race recap
CARSON MUMFORD | GRIT-215 | 250SX
April 11, 2023 · Carson Mumford

CARSON MUMFORD | GRIT-215 | SX 250
Returning to action, Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki's Carson Mumford and his surrounding assembly of crew member(s) couldn't wait to storm their way onto the race track in Glendale. The circuit would be surrounded by a multitude of nets and safety barriers, to counter the immense speed that all of these 250cc riders would carry throughout their endeavor in Arizona. This layout constantly promoted some of the highest speeds of any on the tour, and seemed to agree with his fine-tuned Kawasaki machine as practice would be completed. He was on-point and proceeded to qualify into the unique, Triple Crown Format with flying colors which had him arriving on the gate in the first divisional round with significant esteem and self belief. Shifting into second gear, all bets were on as he dove into the first corner while proceeding to hold off on his clasping of front and rear brake (for as long as possible, that is). This would be the second (of two) "hole-shot's" that were strove for, as a red flag would cause the field to reassemble on the starting grid after only a few minutes of competition. Once rounding the first circuit in a flat-tracking manner, his array of combination(s) through the initial rhythm section were a bit less than desired with the log jam of riders that were around him in all vicinities. Nevertheless, he would storm into the tabletop/hip jump with a vicious flick to the lift, landing with the rear end nearly sideways while propelling down the backside with Derek Drake behind him. The Suzuki athlete would remain engaged and provoked a number of pass attempts as they completed the first three laps and were heading toward the halfway point, but his resilience was an attribute that couldn't be defied. His momentum through the second segment of the course (not long after the start straightaway) would be significant, seeming to gain nearly a half of a second here during "crunch time" as the checkered flag waved in the distance...garnering thirteenth before the field was set to reshuffle on the starting line. For the next round of action, it would be RJ Hampshire who was ahead of the field and looking to break away with serious fortitude. He yearned to follow suit, tripling onto the tabletop/plateau after the flat, left-handed turn prior to one of the largest rhythm lanes on the circuit. His suspension springs would pummel the obstacle(s), thrashing the red Arizona soil with an extensive amount of force throughout the seven minute mark. His Kawasaki would be on a trajectory that was rather uneventful (in a positive manner), as mistakes were nullified eventually en route to a solid ninth-place standing ahead of Canada's Cole Thompson. This led to a moment of finality, where the final bell was rung; and his engine would rev with a red-lining roar that could be heard from the furthest chair backs that the State Farm Stadium housed. He was mindful throughout the first four laps (or so), as traction had now become obsolete in certain areas, and the front-end of his Kawasaki would attempt to tuck on various occasions. However with precise body position he was able to keep his chassis tracking on the correct path as the sixth and seventh minute came to pass. Though feeling a persistent amount of pressure from Josh Varize who trailed, he would possess enough focus to eventually accrue tenth, for tenth overall.