As far as scenery goes, the Washougal National is the most beautiful spot to watch an outdoor motocross in my opinion. Even though I was driving back east for Loretta’s at the time of the race, I managed to catch some things so I can put my thoughts down here for you all to read. Have anything to add? You can always email me at kris@keeferinctesting.com. See ya’ll at Loretta Lynn’s!
Chase Sexton: When I watch Chase now (without Jett on the gate), I see a Chase that has more of a fluid style, less mistakes and (to me) better roll speed through his corners. I don’t agree with the head not forward comment by Stewart at all as I think as long as your eyes are forward then that is all that matters. It’s funny, cause James Stewart was a freak, but he wasn’t really known for bike set up skills or exactly knowing what he was doing at any given time. I think Chase knows exactly what he is or isn’t doing. Here’s my take from Chase winning these races lately. This is going to help him when Jett returns. I think (taking a big gulp here before I type the rest of this) that Chase will be much closer to Jett come SMX and maybe even beat him. Yes, I said it. Crazy to see the difference in a rider when HE KNOWS he is going to win. I see this from Chase now. He’s also stopped messing with his bike, I heard. So, there’s that!
Jason Anderson: Besides Jett and Chase, is there anyone else you would rather watch ride a bike? I think not. The hang off the back style is awesome to watch and is so fluid on the track like Washougal. Jason rides hard pack well and that rearward style positioning is perfect for the Washougal slickery. Look for Jason to be on the podium more in the coming weeks. I think if he gets the starts he is better than Justin Cooper.
Freddie Noren: An eighth place is a good finish for Freddy even if we know him as an outdoor specialist. Freddie has been trying to dial in his Kawasaki and that has been a little tough but it looks like he is coming around. If Freddie sticks with Kawasaki next year, look for him to have better results in SX and MX as the KX450 platform will remain unchanged.
Marsh: Weltin has been looking for some more power from his Yamaha to try and get off the gate and from what I’ve heard/seen he has got a little more as of late. Marshall is training back in Florida now and I think this is only going to help his results to finish off the year. Training with faster guys as well as hot weather can make a man tough!
Dean Wilson: Dean-O has been staying in California and grinding it out at Glen Helen on Thursdays with the boys. It’s cool to see a rider of his caliber want to spend a little of his own money in order to make money come SMX time. You have to spend money to make money. Oh and Dean’s wife is still the hottest of them all. Thank you.
Ryder D: It’s crazy to think Ryder D is a full season rookie! It feels like he’s been here three years, but I guess with him having a huge amateur presence and riding “Futures” it seems like he’s been here longer. I have been seeing Ryder and Pierce out at Fox Raceway/GH putting in the time and he’s been staying healthy so to me that is what the difference is. Having a guy like Wil Hahn in your corner telling you that you’re going down the right path is also helpful. A fourth place at Washougal is an awesome ride and not only did he get fourth but he passed Savatgy late in the race. This also something Ryder needed to work on. Getting tough at the end of the Moto is hard to do and it looks like that is coming around better than it did in SX.
Joey Savatgy: Savatgy with a seventh may not seem like much but that is a step in the right direction for 17 and Team Triumph. It looks like Team Triumph may have figured out some things to help the TF 250-X and this time off should help the team get the bike even better. I do know that Ivan Tedesco is headed to Georgia to test next week and this should help Joey as well as Jalek. This is a first year motorcycle and getting data at all these tracks is important to build a better race machine.
