JUSTIN COOPER - GRIT 234 250SMX

JUSTIN COOPER | GRIT-234 | 250 SMX

Hoping to conclude a 2023 tenure in the 250cc classification on a high note, Yamaha's Justin Cooper would push his chips to the middle of the table and proceed to go "all-in" for this opportunity of a lifetime in the LA Memorial Coliseum. The New York native could never be discredited or left out of the conversation amongst the elite in the field, making him a legitimate contender to claim some of, (if not the), highest of overall finishes by the time the checkered flag waved in Southern California. Therefore after bombarding his way into the highest tier(s) of registry in practice, the masterful Yamaha rider who embodied tremendous sprint speed, emerged in a standing of sixthto begin the opening bout of the evening. The momentum through corners was exceptional for the New York native, who continued to push forward despite traction being at a bare minimum (in certain places) where he would be forced to use his clutch to a rather extreme degree. All the while, he would find himself trailing Husqvarna's Jalek Swoll, who was riding very well aboard the Husqvarna machine as they passed the halfway point. Never one to be discouraged or give-up in terms of his overall aspirations, Cooper maintained composure while pressing the number thirty-eight machine to the finish-line - securing seventh ahead of Pierce Brown before partaking in the second main event of the evening. As the stadium lights reflected their beams from the foundation of the racetrack beneath them, it was Cooper who scored third (after the first full lap)while skating upon the slick circuit for moto-two. Even the sand rollers had been dug to the bottom per se, though Cooper's vision and outdoor prowess flourished on this particular aspect of the track; constantly gaining time here before ducking beneath the tunnel jump while being trailed by that of Kawasaki's Jo Shimoda. Shimoda was ever persistent with his pursuit of Cooper who continuously retained third; hoping for the New York native to make mistake(s) with persistent application and pass attempts, but Cooper's veteran-like prowess wasn't folding, regardless of the circumstances. Lap after lap, the number thirty made sure to keep Justin in check; but Cooper's fortitude wasn't going to be rattled as the tandem neared the finish line. The fight for this third-place position would truly go down to the wire, with Shimoda lunging to overtake the Star Racing athlete in the closing moments of action! However, as all was finalized, it would be Cooper who claimed third for his final moto score which propelled him to fourth overall for the evening.

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