CHASE SEXTON | GRIT-216 | 450SX

CHASE SEXTON | GRIT-216 | SX 450

Honda's Chase Sexton would manage to make his way back into the championship equation with a phenomenal performance in Atlanta, rekindling a bit of his storied outdoor run (in 2022) and putting his talents on the faster racetracks to use while speeding through the infield of round thirteen. His talent in practice would be next-level, excelling amongst every facet of the course with precision and timing that was superb; which promoted him to the pinnacle of the leaderboard prior to moving into heat two. Though once here, he would receive the best efforts from both Jason Anderson and Justin Barcia; even with Eli Tomac alongside them on the gate(s), though the Colorado native could only generate fifth by the end of the first complete lap. Anderson had taken the lead while quarreling with GasGas' Justin Barcia, and the two would generate a subtle gap over second who had remained in third. The margin between the trio would close though, to the point that they were gapping the rider with the number one plate rather significantly; leading to a tremendous battle that had the fans in attendance on their feet! Sexton would hound the rear wheel of both opponents, barking with authority via power from his Honda engine. They were nearly three-wide as they sped into the fifth (and final lap) of action, simultaneously cresting the wall jump before the initial whoop section while Sexton was waiting for a mistake to be made by either of his two opponents. However that specific window of opportunity didn't come to fruition, and Sexton would be forced to reside third while leaping over the final obstacle on the course. Not long thereafter though, would Chase engage in one of the strongest performances (by any competitor) we'd seen thus far in the series! Arguably third as he hit the first portion of jumps, his speed amid the inside would leave the crowd in awe; as he kept the bike lower and scrubbed alongside Ken Roczen with authority, which set the stage for a brilliant pass to be made when powering aboard the tunnel-jump! Upon landing, the path to victory would honestly be set, as Sexton's prowess and vision excelled amongst an open canvas of racetrack. Lap after lap, the number twenty-three would amplify his lead; omitting his mistakes of the past while remaining focused throughout every second of competition. Through the first quarter of the moto, Sexton would generate a bit of breathing room over Ken Roczen and Justin Barcia, which multiplied in his favor by the time the halfway mark would arise. Much was the same when the fifteen-minute marker came to fruition, and Sexton would glance into a paralleled lane to see his lead over the number fifty-one being sustained. This preceded the final laps of action where Sexton remained aware and in the moment, never letting his mind drift from the visualization of his Honda taking the checkered flag...which came to fruition with victory, and an immense feeling of accomplishment!

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