race recap
AARON PLESSINGER | GRIT-220 | 450SX
May 16, 2023 · Aaron Plessinger
AARON PLESSINGER | GRIT-220 | SX 450
Rebounding from injury (of any sort) is always difficult, yet the resiliency of KTM's Aaron Plessinger would flourish as the green flag waved for practice in Utah on Saturday evening. "AP" knew that he wanted to leave a lasting impression on this 2023 SX series, where he had come so close to victory on multiple occasions; while simultaneously gaining momentum for the outdoor series, as well. The number seven thrived throughout the whoop section where he blitzed forward with confidence, and additionally carved through the bowl(ed) corner that followed with authority before scrubbing his way into the following rhythm lanes. Those patterns then carried into heat two, where the former 250cc champion was electric and immediately proved that he could contend for the lead. His power atop the chassis could be seen with complete control as he claimed an early lead from the rest of the pack, including Chase Sexton! Plessinger was an ace as the rain began to fall rather heavily and many assumed that he would thrive due to his "GNCC" roots...which occurred for the largest portion(s) of action! Even as Sexton continued to pressure him, Plessinger was resilient and remained focused on hitting his lines with authority, seemingly always in control of the chassis. That is, until a mistake on the sixth lap would be disastrous; where his foot appeared to slip atop the foot-peg, and an inability to apply the rear brake (when entering the corner after the whoops) would ultimately cause him a disastrous crash atop the berm! He would be tangled amongst a camera and tuff-blocks alike, pushing him into a position that was nearly out of transferring designation! However, Aaron would gather his speed and composure, to eventually claim ninth before moving forward to the main event. The fans would be on their feet and cheering for all involved in the 450cc main event...but it seemed as though the audience of Salt Lake was especially enthusiastic about "AP" as the green flag was thrown. Beginning the trek to the podium in fifth, he quickly moved around that of Justin Starling and Kyle Chisholm; to possess third by the completion of lap four. Plessinger, once into third, would stalk the rear wheel of Cianciarulo until just under eight minutes had passed; where a brilliant move amid the inside, in the corner before the "SX" triple would be made - granting him second! Now in the runner-up distinction, he would begin to distance himself from Justin Hill and "AC" who trailed, doing his best to keep his eye(s) on Chase Sexton out front. But the number twenty-three had taken off at too high of a pace in the early going, therefore the Ohio native would be finalized in the runner-up designation as the checkered flag waved!