GARRETT MARCHBANKS GRIT-223 450MX

GARRETT MARCHBANKS | GRIT-223 | 450MX

Though an absence of power was destined to be present due to the vast elevation change in this mountainous region, by all accounts, would ClubMX Yamaha's Garrett Marchbanks accelerate with immense power when speeding onto the start straightaway for practice. He would clear every obstacle with ease, landing amongst transitions with a polished flow that translated to phenomenal lap-times throughout the late morning hours. Shortly thereafter, he was amid the chaos of an opening lap in the 450cc class, combatting opponents, roost, and an ever-changing track that would transform by the second! His rear tire would dig for traction when climbing from the deepest valleys, launching over the last step-up before the finish-line with a valiant scrub prior to returning to the ground beneath him. He was exceptional when building a foundation inside the top-twenty, rolling through flat and tapered corners with momentum that couldn't be halted by racetrack nor competitor. Arguably one of the fastest downhills on the circuit (in the sector after the start), would be a point of attack for he and his Yamahachassis, where he seemingly kept the throttle twisted for an entire second longer than many of his counterparts outside of the top twenty! There was little that could derail him as past the twentieth minute of action as well, knowing that his stamina would carry him through the final twelve minutes of competition where the checkered flag awaited him. His focus couldn't be diverted as he zeroed in on the final seconds of action, cresting the last jump on the circuit in sixthwith a performance that could be equated to a top-ten overall if conducted in the second moto as well. And the first few minutes of the following round were spectacular, with the top two riders on the circuit (i.e. Jett Lawrence and KTM's Aaron Plessinger) seeking to break away from the rest of the top-ten...but the resiliency of Marchbanks was an attribute that couldn't be disregarded as laps four and five were completed. He would obliterate the corner following the finish-line, speeding near the starting gate with a decisive stance that was set on gaining as much ground on Lorenzo Locurcioahead of him as possible. The aforementioned GasGasrider would act as a point to strive for as laps progressed, where the idea of catching him was a never ending pursuit that ultimately led him to the finish line. Throughout the final four laps of action, many could sense that fatigue was nullifying the speed of many athletes on the racetrack...but he would remain steadfast - revving the motor as hard as possible in order to clench eighth in the final running order, just ahead of Freddie Noren. And after traveling forward from a position deep in the field to begin, Marchbanks' attrition would be a lasting attribute that ultimately led to seventh-place overall being established.

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