GRIT 301 — 450SX 9th — Dylan Ferrandis

As athletes gathered in Glendale on Saturday, the intensity of all on the racetrack constantly ascended. It was time to engage in the utmost momentum and velocity possible, which Dylan Ferrandis welcomed from the moment qualifying began. Minimal time was wasted as he carved through the canvas, reaching for every bit of traction his chassis could obtain. He was known for his quickness within the sand section, and knowing that the most talented members of the division (including Eli Tomac, Chase Sexton, and Ken Roczen) weren't going to slow down. Therefore, he did the same — omitting the application of the brakes and rolling through the unique sector of soil with expertise. His maneuvering through the canvas led to a myriad of phenomenal lap times and a notable gate choice in the forthcoming heat race. The battles were intense across the first lap, with competitors doing whatever necessary in order to gain a higher position on the leaderboard. His efforts translated to a standing of fourth, though Ferrandis would unfortunately begin to descend throughout the running order, surpassed by Anderson, Roczen, Sexton, Plessinger, and Malcolm Stewart through the checkered flag. The main event was now upon him. All unleashed an abundance of horsepower onto the canvas and he acquired a standing of sixth through the first lap. Ferrandis put forth numerous tactics to try and solidify his position, but a series of passes ensued — he would be overtaken by opponents including Jorge Prado and Joey Savatgy. In the moments thereafter, from approximately laps four through nine, all-out battles transpired. He, Chase Sexton, and Aaron Plessinger, would go bar-to-bar while leaping alongside one another! It was spectacular to see, and despite Ferrandis descending to ninth, he remained in the aforementioned position through the checkered flag. It was a commendable performance and one of significant momentum-building for the rest of the 2026 season.