race recap
MICHAEL MOSIMAN | GRIT-208 | 250SX
February 14, 2023 · Michael Mosiman
MICHAEL MOSIMAN | GRIT-208 | 250SX
Qualification for the Tampa Supercross would be categorized under solid conditions, as Michael Mosiman yearned to put his GasGas machine on the Supercross circuit that was sculpted to perfection. The industry was on notice, with storm front(s) on the horizon; though the forecast was set to begin an outpouring of moisture just around the inception of the night show. He took advantage of the here and now though, and soared over the finish line with his engine pinned to the highest degree while searching for an astounding lap-time. Leaping from various step-on and step-off's, it was evident that the sand section would be the outlying variable that separate the vast majority of the field. He wouldn't falter in it though, keeping the front-end light while bouncing from single to single, before funneling into a deepening inside groove that nearly swallowed the chassis. His aspirations were eventually equated to a sixth-place position, and would aid his confidence prior to beginning the heat race sequences. As the gate fell, he would do his best to combat the slick conditions upon every inside; using the clutch as needed while the rear wheel would spin atop precipitation and a hardened base on the stadium floor. Speeding atop the dragon's back, he would look forward to see members of the top-five just ahead, those whom he couldn't ignore, but wasn't going to overly respect. He would grab third, and fourth gear while bouncing into the sand past the halfway point; the frame nearly coming to a harsh thud while hopping from the largest single to begin the sequence. Attempting to clear his vision as quickly as possible, there would be only one lap remaining; and after remaining relatively upright, he would clench the fifth-place standing. The main event would be nothing short of chaotic as he pummeled the track for the first lap. Bikes were in disarray and it would be hard to breathe amongst revving motors, and flying grains of sand that spewed across his goggle lens. Managing to seat-hop as much as possible when departing from various corners, his ability to sustain velocity was key in keeping the combinations amongst precipitation and sketchy transitions. He and Hunter Lawrencewere nearly synonymous with one another while flying around the halfway point, and things seemed to be going well; until he drifted a bit too high in the berm before the rollers, and would faintly collide with the Honda rider which resulted in him falling to the ground! Losing a number of positions at this point, he would claw his way back into single digit registry by the end of the moto, battling with Tom Vialle through the final few corners. Finalized in seventh, Mosiman's determination was evident and an attribute he hoped to rebound with in the coming weeks.