After showcasing an outstanding array of speed and phenomenal line choices in practice, Kawasaki’s Colt Nichols was in constant contention for a top-tier(ed) position. This undoubtedly set the tone for the races that followed, where the Oklahoma resident would nod his head with assurance as the referee scanned the starting line from left to right...awaiting an opportunity to unleash the power of his 450cc engine that was held back with the clutch lever in his left hand. Upon cue, the number forty-five funneled into the opening corner alongside the best in the world, emerging from the first full lap in a position of fifteenth while seeking to gather as much speed as possible in order to be paralleled to a pace that was equivalent to series standouts, Chase Sexton and Jett Lawrence. Nichols was relentless when sending the chassis of his machine “sailing” into the sand section, where he embodied elite rolling speed before railing the right-hander that followed and carving his way through the accompanying rhythmic obstacles as well. There was little that could stand in his way as he constantly made passes with calculated precision; scrubbing the tunnel jump and double thereafter to the best of his ability in order to save time while nearing the fifteen-minute mark. By lap twelve, he was definitely solidified in ninth while seeing Ty Masterpool begin to fade (along with Adam Cianciarulo just ahead). Though ultimately unable to make his way around the Floridian, it would be Nichols who would overtake the number eighty-one machine before the final flag waved — equating to a tremendous showing of eighth for his first moto tenure. The track was then at its roughest point for the second showcase of the evening, but the former 250cc SX Champion would rise to the occasion (as always) while leaping into the sand rollers that were now filled with pot-holes and braking bumps. Yet Nichols excelled amongst the chewed-up soil, doing his best to pull away from those outside of the top ten while remaining established in a seventh-place position. Now at the front of the field, his process of staying mistake-free while capitalizing on the mistakes of others was paramount. That would be much the case, as he kept Garrett Marchbanks behind him, while advancing forward on behalf of crashes from both, Jason Anderson, and Chase Sexton (near the end of the main event). This would undoubtedly be one of Nichols strongest performances, and after all was said and done for the nineteen-lap quest, the consistency of the Oklahoman would be applauded by all in the industry. He’d certainly returned to the top of the 450cc hierarchy, finishing fifth in this moto, and fifth overall as well!