race recap
CHRIS CANNING GRIT-226 450MX
July 11, 2023 · Chris Canning
CHRIS CANNING| GRIT-226 | 450MX
Literally, calling that of the Wick 338 facility "home," GasGas' Chris Canning would reside upon the ground of the Massachusetts racetrack; training fellow racers there throughout the year, and making an income while teaching racers at various levels. His talents as a teacher were that of elite level, which carried into his racing processes for the Southwick national - where he gathered a substantial finish of sixth in qualification prior to moving into the moto's that followed. There were numerous "locals" who always seemed to possess the certain qualities to excel on this Southwick racing surface, but Canning would take it to another level for 2023. He would begin the first moto in sixth following a terrific start, battling amongst various factory riders while making all in the supporting crowd proud. Canning's line selection seemed a bit different than most, almost as if he knew where certain pathways would flow together and how bumps were set to perform; long before they were at their peak. Though being passed by Adam Cianciarulo and Jason Anderson early, he would manage to stay ahead of Jose Butron as the tandem sprinted to the halfway point. Canning was riding with stellar precision, staying beneath the bottom of most berms at just the right line - which allowed him to avoid dropping the front wheel into disadvantageous pockets in a number of areas. His lap-times remained solid, and he was doing his best not to lose sight of Adam Cianciarulo who was ahead...which eventually allowed him to prevail inside the top-ten with the checkered flag waving in the distance. As all concluded, Canning's ability to acquire eighth was exceptional; and a pattern he knew he could improve on, for moto two. Chris would thrive as circumstances grew tougher and more demanding, where he resided inside the top-ten initially but quickly found lines that were rather smooth. He would hop amid one-eighty degree corners, and sweeping bends alike, keeping the front-end as light as possible while amassing laps in the sweltering heat. Though humid (with instances of precipitation falling throughout the day), Canning remained imminent on continuing to rise as moto's were prolonged in duration. This would lead to him remaining behind Adam Cianciarulo, for what seemed like an eternity...but the persistence would pay-off, in the form of a pass in the final moments - leading an incredible seventh-place finish being earned, for seventh overall on the weekend as well!