AARON PLESSINGER | GRIT-231 | 450MX

With many in the industry believing that this was one of Aaron Plessinger’s best tracks, the KTM rider would certainly carry a sense of self-belief and confidence that few could rival as he began to carve his wheel-set into the clay of the Hoosier State. Digging his foot-pegs into the ground amongst various inside grooves, his accumulation of sixth prior to qualification ending would be notable and grant a solid foundation for the motos that were to come. The inception of moto-one would occur in the early afternoon hours, where all in the field were hoping to defeat Honda’s Jett Lawrence...and as the opening moments of the race unraveled, it would be Plessinger who claimed second while seeking to pass the 2023 champion as quickly as possible. His charge into the corner before the infield tabletop would be spectacular, where he disregarded the bucking of the rear shock in order to keep the throttle on, just a tad bit longer than many of his opponents. Applying the rear brake when necessary, it was evident that his advanced techniques upon the clay were enough to remain engaged with the leader, despite being passed by Chase Sexton in the earliest of laps. He would sustain third through lap four, before he and Jason Anderson would partake in a serious battle that had the two combatants opposing one another with a fender to fender sequence. However it was the Kawasaki racer who eventually got the better of “AP” leaving him fifth as the moto would progress to a close...and upon crossing the finish-line, the fifth place registry would definitively be his. Not long thereafter, would the green flag wave for the second moto of the day — and “AP” would funnel into an initial flow behind Jett Lawrence, after Dylan Ferrandis had violently crashed in turn-three. With Chase Sexton then behind him, Plessinger would present an array of tactics to try and defend the Honda rider...but Sexton was on an incredible pace of his own, when he was attempting to break the streak of series champion, Jett Lawrence. Though passed relatively quickly, Aaron then asserted himself as a rider who was unquestionably equated to the final podium position; where lap after lap, the former 250cc champion remained composed in front of local friends and supporters. The crowd would cheer with roars from around the facility, keeping Plessinger alive and in the moment as he raced amongst a trajectory of his own...and though considered “uneventful” from afar, the race in Plessinger’s eyes was undoubtedly impressive and well-respected. He would conclude the final moto of the championship with a superb bronze-medal performance, leading to an astounding third overall in the final overall standings prior to focusing on the upcoming SMX format.

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