race recap
GARRETT MARCHBANKS GRIT-226 450MX
July 11, 2023 · Garrett Marchbanks
GARRETT MARCHBANKS | GRIT-226 | 450MX
After riding with exceptional speed and skill throughout the AMA Pro Motocross Championship thus far, ClubMX Yamaha's Garrett Marchbanks would continue on the same trajectory for racing festivities at "The Wick 338." Garrett's standout performance at High Point would prove that he possessed every attribute needed to battle for podium finishes - and that mantra was replicated in the sands of Southwick, beginning with practice in the morning hours. However, he would immediately be faced with adversity to begin the opening moto; where a first lap mishap would have him in thirty-first, while doing everything to obtain clear vision! The process of passing and weaving amongst traffic would immediately begin; where he scrubbed every single in sight, while shifting as high as possible throughout the Yamaha transmission. He flirted between being reckless and calculated, toggling between the two mindsets while never ceasing to amaze the crowd in Massachusetts; he had moved into fifteenth by the halfway point, where his relentless spirit was being shown with every position advanced. In the final stages, he would pass opponents like Kyle Chisholm and Phil Nicoletti; which in that regard alone, proved that his speed was top-tier. And as he ultimately generated a final score of tenth, the applause that accompanied him at the finish line was certainly deserved! A sixth-place beginning to the second moto was electric, where he was just behind Adam Cianciraulo to initiate this particular narrative and made sure to stay engaged with the pace of the leaders. Throughout the first quarter and leading to the halfway point, he remained on the rear wheel of the Kawasaki rider; before making the move on lap seven. Once here, Marchbanks never looked back, and proceeded to replicate a pace that was similar to Factory KTM's Aaron Plessinger; using his leverage aboard the Yamaha to flow through the largest braking bumps on the track with brute strength. This was a course where his move to the 450cc class flourished, and proceeded to engage in a prominent output of speed throughout the twenty and twenty-five minutes of action; keeping Aaron Plessinger as close as possible while trying to generate an eventual top-five overall. Marchbanks efforts throughout both strenuous contests were outstanding - where he eventually obtained a hard-earned fifth place score (for the second moto) and fifth-place overall as well; proving that he could generate accolades, amongst the top 450cc riders from around the world!