race recap
PHIL NICOLETTI - GRIT 234 450SMX
September 27, 2023 · Phil Nicoletti
PHIL NICOLETTI | GRIT-234 | 450 SMX
The veteran, Phil Nicoletti, reiterated that his prowess on this hybrid "SX" circuit was top tier as he choreographed countless laps amongst a multitude of practice sessions. Regardless of speeding through hard-packed surfaces, rutted bowl turns, or the treacherous sand section, the New York native seemed to embody a sense of momentum that was hard for those to rival. After winning the inaugural "LCQ" championship early-on in the program, it was Nicoletti who had his sights set on excelling in the main event as well - proving that if not for an injury earlier in the year, that his overall points total would undoubtedly be higher. Nevertheless, Nicoletti aspired to actualize the present moment and sprinted from the starting grate to acquire an eighth-place standing, prior to the red flag. With his mentality now forced to restart from a single-file starting sequence, Nicoletti would take the opportunity for what it was while proceeding to leap through multiple rhythm sections with fearlessness. His line(s) in the corner passed the mechanic's area were notable, where regardless of if he took the inside or outside, his ability to lean the chassis while keeping traction to the rear wheel would be tremendous - and an attribute in his arsenal that kept Josh Hill at bay for the better part of the moto! Ultimately finishing just ahead of the number 751, Nicoletti garnered twelfth prior to embarking on the second portion of the two-part showcase. His quest in the following main event didn't start in as an advantageous of a manner, with the veteran collecting a sixteenth-place residency when flying over the finish-line double on lap one. However, his ability to dodge roost and capitalize on the fatigue of others was notable, where he steadily made passes throughout the entirety of the contest; sometimes in pairs, where his sense of motivation couldn't be nullified by an adversary who he approached. Scrubbing the wall jump before the "SX" triple time and time again, it was in the final laps of action where he passed Shane McElrath and strove to overtake Ty Masterpool as well. Though unable to pass-by the rookie 450cc rider, it was certainly considered a valiant effort by Nicoletti as the final flag was eventually thrown. Registered in tenth as the dust settled in Los Angeles, Phil's ability to secure ninth overall was exceptional and certainly acted as a promising feat to build from for the 2024 season.