David Pulley is Focused on a Successful 2017 Supercross Season

13 Mar 2017

David Pulley racing in the Supercross second round in San Diego (photo CycleDump)

Most often (and understandably), our racer profile articles focus on the performers who are at the pinnacle of their success. However, K&N backs talented racers at all stages of their development, as long as they share our dedication to the sport and commitment to excellence. Here is a look at a young up-and-coming contender in the Supercross field who certainly embodies those traits.

David Pulley will be racing in the full season of the Premier 450 Class in the 2017 Monster Energy Supercross season. He will travel in his Mercedes van to the western races and fly when the series heads east. With the first two rounds of the series in the books, Pulley shares some of his insights into his season start.

“These first two rounds have been a bit rough for me, but I can see I have the speed after reviewing segment times and my LitPro data,” Pulley said. LitPro is a tracking and diagnostic system that analyzes things such as the most effective race lines and optimal speeds in the whoop sections and jumps.

Pulley is gearing up (literally) for the 2017 Supercross season

The second round of the Monster Energy Supercross at PetCo Park in San Diego had to be modified due to the weather. While changes in race-day routine are always a concern for top athletes, Pulley knows that the ability to monitor and adjust will be a key to his continued ascent in the sport.

“With all the rain during the week, AMA decided to go with a modified schedule once again removing the free practice from our schedule, leaving us with the two 10 minute timed qualifying sessions,” Pulley said.

The San Diego round proved to be a painful one for Pulley. He suffered a hard crash that could have been attributed to the racer's abbreviated track time and variable dirt conditions. However, Pulley was quick to identify a correctable technique flaw rather than blame the conditions.

“Unfortunately, I had a bit of a get off in the whoops. They were pretty big, and in the last session they got pretty cupped and uneven. I ended up getting kicked and shifting too much weight forward and going down. I am okay, just a bit bruised up,” he said.

A van will be Pulley's transportation for the West Coast races

As is his racing modus operandi, Pulley used the setbacks as both a learning experience and motivation.

“I will be all good and ready to go for A2 (Anaheim race 2) next weekend though. I was running 3rd in my practice before I went down and unfortunately got shuffled back to end up 47th O/A in times. I plan on getting things on track here at A2 this weekend and working on being able to go out there and battle to get into these main events!”

Pulley is fully aware that his racing success is dependent on continued support from his loyal sponsors like K&N. “I can’t thank you all enough for all the support,” he said. K&N is happy to be a part of David Pulley’s progress in the ultra-competitive sport of Supercross.

2017 Supercross Schedule:

January 7, 2017 Angel Stadium Anaheim, CA

January 14, 2017 Petco Park San Diego, CA

January 21, 2017 Angel Stadium Anaheim, CA

January 28, 2017 Univ. of Phx. Stadium Glendale, AZ

February 4, 2017 O.Co Coliseum Oakland, CA

February 11, 2017 AT&T Stadium Arlington, TX

February 18, 2017 U.S. Bank Stadium Minneapolis, MN

February 25, 2017 Georgia Dome Atlanta, GA

March 4, 2017 Rogers Centre Toronto, ON

March 11, 2017 Daytona Int. Speedway Daytona Beach, FL

March 18, 2017 Lucas Oil Stadium Indianapolis, IN