FREDDIE NOREN - GRIT 234 450SMX

FREDDIE NOREN | GRIT-234 | 450 SMX

Suzuki's Freddie Noren would prove that his versatility was top tier while stationed in Los Angeles for the final round of the SMX Playoff series. Though not necessarily known as a Supercross specialist, the rider from Sweden seemed to flourish on the hybrid layout that was designed inside the LA Memorial Coliseum. For practice, the number forty-seven would unleash immense power into the hard-packed and slick sections of the circuit; in particular, the straightaway before the tunnel jump and the elevation change(s) thereafter. Which carried into the first moto, where Noren would obtain an initial standing of eleventh before seeing Justin Barcia injured and away from his motorcycle. Though narrowly missing the number fifty-one machine, Noren was able to evade trouble prior to the red-flag restart...and on command of the green flag, he would bolt into the first corner with endless aggression, knowing that the immediate laps thereafter were crucial if he wanted to be finalized with a tenth-place overall (or better). When leaping from the step-on/step-off, it was Noren's precision that would keep him lower than the majority of the competition when skying over the "SX" triple thereafter; rolling into the berms that accompanied it with steady throttle. Battling with Colt Nichols as he could mimic the pace of the number forty-five, it was Phil Nicoletti that was relentless with pass attempts as they neared the checkered flag...but even with the eighteenth circuit eventually coming to a close, Noren's fortitude would outlast all others in the field - leading to an eleventh place finish being secured. For the next moto of the two portion sequence, it was Noren who claimed an tenth-place initial residency prior to methodically pinpointing his way around the Los Angeles canvas. He diligently defended his standing from Ty Masterpool, while passing Shane McElrath and looking to do much the same against Garrett Marchbanks. Though the Utah native was defending his position in the running order extremely well, where he toggled between safeguarding insides and keeping his momentum throughout various outside lanes (as well) when the time called for it. Nevertheless, Noren remained persistent with his countering attack(s) and kept the rev(s) of the Suzuki rather at the forefront of conversation when nearing the checkered flag...exemplifying one-hundred percent effort (as always) before ending the moto in eighth, for a hard-earned eighth overall as well.

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