GRIT 302 — 450SX — 3rd — Justin Cooper

The amount of focus Justin Cooper possessed while on the motorcycle was phenomenal. It was evident that his attention had zeroed-in on the fastest lines the Seattle, Washington racetrack had to offer on Saturday. For the earliest laps of practice, the track was rather moist. Many had prepared for muddy conditions, though as the sun would begin to shine in the later afternoon hours his game-plan and means of attack would slightly be altered. He was able to tweak and configure different lines, seemingly on the fly perse. Techniques such as those couldn't be taught, and those specific skills were sharpened after years, and years of practice. His corner speed was next level - and his outlook for the approaching heat race was categorized as extraordinary. Once there, he dashed from the starting line with the utmost aggressiveness. He was willing to push the envelope and occupy a transferring position by any means necessary. While vaulting past the green flag on the opening lap, he would be spotted in a position of approximately third, after battling with Malcolm Stewart within the pack. He knew there was little time to waste, and in the laps thereafter, an incredible showcase of style and speed would be presented. Subtle scrubs and suspension compresses were displayed as he did everything possible to garner velocity. The crowd would cheer, applauding as he soared past many in attendance. His rivalry with Stewart continued, as they each would close the gap on Justin Hill (who resided in second). Cooper's momentum was undeniable, and led to him securing the second-place residency on the fourth lap. From there, the Yamaha athlete continued to display proficient skills aboard the chassis — and earned the runner-up accolade, as the final flag was waved! In the main event, competitors from both sides) of the starting gate would clash. He was eager to move forward, and while residing in the seventh-place position. Cooper was relentless as he dissected this intricate raceway. Lines were forming in every aspect of the course, and his precise maneuvering powered him ahead of Hunter Lawrence (following a fierce battle) on the third-circuit! With an advancement in front of a contender of that caliber, Justin appeared to be on a stellar path. Sixth then became fifth, as he made his way around Chase Sexton on lap five (while setting his fastest lap-time of the contest)! From there, he would move forward to another, higher standing..ie. fourth, which was secured after he had passed Aaron Plessinger. For a significant amount of time, it seemed as if Justin would be locked-in to the fourth-place position so to speak. Though Hunter Lawrence, returned fire perse, on the sixteenth circuit and made his way around the New York native. Each member of the duo would give it their all—and despite being overtaken, Justin wasn't giving up.

He remained methodical in the fifth-place position, and took advantage of a crash that occurred between Hunter Lawrence and Ken Roczen with minimal time remaining! Thus, Justin stormed to the checkered flag in the moments thereafter, and claimed third-place on the final podium!