KYLE CHISHOLM | GRIT-218 | 450SX

KYLE CHISHOLM | GRIT-218 | SX 450

Racing at the highest of level(s) in recent memory, Suzuki's Kyle Chisholm was prepared for all challenges as he and the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Series rolled into Nashville for round fifteen of the current championship. Following the immense precipitation at last week's venue in the Northeast, there was a sigh of relief from many in the industry as storms would pass by that of Nissan Stadium, leaving a relatively dry canvas for these 450cc athletes to compete on, for Saturday morning's practice sessions. He would immediately engage in tripling through the longest rhythm lane on the track (prior to the sand section) before ducking into the right-side of the aforementioned section time and time again. Justin Barcia had made quite the line in earlier moments prior to charging into the right-handed bend that followed, and so too would Florida's Chisholm, follow suit; excelling amongst the brief tenure of his native soil. The trajectory that he and his number eleven machine were on would be astounding, which generated applause from his mechanic…leading into a series of strong laps to begin the first heat of the afternoon. As the pack would funnel through the switchback section after the finish line, there would be little room for passing prior to the third lap; but it was around three minutes in, when he started to distance himself from that of Grant Harlan who trailed. There was little critique as his whoop speed was maximized in third gear, flowing into the corner that followed with his elbows high (and bracing) if he were to be t-boned by the previously mentioned Yamaha rider who was behind him. Luckily, that never occurred, and he would maintain a substantial pace to the finish line where fifth place was garnered. Next to come, was the points paying showcase where the crowd would zero-in on the championship battle between Chase Sexton and Eli Tomac, with Cooper Webb unfortunately being forced out of the main event due to a subsequent crash. However, Chisholm couldn't be forgotten, and would maintain a pace that was equivalent to eighth (and even seventh) in the early going! Landing from finish-line double and running atop the bowl turn that followed, he would flick the chassis to the right, time and time again as he crested the "SX" triple; soaking up speed as one-quarter of the moto had passed, while hoping to maintain a solid flow to the halfway point. Once the ten minute mark was reached, it was evident that racers began to fade; but his persona through the roughest portions of the circuit (i.e. the sand) would mimic his stance amid countless outdoor nationals of the past, which then transcended to the latter laps as well. Though being overtaken by a pair of Kawasaki riders (Adam Cianciarulo and Jason Anderson), Chisholm wasn't one to become discouraged; and instead, used the knowledge of the two aforementioned opponents as means to follow and accrue strong lap-times when nearing the finish line. He would be defending his current position (i.e. ninth) from Josh Hill while exhibiting a phenomenal pace, swaying through the blue grooved circuit with precision before heading to the final departure from the finish line jump…and as all was said and done, it was Chisholm who was cemented in ninth in the overall standings!

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