race recap
GRANT HARLAN - GRIT 260 450SX
August 23, 2024 · Grant Harlan
GRIT-260 | 450 SX
August 23rd, 2024 5:00 pm
The Yamaha rider had established an astounding flow on the motorcycle once more, for the 2024 season. Grant Harlan's injury last year would force him to work tirelessly to return to full form, yet the athlete who sported the number twenty-three was more than willing to do anything necessary to come back better than ever. Nevertheless, he's ascended through the current series and would seek to strive into top-ten territory while stationed in New York. For practice, the racer aboard the Gizmo Mods/Rock River/Yamaha was excellent through the roughest facets of the raceway - and seemed prepared for any variable(s) that were thrown his way as the green flag waved for the opening moto. Launching past the finish line following the first full lap of action, he appeared to reside around the thirteenth-place position while trailing various factory riders. Malcolm Stewart, and Christian Craig were with in his immediate proximity...which motivated Harlan to accelerate and prove that he could contend with the most prominent names in the sport. He eventually would gain a position after passing the home-state favorite, Phil Nicoletti, and proceeded to once more charge toward the rear wheel of Malcolm Stewart. As time continued to pass, near the three-quarter mark of the moto, it was Harlan who led that of Freddie Noren around the track. Noren was strong, but not necessarily riding at the level that Harlan was displaying...which led to the eventual white flag, and then concluding flag of the moto - where Harlan obtained eleventh! For the following moto of the afternoon, Harlan's start was incredible...and helped him earn an eighth-place standing when passing the green flag. Though the ruts were now crusted and could seemingly grab the foot-pegs at any moment, Harlan persevered with fearlessness when flying across the roughened surface at the height of fourth gear! Though being overtaken by Malcolm Stewart, Harlan stayed within a similar distance to both Husqvarna riders (both Stewart and Craig) for the majority of the moto. This transpired through the concluding aspects of the moto, and Harlan not only stayed within striking distance of the aforementioned competitors, but he would also keep opponents like Shane McElrath, Colt Nichols, and Phil Nicoletti at bay, en route to obtaining tenth as all concluded for the second round...equating to tenth in the final standings of the 450MX division as well!