CHANCE HYMAS GRIT-223 250MX

CHANCE HYMAS | GRIT-223 | 250MX

Knowing what was at stake at the Lakewood venue, the demeanor of Honda's Chance Hymas was rather business like when rolling to the line for qualification; believing that he had to "set the tone" immediately following the initial lap of free practice. All would pursue Yamaha's Justin Cooper initially, as the number thirty-two would engage in a blistering pace throughout the earliest of sessions - prior to the rookie accruing sixth before beginning the main event(s) that followed. His anticipation of when the gate(s) would fall as engines revved shortly thereafter would be admirable, but many in the field were quickly involved in a chaotic first turn pile-up...which sent Hymas to a subsequent thirty-third when passing the green flag. Though he wouldn't give up, and pushed forward despite having little room for error amongst the ruts on this course, as the soil and entry points into various corners would be prolonged - creating a balance-beam effect in which he had to navigate, while demonstrating immense velocity! He was remarkable through the first five laps, constantly garnering positions, and looking ahead to see how far forward he could advance. Each corner thereafter with roller(s), would be executed with urgency; where he crested the apex of the mound and would fire down the other side with a dumping of the clutch, along with an outpouring of the throttle. Laps eight, nine, and ten would be pivotal in his quest to the checkered flag - where any mistake that were made, could ultimately lead to numerous positions being lost (without time to regain them). Nevertheless, he prevailed and kept the likes of Caden Braswell and Preston Kilroy at bay, to garner eleventh when cresting the final jump. For moto two, Hymas would put forth arguably the strongest performance of his professional career thus far - beginning the race in fourth, and looking to move around Jordon Smith as quickly as possible. Eventually, just after the fourth circuit had been completed, it was Hymas who powered past the Yamaha rider and solidified his claim for third just after the finish-line. As minutes then went by, Hymas was proving that he could sustain this rhythm and flow at the front of the field; where he never lapsed in focus and showcased his familiarity with the soil of this region, due to his native residency in the state of Idaho. Lap after lap, Hymas wasn't wavering, even with Justin Cooper and Jo Shimoda striving to pass him as they neared conclusion of the moto. But as all was said and done at Thunder Valley, it would be Hymas who jumped across the final obstacle in third - propelling him to fifth overall, in the final standings!

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