Though extremely proficient in the mud races thus far of 2023, Garrett Marchbanks aspired to excel on the optimal conditions of Anaheim Two as well, as events came to fruition on Saturday. Many could sense the confidence of the ClubMX Yamaha rider growing with every checkered flag that was thrown — thus, few were surprised as he floated over the “SX” triple just before the finish line in qualification with eye-opening rhythm and flare. He was efficient, and made sure to put forth bundles of laps to replicate the sprints that were to come prior to beginning the opening portion of the Triple Crown main event sequence. As clutch levers were released for the initial set of laps, the number thirty-six excelled to a standing of fifth with numerous championship contenders around him in every direction. He appeared to be in a flow that couldn’t be rattled per se, where lap after lap, the strength of Marchbanks dictated where the chassis was placed on this groomed Anaheim circuit. However in the later stages (after still occupying fifth) he would be overtaken by a hard-charging Jordon Smith — leaving him sixth at the finish line. An eleventh place start and mistake on lap three, would have Marchbanks well outside of the top-fifteen as the pack dispersed. However, the grit and tenacity of the ClubMX rider couldn’t be disregarded by his opponents, and Marchbanks took advantage of the sections with loam by riding the widest lines possible. Nearly dragging the bars on occasion, his ability to stay consistent (despite yellow flags and other downed riders) would have him arriving at the final flag in sixteenth...looking to forget about that particular moto, while eyeing the third round. He was immersed in the battle for fifth to begin the last race of the evening, diving amongst Jo Shimoda, Anthony Bourdon, Jordon Smith, and RJ Hampshire. Moving as far forward as fourth at one point (via the fourth circuit of action), he appeared to be on an optimal trajectory when using the fluff of the outside berms to carve amongst. Though RJ Hampshire and Jo Shimoda would do enough to push their way forward, he and Julien Beaumer would undergo a battle that expended immense energy to the finish line. Fighting for every bit of racetrack with the KTM rookie, Marchbanks longevity was enough to outlast the number twenty-nine as time concluded; rebounding (from his second moto performance) to secure fifth, for ninth overall in Anaheim.