race recap
JUSTIN COOPER - GRIT 245 450SX
May 20, 2024
GRIT-245 |450 SX
May 20, 2024 9:45 am
he attrition of Yamaha's Justin Cooper was a standout characteristic within his racing arsenal thus far in 2024, with the New York resident stepping into the 450cc class and thriving with definite speed that was obvious in various sprinting circumstances. However, in races of recent memory, Cooper also has shown his ability to combat fatigue and intense demands...charging late into the moto's amongst competition that had garnered exponentially more experience than he within the 450cc division. His characteristics translated to both, the practice circuit and proving grounds of heat two; where he began the moto in twelfth, but had obtained seventh by the time lap four was completed. Jason Anderson was beginning to fade, along with Benny Bloss when nearing the checkered flag; but the two, larger-framed veterans weren't going to be opponents he could necessarily overtake with force of any sort. Therefore he was sly when approaching their rear wheel(s) swiftly rounding inside and outsides with momentum that was never halted by front nor rear brake application. And as a result, with the final (eighth) lap coming to fruition, the fifth-place standing was obtained...ahead of the aforementioned riders from both Missouri and New Mewico. Now onto the main event, Cooper appeared "locked-in" to the current scenario via a focused stare when analyzing the first corner. As engines were revved, there wasn't anything that could stand in his way...and he would climb to ninth in the running order (initially) before making two more passes, to secure seventh. He couldn't ignore the familiarized revving he was hearing from only bike lengths behind him...recognizing the distinct revving of the motor as sound waves echoed from an exhaust. It was one that he'd heard on countless occasions at the test track, and could only be Eli Tomac as Cooper began to see the Colorado native in paralleled section(s) behind him. Though unable to keep the former champion behind him, Justin would overtake Jason Anderson...as well as defending the eighth-place position from Justin Barcia. Even though his former 250cc rival (i.e. Hunter Lawrence) was able to make his way around in the final stages, Cooper's performance (of what appeared to be eighth) again, reiterated his presence within the premier classification. Ultimately residing there (i.e. eighth), Justin exited the raceway and knew that his skillset was set to flourish at upcoming rounds like St.Louis.