JUSTIN HILL | GRIT-216 | 450SX

JUSTIN HILL | GRIT-216 | SX 450

The talent of Justin HIll was unquestionable, and that was apparent in previous races this season. The Oregon native had found immense success on layouts that embodied high speeds and large jumps in the past, leaving many fans to hypothesize that he could create a top-tier result on this occasion as well. Beginning with qualification where his lines on the furthest side of track (away from the starting gate) would be prolific. Charging into the outlying left-hand corner (after the set of roller-esque singles), the way the rear wheel of his KTM would throw roost in a projectile-like manner was remarkable...translating to an even higher level of aggression being showcased as he leapt from the line in the second heat of the afternoon. Bombarding his way into the first of two sand sections, Hill was moving with the rear-end while wheel-tapping through ravaged rollers that were already decimated by the 250cc heat(s). The day-time atmosphere would provide an array of lighting for lines to be flourished amongst, and as Justin battled in close-quartered action with the number one of Eli Tomac line choice would be imminent as minutes continued to transpire. The opponent who carried the pristine number-plate would be a thorn in the side for the number forty-six of Hill, where multiple dashes to the inside (in the corners before the finish-line) would be exhibited. And despite Tomac making his way around, Hill would prove that his confidence and ability to withstand pressure from the Colorado native was certainly of the highest levels. Justin wasn't going to let a feud of any sort stop him from occupying a desired fifth-place standing on the leaderboard...which was ultimately generated as the checkered flag was thrown and he would best the likes of Kyle Chisholm and countless others. Not long thereafter, would he evade the first turn of the main event around a standing of ninth; leaping over the enormous hip-double with his engined revved in the highest degree prior to descending and pulling away from those outside of the top-fifteen; just behind his brother Josh, who he was having a difficult time getting around! Though being pushed back to as far as twelfth (at one point) Hill would remain persistent when chasing the rear wheel of Colt Nichols. The two former 250cc "SX" champions were on a similar trajectory, where Hill would follow the pathways (especially in the furthest rhythm lanes from the starting gate) that the Oklahoma native would showcase. And though he was unable to make a move past the number forty-five Honda rider, it would be Oregon's Justin Hill (who would pass his brother with two laps to go), claiming an admirable tenth overall at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

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