DAXTON BENNICK - GRIT 239 250SX

GRIT-239 | 250 SX

The rookie Yamaha rider had developed quite the following in recent memory, constantly contesting the likes of the top athletes on the team while tirelessly practicing at various test tracks. The humble attitude of Daxton Bennick was something that couldn't be dismissed, either, as the former amateur standout was one to make sure that his riding was set to do the talking as he embarked on round number one of this East Coast SX Championship. Clicking into gear for the second heat race of the afternoon following a commendable practice run, Bennick would unleash the full arsenal of power his engine possessed while diving into the opening bend alongside Austin Forkner. Upon leaping through the singles that followed with spectacular triple combinations, he was quick to mimic the pace of the veteran in front of him; following his rear wheel on many occasions, though slightly altering his path when trailing the Kawasaki through the sand sections. His ability to process obstacles and specific pathways of his rival at the time (i.e. Forkner) was an undeniable characteristic that led him to sustain a top-two position from beginning to end. Even as the checkered flag neared, Bennick remained resilient and eventually seat-hopped the final double with an ecstatic feeling of accomplishment; looking ahead to the finalé with excitement as well. Though the start to the main event wasn't necessarily ideal for Bennick, he managed to garner a ninth by the completion of the first full lap. Up to seventh on circuit two, he continuously made passes while remaining polished in the rhythm lanes...capitalizing on the errors of others rather than displaying an all-out blitz of speed that could result in a consequential crash. He and Coty Schock were competing for fourth as the first quarter of the moto were completed, however on lap seven the rookie would make his way around had have his sights set on a tandem of Honda's who were in the foreground. Inching toward Chance Hymas as the Idaho native began to fade, Bennick was ready to complete a pass in the latter stages as fatigue began to amplify (for the Honda rider)...and as the sixteenth circuit came to a close, it was Bennick who's perseverance equated to a standing of third - where he resided through the checkered flag, which marked a significant feat for a rookie amongst this roster of opponents!

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