race recap
TOM VIALLE GRIT-221 250MX
May 31, 2023 · Tom Vialle
TOM VIALLE | GRIT-221 | SX 250
KTM's Tom Vialle would have a number of expectations thrown his way prior to moto's beginning at Fox Raceway, for round one of the AMA Pro Motocross Championship. He was a standout performer on the MXGP circuit in year's past, and many fans of the world championship were eager to see how he would "stack up" against the top talent within the continental United States tour. Though qualifying sixteenth, which was to be expected given the itinerary of MXGP programming, he would immediately engage in an all-out sprint as the green flag waved for moto number one. Jumping into the fifth-place position, he was just behind teammate Max Vohland after Jalek Swoll would be overtaken. Vialle then remained in fourth for quite sometime, until a mistake by Jo Shimoda would have the French rider moving into third on the fifth circuit. Steadily residing behind Max Vohland, Vialle would conduct a solid tempo on this West Coast racetrack; where many of his lines would carve from outside to inside, as he avoided hundreds of braking bumps that were amongst the main line. Vialle then seemed to sustain third until the ninth circuit appeared, when a mistake would have him passed by a multitude of riders and he would be forced to fight over the residency of seventh as they neared the checkered flag. Eventually solidified (in seventh) the French rider would believe that he could then contend for a podium in the following bout. Shortly thereafter, the field would return to the raceway yet again; and Vialle was established in second behind Hunter Lawrence! Vialle was thriving in the runner-up position, hitting his marks amongst this deteriorated raceway while flowing with fluidity that was world-renowned. He would occupy the runner-up position through lap eight, until Haiden Deegan would catch (and pass) him over a large roller just before returning to the infield area! Vialle was then motivated to make a move around the Yamaha rider, but couldn't seem to make a substantial pass stick. All the while, he would have to focus on Justin Cooper who was approaching quickly, forcing Vialle to race within an offensive and defensive mindset. Now with only a few laps to go, it would be a sprint to the finish-line...and Vialle would manage to reside third as the checkered flag waved - boosting his overall score, to fourth in the record book(s)!