race recap
JUSTIN COOPER - GRIT 253 450SX
June 5, 2024
GRIT-253 | 450 SX
June 5th, 2024 3:30 pm
New York's Justin Cooper was a constant threat for success when racing on the motorcycle. The number thirty-two was excellent in all aspects of MX racing, and proceeded to demonstrate world-renowned skills for qualification at the Hangtown venue. His knowledge, abilities, and determination then translated into the opening round of racing, where the Yamaha rider was in an optimal position to remain in the championship as Jett Lawrence unfortunately fell on the first lap. He was residing at the front of the field, but would have to oblige to Jason Anderson's pace was the Kawasaki rider definitively occupied second...and as minutes would go by, Chase Sexton would enter into the equation. In the same sequence that Jett had fallen, Justin was then overtaken by the Illinois rider - which had him descending to fourth, where he would have to defend his spot in the running order, from Aaron Plessinger. But the 450MX newcomer seemed rather composed in this scenario...keeping Plessinger at bay as minutes continued to pass. Even as the final ten minutes of action came to fruition, the New York native continued to keep Plessinger at bay - looking as if the fourth-place residency could be maintained through the checkered flag. The accolade (of fourth) was kept - finalizing him in an advantageous position for a strong overall at the end of the day. Obtaining the hole-shot in the second moto, Cooper was ready to put forth a phenomenal sense of speed...but Aaron Plessinger was right behind him and ready to make a move, as well. Aaron then took over the lead in the long, rhythm lane/roller uphill section before the first lap was over...causing Cooper to descend to second. He would keep Jett Lawrence at bay for a significant portion of time in the moments thereafter, however, Lawrence's prowess put him ahead of Justin in the corner before the longest uphill roller section...that pass, transpired with just under seventeen minutes left on the clock. But the New York native was far from being finalized...and stayed within the fight - and would actually regain the position on Jett Lawrence (who was fading) with around eleven minutes to go on the clock! Returning to second, all the while keeping Hunter Lawrence at bay, Cooper could sense that it was Chase Sexton who was next to enter the equation. The Yamaha rider would do everything possible to try and defend his standing from Sexton, but near the mechanic's area with three laps remaining, Chase's charge was too much for the New York rider to disregard. He attempted to counter with incredible speed through the choppy terrain, but with the rear-end beginning to kick out, the advancement by Sexton had then been definitively made. Cooper was now third, and remained here through the finish line...where his accumulation of scores finalized him in fourth overall, respectively.