ADAM CIANCIARULO | GRIT-216 | 450SX

ADAM CIANCIARULO | GRIT-216 | SX 450

Steadily rekindling the storied run(s) of old, Kawasaki's Adam Cianciarulo would stick to his pre-season aspirations of "building a foundation" via solid results at countless rounds thus far in the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Series. He would abide to that notion again, for the round of Atlanta; where he showcased a glimpsed of his outdoor repertoire of skills that were slated to be portrayed in the coming months of the calendar year. An emphasis would be placed on the myriad of singles just after the finish-line, where undoubtedly one of the longest rhythm lanes of the year would be placed; and as "AC" leapt through the platform of take-off's, his combination of triples exhibited a sense of confidence in both his abilities and machine that couldn't be forged. Matters then progressed into heat one, where the riders were searching for lines amongst the clay-ridden circuit (albeit at a loss of traction). Cianciarulo was feathering the clutch of his Kawasaki 450 while keeping Cooper Webb and Ken Roczen at bay, leaping over the gnarly "hip double" on the furthest side of the track before charging into the off-camber taper to the left-side in the leading designation! The margin for error was nearly nonexistent with a pairing of technicality and speed that this course provided, where Cianciarulo would nearly clip tuff-blocks on a number of occasions when he and Webb would simultaneously crest the ant-hill before the initial set of whoops. It was here where "AC" engaged in a portion of entrance speed that was unimaginable, doing all in his power to hold onto the lead, which led to a subsequent disastrous crash that his body scattered across the straightaway! Luckily he was able to remount the motorcycle quickly, and would charge through the field with relentless determination; making passes through the conclusion of the moto to earn fourth (and nearly pass Josh Hill), for third! He was geared for an impactful performance in the main event; following a simultaneous burst from those who rivaled including the likes of Justin Barcia and Aaron Plessinger. Cianciarulo's fluidity on the chassis would be perfect as he manual(ed) through the rollers, twisting his torso and legs with the frame while soaking up as much airtime as possible. The various walls on the circuit had now become eroded with tire track(s), and his inner foot-peg would knick the top of each lip while attempting to blitz away from both of the Hill brothers, who were on his tail. This would lead to the seventh, eighth, and ninth lap(s) where critical points in the moto were to be had; and though Cianciarulo had been overtaken by both Aaron Plessinger and Eli Tomac, he made sure to maintain composure amongst the heated atmosphere that encompassed this Atlanta circuit. Keeping Jason Anderson at bay, along with Dean Wilson and Colt Nichols, Cianciarulo would have a performance (in totality) to be proud of; presenting incredible speed in both heat race and main event, before taking seventh in the final standings.

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