The challenge of trying to surpass Jett Lawrence, would be a riddle that all others (including Kawasaki’s Adam Cianciarulo) were trying to solve in the 450cc division. The Honda rider was sensational throughout the first four moto’s of competition, and there was little to stand in his way (thus far) in regard to doing much the same at Thunder Valley on Saturday. But many would guarantee that the Kawasaki of “AC" would be legitimate contender for a top-five overall as all was said and done in Colorado...and after watching him fly throughout the various stages of practice (where he gathered a notable standing of second) there was little to doubt as gate(s) would rise for the first moto of competition. Immediately as riders would leap from the newfound grate(s) and onto the Colorado soil, an outpouring of projectile-like roost would fling from their rear wheels into the pathways behind them. He was determined to gather as many positions as possible in the first few corners of actions, and by many accounts, he would be solidified in the position of third, after battling with Cooper Webb for the runner-up position. This would lead to an advantageous position to work from in the laps that followed, where he and his former amateur rival Webb, would nearly collide with one another’s handlebars as they pursued various inside ruts. The straightaway that passed by the mechanic’s area would be full of grooves that were nearly as deep as one’s foot-peg(s), and it was evident that Adam was trying to move forward in regard to tracking down Jett Lawrence, as subtle instances of fish-tailing and head-shake could be seen by all who were near. But the idea of fear was something that he disregarded as he began to stockpile laps within the third-place residency; though knowingly, he believed Aaron Plessinger behind him was going to make a final dash of sorts, as the checkered flag neared. Flying over the largest tunnel/triple jump on the last lap, Cianciarulo would take one final glance over his shoulder to see where the KTM rider was — but would ultimately hang on to third as the checkered flag was thrown. Next to come, would be the second moto of the afternoon; where he fought tremendously throughout the first five minutes of action to claim third in the running order, after defending the second place position from Cooper Webb for quite sometime. The opportunity to pass into the lead, or even top two positions for that matter, would be slim — therefore his urgency was rather dire when funneling into the deepest corners of the racetrack that proceeded the finish-line tabletop. Nearly clipping the track markers on more than one occasion, Cianciarulo was doing everything he could to stay inside the top-five; but with the likes of Dylan Ferrandis and Ty Masterpool surging forward, there was little the Floridian could do to stop them. Therefore once he was stationed in sixth, the number nine would continue to reiterate his stance of garnering experience for the rest of the season...leading to the final laps of competition where he stayed ahead of Grant Harlan, for the previously noted score of sixth. Once finalized here, his combination of moto scores were strong enough for a hard-earned fourth-place overall.