Well that track was awesome right? If you didn’t already know that was sarcasm. With the heat index up over 100 degrees and the dirt being Texas type clay, it didn’t make for a great race track. There ended up being a couple places a rider could pass if they were close in speed, but there wasn’t a lot of action unless a rider made a mistake. We have one more race to go in Vegas and if you think Texas was hard pack, wait until Saturday. Here is your penultimate Daytime Program.
Chase Sexton: I never fully agreed that Chase Sexton couldn’t run with Jett or Hunter and having a bike that you’re not 100% comfortable on can lead you to not push the edge. We’ve been seeing this from time to time with Chase more than any other rider in the series. When Jett is on the track, Chase’s KTM has to be where he likes it or else he can’t push Jett’s speed. What we saw this summer is a Chase where he liked his bike and even though there may have been moments where his bike wasn’t great, his speed over everyone else was superior enough to bar him out. This can’t happen when Jett is lining up. The KTM’s “track toughness” has been an issue this year and when the setting is off, we see it. Even though Chase is on the podium when his bike is “off” the media says he didn’t have a g great ride. It’s a tough world out there, folks. It sounds like it’s tougher for the KTM crew to get a comfortable feel for Chase from track to track in SX but outdoors it’s a little easier. From what I am told they found more comfort in the shock this weekend that helped Chase’s feel/contact patch on the track. It showed in the second moto, but this dude has to get off the gate with Jett to beat Jett. When Chase has a lead we forget how pretty he is to watch ride a dirt bike. Damn!
Hunter Lawrence: I will agree that we overlook Hunter’s speed at times and he made us look like fools his weekend. He was every bit as good as Jett and Chase with no gifts here. Hunter and Jett were also heard saying they weren’t completely happy with their machines, but Hunter made it work. Now Hunter is headed to Vegas with the points lead and a REAL shot at a championship no one had him winning. It would not surprise me if we see the older Lawrence leave sin city with a million bucks.
Cooper Webb: I am only putting Coop in here to let you know that this is just number 2 building for next year. Some of you may be thinking that he is done and dusted, but be careful because come A1 in 2025 you will see Webb cranking off podiums and in the points chase come mid season. This weekend was a little more of a glimpse of the Webb we know, but I really don’t think the track lended itself for Webb to hang it out. Not a lot to hang it out for besides money and these guys have a lot of money already so don’t know how much Webb is willing to throw it all out there for just for some extra thousands of dollars. That was really weird for me to type out but it’s true.
Ken Roczen: Kenny got an e-start last week but I don’t think we will see a polished version of this e-start until 2025 SX series. From what I heard, Kenny wanted e-start for SX next year or he was possibly going to switch colors. Looks like they may have accomplished something so you yellow lovers will be rejoicing come 2025. Ken had a nice ride and it’s nice to see Kenny not completely crap the bed when it’s hot outside. Looks like he’s got some of his health issues covered!
Colt Nichols: A guy who is under the radar is Colt. He has been grinding and building each week with Will Hahn. Another example of what a professional rider can do when he feels comfortable. I have seen Colt out at Pala and GH every week for a while now just building and I think we forget how good of rider Nichols is because he’s been hurt or riding a bike he didn’t really gel with. I think it’s safe to say that I think if he can stay healthy, Colt is going to surprise people with top tens in 2025. It is not confirmed if he will be on e-start next year though.
Phil Nicoletti: Will we see Phil line up in Vegas? Or will he just meet everyone at HUDL Brewery for the “I got out of my Supercross career in one piece party” Saturday night? The Vegas track will not be better, god bless, Phil!
Why No 250 Class?: It’s Deegan’s world right now, nothing to see here folks. See you in Vegas!
