TY MASTERPOOL | GRIT-223 | 450MX

The track crew had been actively preparing for the array of 450cc machines that were set to obliterate the racing canvas in Colorado, as riders like Ty Masterpool had been generating momentum in weeks past and were set to do much the same while stationed near the city of Lakewood. The hillside would be thoroughly carved by his Kawasaki machine, where he knew that ruts of all sizes were destined to only get deeper as practice went on. Of course, he threw a patented whip to the crowd over the triple/tunnel jump before the sweeping left-hander on the inner-portion of the circuit, letting all in attendance (including the competition) know that he was extremely comfortable with both the terrain and setup of his motorcycle prior to embarking on moto number one — where he hoped to create a performance that was replicated to his overall practicing effort, of third! As action began for the racing portion of festivities not long thereafter, he would find himself unfortunately on the ground of turn number one; forcing to remount his motorcycle, while in last place position! At that point, he could be seen flying near the outer boundaries of the track with his momentum topping speeds of forty and fifty miles per hour at times, all the while striving to work his way into a points paying position. In the corners that switchbacked (in a paralleled-style manner) he could see the gap over the latter top twenty out of a peripheral view of sorts, and continue to pursue higher ground with the thought of the opposition aiming for him — which only motivated him! This would lead to around the seventeen minute mark where a near problematic line choice of his looked to be very difficult, just four corners before the finish-line; but with a swift swaying of his balance, it was as if he could predict the outcome of the chassis and propelled forward without hesitation! And the final five laps of the first moto were an all-out sprint, between he and Aaron Plessinger — as the two riders would nearly have an identical pace throughout the course of the race. However Plessinger’s pace was just of the slightest margins ahead as they both attempted to clench the fourth place position. Yet the resiliency of Masterpool would have to be admired, as he dug through the entire field of competition to arrive in fifth at the final flag...proving that his speed as of the highest tier, prior to beginning the second segment of the day. Not long thereafter, would the following moto come to fruition; and he could be found battling amongst the top-eight in the initial stages. He was precise with where he planted the front-end, and was smooth with his application of the front brake especially when descending from the highest of hills. Launching from the bottom-most valley prior to the mechanic’s area, he would explode onto the straightaway their after while seeking a higher standing...which would appear after passing Grant Harlan and Derek Drake. It was then a matter of overtaking factory riders, which he would too with stellar inside pathways amongst the deepest ruts; almost foregoing the most challenging part of the trenches, while sneaking forward on smooth portions of raceway! Passing the likes of Adam Cianciarulo and Dylan Ferrandis, after twisting the throttle with the utmost tenacity, he would then look to overtake Cooper Webb...whom he did, on lap eight! This performance was one for the ages, and Masterpool was certainly proving to the world that his talent was of the highest caliber. He was comfortable in third, and running on a similar trajectory to Aaron Plessinger in second — until literally, only a few corners remained. It was then, when Yamaha’s Dylan Ferrandis would pass him with only seconds to go, pushing him to fourth as the checkered flag was thrown. Yet still, his efforts would be applauded by all in the industry. As the number eighty-one would obtain tremendous finishes of fifth and fourth, for an extraordinary sixth-overall placement!

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