race recap
DEVIN SIMONSON | GRIT-220 | 450SX
May 16, 2023 · Devin Simonson
DEVIN SIMONSON | GRIT-220 | 450SX
Moving into the 450cc ranks full-time in recent months, Kawasaki's Devin Simonson had certainly adjusted to the larger engine with extraordinary regard; moving closer and closer to the top-ten as the final round came to fruition in the state of Utah. Therefore in practice, it was to no one's surprise when the number 170 ascended into the highest tiers of the overall leaderboard; proving that he could create a flow on this track that was synonymous with those at the top of the point(s) standing, as he appeared to be a threat for a top-ten overall by the time the main event concluded later that evening. Simonson then clicked into gear for his heat race, where he ascended to sixth immediately, behind Justin Starling. Devin would maintain a standing stance atop the Kawasaki frame that eliminated excessive foot dabbing, and created a pattern of flying through corners that embodied rolling speed (which allowed him to fly through rhythm sections that followed with fearlessness). When attacking the whoops, the number 170 would look for ways around the number sixty of Starling; but it was difficult to make passes amongst this sloppy circuit that had been covered with precipitation and mist from the skies above, forcing Simonson to deviate from his desired pathway(s) in the closing stages of the most. And despite being passed by Justin HIll, Devin would prove that he belonged amongst the best in the division with a final score of sixth...which preceded an astounding main event showcase that followed. Following the gate drop, Simonson flourished when battling at the front of the pack; taking tenth while battling with Kevin Moranz. He would pursue the KTM rider for quite sometime, but eventually made the pass on the Kansas native while keeping a hard-charging Grant Harlan at bay as well. Yellow flags would be thrown every which way, making it difficult for riders like Simonson to keep a straight path and adopt a flow that was error-free; yet somehow, the Kawasaki rider managed to possess an ability to stay out of harm's way and continue to round the track in a constant sprinting context. Following lap fifteen, it seemed as if Devin could reside within the top-ten through the checkered flag...but the aforementioned Yamaha rider (i.e. Harlan) wasn't an opponent that could be discredited. Yet with self-belief and a knack for keeping the throttle pinned amongst the muddy conditions, Simonson would speed through the final right-handed turn and over the double that followed, to take an incredible ninth-place result!