GRIT 312 — 250SX — 7th — Hunter Yoder

With a willingness to engage in the high speeds necessary, Yamaha's Hunter Yoder vowed to give it his all as he surged onto the track in Colorado. With an abundance of moisture remaining in the canvas as practice transpired, it was evident that his suspension and every component of his chassis was working in complete synchronization as he executed a series of remarkable laps. In the corner after the finish line jump, he could lean the chassis with an exceptional angle and constantly vault forward while exploding within the ranges of second and third gear. His mechanic would applaud, as a tremendous showing of magnificent laps were put together, and from there his sights were set on the opening heat race of the night show program, in the 250SX category. Once into the first divisional round, he would lunge from the gate with expertise and immediately seek to garner an inside pathway into turn number one. In the moments that followed, while residing in a standing of first, he believed that he could endure whatever the track and competition threw his way. Again, his process of reiterating an explosive lunge amongst the tightest bowl turns would be an undoubted catalyst amongst his arsenal of tactics. Milliseconds were gained on his behalf, though a crucial mistake (on lap two in one of the toughest rhythm lanes would seemingly bring his momentum to a halt! He resided second (after being passed by Max Anstie) and remained here for laps onward! And even when battling opponents such as Max Vohland, it was clear that he could contend at the highest level. With the topsoil now being flung to the outskirt of the raceway, he would begin to distribute his weight across the motorcycle a bit more to the outside of the subframe and accompanying foot peg. His ability to improvise on the fly, perse, would ultimately lead him to a final standing of a silver medal accolade — and from there his outlook for the forthcoming main event was one of undoubted success. As the field then barreled their way into turn number one for the finale. he would do his best to navigate amongst the pack with a sense of urgency, as he was registered in nineteenth (after encountering a bit of trouble). And though he could feel the rear wheel spinning on occasion (when putting as much power to the ground as possible), a slight feathering of the clutch would tame the swing arm and accompanying components of the chassis. A relentless series of passing attempts and position shuffles were then put forth amongst opponents including Cole Thompson, Justin Rodbell.

Carson Mumford, Brandon Ray, Parker Ross, Gage Linville, Josh Varize, and eventually Robbie Wageman, too, among others! While vaulting over the SX triple, he would breathe deep through his diaphragm before engaging in a series of prominent laps...as he had somehow leapt into seventh, by lap seven! The checkered flag was then drawing near, as he put forth a methodical process of dissecting the landscape. With the finish line within reach, his ability to outlast opponents including Wageman, Varize, and Max Vohland, Yoder's talent (and work in the off-season) was undeniable. Thus, when all was said and done, he would occupy the seventh place position upon exiting the raceway.