GRIT 304 — SMX NEXT — 2nd — Landen Gordon

Every component of one's racing assembly must be at the highest level in order to excel at a venue like Daytona. As athletes carved through the track for press day, it was clear that this one of a kind course was going to evolve to an unfathomable level.

Though Landen Gordon was ready to thrive amongst the conditions, and believed that he could ascend amongst the highest tier of the category as practice began. When flying over the finish line jump, his vision would spot lines far ahead. He was aware of how the circuit was deteriorating and would switch up his lines, seemingly instantly as qualifying rounds progressed. Every bit of his suspension travel looked to be used as he powered through braking bumps that were growing with demand throughout the day's session(s). Though when practice was finalized, he would return to the pit area with a confident demeanor. His success would translate to a motivated jump from the starting grate to begin the SM Next Main Event. As athletes funneled through the opening corners, many were aiming for the same, optimal lines...therefore charging speed and late braking points were pivotal in one's quest. Nevertheless, he prevailed and jumped past the green flag to collect a standing of seventh. While doing his best to remain steady amongst the rutted racecourse, he could hear the significant applause from the crowd as each section of the track was conquered. He was motivated to climb further ahead, and would do so, as each lap progressed! Gordon moved into sixth rather quickly, and then fourth (on lap three) while setting his fastest lap-time of the contest! Once there (with athletes including Kade Johnson and Diesel Thomas definitively behind him), Gordon would then contend for the third-place position, alongside Vincent Wey! They were bar-to-bar in the corner before the whoop section, and sprinted through the moguls with only bike lengths of separation. However, it was Gordon who possessed a bit more momentum, and ultimately made the pass within these sequence(s). From there, Landen resided in third... before passing Wyatt Thurman (and into second) with three laps to go! At that point, the silver-medal slot was Gordon's! In the final stages, he would pursue Triumph's Deacon Denno through the checkered flag...and when all was finalized in Daytona, it was Landen who claimed second overall for this spectacular SM Next Main Event!