CHRISTIAN CRAIG | GRIT-210 | 450SX

CHRISTIAN CRAIG | GRIT-210 | SX 450

It was no secret within the 450cc division, that Christian Craigcould withstand pressure from the toughest of challenges while racing his Husqvarna 450. He'd done it time and time again throughout his amateur (and professional) career thus far, with the narrative being no different for racing at AT&T Stadium. With the 250cc classes going before him throughout the day, he took note of how fast Hunter Lawrence was going before him, scribing as many notes into his thought process as possible before generating superior times on his own behalf. That mantra of "attacking" would translate into the night show that followed as well, where a sixth-place position to begin the first outing would give him an opportunity to advance. His charging, mid, and exit speed amongst corners was an attribute that others had to acknowledge; even with the likes of Chase Sexton and Eli Tomac on the circuit beside him. Though he wasn't necessarily on the pace of the two aforementioned opponents, his ever-charging persona was enough to keep Colt Nichols at bay while the clock continued to tick down. Spraying roost in a projectile manner when exiting the corner after the whoops, he would look to his mechanic to be informed of a seventh-place standing that looked to be secured with only moments remaining. That conclusion eventually came to fruition, and after rehydrating in his pit area, he would back onto the track shortly thereafter to jump into the fray, once more. Striking as quickly as possible, he urgently positioned his machine in front of Justin Cooper in hopes of getting a bit of "space" and clear operating room to work with. These ruts were now almost unrecognizable from what was presented in qualification, with the left-handed bend before the largest triple on the track, marred with small ditches that would swallow the chassis of his Husqvarna 450. Managing to keep his feet atop the pegs while advancing to the finish-line, his wisdom would ultimately grant him an eighth-place residency as engines ceased. Only one more challenge was left to complete, and the native of California would excel as the green flag waved in Texas. Landing from the finish-line before powering into the two bends that followed thereafter, he would do his best to protect the inside from Justin Hill (whom he could hear in the background). Regardless of how much RPM his opponent proceeded to belt from the motor, there was no sign of "folding" on behalf of he and his unparalleled work ethic. Although forced to dive through the last few corners with the utmost focus, as the checkered flag would wave, his securing of eighth would list him in eighth overall for the evening.

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