race recap
MICHAEL HICKS | GRIT-213 | 250SX
March 21, 2023 · Michael Hicks
MICHAEL HICKS | GRIT-213 | SX 250
The bold maneuvering of Michael Hicks would translate into the rather uniformed circuit amid Ford Field on Saturday. Long gone were the lines of Daytona and Tampa, where a hard-packed (compared to last week, as well) circuit was now at his disposal as he eyed the layout for practice. His Honda CRF250R would be prolific to begin qualification, conducting a number of admirable laps in bundles to mimic a heat-race scenario. His lines in the highest bowl turns (which were extremely steep) would embody the fastest assortment(s) of velocities, sweeping through the switchbacks near the mechanics area with eye-opening power and enough to bolster he and his machine well into the night show. Things would click into gear (both literally and figuratively) not long thereafter, where his heat race was set to begin and he eyed the inside of turn number one. The smallest windows would separate he and his adversaries, attempting to cram into the left-handed space while seeking reign of the field. Though he emerged inside the top twelve, while hoping to accrue as many positions as possible. Blitzing the whoops before entering into the next right-handed corner, there was a certain point (about four moguls from the end) where many others in the class would cease their throttle twisting and begin to descend for the bend that followed. However, he remained on the gas and pressed forward to both the middle and outside lanes, sling-shot(ing) his way into the accompanying straightaways before engaging in a sprint to the finish-line. Though Brock Papi was still on his tail (after he'd passed, Papi), the Kawasaki rider wasn't quick enough in the latter portion of the track to truly nullify the gap; leading to a tackling of the white-flag circuit with room for error as he dashed to the night show. Ultimately flicking the chassis to the right as he leapt over the final double, his obtaining of seventh would be admired by all. For the main event, it would be a clashing of titans with riders like Hunter Lawrence vying for a championship and seeking the number one position. However, he couldn't be overlooked as he danced through the longest two rhythm lanes on the track, seat hopping out of the initial right-handed corner before conducting multiple triples down the longest straight stretch that followed. Hooking his Honda into the corner before the step-on/step-off that followed, his ability to sustain a solid output of momentum while holding near the inner most tuff-block(s) would be a key attribute past the eleventh and twelfth minute. Avoiding the wash-outs that had then developed in front of the largest double on the circuit, he would blitz his way to the checkered flag with tenth place in hand; which was a strong finish, given the competition he was up against.