ADAM CIANCIARULO - GRIT 228 450MX

ADAM CIANCIARULO | GRIT-228 | 450MX

Continuing to build on a foundation of consistency throughout the 2023 season, Kawasaki's Adam Cianciarulo would arrive in the Pacific Northwest with anticipation of conducting strong performances prior to the two-week break in the series. And it was evident that the entirety of the Floridian's focus was memorizing the intricacies of this racetrack, as he would focus on the foreground ahead of his front fender and never glance at a surrounding opponent as he barreled to the finish-line. That precedent was transitioned into the first moto, as he battled for a standing of sixth to initiate the festivities of the opening moto. With roost deflecting from his front number-plate, Cianciarulo was relentless when charging amongst this Washington hillside; leaping as far as anyone in the field down the largest of drop-off's, and charging into the corners thereafter with little application of the braking systems. He would advance to fifth rather quickly after passing Ty Masterpool - and Jason Anderson was just in front of him. Yet the paralleled pace between the teammates was an attribute that ultimately pulled them away from the Texas native; propelling Cianciarulo into fifth once and for all. It was in the final few laps where mistakes could be made on a deteriorating racing surface, but Cianciarulo never wavered as the dust became stronger. Eventually residing in the aforementioned fifth-place position, "AC" would be destined for fifth prior to exiting the raceway and beginning the second portion of this two-moto showcase. Another sixth-place starting position would be what was exhibited for the latter afternoon showcase, where all in the field were trying to contain the lead of Aaron Plessinger. Jett Lawrence would be the first to overtake him, and Cianciarulo could see the tandem of Honda's (along with a myriad of others) in the foreground as he proceeded to display a number of flawless laps. The talent of the Floridian would flourish as he marvelously wove lines from berm to berm in the switchbacks before the finish-line; carving amongst hard-packed and rutted corners in the lines thereafter, while battling with Ty Masterpool and Garrett Marchbanks. As the halfway and three-quarter mark would eventually arise, it appeared as if the ClubMX Yamaha rider would possess enough speed to keep the number-nine behind him until the checkered flag was thrown...and though that narrative eventually came to fruition, it was Cianciarulo who remained consisted with a hard-fought effort throughout the afternoon; tallying scores of fifth and seventh, to be solidified in sixth (overall) as all concluded.

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