race recap
MITCHELL OLDENBURG | GRIT-209 | 250SX
February 20, 2023 · Mitchell Oldenburg
MITCHELL OLDENBURGD | GRIT-209 | SX 250
The road to the finalé would continue on Saturday, and Mitchell Oldenburg (as always) would pledge to exhibit his utmost effort when rolling onto the raceway for qualification. Showcasing his stamina, he appeared to register a multitude of circuits continuously; proving that he could mimic a heat-race format, and carry a sense of stamina for the heat races that followed. Launching the "SX" triple with style, his technique on the Honda would embody all of the characteristics needed to launch into the top end by the conclusion of the event; if only he could engage in an optimal race plan. His blueprint would begin with a starting position of sixth where he fought through the first few corners with his elbows wide (in an act of defense). Tucking the inside arm as he scrubbed up the finish-line double, his chassis would follow in a flowing manner before returning to the soil with the rear wheel circulating at its fullest extent. His ability to piece together three inside lines (in the corners after the final double) would be integral if he wanted to transfer; especially with both Hunter Yoder and Anthony Rodriguez behind him, and refusing to back down. Skating around the slick(er) spots of the raceway while keeping his bodyweight forward, the white flag was thrown soon thereafter to indicate that there was little time remaining between the conclusion and the main event...with both, adrenaline and engines red-lining as he sustained maximum power output in third gear, he would exit the raceway with the sixth position in hand. Not long thereafter, would the main event come to fruition; where fans from around the world would magnify their attention on racers like Jett Lawrence. The Honda rider would display phenomenal line choice throughout the opening four laps of competition, though Texas' Oldenburg would have to be acknowledged as he crossed the start straightaway in an aerodynamic stance. The torque of his motor would allow him to sustain tripling combinations in the rhythm lane furthest from the gate(s), even with multiple smaller singles acting as the takeoff (and trajectory). His precision, even while being under fire from Canada's Cole Thompson, was applaud-worthy; acting as a focal point for many fans who were aligned on the side of the stadium that housed both rhythm sections. Passing the eight-minute mark, the final third of the moto would be crucial, where multiple yellow flags were thrown and opponents in the back of the field had begun to showcase slower lap-times. He wasn't yielding though, remaining accurate in his marksmanship through the final circuits of the main. Concluding the battle in eighth, he was deserving of praise and respect, with a finish of that magnitude.