The last race of the year has come and gone! It wasn’t as bad as the media or the riders thought it would be honestly. Leaving Texas we thought Vegas was going to be a shit show but the dirt actually was better than the previous week’s race. Sure, it was hard pack but it didn’t have as much concrete portions as round two. Since I escaped the after parties and am in sound mind and body, here is the final Daytime of the year.
Chase Sexton: When Phil Nicoletti was on the Pulp MX Live Show on Friday night, he said that Chase had a new engine package because that is what he told him before practice, on the start line. He asked Phil to watch him take off the grate and as Chase took off for his practice start, Phil told Chase, “that wasn’t it”. After watching Chase’s moto one start, I can safely say that the bike doesn’t rocket off the grate like the Hondas or Yamahas do. KTM will need to help Chase next year if he is going to even sniff Jett’s speed. People may say that Chase can’t beat Jett straight up but I know he can if he can start with the kid. I guess the start is the least of our worries as Chase got landed on by Barcia and may have some damage done to his right hand. MXoN could be in jeopardy and if Chase can’t make it, Eli is up and if Eli can’t make it, we are screwed (even if we do find someone behind Eli, to go).
Jett Lawrence: After what I witnessed in practice I knew it was a wrap. Jett’s hot laps in practice were disgusting and you could just tell that he was getting that million. I was quoted saying that if Jett wins Vegas, all of us fans are screwed come 2025 but I will say Hunter and Eli can make it happen if they put a couple pieces together before next year. However, we have never seen a talent like Jett before and even though we have had Stew, RC, Eli, etc., there has been NO ONE that has ridden a bike like Jett. Imagine what we will see come ten years from now? WOW!
Hunter Lawrence: The big bro kept Jett honest but on a track that wasn’t easy to pass yet easier to ride, the gap stayed the same. Getting a cool 500K isn’t a bad pay day but what I do like to see is Hunter is figuring out this 450 SX thing sooner than I thought he would. Honda has their starts on lock so getting himself up front early will NOT be a problem. I also like that Hunter usually doesn’t start anything, he rides within his means and mistakes are minimal. If something happens to Jett, Hunter is my pick for a title threat. Yes, I said it.
Eli Tomac: He’s baaaaack. Kind of. He looks “beast-ish” but doesn’t quite have the end race pop that he normally has, but I think that will be back once 2025 gets here. Eli’s spring speed is as good as Jett’s but he looks a little looser when it goes down. I also know that his bike will evolve for next year which should help with comfort. Hopefully by the time you read this we will know if he will help Team USA get a “W” in the MXoN.
Haiden Deegan: When you have to take a “fat crap”, you just gotta go eh? WOW! You just never know what will be said when little Deegs gets on the box right? However, passed that, I just want to be as in shape as Deegs is. I think the most under rated portion of his game is how fit he is! Yes, he’s aggressive. Yes, his mental game is great. Yes, his bike is awesome. Yes, he gets different parts on his bike compared to his teammates. But how about how fit this kid is! DAMN! He rides a like a possessed, cracked out human yet still doesn’t looked gassed at the end of the race. I can’t wait until he races JETT!
Pierce Brown: “Pico” got starts! Did hell just freeze over? What a way to finish this team’s tenure in the sport. WE do think that the team will be back with Ducati in some shape in 2026 but just like a football team, the whole team will not be the same when/if it comes back. Pierce has had his fare share of crashes, heartaches as well as losses so even though this isn’t an “AMA SX” win, it’s still gives him the confidence of knowing he can win. Also a Piece Brown on a Star Racing Yamaha in 2025 is dangerous! He could be the sleeper that NO ONE will talk about coming into the SX season in 2025. Keep Pico off the ground and he could be your regional champ easy!
Phil: I did an awesome walk around on Phil’s Club MX/FXR Yamaha and boy was it fun to do. I have done a lot of “Bikes Of SX” this season and Phil dove into his bike more than any other mechanic or rider has this season. Phil is a pain in the ass when it comes to his setting so there are PLENTY of intricacies on his Yamaha that I think you’ll find interesting. You can check it out over on Racer X’s website soon. Also, happy retirement Phil. There hasn’t been anyone that has done their professional motocross career quite like Phil. Cheers!
