race recap
JASON ANDERSON | GRIT-213 | 450SX
March 21, 2023 · Jason Anderson
JASON ANDERSON | GRIT-213 | SX 450
Jason Anderson's talent was undeniable, though the dominant force of 2022 wasn't something that we'd seen thus far in 2023, with Jason on the cusp of victories on countless occasions but unable to seal the deal (if you will). Nevertheless, the New Mexico native was willing to leave it all on the track while stationed in Detroit, leaping through the rhythm lanes of practice with his patented loose-fitting style and fearless outlook upon the technical "SX" layout. That mentality would shift into heat race action as well, where the number twenty-one executed a perfectly timed start and opening corner sequence to reside first with foe (Justin Barcia) just behind him. Anderson was persistent with his entrance speed throughout various corners on the track, sliding the rear wheel past the apex of the corner with the clutch engaged - only to pivot and release the left-handed lever with authority before jumping into the multitude of triples that were just thereafter. Laps continued to amass while he read the pltboard from his mechanic, with encouraging phrases and lap-times being scribed as he sped by his partner in crime, nodding his head with reassurance while keeping the best in the division behind him. His flow over the "SX" double was unlike any other athlete on the course, scrubbing the Kawasaki chassis with intensity while subtly tapping the rear brake to keep the front-end of the 450 putting downward and en route to the landing ramp. Those attributes continued to be displayed throughout the entirety of this eight-lap contest, where Anderson eventually took the checkered flag in stride with a huge whip simultaneously being exhibited...giving him confidence for the main event to follow. His win would boost his esteem when traveling through the first lap of the finalé, though a multitude of competitors were just in front of him. He would work his way forward from eighth, while passing Ken Roczen and looking to track-down his teammate Adam Cianciarulo as well. But the pass on the Floridian would never come to fruition, as unfortunate miscue would have him bucking-off the bike while traveling down the inside of the whoop-pad! This led to him falling off the motorcycle in the right-handed bend that followed, hoping to remount as quickly as possible while the field would pass him! Jason would then hop aboard the 450 and return to action in eleventh place, and proceed to pass as many opponents as possible before the checkered flag was thrown. Ultimately working his way in front of Josh Hill for ninth, Anderson couldn't help but acknowledge that he'd given it his all while racing within Ford Field.