race recap
PIERCE BROWN | GRIT-209 | 250SX
February 20, 2023 · Pierce Brown
PIERCE BROWN | GRIT-209 | SX 250
The intricacies of this Oakland circuit were apparent from the moment practice began, with a multitude of combinations being configured amongst riders in the 250cc class. GasGas' Pierce Brown's 250F was working with pristine regard as he pummeled the moguls (with multiple whoop sections), proving that he could excel on arguably the toughest obstacle(s) in Supercross. Sprinting across the start straightaway while seeing his lap-times addressed upon the pit-board, all signs would lead to him clenching the fifth-place position before heading into his heat race. At that point, the gate would be full of the typical slate of championship contenders; but he wasn't one to back down, as he eyed the steel bracket ahead of him, waiting for the slightest of movements to occur from the pin that was just near. Once engaged, there would be little that could stop him as he pressed forward in the opening sequences. Hopping through the inside of the right-handed corner (just before the "SX" triple), he could feel the presence of none other than Enzo Lopes remaining behind him, though he'd already passed his Brazilian opponent; knowing that his rival was persistent with inside attacks, planning to stagger his momentum in the abundance of ninety-degree corner(s) that followed. Running outside lines when he could though, his 250F would be one of the fastest machines when hitting various facets of the layout shortly after the finish-line; landing on the backside of singles with his throttle pinned at the height of third gear. This would lead to laps four and five being completed, where the battle still carried on, but the timer continued to near zero. Ultimately, he would hold strong when it mattered most, obtaining a well-respected third, at the checkered flag. This carried into the main event that followed, where he proceeded to launch the multiple "triple" sequence in the longest rhythm lane on the circuit, via laps two and three. This was critical, especially if he wanted to stay with race leaders, RJ Hampshire and Jett Lawrence. He would be conducting a pace that was near the top three, in regard to lap-times; and seemed to be well en route to battling with Cameron McAdoo as laps continued to amount. Circuit after circuit, Pierce would aim for the rear wheel of McAdoo's Kawasaki, knowing that the top-three overall was what he desired. Utah's Brown would then proceed to make the pass on McAdoo with just under three-minutes remaining, leaping to the inside in the corner after the "SX" triple. Holding strong through the whoop section that followed, he would then leave the door "too far open" in the turn after the moguls...which allowed the Iowa native (McAdoo) to rally to the inside and leave Brown tipping over from atop the bend! Losing a few positions, he and Levi Kitchen would then battle throughout the laps that were left, truly leaving it all on the racetrack as they pursued the final double. However, Brown's aspirations were a bit overzealous and would leave him on the ground once more (by the mechanic's area)...walking away with fifth, as the event concluded shortly thereafter.