Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Garrett Marchbanks delivered the strongest performance of his Pro Motocross career at Round 3 in Thunder Valley, Colorado, charging to a career-best fourth overall in the 450MX class with impressive 3-6 moto scores.
At 6,100 feet above sea level and in brutally demanding conditions that featured deep ruts and slick, technical terrain, Marchbanks showed both speed and consistency across the day to break through into the top five overall for the first time in his premier class career.
After qualifying ninth, Marchbanks got straight to work in Moto 1, quickly moving inside the top 10 before finding his rhythm and climbing further as the race developed. With strong late-race pace and confidence building, he pushed forward into sixth on track, ultimately being promoted to third in the final classification following post-race penalties, marking his first-ever 450MX moto podium result.
In Moto 2, the No. 36 backed it up with another composed ride. Starting just outside the top 10, Marchbanks steadily worked his way forward again, eventually settling into sixth at the flag after spending the closing stages pressuring the rider ahead.
The consistency across both motos delivered a milestone result, securing fourth overall on the day and confirming a clear step forward in form.
Reflecting on his breakthrough performance, Marchbanks said he was encouraged by the progress, even if there was still a sense of missed opportunity after running so close to an overall podium.
“Fourth overall today, I’m feeling really good about it. It’s a career-best finish for me,” Marchbanks said. “I didn’t know I was battling for fourth or third the whole moto until two laps to go, so I really wish I got third, but for how stacked the class is and how the day was going, I’m super pumped on my result here.
“I’m really happy with the consistency on my starts so far; that was a career-best today as well. I’m really happy with the team and everyone, and happy with my personal best.”
