race recap
JUSTIN COOPER - GRIT 256 450SX
July 3, 2024
GRIT-256 | 450 SX
July 2nd, 2024 2:00 pm
Yamaha's Justin Cooper had excelled among seemingly every track on the circuit, thus far in his racing career. Though a native of New York, where he could thrive in terrain like the Unadilla national, there was little that could be thrown his way, in which he couldn't overcome. Which was exactly the case in Massachusetts, where his versatility was noticed by all on the fence-line as he rounded the circuit to eventually claim third on the final timing and scoring statistics sheet! It was then time for the green flag to wave, and Justin had occupied the seventh-place standing...not far behind KTM's Aaron Plessinger. Cooper was proficient, and smooth amongst the multitude of rollers that had now amassed on the track, creating a Supercross style of hopping on some occasions as he plugged into the deepest terrain in the Northeast! Cooper had moved into a further position on the leaderboard around the fourth circuit, when Aaron Plessinger's vision began to deter. This left Justin, not far behind Garrett Marchbanks...and he would pass the Utah native not long thereafter. At that point, it was a matter of trying to diminish the margin in which Jason Anderson (in front of him) had created...and Cooper was willing to excel with all of his might in order to try and overtake the New Mexico resident. However, it was too little, too late, as the checkered flag was thrown...and "Jcoop" was forced to reside fifth as the moto was finalized. He then generated a performance of fifth as the first five minutes of round two progressed, and the New York 450cc athlete seemed rather acclimated to the pace that was being put forth. Attempting to clear his vision as quickly as possible, he had to be aware of the pot-holes that now become substantially cupped and deepened, since last on the circuit just hours before. He remained in fifth until lap eight, when Dylan Ferrandis would work his way by. The French competitor was riding great, but Cooper wasn't going to allow Dylan to ascend even higher without a fight. Cooper continuously revved, and flat-landed his way among straightaways while listening to the roar of the crowd. The cheers were palpable and acted as a catalyst for Justin to sustain his pace thorough the checkered flag. And among the final five minutes of action, Cooper remained resilient - earning a moto score of sixth, for fourth overall on the brutal, Southwick circuit!