race recap
JUSTIN COOPER - GRIT 243 450SX
May 20, 2024
GRIT-243 |450 SX
The performance in Birmingham by the 450SX rookie was worthy of applause. Justin Cooper's skillset on the motorcycle had never been questioned, but to jump into the premier division and continuously put forth astounding results such as what was displayed in Alabama, would be remarkable. Cooper's streak of excellent performances would be sustained after a magnificent practicing effort, but the ninth-place standing to begin the first heat was a foundation that would quickly be erased, by his own effort(s). Morning into seventh by lap three, Cooper's corner's speed and ability to cut through the established grooves appeared polished - but he wasn't one to become overly aggressive. Instead, he let the moto come to him, and took positions with efficiency rather than by overriding the circuit. Up to sixth by lap five, veteran Dylan Ferrandis wasn't too far ahead...but there appeared too be too little time for a final surge to be generated. Ultimately finalized in sixth, Cooper would take an extraordinary approach to the main event thereafter. Beginning the race in third, Justin's speed behind teammate Cooper Webb was extraordinary. He was as composed as anyone could imagine while leaping through the multitude of rollers, missing tuff-blocks by only inches as he swept through deep grooves amongst the inside in the corners that followed. Keeping Chase Sexton at bay, Justin appeared to believe as if he belonged in this particular circumstance - defending the podium standing for a significant amount of time, before Ken Roczen would push him wide before one of the tightest switchbacks, with around eight and half minutes to go. Sexton followed soon thereafter...but the rebuttal by Cooper was one that had the crowd on their feet. The New York native wasn't going to simply let Sexton by, and would actually counter the KTM rider with around five and half minutes before white flag! The battle for paths on this narrow raceway would promote bar banging and aggressive riding, but Cooper was fearless with the end result in mind! Sexton was able to make a final pass "stick" per se on the twenty-first lap - making his way in front of Justin once and for all as the checkered flag was thrown...but there was little to critique on Cooper's behalf, and the fifth-overall generated for this mid-March main event, was one to be remembered - propelling Justin even higher in the 450cc landscape.