race recap
JUSTIN COOPER - GRIT 246 450SX
May 21, 2024
GRIT-246 |450 SX
May 20, 2024 9:45 am
The momentum of Justin Cooper was an attribute that couldn't be denied by fans nor competition within the 2024 SX Championship. Known for his ability to sprint for one lap (or more) and capture a multitude of pole position designations in practice, was a trait that few others could replicate...and was once again on display throughout the qualification segments of the Triple Crown format in "STL." However, for main event one, Cooper wasn't able to necessarily conduct the typical "burst" of velocity that we were all used to seeing, as a twelfth place start would have him alongside Hunter Lawrence after the crash from the Honda rider. Though able to make his way into eleventh after a few minutes of action, the abilities of those in the 450cc class were incredible, and quite difficult for many to weave amongst as laps carried on. Cooper remained behind Hunter Lawrence, passing Shane McElrath when nearing the checkered flag while keeping Chase Sexton (who had fallen) at bay for the entirety of the main event...equating to a ninth position at the checkered flag. The following moto, was a display of brilliance on behalf of the New York native - where he battled for the hole-shot designation, sneaking past both Jett Lawrence and Eli Tomac, to take the green flag with a roaring rev over the finish line double! Though passed by Jett Lawrence on lap two, and Eli Tomac on lap three where the fellow Yamaha rider pushed forward and to the inside of Cooper's Yamaha machine (over the "SX" triple before the rhythm lane) Cooper appeared solidified in the third-place residency. However, after Cooper Webb would pass (shortly thereafter) the decline of Justin's current standing began to skid...where an unfortunate spike (in regard to loss of positions) was showcased as he crashed while exiting the berm near the mechanics area! What could've been a disastrous fall, resulted in the chassis sliding to its left down the straightaway - but he was able to remount as quickly as possible, despite losing a considerable amount of positions from his previous standing of fourth. Concluding the moto in tenth, he would vow to give it his all for one final occasion in the latter portion of racing. The trek to the checkered flag began in eleventh, but after a few circuits of competition, he surpassed Justin Hill for tenth. Now behind Barcia, the trio of "Justin's" per se were jam-packed for a brief bit of time...with Cooper relentlessly hounding the GasGas rider as each minute passed. The persistence was incredible to see, and proved that the Yamaha rider was willing to fight, regardless of the circumstances. Eventually racing through the groove-filled raceway to emerge ninth over the final double, Justin's overall score was listed as ninth as final results were read.