MALCOLM STEWART - GRIT 242 450SX

GRIT-242 | 450 SX

Even with disastrous weather conditions clouding the event throughout the afternoon hours, Husqvarna's Malcolm Stewart was ready to attack the race-track with the utmost effort. This particular venue would truly, be a test of the highest skill(s) as racers made their way onto the course - though the earliest of sessions allowed for remarkable runs to be gathered by the Floridian rider. This led to a registered entry for the opening heat race, where he tried to generate as much traction as possible from the grate beneath him despite moisture creating a slick surface. Throughout the first lap, he managed to reside around the eighth-place position with room to gain speed. Though grooves had now been combed atop every jump face on the track, he would do his best to refrain from paddling and stay atop the pegs instead - doubling his way through with authority while hoping to secure clear vision. Nearly tagging the inner-most barrier in the right-handed bend before the finish line, he could sense that Oregon's Justin HIll wasn't far off in approaching him as the checkered flag was only minutes away...but with the amount of roost his rear wheel as throwing, any sign of the opponent infiltrating his surrounding position would be nullified. He eventually moved forward to establish a gap between he and the former, fellow 250cc champion...while also passing Hunter Lawrence, Benny Bloss, and Justin Barcia in the final stages. Proving, yet again, that Stewart's determination at the end of a particular race was an attribute that was difficult for any member of the competition to rival...equating to a notable fourth place result at the end of the five lap heat race. The best from both heat race's had now converged into the opening laps of the finalé...and he would be classified in, just near eleventh. Bar to bar while trying to deviate his line choices (to avoid the problematic roost) he had to be aware of how far he would divert from the most efficient path - because if he were too risky with his choices, a much slower route could lose subsequent positions and time. Laps four, five, and six were pivotal in his quest for a single digit overall - the rear wheel sliding from the highest point of the tunnel jump as flew through the left and right-handed sequences thereafter...constantly thinking about how many points were going to be earned, if he could stay upright and mistake free. Minute by minute, the mental fatigue of this moto would wear, on all across the racetrack - forcing many to want to slow their pace...but Stewart was one to press forward. Leaving it all on the racetrack aboard his Husqvarna as he eventually remained within a respectable distance from the rear wheel of Justin Cooper, while also lessening the margin between he and Dylan Ferrandis - creating an opportunity for a pass to be made on the last lap of competition (over the French rider), to secure seventh as engines ceased in Daytona!

More from GRIT