Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Watkins and Matusek Overcome Injuries to Finish in GNCC Top-10
News release

Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Scott Watkins and Andrew Matusek put their Kawasaki KXâ„¢250F’s in the XC2 Pro Lites class top-10 during the fifth round of the GNCC series at Loretta Lynn’s in Hurricane Mills, Tenn. Both riders battled through injuries on the tough track to finish sixth and seventh at the longest running track on the GNCC series schedule.

Monster Energy Kawasaki Under The Tent

First Full Race Back
Watkins started the season on the sidelines after breaking his arm just before the opening round in March. He returned during round five proving his talent could get him back in the hunt and his race on Sunday was proof of that.

“My arm is still a little tender,” said Watkins. “I knew it was going to be a long day after I got a bad start. I got into a comfortable riding pace and was able to pass a lot of people. I think I made it up to fifth at one point. When there was about an hour left, my arm started hurting really bad. I told myself at the beginning of the race that I wouldn’t stop for anything so I rode through the pain.”Â

Tape It Up
After suffering a minor fracture to his foot during round three, Matusek has been taping his foot in order for him to race. After a decent start, he got stuck on a hill and had to wait until riders passed to continue. He eventually caught back up and settled into a comfortable pace, finishing seventh.

“This race was definitely better than last race,” said Matusek. “I didn’t get a great start, but I really had to be aware of the course because I couldn’t use my rear brake on the down hills. The way my foot was taped really limited my access to it. But I just tried to be smart and was able to come out seventh.”Â

Time to Heal
The Monster Energy Kawasaki boys have two weeks before the next race to continue to heal and are confident that they can be on the podium.

“I know my speed is there,” said Watkins. “It won’t be long before I’m back on the box. I know I can be up there with those guys. It’s been so frustrating to be watching from the pits but now I’m back.”Â

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