race recap
JUSTIN HILL | GRIT-219 | 450SX
May 9, 2023 · Justin Hill
JUSTIN HILL | GRIT-219 | SX 450
Team Tedder's Justin Hill would continue to ride the wave of momentum that was established in Nashville last week, where he proved that his skillset was still top-tier even after a brief departure from professional racing all together! Following a spectacular practice effort in Denver where he was one of the first to "quad" from the opening rhythm section on the circuit, Hill would then arrive in heat number one seeking to race at the front of the pack. And following an initial position of fifth, the Oregon native's drive and sense of competitiveness couldn't be ignored by anyone in the pack! Sliding the rear wheel through the multitude of bowl turns, Hill's craftiness aboard the KTM was sensational; pushing amid the whoops and wall jump that followed with authority and confidence. Fifth then became fourth, with his eye on a third place residency which was occupied by Kyle Chisholm. That was overtaken before the seventh lap was completed, and the former 250cc SX Champion then occupied a position that warranted a strong gate choice in the main event that followed. With Roczen and Cianciarulo ahead of him, Hill knew that a third-place in this specific race was commendable and worthy of remaining content...which was gathered as he crossed the finish line before the main event. For the finalé, his initial standing of seventh would be a foundation in which to work from. Hill refused to be complacent and sought faster lines around the racetrack, executing rhythm lanes with precision while weaving from outside to inside. His KTM was tracking extremely well, avoiding the most problematic of lines (even with traffic in front of him) more often than not! He would look to pass for the fifth place position by the time lap five concluded, however, with precision he was able to overtake both Anthony Rodriguez and Colt Nichols prior to hitting the finish line on the next occasion! Now fourth, he and Shane McElrath would quarrel while striving for the podium; and while eventually passing the number twelve machine, he too would be passed by Ken Roczen before the final flag was waved. Again though, the younger of the Hill brothers was steadfast to the checkered flag while grasping the fourth place position...finishing here as the dust settled in Colorado. And with Salt Lake City just around the corner, theres no question that the number forty-six will be striving for an overall podium prior to the season ending!