GRIT 304 — 450SX — 9th —Justin Hill

The pace presented by Justin Hill for 450 SX, qualifying was remarkable on Saturday. Instantly, he adapted to the Daytona track, and began to flow amongst the Florida terrain with an effortless riding style. When scrubbing his way over steep doubles, he would minimize airtime with valiant flicks to the right and left. His ambition was notable, and he could contend alongside veterans of the division, including Cooper Webb and many others. Though many in the crowd would spot Honda's Hunter Lawrence and his remarkable corner speed, the constant momentum of Hill was something that had to be acknowledged as well. His outdoor aptitude translated to a myriad of strong lap times, and as he rode to the starting line for heat race two of the night show, he truly believed that he could contend for a single digit overall finish later on in the main event. Though first, he would have to qualify for the finale via a strong run in the sprint-like format. Nevertheless he accelerated onto the canvas and dove into number one with fearlessness. His rear wheel was constantly clawing for traction. and through the most technical portions of the raceway on the opening lap, he somehow portrayed a comfortable flow on the motorcycle. This led to an applaud-worthy standing of twelfth being occupied. However, once leaping into tenth (ahead of Kevin Moranz and Scott Meshey), Justin couldn't seem to generate the speed necessary to climb any higher in the running order. His talent was undeniable, but in the end, he would settle for tenth-place at the checkered flag. Therefore, he would have to go to the Last Chance Qualifier...where he conquered the challenge which was presented, and won the six-lap showcase while transferring to the main event! In the finalé, he rivaled numerous elite competitors on the opening lap. Tear-off's were pulled while he did his best to double from various tight, inside lines. With faces already becoming deteriorated, he knew that a mistake-free riding style was key, if he wanted to occupy a single digit standing at the checkered flag.

Nevertheless, he stormed through the earliest of moments in the contest to collect a standing of seventeenth. He combined determination, with palpable ambition as he scrubbed his way across the circuit. As tuff-blocks were nearly clipped, Justin's momentum was easily identified. He would work his way into fifteenth, and then thirteenth, after passing numerous riders.

Significant battles then ensued, with he and opponents such as Christian Craig, as they would go back and forth near the halfway point! However, from lap eight onward, Justin would vault ahead, passing the aforementioned Honda athlete, Suzuki's Colt Nichols and eventually, Malcolm Stewart as the checkered flag neared. The Oregon native would advance into ninth place, with two circuits to go. And from there, he soared past the checkered flag to collect a single digit overall achievement. in the Daytona record book!