Nashville is a destination SX spectator spot on the Monster Energy Supercross Series tour but if you ask the riders if it’s one of their favorite tracks to race, you would almost get a resounding “No” from almost everyone. Hard pack, slick, dry is the name of the game here but this proved to be a fun track to watch some racing. Honestly having some hard pack for a change is kinda nice when it comes to watching the race. Below are some fun, key takeaways from Nash.
Eli Tomac: Well it started out well and the scoop was back. I typed this before, but I will stand by that the scoop isn’t as bad on hard pack as many people think. This tire creates a lot of parody on the broadcast and in the forums but it isn’t a horrible tire on hard pack. The scoop isn’t the reason why Eli finished where he did in the main event. I stand by the scoop and Eli’s decision. It is a great tire and if he is more comfy and the bike works better (for him) then let him run free, bro! It’s not KTM’s fault for allowing him to run it. It’s the rider riding the bike! Let him make the decisions! With that being said, I don’t know what is going on with him in these mains but there are several theories out there. The latest one I heard is that he crashed and hit his head a few weeks ago and we are seeing the effects of it now. I really think this is ALL BS and we are just seeing a little bit of a slump. If Eli comes back and wins Cleveland and Philly I will not be surprised because this will not be the first time he’s done this yo-yo effect. At Kawasaki he had a lot of this. Remember?
Justin Hill: One of the most level headed, self aware professional riders we have in the paddock just rode his ass off! Did I mention he has some of the most natural talent in the field as well. He is the only one that quadded out of that middle rhythm section and pulled the trigger in the main event to do it. A fifth place is a great finish with how gnarly all of these guys are and his bike isn’t “as factory” as a lot of people think it is. For a small team like Team Tedder, a fifth place is an awesome finish!
Ken Roczen: I truly believe this weekend was a miss on the bike set up. Watching Ken’s bike on the hard pack this weekend looked to be a little stiff/harsh looking. If it wasn’t for that, I think Ken would of had another one under his belt. This isn’t done people! Ken will rebound in Cleveland!
Chase Sexton: I think we started this Gisele nickname a couple years ago but it has stuck with the number four for quite sometime. Front end slip is a common move with Chase and in practice we saw it again. His weight is further forward and that asks a lot from the tire and front end. I do however think he learned from that wash out in Q1 and it made him mellow out in the main. It literally looked like Chase was barely riding in the main and it garners him a fourth place. He was 13 seconds back but I do think we will see Chase get on the box again before the season rounds out. If you’re wondering if Chase and Garrett are on the same bike, THEY ARE NOT!
Dylan Ferrandis: Some testing was going down at Bam’s place last week and the team learned some things for the upcoming outdoor nationals. I did hear from what they learned last week could actually roll over into some SX settings as well so we may see more of the number 14 up near the front. Also, the Ducati is MUCH BETTER on hard pack than the soft stuff. Lots of comfort within the Ducati chassis so getting traction is one of the Ducati strong points. Along with a gentle French hand is a sure fire way to a good finish.
Devin Simonson: From what I witnessed last summer at Club MX, this dude deserves this finish. Devin was riding a severely roached out YZ450F on the outdoor track, grinding out motos with the team when he wasn’t even racing. I agree with you have to be in it to win it mantra and Simonson was “IN IT”! The first podium for Club MX was upheld by unlikely character, but here we are! It goes to show that with some work ethic, being a good human and a chance this is possible!
Nate Thrasher: Seeing that Nate has had an injury we should cut him some slack but I don’t know if the Star team really cares. Thrasher has had A LOT of time on the Yamaha and I think this is his make it or break it year. Although if Star doesn’t pick him up, you know another team like Pro Circuit Kawasaki or even Factory KTM or Rockstar Husqvarana would snatch him up and I think it would be a good pick up. Sometimes all a rider needs is some new scenery to get sparked up again and in my opinion, I think Thrasher would benefit from a change of color. Great ride for a second place in Nash so let’s see if he can back it up in Cleveland.
