GRIT 301 — 450SX 4th — Justin Cooper

An incredible game plan was established by Justin Cooper as the event in Glendale came to fruition. Saturday's portion of competition was pivotal when viewing the tour as a whole, and with this circuit providing a perfect blend of indoor and outdoor characteristics, he knew he would have to be on-point in every facet in order to succeed. As qualifying laps began, he wasted no-time in putting forth a multitude of impressive circuits. His machine looked to be fine-tuned and working well among all aspects of the canvas. While floating through the sandy area, he was continuous with his momentum, and when returning to the hard-packed sections, his body-positioning immediately adapted, showcasing immense versatility on the motorcycle. Through the first lap, matters on the racetrack were a bit chaotic. Heart-rates would spike, but he remained composed while striving to a position of fourth. Locking-in to how the soil was subtly deteriorating, he understood the process of throttle control and nullifying wheel-spin. He watched the feud between Hunter Lawrence and Christian Craig, from only bike lengths behind. He awaited for the perfect moment to pounce forward, though in the meantime, he would be surpassed by Cooper Webb! Justin was now fifth — but generated a revitalized effort as lap five arose...passing both Webb and Craig, on the same circuit! And ultimately, the New York native would hold on...resulting in a third-place standing, as the checkered flag waved! For the main event, he launched from behind the gate while amongst the wave of high-caliber opponents. He fought his way forward to a standing of fifth, then made his way past Vince Friese into fourth. Lap by lap, he continuously hit his marks and managed the gap over Jorge Prado. Despite the fellow Yamaha rider being a bit too far out of reach, it was Justin who rode exceptionally well with a commendable fourth-place effort — taking the achievement, as the twenty-three lap contest came to a conclusion.