race recap
TALON HAWKINS | GRIT-216 | 250SX
April 18, 2023 · Talon Hawkins
TALON HAWKINS | GRIT-216 | SX 250
Recently moving to the professional ranks full-time after departing from the "Supercross Futures" category, California's Talon Hawkins would instantly make an impact amid the 250cc East Coast Championship alongside many other prominent rookies. He'd accrued a multitude of successful main event scorers prior to beginning action in Atlanta, but knew that the outdoor-layout of the speedway course would play into his hand as the afternoon progressed. It was evident in practice that he was comfortable launching through the rhythm lanes and over the largest doubles with ease, generating applause from the crowd within the grandstands before beginning his quest for a main event bid. His start to heat one would be outstanding, completing the first lap in fourth before seeing Haiden Deegan go off track and overtaking another position (i.e. third) before completing the third circuit. At that point it was as battle of the two native Californians, who were also in their debut tenure on the AMA Supercross circuit. And though pressured, Hawkins wouldn't fold; creating quite the series of pathways in the sandy sections near the mechanic's area, floating as if the bumps were nullified with more throttle! Though the number 238 machine would come into close contact with his Husqvarna chassis, Hawkins remained focused on the path ahead, eventually grabbing an outstanding third-place result prior to aligning on the grid for the main event. Once the gate(s) fell for the finale, many in the field would have a difficult time displaying "blazing" speed if you will, while remaining mistake free amongst the number of ruts that had filled every takeoff and downslope on the layout. But Hawkins would thrive, remaining on the foot-pegs in a standing manner while keeping his chest over the handlebars; all the while holding down a position inside the top nine! Though initially garnering a sixth-place standing, his battles with riders like Jeremy Martin and Chris Blose were extremely hard fought, where he was gaining experience with every passing second on the world's highest stage. However with the trouble that Martin and Nate Thrasher would undergo, it would be Hawkins who would advance to eighth in the final moments; defending his position from Cullin Park who was riding well in his own right. Solidified in the previously mentioned eighth-place category as the checkered flag was thrown, it was apparent that Hawkins was here to stay with the series end in sight.