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JASON ANDERSON
450 SX / SD
IMAGE / MPG WORDS / LANNAN DESIGN / WILSON
>> It was easy to see that Jason was out to prove he has what it takes to be
a podium finisher when the program started on Saturday. After taking 4th the week before at the opening round, Jason knew he had to get his confidence back where it needed to be coming into San Diego. He started off the morn- ing like he always does, holeshotting practice. This time it seemed he would keep the lead and was looking very comfortable on his Rockstar Husqvarna. His efforts would be good enough for 2nd fastest overall going into the night show. Jason would then holeshot again as the gate dropped for 450 Heat 1. He carved through the first corner clean, but was forced outside in the second cor- ner by Eli Tomac. Jason was able to get back by him a few corners later with a little bump as he block passed him after the whoops. A lap later, Eli dove inside of Jason before the triple and was able to steal the line and hold his Kawasaki wide open to make the jump and secure the position. As Jason started to reel him in again, Eli began to tighten up. The battle started to heat up on the last lap as Jason made a demanding pass after the whoops and was able to steal the position. Jason would take the win and have an extra boost of confidence for the Main. When the gate dropped for the Main Event, Jason didn’t get the start he wanted but was forced to make the best of it. He was inside the top ten, and was focused on staying on two wheels for the first couple laps. He had made his way into 7th by the end of the second lap, and was moving forward quickly. He then passed Millsaps with some tight side-by-side racing for 6th place with 15 minutes remaining on the clock. Jason continued to put in quick laps, and began to reel in Seely and Tomac. A mistake by Seely going into a rhythm section would then allow both Tomac and Anderson to get by. With nine minutes remaining on the clock, Jason made a hard charge through the finish line section. He was able to sneak inside of Eli going into the first corner where they almost came together. He made the pass stick and focused on staying mistake free for the remainder of the race. Jason put in solid laps all the way to the finish where he would be counted for an impressive 4th place.
16 GRITMOTO • JANUARY 15, 2017