CULLIN PARK | GRIT-213 | 250SX

CULLIN PARK | GRIT-213 | SX 250

With the terrain of Indianapolis being some of the toughest of the year, many in the 250cc division were relieved to see that the composition in Michigan was a tad more forgiving. However, what it lacked in moisture (and ability to mold) it made-up for in deception, creating a Washougal-(esque) type of base that had riders spinning and washing-out amongst various facets. Though weathering the storm throughout the day on Saturday, Cullin Park was eager to prove that he was as versatile as any other athlete on the roster; blending a combination of flat-tracking skills with his top-tier Supercross prowess, and eventually propelling his way into the main event with confidence and swagger. As the thirty-second board went sideways for his divisional round, the crowd would focus on Nate Thrasher as he sped to the front of the field. Florida's Park would reside sixth, bursting through the first three laps in the blink of an eye with lap-times well under the one-minute mark. He would anticipate wash-outs on the circuit coming to fruition rather quickly, especially in the corner before the dragon's back; that would spew riders into the surrounding tuff-blocks and force subsequent crashes as well. His upper-body would soak up the subtle double before the finish-line, keeping the chassis as low as possible before sprinting past the timing and scoring sensor(s), and doing his best to nullify the lead that both, Lawrence and Thrasher had generated. Nevertheless, his capabilities would keep him within a well-respected range of the world-renowned opponent who led; leading to solidification of fifth as the white flag was thrown. Less than thirty-seconds would remain as he leapt over the largest double on the circuit, landing with authority when sweeping through the forthcoming turns and section(s) of obstacles; residing fifth, before entering into the finalé. Tension(s) were high, but he remained calm as opponents were aligned and dispersed at the falling of the gate. The double into (and thereafter) of the rhythm section after the start would be extremely rutted, nearly grabbing his foot-pegs with clenching grip. But his momentum busted through the ravines and maintained a solid trajectory, keeping him ahead of Brock Papi in the first five laps. Speeding through the switchbacks, his engine would rev as hard as possible, crouching in an aerodynamic stance while using the loam atop the berm as a cushion and means to pivot. Spraying roost every which way with little regard for who was behind him, he continued to chip away at the lead that Hunter Lawrence had established over the rest of the field, which enable him to finally move around his teammate Coty Schock (after a valiant battle). His mechanic cheered has he'd settled into a pace that was equivalent to seventh, telling him if he could maintain this output, the position would be his...and with certainty, seventh-place honors were his for the taking as the checkered flag was thrown.

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