GARRETT MARCHBANKS - GRIT 234 450SMX

GARRETT MARCHBANKS | GRIT-234 | 450 SMX

ClubMX Yamaha's Garrett Marchbanks refused to finish his 2023 season with anything less than a sensational performance while stationed in Los Angeles. The newfound 450cc rider had been constantly excelling and striving for greatness, which would be obtained in the outdoor championship prior to embarking on the initial run of the SMX Playoff's as well. The Utah native would showcase tremendous expertise on the Southern California raceway for qualification, where immense knowledge would be garnered prior to beginning moto-one of the two race main event format. Once amid the action, it was Marchabanks who initially obtained a fourteenth-place position on the running order, prior to the moto being red-flagged shortly thereafter. Justin Barcia had crashed and was in too much pain for the race to keep going, therefore the field would depart from the start straightaway in a single-file manner. Upon doing so, Marchbanks immediately capitalized on the narrowed margin between he and his opponents; working his way into eighth by lap six, after passing riders like Josh Hill and Phil Nicoletti! With Colt Nichols now behind him, and Ty Masterpool just ahead, Marchbanks was forced to rise to the occasion if he wanted to excel in a standing of this regard...and after making the move on the number eighty-one on the eleventh circuit, it would then be a battle between he and Cooper Webb for fifth! Marchbanks wasn't going to budge, and proceeded to pursue Webb with all of his might when en route to the checkered flag... and after keeping Adam Cianciarulo at bay, it was Marchbanks who earned sixth for his first moto score. After beginning the second-main event in a standing of ninth, Marchbanks remained patient while the track continued to break down. Though lines were deteriorating and the motorcycle was forced to be ridden with varying techniques, it was Marchbanks who conformed to the pattern(s) of the track with efficient weight distribution and throttle control - especially on the outer, elevated corner(s) and straightaway of the circuit that was at the highest point of elevation. Even with the rear wheel wanting to slide to the outside, it was Marchbanks who maintained his speed with proper technique while being hounded by Aaron Plessinger for a significant portion of time. Though overtaken by the KTM rider just after the halfway point, Marchbanks proceeded to replicate the process of lines that were displayed by the Ohio native...trailing him to the finish line to acquire seventh as his final moto score - for sixth in the final standings.

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