race recap
DAXTON BENNICK - GRIT 241 250SX
May 18, 2024 · Daxton Bennick

GRIT-241 | 250 SX
Showcasing superb speed at the opening round just weeks ago, Yamaha's Daxton Bennick presented the established tone he'd generated throughout his amateur career, and extended his excellent prowess into the stadium(s) of Supercross as the East Coast Championship continued on Saturday. For practice, Bennick's whoop speed was remarkable - and proved that his technique aboard the Yamaha frame was extremely efficient as he blitzed the moguls atop each apex with confidence. That notion was carried into heat racing matter(s) as well...though a troublesome first lap sequence would have the Yamaha rider in nineteenth as the first full circuit was completed. He refused to give up, however, and even if he couldn't make the main event (directly), the implications of generating a strong choice for the LCQ were imminent (in regard to gate position). As the seven minute moto eventually came to a conclusion, the North Carolina native eventually clawed his way to a fourteenth standing...and in the Last Chance Qualifier where an error-free ride was paramount, Bennick flourished. Establishing a lead that eventually extended past five seconds, Daxton proved that he could thrive under pressure as the checkered flag was thrown and he transferred to the finalé thereafter. Beginning the points paying segment in a standing of fifteenth, the Yamaha rider was forced to display an ability to weave and choose precise lines amongst a continuously evolving racing landscape. Ruts that were once smooth had now been dug to the point of no return, with jagged edges and abrupt lips causing the rear spring of many machines to buck if not adequately maneuvered...though Bennick was in complete control of the Yamaha chassis as he carved through the field to emerge twelfth on lap eight. He appeared to be solidified in tenth with around six laps to go, but a mistake in the final stages enabled Husqvarna's Farres to work his way around...but knowing that every point was valuable, Bennick continued to put forth a line of defense that athletes like Henry Miller (who trailed) weren't able to topple. His execution of staying balanced amongst the ruts before the finish line acted as a catalyst for him to hit the final double with extraordinary speed...and as he powered to an eventual tenth overall standing, Daxton would leave the round seven circuit knowing he'd given it his all - embodying a feeling of motivation, for round eight of the championship and beyond.