MAX ANSTIE - GRIT 239 250SX

GRIT-239 | 250 SX

Amid countless laps at practice tracks and various facilities in recent months, few in the sport had garnered more "buzz" per se than Honda's Max Anstie. The veteran, who had displayed remarkable speed for the 2023 season, had now returned with his sights set on a championship for the year of 2024. Nevertheless, as practice began on Saturday, the British competitor was one of the most proficient on the course; piecing lines together with fluidity while constantly trying to attack the racecourse with as much speed as possible. His ambition carried into the heat that followed as well, but Anstie's start was less than ideal as he rounded the first complete lap in twelfth position. He seemed to be one step ahead of many of his opponents however, squaring up corners and pivoting amongst various apex's as other racers continued to sweep and hover toward the outer boundaries of the raceway. After a few laps of action, it was evident that he was on a paralleled pace to the leaders...if only he had more time. Even then, however, his passes in the closing stages on Guillem Farres and Luca Marsalisi were notable - earning him fifth in the final standings, before departing to the main event. His reaction time, clutch release, shifting points, and navigation through the first turn were undeniable attributes that led him to a third place standing as many others fell to the ground. He was just behind Chance Hymas and Austin Forkner for the main event, believing that he could run the pace of both opponents as he steadily grew faster with more precise timing. At the halfway point, the trio would manage to break away a bit from that of Daxton Bennick behind them...but Anstie could sense that Hymas was going to notice the pressure applied by the British prospect, and divert to alternative lines in certain sections. The opportunity to overtake the Idaho native appeared in the sweeping corner beside the mechanic's area, with around 5:45 remaining on the clock...when Anstie took advantage of the fellow Honda rider drifting to the right, securing the second-place position all the while. At that point, Forkner appeared to be a bit too far out of reach...though that wouldn't stop Max from trying as the checkered flag neared. Ultimately finalized in second, Anstie's initiation to the series was remarkable - and a platform to work from with the overall championship in mind.

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