Once again proving that he possessed world-renowned speed within the afternoon qualifying sessions, the number one of Chase Sexton was an athlete who was exceptional on the Anaheim circuit amid Saturday’s practice laps. Managing to leap, land, and carve amongst the endless ruts that were trenched throughout the layout, Sexton’s precision amongst the grooves was enough to bring fans to their feet. His confidence amplified as the night show neared, and he knew that a strong start was imminent in this series of sprints...therefore as he leaned over the crossbar pad and attempted to keep the front wheel hovering just above the ground, his position when exiting turn number one was brilliant — granted with the hole-shot designation while moving ahead of Cooper Webb, Jorge Prado, and Jason Anderson. Now in the “driver’s seat” per se, many could see that the suspension changes from just weeks ago, were working extremely well for the Illinois native. He rode the track with flawless style, eliminating mistakes while leaning into the cushion that each berm provided...and as he rode to the checkered flag after leading all fourteen laps, there was no argument as to how much talent he possessed. His start to the second moto could be considered lackluster on his own behalf, where Sexton’s initial standing of around fifteenth was quickly erased; making passes on opponents like Eli Tomac, while eyeing the top-ten. He and Eli would go back and forth, and it seemed as though Chase was on his way to being solidified in seventh after putting his machine ahead of the aforementioned “ET,” Hunter Lawrence, and Jorge Prado...but with only a few laps left to complete, a mistake by the number one would cost him substantially; ending the moto in eleventh. His jump to the last moto was brilliant, residing in a second-place standing behind Eli Tomac as minutes began to pass. Though he would seem to allow Jett Lawrence around in the corner before the mechanic’s area with just over five minutes on the clock, diverting to third as the Honda rider claimed second. The move was arguably questionable in the moment, however, he was steadfast and patient as Jett Lawrence attempted to track down Eli Tomac. Though in the final moments, a devastating mistake would send Lawrence off course — and promote Sexton to second in the moto, where he claimed fifth overall as a result!