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Willing to take a chance, Charboneau chose the furthest inside gate position behind the launch pad, insisting that he had the skill and power to lunge from the field, and dictate movement to the left. The gamble paid off, as his clutch release was effortless, and shifting as crisp as could be,
taking the holeshot around the infamous “Talladega” first turn. With family, friends, and team members roaring around the boarders of the track, towels began to wave in light of the number 403’s pristine position amongst the field. He held second for the opening laps, battling between a cluster of Star Racing Yamaha riders. He would remain a mainstay for the duration of the moto, never shying away to anyone who chose to fight tooth and nail. A brilliant performance, he would bring a seventh
place back to the semi. Looking to double down on the hand he was dealt, Tristan once again chose the first of 42 gates; yet this time, luck wasn’t in his favor. Pinched by the majority of the field, Charbonaeu was thirteenth after one. He remained here for the majority of the moto, fighting off the likes of Mitch Oldenburg and Swiss native, Arnaud Tonus. Providing one hundred percent effort to remain amongst the best in the class, Charboneau’s effort unfortunately produced negative repercussions; as the camera panned the raceway, a zooming of the lens focused on Charboneau clincing his body in agony. He smashed into the ground, and would unfortunately end his day here; he would finish 15th overall.
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