race recap
DYLAN FERRANDIS | GRIT-221 | 450MX
June 2, 2023 · Dylan Ferrandis
DYLAN FERRANDIS | GRIT-221 | 450MX
Looking to rebound after multiple injuries in the past few seasons, Dylan Ferrandis appeared to be more than prepared for a podium-level run as he rounded the track for practice on Saturday. Sliding amongst the moist grounds and into the powder berms that lined the track, his exceptional skills on the Yamaha would lead him to a stellar start for moto number one as well. He would funnel through the opening left and right-handed corner(s) just behind Jett Lawrence, where the Australian rider would lead but Ferrandis was quick to contend. He did his best to mimic the pace of the rookie rider, though as time passed, Jett began to pull further and further...all the while Ferrandis would have to deal with a charging, Chase Sexton. Navigating his way through the tremendous ruts that were on every facet of this raceway, Ferrandis would leap down hills, across roller sections, and from various takeoff's while powering his Yamaha to the highest output possible - all in hopes of getting away from the number twenty-three who trailed. But it would be on the seventh lap of competition when Chase would make the move, placing Ferrandis into the third-place ride once and for all. As for the next eight laps, he would reside here with ample room over names like Aaron Plessinger and Cooper Webb. Eventually exiting the raceway after crossing the finish-line in the last spot on the podium, he would be eager to replicate that performance in the following moto as well. Moto number two was shortly thereafter, and Ferrandis appeared energized for the duration of the thirty(plus) minute outcome - especially after claiming second yet again in the starting sequence. However Chase Sexton would work his way around much quicker this time, and would pass him in the opening rhythm lane, as Ferrandis made a mistake that nearly stalled his momentum before the initial launch. However he rebounded instantly, and would then focus on defending third place honors from a hard-charging Aaron Plessinger who was relentless in trying to pass the French rider! They were within one-second of one another for a large portion of the moto, but Ferrandis wasn't going to break! He maintained composure and would eventually pull a subtle gap (of about three-seconds) over the Ohio native who trailed, eventually concluding the moto in third place as well, for a bronze medal overall in the record book.