GRIT 301 — 450SX 7th — Chase Sexton

His level of talent could never be in question. Kawasaki's Chase Sexton had proven time and time again, that he was among the elite in the division. He strove to continue that notion as practice took place on Saturday as well. While launching through the longest rhythm lanes, a subtle upshift before some of the steepest take-off's, was indicative how much confidence he had in the motorcycle. Precision would be combined with swift corner speed, and as he dashed to the finish-line, the native of Illinois showcased world-renowned composure on the motorcycle. In the heat race, Sexton raced to a standing of eighth before steadily working forward. Vince Friese and Dylan Ferrandis were eventually surpassed — which led to fifth-place being occupied from lap five onward, with Sexton keeping Aaron Plessinger at bay through the finish. In the main event, Sexton's start was less than stellar — residing around the thirteenth-place position as athletes weaved through the initial sectors. The art of chipping away prevailed, though not without significant energy being expended. He would battle with athletes including Justin Hill and Aaron Plessinger for a significant amount of time. The hard-fought battle and eventual pass on the GasGas athlete led him into the seventh-place residency on the eighth lap, and from there, he remained. Sexton would have to defend the standing from a hard-charging Aaron Plessinger...and though the performance wasn't necessarily what Chase desired, he ultimately remained well within the hunt for the overall championship — especially with Eli Tomac's first turn crash, forcing the KTM athlete outside of the top-ten for this evening's contest.