GRANT HARLAN - 224 450MX

GRANT HARLAN | GRIT-224 | 450MX

The execution of strong initial laps and sprint speed would be critical, if Yamaha's Grant Harlanwanted to contend within the highest realm of 450cc action. The course in Pennsylvania would be a relic of sorts on the AMA Professional Outdoor circuit, where even with the evolution of time, the High Point layout would be one of the most sought after by athletes from around the world. And it would play into the hand of Harlanas well, as he showcased a number of blistering lap-times in practice; moving forward into moto number one where he stormed from the starting gate(s) and immediately migrated to the rear wheel. He was amongst a storming pack of riders when diving into the valley's of the infield, but couldn't necessarily cut-off his counterparts when they attempted to pass him on either inside or outside - due to the vast amount of ruts that were embedded within this Pennsylvania circuit. Scrubbing tabletop's while landing on the throttle in the laps thereafter, he couldn't help but notice the GasGas machineof Lorenzo Locurciosignificantly moving forward through the pack - and was rather quick in the section just behind the starting gate. The two would then storm past the mechanic's area and onto the initial part of the raceway, where fourth and fifth gear would be tapped into before descending on both front and rear brakes. His rolling speed would be paramount though, when compared to most other riders in the field; and was paralleled to that of Ken Roczen and Jett Lawrence, on the steepest portions of the hillside. His attrition through the final seven minutes, would be enough to stake claim to the eleventh-place position; ending the moto ahead of Phil Nicolettiprior to advancing into round two. Immediately though, as the green flag waved for the latter afternoon segment, would roost be pelted onto his knuckles and front number plate - though he wasn't going to deter with his throttle twisting while chasing Kawasaki's Ty Masterpool. The tandem were inseparable for the longest time, and although the number eighty-onewould eventually pull away ever so slightly, the pace that they had generated would be enough to maintain positions of seventhand eighthin the running order (after Masterpool had finalized his move over Derek Drake, as well). There were very few lines on this track that weren't becoming filled with acceleration bumps and jagged edges, meaning he would have to simply plow through the most rigid terrain while pursuing the checkered flag...and with a demand of the chassis that embodied force and pure strength in the closing moments of action, he would eventually garner a position of ninthfor a hard-fought ninth overall in the final 450cc standings of High Point - creating momentum for the Manluk Rock River Racing Yamaha rider for the rounds on the horizon.

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