race recap
CHASE SEXTON | GRIT-220 | 450SX
May 16, 2023 · Chase Sexton
CHASE SEXTON | GRIT-220 | SX 450
With one of the most dramatic narratives ever taking place last weekend, Honda's Chase Sexton was overwhelmed with a myriad of emotion(s) as he crossed the line in Denver. Somehow managing to claim the championship as Eli Tomac was forced out due to injury, the number twenty-three would be ecstatic while rightfully feeling a bit of disbelief, amid the unbelievable circumstances. Nevertheless, the Illinois native would aim for the top step of the podium once more in Utah; gathering a multitude of tremendous lap-times while contesting for the pole position each time his Honda hit the raceway in Utah. That mantra would translate into heat twoas well, where Sexton's smooth style immediately meshed with the terrain of Salt Lake as he gathered a position of third. Blitzing the whoops atop the foot-pegs, there was little that could stop him from establishing the highest sense of speed on the racetrack...even the dry soil that had turned into mud due to the falling rain! Sexton was flourishing amongst the slick conditions, passing Adam Cianciarulo rather quickly before locating Aaron Plessinger who was at the front of the field. It was evident that the KTM rider would yearn to take this win, as he was riding extremely well in the sloppy conditions; but Sexton managed to latch onto the rear wheel of the Ohio native, and proceeded to charge forward despite being marred with roost aboard his front number plate and google lens as well! Chase pressured Aaron through the sixth-lap, where a miscalculation on behalf of Plessinger would send him over a berm - relinquishing the lead to that of Sexton! And with only two laps remaining it would be Sexton's race to lose; where he obtained a victory with style! His main event quest was one that didn't necessarily have to equate to an individual moto win...but Sexton's competitive spirit yearned to go out in style, as he quickly ascended to the lead and took the green flag with confidence. Throughout the twenty-five laps that followed, Sexton embodied a championship-like spirit that couldn't be deterred by anyone who opposed him. He avoided problematic sequences and crashes that would subsequently take down the likes of Ken Roczen and other members of the pack, staying mistake free on this mud-ridden course that had dried from various instances of standing water. Carving through grooves that were filled with a slick foundation, he would combat the wheel-spin of his Honda to leap through rhythm lanes with ease, taking note of Aaron Plessinger who was a few section(s) behind him. Seeing the gap that he created, would put a stamp of dominance on his championship reign as he neared the checkered flag...where a long-awaited showing of excitement and accomplishment would come unraveled as he crested the final double with victory! The Illinois native could finally state, that he was champion of this year's Supercross season; proving that his perseverance was of the highest level(s), and that hard work truly pays off!