville, he blew his previous best out of the water and parlayed those stellar starts into 6-8 moto scores, which was good enough for sixth overall. To say it was a breakthrough afternoon for Short would be a major understatement, and the Pro Motocross fans were emphatic in their support of the epic ride.