race recap
CADEN BRASWELL | GRIT-216 | 250SX
April 18, 2023 · Caden Braswell
CADEN BRASWELL | GRIT-216 | SX 250
Following an outstanding performance at Loretta Lynn's last year, Florida's Caden Braswell would take his talents to the professional ranks; looking to accrue excellent results within the 250cc East Coast series, alongside some of the best riders in the world. And as many hypothesized, Braswell would come into the round of Atlanta absolutely swinging; using every ounce of power in his Honda 250F that was available prior to heading into heat number one. Roost would be flying every which way, covering his goggle lens as he soared over the "hip double" on the far side of the track (just after the finish-line). Pulling as many tear-off's as possible, he would study the likes of Jo Shimoda as the Kawasaki rider would pass him prior to completing the second circuit; mimicking the number thirty through the whoops to the best of his abilities while eyed a direct qualification position. Braswell was relentless in the rutted corners throughout the infield, dragging the inner foot-peg and countering any loss of power with abundant throttle twisting which caused him to pull away from Luke Neese who trailed. The timer closing near to a point of expiration, but Braswell was furthest from fading as the checkered flag was waving in the distance. And as he passed through the right hander that preceded the last whoop section on the circuit, he would storm through the whoops and around the forthcoming left as well...which led to the number 243 obtaining seventh on the final leaderboard. There was little time to waste prior to the green flag being thrown for the main event, where countless members of the field would have to dodge a downed rider (Tom Vialle) just after leaping through the opening section of racetrack. However Braswell remained unscathed and proceeded to immediately engage in a hard-earned top-ten effort, beginning with an initial residency of thirteenth. He would follow Cullin Park as they stormed through the tunnel jump, leaping over the largest sand singles with force while bunny-hopping the frame through abrupt rollers that had become rather choppy. There was little that could be thrown toward Braswell that could deter him, which was evident as he passed the halfway point and into eleventh...but he wasn't done, as he too was a recipient of Nate Thrasher unfortunately crashing his way out of a top-tier position; relentlessly working through the eleven-lap contest, as he ultimately traveled to tenth as the final flag was thrown!