GRIT 312 — 450SX — 5th — Chase Sexton

For numerous instances in qualifying, Kawasaki's Chase Sexton would prove that he and his machine were among the best in the field. While known for his ability to compress the suspension, soak-up air-time, and spring forward amongst the toughest rhythm lanes, the Illinois native would combine those aforementioned attributes, with mistake-free riding amongst the most troublesome of corners and the sand section, too. In totality, he was exceptional - and this translated to an opening race position of second being garnered for that of heat number two. Both Cooper Webb and Ken Roczen were just behind him - eagerly awaiting to overtake him as Jorge Prado, led the field around. However, Sexton was showing the speed of season's past - where he excelled in this atmosphere in the past. As time would transpire, Sexton's lead over Roczen was growing..but Prado, was riding exceptionally well in the first place standing. Chase's effort toward the pinnacle position was commendable but in the end, it was Prado who would evade the charge (from all in the pack)...and Sexton was left to reside in the runner-up standing, upon exiting the raceway. For the main event, Sexton's run to the checkered flag would begin in fourteenth. The reaction time, paired with the troublesome navigation amongst the opening corner, wasn't what was desired for the former champion. Nevertheless, Sexton wasn't going to quit. Immediately, he would power through the outside of the sand section and continue to soar across the finish line jump. He would pass opponents including Jordon Smith, Christian Craig, and Dean Wilson, while eyeing single-digit territory. Somehow, over the course of the last four laps, absolute chaos ensued. Riders would crash to the ground, tangling amongst one another while a series of yellow flags waved. Somehow Chase was able to navigate amongst the fallen opponents, including that of Justin Cooper and Dylan Ferrandis! He would then reside seventh on the twenty-second circuit, but with Cooper Webb's mistake (as he had fallen) and Jorge Prado's lessened pace (where his lap-times would lessen), it was Sexton who capitalized...passing the KTM athlete with minimal time remaining! The strength of the Illinois native was prevailing, and with only a few corners left, the Kawasaki team would applaud the efforts of the talented competitor. He had somehow passed an incredible amount of opponents, and salvaged. a strong result, via fifth overall when leaping across the final double!