race recap
DEAN WILSON | GRIT-216 | 450SX
April 18, 2023 · Dean Wilson
DEAN WILSON | GRIT-216 | SX 450
Continuously retaining a sense of speed that was world-class, Honda's Dean Wilson would travel to Atlanta being destined to continue his storied career within the Supercross racing genre. He'd logged countless laps throughout a myriad of championship, truly earning the respect of all in the industry as he near's retirement in the coming seasons. However, the number fifteen remained focused on the here and now which was apparent as he sped through the rollers of varying sizes with confidence that couldn't be subdued. This would set the stage for heat one where he concluded the first lap in ninth place; hoping to work his way around Chase Marquier and Shane McElrath as quickly as possible. He would do so before lap three concluded, along with making a move on the exceptional Freddie Noren who was extremely quick on these sorts of tracks. He wasn't done making passes yet, though, and proceeded to pass Benny Bloss while being aggressively pursued by Adam Cianciarulo (whom had crashed earlier in the moto). Cianciarulo's pressure would force Wilson to rise to a new level, which would be showcased as he tripled through the rhythm lane before the steepest wall jump on the circuit. And though "AC" was able to work his way around with only seconds to go, Dean remained focused on the present tasks which was to directly transfer to the main event. Completing the agenda with flying colors, Wilson's fifth-place residency would be a catalyst for a strong performance in the finalé. With Chase Sexton out front to begin the fifteen-circuit contest, it was Wilson who was residing in tenth while seeking to advance as quickly as possible. Leaping over the tunnel jump while landing on the gas, he would do his best to keep Aaron Plessinger behind him; but the number seven was on the move, and Wilson's aspirations of mimicking the KTM rider were thwarted by Josh Hill (who was stuck in between the two adversaries and riding well in ninth). But Wilson's perseverance would be exhibited prior to the eighth circuit concluding - where he worked his way around Hill and set his sights on Adam Cianciarulo. And with Jason Anderson descending outside of the top-ten, it seemed to be solidified that Dean would finish eighth. However the aggression of Josh Hill couldn't be ignored, as he worked his way around the Honda rider with only minutes remaining! The persistence of Wilson would ultimately win amid the battle of the two veteran's; as Dean's Fire Power Honda ride had done enough to be solidified in eighth as the dust settled, just ahead of Colt Nichols at the checkered flag!