race recap
GARRETT MARCHBANKS - GRIT 228 450MX
July 24, 2023 · Garrett Marchbanks
GARRETT MARCHBANKS | GRIT-228 | 450MX
Reiterating that his move to the 450cc MX division was the correct choice, ClubMX Yamaha's Garrett Marchbanks would bring a sense of confidence to the racetrack for practice that couldn't be forged. Though younger than many of those whom he competed against, Marchbank's tenacity and larger frame aboard the Yamaha motorcycle would flourish as he leapt from the largest drop-off's on this racetrack...creating an explosive sequence to the first few laps of the opening moto as well. Scrubbing the top of "Horsepower Hill" with a subtle dampening of his front forks, he would land from the peak of the steady climb and into the corner thereafter with aggression; rolling onto the throttle with a relentless grip before funneling into the shaded area and accompanying corners. Marchbanks would be equated to a position that was initially top-fifteen, but quickly transcended into a top-ten residency as minutes passed. He would reside on the rear portion of the seat when flying atop "Horsepower Hill," scrubbing the peak of the infamous obstacle with authority while seeking to make passes on riders like Jed Beaton and Freddie Noren. The latter would be made on lap-thirteen; with Aaron Plessinger now in the crosshairs...but the KTM rider was strong enough in the final six minutes (or so) that he would keep his 450cc machine ahead of Marchbanks; leaving Garrett in eighth as time was set to conclude. Ultimately, the Utah native would finish here before exiting the raceway...seeking to improve on his first moto score for the final round of racing. His completion of the opening lap, would result in a seventh-place categorization...which was optimal given the level of competition he was facing. Marchbanks was relentless as the track grew rougher, continuing to blast through some of the most demanding portions of the course with expertise and courageousness. He would pass Adam Cianciarulo on lap seven, while doing all in his power to track-down Yamaha's Dylan Ferrandis...but the number fourteen was riding extremely well, keeping a solid distance between he and Marchbanks as the clock neared zero. Eventually, it was Ferrandis who corralled fifth as the final flag was thrown, while Marchbanks took sixth (in front of Adam Cianciarulo) for a well-respected seventh-place standing on the final score sheet!