GRIT 301 — 450SX 10th — Justin Hill

The talent of Justin Hill was easily identifiable. The established competitor from Oregon had won at the highest levels of the sport, and he seemed to steadily build his resumé throughout the 2026 season as the current SX series transpired. He was destined to excel on the larger stadium floor of Glendale, and with the significant rhythm combinations being on-tap, Hill believed that he could flourish...and ultimately contend for a top-ten overall score. Beginning with a notable practice effort, Hill's rhythm through the swaying rhythm lane was spectacular. Launches, and accompanying landings, were of the utmost precision. As the gate(s) in Glendale fell, Hill powered from the line and navigated through turn number one. He gathered a standing of twelfth initially, then scanned the racing surface for unorthodox lines. Twelfth immediately became ninth as he clinched positions that were once occupied by Romain Pape, Freddie Noren, and Scott Meshey. His offensive game-plan and lunge forward resulted in eighth-place being occupied as the checkered flag waved. For the main event, Hill sped forward from the grate to acquire a standing of twelfth. He would pass Vince Friese and Freddie Noren, then battled hard alongside Aaron Plessinger and Chase Sexton. As Malcolm Stewart unfortunately exited the moto, this left Justin in an outstanding tenth-place position. He looked to keep his standing for as long as possible and would do so, despite pressure from Jason Anderson and Eli Tomac in the final moments of the contest! It was an exceptional performance, and when the checkered flag waved for the conclusion of this twenty-three lap contest, Justin claimed a final result of tenth!