FORT WORTH, Texas – Carolina Cowboys’ rider Dawson Branton may have only recorded one qualified ride during Unleash The Beast’s opening weekend of 2024 PBR World Finals action …
… But that’s still one more conversion than a dozen or so guys set to return to Cowtown Coliseum May 15-16 during the second of three postseason stages as the 2024 PBR World Finals: Unleash The Beast – Ride For Redemption offers Branton and 39 other cowboys an opportunity to punch their ticket to AT&T Stadium.
Not that the aggregate score, or ride in general, will carry over to the second stage.
But there’s a possibility some momentum and encouragement will.
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After making some noise during his first-ever appearance on the industry’s grandest stage last season in 2023, eventually finishing sixth overall (3-for-8), he knows he’s more than capable of finding success.
So, it’s likely just a matter of time before we see the 22-year-old string a few together.
“I’ve been waiting a while for this. I kind of had a little bit of trouble throughout the regular season but it seems I always shine at the Finals since last year, so I’m really excited,” Branton shared during some down time at last weekend’s Eliminations warm-up.
“I’ve dreamed of being here since I was a little kid, so the bright lights are the least of my worries as far as that goes. I just have to keep my chin down and focus on the task at hand.”
Knowing some additional pressure is starting to set in, as this week’s two-day showdown will mark his final opportunity to secure a spot inside Jerry World for the 2024 PBR Unleash The Beast – Championship, he admitted the format, itself, is a bit of a change, but he’s not afraid of the circumstances, being he’s rather comfortable riding here in the Metroplex.
“Honestly, I got most of the nerves out of the way last year. It’s more just I’m ready to do my job and prove myself this time around,” he shared.
“It’s been a lot different but I actually really like it because, for some reason, I do pretty good here in Fort Worth, so if I can knock a few more down, I’ll be doing really good this week.”
Getting his name on the Eliminations leaderboard during Thursday night’s opening session, he didn’t waste any time in turning things around after going rideless the previous weekend at the 2024 PBR Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour Finals in Corpus Christi, Texas.
“Well, I honestly didn’t do very well at the Velocity Finals, so I flew home and got on four practice bulls leading into Fort Worth last week to make sure I remembered what the whistle sounded like,” he shared with a laugh.
“It felt good, because it’s working out so far.”
Paired with Zeus via the Round 1 draw, he exited his matchup with a sound 84.25-point strike en route to establishing some additional confidence, advancing to 4-for-9 overall atop the World Finals platform.
Dispatched in each of his next three outs, however, he found himself two spots back of the initial cutline for AT&T Stadium (with the Top 5-performing individuals atop the event standings receiving automatic bids) when all was said and done during the opening weekend of Cowtown Coliseum action.
With Claudio Montanha Jr. securing the final spot at the Championship rounds, courtesy of his 87.5-point journey aboard Tchoupitoulas and Australian Qynn Andersen knocking off Dana White’s Twisted Steel for a quality 86.75 points in Round 2, he was definitely within striking distance of a berth.
Which could very much bode well when he heads back to the historic venue later this week.
A positive outlook in general can go a long way for riders.
And while some of the veterans on tour have made it clear they prefer the top-tier, state-of-the-art aspects of some of the newer arenas on this season’s circuit, Branton isn’t fighting anything about the old barn. He’s embracing it all and worrying about doing his job.
Plus, a little support in the stands could be just the fuel he needs to get over the hump during Wednesday and Thursday night’s upcoming sessions.
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“I would say this is one of the coolest places in the world to ride, especially during the PBR World Finals. Being here is really, really cool, and it’s high stakes for sure,” Branton added.
“My grandma and my grandpa are here and they are pretty much my main supporters, that’s who drives me pretty much every weekend, so I’m excited to do good for them.”
While the PBR Camping World Team Series season itself won’t begin until mid-July, riders will nonetheless turn their attention to this year’s 2024 PBR Teams New Rider Draft, set to invade Nashville, Tennessee, May 29 as each of the 10 squads welcome new talents ahead of season three.
Branton reassured us that his focus is 100% on making the cut here this week.
But with team training camps around the corner and overall rider stock continuing to be tied with their respective performances during the individual season, he recognizes the importance of performing on this week’s grand stage.
It won’t only affect his paycheck and possibilities of advancing to AT&T Stadium.
A big couple of conversions at Ride For Redemption could help solidify his spot on Carolina’s Active Roster.
“I’m really excited for the Teams deal again,” he said.
“I was on that team last year, but I was a practice guy, so I didn’t get to show myself like I wanted to, but I’m one of the main guys this year, so I’m really excited to do what I can do for them.”
Collecting a welcomed $12,000 for his 17th place finish during Eliminations, Branton will look to not only improve on his 5-for-22 slate within UTB events this season, but hopes to punch his ticket to the Western sports world’s biggest event of the season!
Fans interested in witnessing the final five cowboys punch their tickets to the Championship would be wise to secure their tickets to Ride For Redemption before they’re gone!
Be sure to stay tuned to PBR.com and follow @PBR social media channels as the tour prepares to continue its dramatic postseason gauntlet May 15-16 at Ride For Redemption!
Photo courtesy of Andy Watson/Bull Stock Media