GRIT 304 — 450SX — 7th — Garrett Marchbanks

There were many world-renowned competitors within the premier category. Garrett Marchbanks was among them, and with this perfect blend of Supercross, and outdoor formatting, the longtime competitor was destined to excel while competing in central Florida on Saturday. With rainfall on Friday, the soil had blended into a optimal mixture. He knew that he could tap into a motocross, prowess of sorts, and as he began rhythmically, hopping, wheel tapping, and manual(ing) through the braking bumps, it was clear that he was in total control of the chassis. In the segments leading to the finish line, his pace was blistering and generated immense applause from those who surrounded the raceway. There was no doubt that he could contend for a prominent finish at the end of the main event. However, he would first have to go through the heat race sector of the night show. Once there, he clicked into gear with little regard for fear. While storming from the line, he would pinpoint his lines through turn number one, and the bends thereafter. Instances of sweeping, and carving, through both inside and outside grooves, would lead to a position of fifth being collected as he scrubbed his way, past the waving of the green flag.

From there, he proceeded to blitz through the obstacles as if everything were tapered! His entrance speed into numerous sections was phenomenal, and as he surpassed Christian Craig, the Utah native would obtain fourth-place for a significant amount of time. However, a hard-charging Justin Cooper would then sweep past on lap five...resulting in Garrett transferring to the main event, via fifth in the record book. For the main event, he had to remain calculated, despite blasting onto the course at high speeds. He wouldn't second-guess while en route to a position of sixth, and when battling amongst the pack it was clear that he was in total control of his machine. Multiple lines through the whoops were used, as blitzing and hopping were forms) of travel per se, especially as the moto progressed. Intensity, was a pivotal component in his success - and as he rivaled that of those in the top-five, for a significant amount of time. He would be passed by Joey Savatgy on lap six, but then re-gained the standing while passing Malcolm Stewart! Despite being overtaken by Aaron Plessinger in the sequences that followed, Marchbanks showed a remarkable aptitude on the 450! He'd shown immense success at this venue in season's past, with the checkered flag waving for the conclusion of lap seventeen, the former 250cc standout competitor, soared over the finish-line to collect an admirable seventh-place overall result!