race recap
NATE THRASHER | GRIT-208 | 250SX
February 14, 2023 · Nate Thrasher
NATE THRASHER | GRIT-208 | 250SX
Yamaha's Nate Thrasher would have a growing sense of support from industry enthusiasts, as they saw both the track layout and approaching storm for Saturday's festivities. It wasn't long ago, when the Tennessee native would dominate racing formats at Atlanta Motor Speedway, which embodied differing terrain (compared to most Supercross tracks) and conditions with an abundance of moisture as well. Those elements were found in the environment of Tampa as well, where Thrasher's aptitude would mesh immediately with the layout at Raymond James Stadium. His practicing efforts then shifted into heat number one, where a spectacular jump from behind the gate would be paired with perfect shifting points and an abundance of speed. This allowed him to push his number twenty-nine machine into the lead, leaving an open track at his disposal for the eight laps that followed. Regardless of sand or hard-packed soil, the Star Racing athlete would excel; maintaining his lead over the rest of the division, with a myriad of championship contenders just behind him. He wouldn't waver in the slightest, and proceeded to lead from start to finish while exiting the track with a magnificent heat race victory! The main event was just around the corner, and Thrasher's starting techniques were replicated; edging out Jeremy Martin and Haiden Deegan as he leapt into turn-two. From that point forward, it was Thrasher's race to lose. His marks were hit with precise control and adequate braking, never once using excessive stopping power that would cause his front-end to tuck or his rear wheel to slide. And that mantra continued well through the first five laps, which became six, seven, and so on. Lap-traffic, however, was beginning to become more of a problem; which would deter Thrasher from his desired line(s) on more than one occasion. Meanwhile, Hunter Lawrence was working his way through the pack and gunning for the race lead with time getting close to expiration. Nate would take subtle looks over his shoulder to see where the Honda competitor was coming from, and became urgent when the white flag was thrown and the Australian was within striking distance! He wouldn't back down though, and maintained an inside pathway through the sand on the final lap as Hunter charged around the outside. And then, the battle would come to a race-altering point in the final corner, with Lawrence swinging to the inside and forcing Thrasher to the tuff-blocks! Subsequently, the race was lost at that point despite Nate throttling to the finish-line with aggression. Finishing second (by mere milliseconds), the Yamaha rider would be certain to return to the series with motivation in the coming rounds.