race recap
JUSTIN COOPER | GRIT-207 | 450SX
February 7, 2023 · Justin Cooper
JUSTIN COOPER | GRIT-207 | 450SX
The plethora of switchbacks this track offered provided excellent racing for the round of Houston; where riders were ultra competitive from the moment free practice began. Justin Cooper and his Yamaha were one of the most eye-catching tandems of the 450cc qualification realm, launching the middle quadruple jump with ease, rather early. His awareness and throttle control amongst transitions would seemingly eliminate rear wheel spin. Which carried forward into the corners that followed, as the surface was slick and littered with water prior to action beginning. The process of perseverance would begin, then, and carried forward into heat number onewhere a baffling slate of riders were set for him to compete against. As they dashed toward the inner most tuff-block, it would be an instant feud amongst opponents of all brands to see who bypassed the green flag at the pinnacle of the field. Jason Anderson would lead, and set a daring pace while he was stationed inside a transferring position. The corner after the whoops seemed to give riders fits throughout the evening program, though he avoided major hiccups while keeping the pressure off his front brake mechanism and allowing his bike to roll forward instead. His vision never wavered from looking dozens of yards ahead, which avoided a near swapping of the rear end while barreling through the sand on the final lap of the sprint. He was solidified in seventh and would reside here after cresting the final double on the circuit. Emotions and anticipation would ramp up prior to the gate(s) falling for the main event, where Eli Tomac took an early lead and attempted to break away from the field. He did whatever was necessary, keeping Christian Craig at bay while weaving through the various pot-holes and square edges that were now entrenched on this Houston surface. The tops of berms were now littered with grooves, therefore his style would change as the moto went on...though all momentum would be halted as the red-flag was thrown (on behalf of Dylan Ferrandis). Shortly thereafter though, he established an efficient pace around the seven minute mark and proceeded to continue with that notion through the twelfth lap. There was little room for error, especially as he attempted to pull away from the latter half of the top-ten who were exhibiting super efforts on their own machines. But it was in the final quarter of the moto, when Cooper truly began to excel; looking to overtake Adam Cianciarulo, Joey Savatgy, and Ken Roczen. Adam would be the first member of the trio to be bypassed, and Savatgy was next, as his fatigue became more and more apparent toward the checkered flag. Now eighth, it was Ken Roczen who looked to be fading with only a few corners to go...and Cooper was ready to strike. Therefore with roughly one half of a lap to be completed, Justin would work his way around the Suzuki rider and into seventh! A spectacular performance in every regard, the 250cc rider would prove that he could excel amongst the premier division in SX!