GRIT 311 — SMX NEXT — 7th — Kayden Minear

After watching athletes including Cole Davies, graduate from the SMX Next category in recent seasons, the outlook for that of fellow Yamaha athlete, Kayden Minear was set to be extraordinary as well. There wasn't any room for error on this Philadelphia racetrack, and as dry laps were on-tap for the afternoon sessions, he would double and triple his way through the layout with a hard-charging riding style. While landing from what appeared to be, a condensed obstacle (compared to the normalized "SX" triple), the revs of his engine could be heard around the stadium. His start was nearly brilliant, though a bit too-much charging speed would force him to the ground in turn number one. Doing his best to scrape the mud from the grips, Minear immediately began to storm through the pack, while somehow managing to reside in a ninth-place standing, as the green flag waved! He wasted little time in choosing his lines, instead, he would plot his pathways with remarkable force and acceleration. This led to standing(s) of eighth and seventh, being claimed, positions once held by Will Canaguier Ill and Seth Dennis However, around the fourth circuit, was when Minear would battle with opponents including Jesson Turner Jr and Wyatt Thurman. Each member of the trio was riding extremely well, but it was Turner who ultimately moved forward to the highest standing in the running order. Minear, after being passed, would then position his machine ahead of Wyatt Thurman as the checkered flag neared. The abilities of Minear were undeniable, and it was evident that he could excel when demands were at their highest, as the Yamaha competitor would set his fastest lap, on circuit number six! The final lap was a showcase of expertise, in a multitude of ways - with not only remarkable velocity being displayed, but a sense of composure (amongst the chaos) being sustained. Despite the early race mistake, and countless fans in attendance cheering for the entirety of the SMX Next roster, Kayden remained focused on the (then) current task. He executed his flow amongst treacherous rhythm lanes with constant rolling speed, and while powering within trenches, he would nullify wash-outs or any off-balanced instances. Thus, when the final flag waved, the athlete who sported the number ninety-nine across his machine would collect seventh-place in the final standings - and the determination which Minear presented, is certain to translate to an abundance of successful finishes for races on the horizon.