MALCOLM STEWART - GRIT 240 450SX

GRIT-240 | 450 SX

Within the 450cc division of 2024, a multitude of previous title holders, race winners, and established podium contenders would vie for the highest honors...beginning with the Anaheim One event in early January. However, few could predict the narrative that unfolded in the weeks thereafter, which led to a "normal" racing format per se being conducted in Glendale, Arizona - where Husqvarna's Malcolm Stewart, was set to thrive. He appeared calculated and in-tune with how well his motorcycle was working as he leaped the large gapped double that was opposite of the starting gate - landing in rhythm and flowing into the right-handed corner thereafter without hesitation...which led to a bid within the opening heat race to be secured. Once there, one half of the fastest riders in the class would converge into turn number one, scraping shrouds while doing their best to stay upright and piece together a notable combination of jumps in the minutes that followed. Executing through the first three laps of competition with a sense of urgency, would be that of Stewart - who had originally contended for the initial race lead (alongside Ken Roczen), though the Suzuki athlete was able to narrowly edge him. Stewart, now second, had kept the engine of his Husqvarna motorcycle revved to the highest degree. Hearing the crowd cheer, all the while evading the pressure from that of Jett Lawrence who was approaching quickly; though the challenge would be quite difficult to try and toggle. However, he remained cognizant of every variable around him while charging toward the white flag atop the finish line double. Blasting through the sand(s) on the in final circuit, roughly forty-seconds (or so) thereafter, he then proceeded to march to the finish line with second place in hand...and keeping the rookie sensation (i.e. Lawrence) behind him, earning one of his strongest performances of the year without question. There was little that could describe the intensity that was portrayed within the first five laps of any 450cc main event, especially that of Glendale. Not only were riders like Ken Roczen and Jason Anderson at the pinnacle of the field and setting a blistering pace, but through the entire pack, so too would athletes race with incredible aggression. He (Stewart) would reside thirteenth while battling with that of Justin Cooper for a good portion of the first half; knowing that from the ten minute mark (and onward) the process of staying composed, especially amongst both whoop sections, would be key in generating a single digit overall. Floating over both "SX" triples while maintaining an eye on the Yamaha rider who trailed, he knew that the aforementioned opponent would be strong throughout the rutted canvas as grooves became deeper. Nevertheless, Malcolm would speed forward with focus that couldn't be deterred - powering through minutes fifteen through twenty with mistake free riding...which allowed him to reel in the rear wheel of Cooper Webb, while simultaneously doing the same to Chase Sexton! It would be in the closing moments of the moto when the KTM rider seemed to subside a bit, therefore Stewart capitalized and made sure to pass the former champion with the utmost intensity. This categorized the Floridian in eighth, which was certainly one of his strongest performances of the year.

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