AARON PLESSINGER

After qualifying with a notable sixth-place effort in practice, “The Cowboy” and fan favorite, Aaron Plessinger, was on the track to begin the first moto with ambition of moving to the top of the leaderboard. After rounding the first lap in sixth, Plessinger was seen jumping through the rhythm lane behind the starting gate with the 450cc engine pinned, doing his best to keep teammate Chase Sexton at bay, for as long as possible. But the number four was riding remarkably well on his own behalf...and made the move to overtake the Ohio native before lap two was finalized. At that stage in the first moto narrative, Plessinger began to take notes and mimic the patterns of Sexton...hoping to find the line(s) or certain areas of race-track, where he too could promote higher velocities on the course. Though unable to move around Justin Barcia, Sexton’s mistake (in the latter stages) allowed Plessinger to inherit the fifth-place ride on the thirteenth circuit...seemingly solidifying the aforementioned position (of fifth) at the checkered flag. His momentum at that point was palpable, but the unfortunate lackluster beginning to the following bout was less than desired. Though beginning the second moto in fifteenth, Plessinger wasn’t willing to give up that easily. He was steadfast in his approach to attacking the pristine circuit, using every inch of the raceway as a means of making passes, where he aspired to launch into single digit territory. Soaring over the largest fly away jumps, Plessinger’s style of standing atop the foot-pegs was extremely efficient...and propelled him into tenth by the sixth lap of action. He was just behind Christian Craig and Malcolm Stewart at that point, and though he (rather quickly) surpassed the California native, Florida’s Stewart seemed to be on a higher level of speed in some areas of the track...which proved to be quite the puzzle for Plessinger to solve. Aaron was analyzing the track while speeding at the height(s) of third and fourth gear, but couldn’t locate an optimal point for him to try and work around. But in the process of charging with all of his might, Dylan Ferrandis’ absence of pace in the final moments would promote Plessinger to an even higher position than he had previously obtained...which solidified an eighth-place standing. When coupled with the opening moto score (of fifth) Aaron’s overall result for the Thunder Valley National, would equate to sixth!