race recap
JASON ANDERSON | GRIT-211 | 450SX
March 6, 2023 · Jason Anderson
JASON ANDERSON | GRIT-211 | SX 450
The talent of Jason Anderson would again be on display as he sped through the outlying Daytona circuit, which was a perfect mesh of technicality and outdoor variables. The New Mexico native had shown flashes of his 2022 persona, though he yearned to return to his race winning ways prior to the season concluding. This round was the halfway point, and rather pivotal if he hoped to stay intact to the championship trio. Therefore after notable practice rounds where he hovered at the top of the standings, many in the crowd would focus their attention on the number twenty-one and his powerful Kawasaki machine. He would be amongst a stacked field of riders, taking the opening lap in fourth with Chase Sexton just behind. Though defending his position with as much fight and willpower as one could ask of him, the number twenty-three would continuously throw forward-moving tactics his way; all the while, they passed (and moved around) Husqvarna's Christian Craig. Now residing third, he would remain here until the fourth circuit, when Sexton's bold throttle-twisting antics would push him to the outside and move passed in a hurried manner. Anderson was fourth, and with time set to expire, there was little he could do to refute. Cemented here as the dust settled for heat race action, the main event would give him another opportunity to take hold of. Beginning this contest in fifth, the top-five competitors were really paralleled and situated amongst their current positions as laps amounted. Anderson's patented loose-fitting riding style would have him wheelie(ing) through the sand with the rear-wheel dancing every which way. He paid no attention to it, as he kept the 450cc rookie (Justin Cooper) behind him. Doing his best to track down Justin Barcia, the GasGas rider was on fire while he attempted to infiltrate the top-three. And even with the mistake(s) that the New York native made, there wasn't much Anderson could do to overcome it. Therefore he would aspire to accrue as much points as possible while the top-four speed to the checkered flag, funneling in just behind as he approached the last double on the track. Leaping over the obstacle with feelings of fatigue and slight exhaustion, he had weathered the storm that was brought on by this notorious East Coast track; hoping to surge further forward in the final standings, in the weeks ahead.