GARRETT MARCHBANKS - GRIT 240 250SX

GRIT-240 | 250 SX

With the East Coast 250SX series taking place last weekend in Detroit, numerous members of the Muc-Off/FXR/ClubMX Yamaha team were presented and showcased tremendous bits of speed while stationed at Ford Field. It was then time for Garrett Marchbanks to resume the outstanding run that was displayed in the month of January, and by all means would Nicoletti present a stellar pace throughout every qualification session at State Farm Stadium. The synchronization of corner speed, braking points, whoop-momentum, and rhythm combinations would decisively list him in the highest tier of the 250cc hierarchy on Saturday...which catapulted him into heat two where he battled for a position of fifth in the early stages. With red pellets of soil flying from his rear wheel, Marchbanks was searching for every bit of traction he could gather when attempting various inside lines. It was a high risk, high reward chance-to-take per se; with Josh Varize not too far from his rear wheel. Though shorter distances could be traveled in bends such as before the opening sand section, Marchbanks knew the lack of traction (coupled with application of the front brake) could be risky when attacking at the hurried pace he was presenting. More often than not, outside lines were executed as he and the field completed the fourth circuit...with many eyeing the checkered flag with enthusiasm prior to transferring to the main event. Though he was just off the pace of Husqvarna's RJ Hampshire (who was third) the speed put forth by the Utah resident was worthy of applause...and as engines ceased, the Yamaha athlete was presented with a standing of fourth. With valuable points on the line, Marchbanks attacked the opening sequences of the main event with evident boldness. Though his means of flying from various jump faces was warranted, there were times when he slightly out-leapt certain landings and conducted a flat-land maneuver of sorts - however the brute strength of the rider aboard the number twenty-six was commendable and a strong suit amongst his arsenal of SX tactics. Through the fifth lap, he managed to gather pace that was equated to one near the top-ten...pursuing opponents who were ahead, after hovering near the fifteenth-place position in the initial stages! Though teammate Phil Nicoletti was just in close proximity and ready to engage in a fire-fight, if the scenario were to call for it. Marchbanks monitored the fellow ClubMX Yamaha rider through paralleled lanes, though there weren't nearly as many confined sections of racetrack compared to the usual layout(s). The storm to the summit (i.e. checkered flag) would be one of tremendous grit, perseverance, and high-speeds upon a course that was losing traction as every lap passed...but Marchbanks prevailed. It was in the final stages, where passes on Robbie Wageman, Carson Mumford, and Hunter Yoder were definitively cemented - proving that Marchbanks had the will to succeed, even in scenarios that were rather adverse. Relentlessly charging to a fifth-place score in the record book, there would be nothing but applause awaiting Garrett as he rolled off the raceway and back to the pit area.

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