Page 16 - Issue-35

JASON ANDERSON
450 SX / OKLAND
IMAGE / MPG WORDS / MATTINGLY DESIGN / WILSON
>> Oakland’s architects were some of the most skilled heavy machinery builders in all of the land, and the graces of the 450 field were thank-
ing them with heavy amounts of appreciation. Going on record to be one
of the dampest winter season’s in California’s history, the field is having mixed emotions of the West Coast rounds. On one hand they’re enjoying the relatively warm weather for this time of year and the open stadium’s in which the Pacific time zone’s provide; and on the other, some are eager to head east, where many events are guaranteed to have a dry playing field. But guys like Jason Anderson are willing to adapt to any condition, as he tends to flourish no matter what the present circumstances are. And his attitude remained steadfast as the series headed into the Oakland round. An all business mentality, he made his presence known as plowed his way through the field around the first bend. Leaping through rhythm sections, and absolutely obliterating the left-handed turn that was full of sand, he was on a mission to catch the leaders. Moving into second quickly, Cooper Webb wanted to make his presence known; and that he did, giving JA21 all he could handle as they hit the whoop section in the opening laps. He would give up the position to the Yamaha rider, but would have no time for relaxation as the likes of Cole Seely and Eli Tomac lurk just behind. The usual antics of the Husky/Honda pair were revealed yet again; the number 21 running the Honda wide and vice versa, but what he didn’t realize, was that the bar banging to achieve one position, was quickly relinquished to that of the Kawasaki pilot, forcing him to now chase the Colorado native. He would, for as long as possible, but eventually, Anderson would zero in on Webb. He began to eye the number two heavily after a mistake from the Carolina kid, and despite a helluva charge, would come up just shy of the podium; he would finish fourth.
16 GRITMOTO • FEBRUARY 5, 2017