race recap
JORDON SMITH | GRIT-218 | 250SX
May 2, 2023 · Jordon Smith
JORDON SMITH | GRIT-218 | SX 250
The speed of Jordon Smith would be on full display as he raced throughout Nissan Stadium on Satruday, with his level of talent unquestionable while powering amid various practice sessions. He was one of the few athletes to launch the gigantic "quad" in the rhythm lane before the rhythm section, using every ounce of power his motor could generate before ascending to the top portion(s) of the leaderboard. Not long thereafter, would the first heat race of the evening begin…where he and Haiden Deegan would feud over claiming the number one residency. But Smith was riding with exceptional race-craft at this point in the day, and would exhibit a blistering momentum atop the dragon's back and accompanying whoop section; appearing as if he were going to miss a whoop (at times) due to outright velocity, however he was able to keep the chassis on a perfect trajectory while the number 238 of Deegan "kept him in check," per se. Laps continued to amass, but Smith wasn't fading; maintaining his composure while the crowd roared on behalf of the rookie sensation who was charging just behind. This would lead to the final series of corners where Deegan would nearly push to the inside of his fellow Yamaha teammate, but Smith would evade him! Taking the win in style, the momentum of the 250cc division was certainly on the side of Jordan as the main event awaited in the distance. Shifting into gear for the final race of the weekend, Smith was determined to combat the staying power of Honda's Hunter Lawrence; as the number ninety-six would jump to the outside through the opening rhythm lane with the lead, however he couldn't ignore the revving of Smith, mere feet from his front brake lever! At that point (in the corner that followed, just after the starting sequence) Jordan would slide to the right of Lawrence and push the red-plate holder to the outer tuff-blocks! It was a pass that exclaimed authority, and Smith took the lead with confidence while surging past the green flag shortly thereafter. He would maintain this designation with a small (but sustainable) gap over both Hunter Lawrence and Jo Shimoda. That was, until an unforced error would arise as he drifted to the outer portion(s) of the sand…going off the raceway and losing two positions! The incident would occur with just under ten minutes left on the clock, forcing him to pursue the Honda and Kawasaki rider(s) throughout the rest of the moto. Though Smith was riding extremely well, he couldn't seem to find the necessary "spark" to overcome the number thirty and ninety-six machine(s). Eventually finalized in third, Smith would once again showcase as to why he's one of the best riders in the 250cc East Coast SX division.