TOM VIALLE GRIT-222 250MX

TOM VIALLE | GRIT-222 | SX 250

KTM's Tom Vialle would build from a notable performance in Southern California last week, and seek to be in contention for overall victory in Hangtown as well as the second round of the series came to fruition. A native of the MXGP circuit, Vialle adapted very well to the qualifying format at Fox Raceway and would do much the same for Hangtown as time(d) trials concluded...which preceded an exceptional beginning to the opening trek of the day, in moto number one. Beginning the moto in fourth, he would move around Kawasaki's Jett Reynolds rather quickly while pursuing an even higher standing (which was occupied by Yamaha riders Justin Cooper and Haiden Deegan). Attempting to latch onto the rear wheel of the New York native, Vialle's aspirations were of the highest regard; where he could be found surging into various off-cambered corners with unstoppable velocity while trying to evade Hunter Lawrence. But the Honda rider would actually capitalize on a strenuous battle between the Frenchman and Guillem Farres, where he two athletes were moving back and forth on the racetrack to an extent that allowed the Australian to gain time. This would lead to just prior to the halfway point, when Vialle was unfortunately overtaken by the number ninety-six while trying to move around the Star Racing Yamaha rider as well; which pushed him to fifth. He then would do everything in his power to keep RJ Hampshire and Jo Shimoda behind him, but Vialle unfortunately couldn't defend the top-five placement after a few mistakes were made on his behalf. This would lead to the final five minutes of action where he and Farres would once again battle; although this time, for the sixth place residency. But he was unable to advance ahead, and with a seventh-place result being finalized (for Vialle), it was then time to move to the next moto once the checkered flag waved. His start to the second moto would begin in fourth, and after four laps of looking for a way to pass Jalek Swoll, the KTM rider would find it prior to the fifth lap being completed. He was now within a standing that had (arguably) two of the most advanced riders in front of him (i.e. Hunter Lawrence and Justin Cooper), which allowed him to mimic and adapt to a pace that the championship contenders would set. Lap after lap, Vialle remained steadfast in the third-place position in front of a multitude of other rookies on the AMA outdoor circuit, including Haiden Deegan and Chance Hymas. However in the final moments of ht moto, it was RJ Hampshire who would surge forward and attempt to pass the KTM athlete as they approached the finish line. But Vialle's resiliency was enough to be solidified in third in this second outing, propelling him to fourth overall on the final leaderboard while garnering momentum for the round(s) ahead.

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