GARRETT MARCHBANKS GRIT-227 450MX

GARRETT MARCHBANKS | GRIT-227 | 450MX

Reiterating that the move to the Yamaha 450cc machine was the correct choice for this 2023 AMA Pro Motocross Championship, ClubMX's Garrett Marchbanks would once again flourish aboard the high-powered engine as action began at the Spring Creek MX track. The loamy soil and sandy base would play into skillset of the ClubMX rider, who excelled throughout practice and from the moment the green flag waved to begin the first moto. He was anything but rigid as he accelerated to fourth on the opening lap, flying up and down the hillside while seeking the highest of berms on the outside. Nearly dragging both, the shroud and clutch lever as he kept the throttle pinned aboard the Yamaha chassis, he was riding extremely well while amongst a pack of riders that included Jason Anderson, Dylan Ferrandis, and Chase Sexton. Though eventually passed by the aforementioned three, factory riders, Marchbanks skillset remained prominent as minutes would pass. His entry speed into the rollers was some of the fastest of anyone in the field, where his tall stature would keep the front wheel light, while standing atop the foot-pegs - and he would maintain an athletic stance/posture, even as many other racers fatigued. It then was a matter of passing Adam Cianciarulo in the latter stages of the contest, which was a task that was completed on lap-ten...and with that pass, his solidification of sixth would be cemented in the record books, proving once more his talent at the 450cc level. The action for moto two would begin with a rampant charge by many inside the top-fifteen, and Marchbanks remained calm amongst the chaos that attempted to engulf him. He would scrub the finish-line jump while leaping onto the subtle plateau thereafter, putting as much traction to the rear wheel as possible while speeding past the mechanic's area. He could sense that Grant Harlan and Ty Masterpool were adamant in working around him, but Marchbanks wasn't going to go down without a fight when heading into the final six laps of competition. Though eventually passed, the tenacity of the rider who sported the number thirty-six would be spectacular - gaining a total of twenty-eight points, prior to heading to round eight of the AMA Pro Motocross Championship. And with finishes of sixth and eighth, his final overall categorization of seventh (for Millville) would certainly be worthy of applause and recognition.

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