PIERCE BROWN - GRIT 232 250SMX

PIERCE BROWN | GRIT-232 | 250 SMX

GasGas' Pierce Brown had fought through tremendous adversity before arriving at the opening round of the SMX Playoff series, where a technical track awaited him and the fellow members of the 250cc classification. But Brown appeared to mesh with the Charlotte layout with a solid synchronization of lines, and carried that momentum into moto-one where a unique split-stance starting sequence would cut the field in two. Though arriving at the completion of the first lap in sixteenth, he was determined to make as many moves as possible while the pack was still rather clustered and jammed. With that notion, Brown was swift and utilized the alternate lanes with the tunnel jump and differing corners, where he sling-shotted his way past the mechanics area time and time again while constantly improving his result on the leaderboard. He (Brown) was tenth by lap four, which showcased his ability to make moves amongst a racing surface that was considered by some to be narrow - and as time progressed, the Utah native was able to sustain a pace that resembled Jordon Smith (who was just ahead) and Justin Cooper who trailed. This would be carried into the three-quarter mark as well, with Hunter Lawrence then attempting to rival Pierce with the checkered flag in sight! Even with the Honda rider making the move, it was Brown who stayed engaged with the flow (just behind Maximus Vohland); finishing eleventh, as the final bell rang. For moto-two, Brown's initial position in the running order would be listed as eighth; though after being passed by Haiden Deegan (and then overtaking RJ Hampshire) the Troy Lee rider would accelerate into eighth once more. He was able to plant within the ruts of the off-cambered corner, and the switchback after the "SX" triple with incredible precision; leaning the bike at just the right angle in order to keep the rear wheel seated while not washing the front-end with too much pressure on the forks. This would accompany a solid residency amongst the eighth-place standing, where he, Hunter Lawrence, and Justin Cooper would constantly shuffle (though Brown at one point, had moved as far forward as seventh. Pierce's determination in the last six minutes of action would be noticed by those in the grandstands, who cheered him on as he kept Levi Kitchen at bay...and with the referee cueing engines to cease it was Brown's solidification of tenth in the running order which carried him to tenth place overall as well.

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