CHRISTIAN CRAIG | GRIT-212 | 450SX

CHRISTIAN CRAIG | GRIT-212 | SX 450

With the halfway point of the series now upon them, Husqvarna's Christian Craig and the rest of the 450cc field understood the importance of remaining focused on the task at hand while sprinting around the Indianapolis track. Grooves had entrenched the takeoff's causing many of the motorcycles to skid and drag (with an occasional, disastrous stall of momentum) occurring far too often; which made athletes in the field remain calculated despite wanting to push the envelope. He and his Rockstar Energy 450 would look stellar in the triple-triple combination just before the finish-line, revving the motor throughout his summit of flight to warn all opponents of his whereabouts. His persona was destined to carry into the night show though, with his aggression unleashed with a blatant release of the clutch lever before darting down the start straightaway. Binding on both, the front and rear brake assemblies, his attitude within the first lap(s) of this divisional round were of ruthlessness and a means to grasp his desired position. There was little that could stand in his way, as he attempted to blitz through the middle of the whoop sections on laps two and three, despite the rear-end of his Husqvarna fish-tailing from side to side. Staying in an attack position (with his sternum over the handlebars) his weight distribution when approaching the inside of various ninety-degree corners would have his chassis smoothly, falling into the swaying grooves ahead of Josh Hill who trailed. Keeping his focus forward as he neared the checkered flag, the last lap would be a critical undertaking that could cause him to lose a transfer position at any moment...however the Californian would prevail as he occupied fifth before entering into the finalé. Now the main event was left to conquer, where his execution of the first few laps would be critical if he wanted to secure a top-ten overall. Riders were cross-rutting in every sector of the course, especially from the corner prior to the "SX" triple and onward (to the finish-line); where abrupt power and clutch feathering would cause wheels to dig in at an aggressive rate. There were times, when his inside leg remained outward and away from the motorcycle, using his limb as a counterbalance to stay on a straightened path forward with Justin Hill not too far behind him, whom he'd made the pass on in the first six laps of action. Hovering near the eighth place residency, he would fluctuate a bit as Chase Sexton fell to the ground; but his pace was magnificent and seemed to embody an idea of consistency as laps grew closer to the conclusion of the moto. His attrition was noticeable by all in attendance, and as time approached expiration he could see Eli Tomac fading in the distance; and with the red-plate holder beginning to slow down, Craig would pounce. Claiming seventh with a final pass of sorts, and ending his night on a high note!

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