COLT NICHOLS | GRIT-209 | 450SX

COLT NICHOLS | GRIT-209 | SX 450

Quite the contrast, in setting, from what was "supposed" to occur earlier in the series, the weather in Oakland couldn't have been better for the myriad of practice laps that were conducted by Colt Nichols on the Honda450. This track would be immaculate, with the design crew creating a phenomenal layout with a ton of different obstacles (and options) for riders in the 450cc brigade to eventually manifest. The former Arenacross standout exhibited a blistering sense of velocity in the near back-to-back whoop sections, where countless other riders would attempt to strictly conduct jumping lines, though he would skim atop third-gear (nearly clipping the outer tuff-blocks) in the process! Tripling into the four-pack of singles (after the finish-line) there was little that could inflict doubt into the aspirations of both he and his supporting cast, prior to the night show beginning. Once here, the stakes immediately grew high; and he knew that the closer he could stay to Joey Savatgy (who was ahead of him) the more sound his overall position would be, when crossing the checkered flag. His line of tripling through the bending corner with singles, would be paramount, and prove his synchronization with the chassis was of the highest degree before barreling into the "SX" triple that followed. The double that was next, would be scrubbed with vicious intent; flicking the motorcycle to the right while glancing to his left, and seeing race leader, Eli Tomac pushing ahead with relentless speed. He would follow suit, doing what was necessary in the final two minutes of action to score sixth before moving to the main event. The finalé would be overflowing with aggression, as he dove into the opening chute, and emerged near the eleventh position. Scrubbing the wall jump that was just after the mechanic's area, he would return to the Oakland soil with the rear wheel spinning with relentless momentum; spraying Justin Barcia behind him without hesitation. But Barcia's aggression would refute the claim of being behind, and proceeded to push Nichols off the race-track as they approached the finish-line on the following go-around! Luckily staying upright, Colt would do what was necessary to return to the course of action. Ruts had now been entrenched in the longest rhythm lane on the canvas, keeping him atop the foot-pegs with immense focus while barreling toward the halfway point. Doing his best to continue blitzing the dragon's back (as well), the race to a single digit overall would boil down to minimizing mistakes while operating at a high level of speed and maintaining significant rhythm amongst the lengthy gaps on this Oakland course. He obliged, pushing through both mental and physical barriers (of fatigue) in the last three laps, to emerge ninth when the checkered flag waved.

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