HUNTER YODER - GRIT 240 250SX

GRIT-240 | 250 SX

Without question would Kawasaki's Hunter Yoder be regarded as one of the stand-out prospects of the 2023 250cc SX West Coast Championship thus far. Throughout a myriad of conditions and track designs, the Californian has excelled. He's been established inside the top-ten and aspired to do so for the round of Glendale as well, where after configuring numerous notable lap-times during day-time qualification, it was then necessary to move forward with the same momentum in the heat racing format as well. As the gate(s) of the night show crashed to the ground, there was a swarm of blistering engines that were all en-route to corner number one. Emerging from the bend and through the rest of the first full lap in a position near a podium standing of third, Yoder proved that his continuous practice in the time off had been worthwhile. He was proficient in the hard-packed sections of the surface, and could float amongst shining inside areas of racetrack with efficiency...which was a testament to his roots of racing on the West Coast. Though he was constantly within a battle for a single-digit result, he managed to break away from that of Yamaha's Cole Thompson as they neared the six minute mark. Despite little time remaining, Yoder wanted to end the divisional round on a high note...which was acquired, via fifth in the record book, keeping the Canadian Thompson and fellow Californian Robbie Wageman at bay, respectively. The two heat races had now converged and aligned on the grid, with only millimeters of travel separating one bike from another as they sped toward turn number one. Kawasaki's Yoder would reside in that of eighth as minutes began to fade from the timer, and he seemed rather steady in the pattern of tripling combinations that was after the finish line jump. The whoops on this track were tricky, but as he did his best to stay atop the moguls that were beginning to be cupped and rather jagged, Yoder maintained a sharp sense of vision while hitting every bump with both wheels. Through the sixth circuit, his segment times in the area seemed to be exceptional; though he had lost a few positions and simultaneously descended to twelfth in the running order...but the fight forward, was far from over. Yoder remained consistent as riders faded and made mistakes, gathering valuable half second opportunities in particular sections, which multiplied over time. Keeping Anthony Bourdon behind him while also passing Carson Mumford in the latter stages, Yoder's result (of tenth) certainly proved that he was willing to push until the final flag was thrown - continuing his excellent run through the 2024 season.

More from GRIT