The AMA Pro Motocross Championship's seventh round at Spring Creek National in Millville, Minnesota, was a thrilling spectacle, with big track changes, intense battles, and pileups that left us with plenty of questions. Former pro and NBC on-track analyst, Jason Thomas, provides his expert insights into the day's events.
Track Changes and Safety
The track changes, particularly on the huge up and downhill sections of Mt. Martin, were designed to slow down the section and make it safer. Thomas acknowledges the risks involved in the fastest, most risky sections, especially with the bikes being faster than ever and the scoop tires being less predictable. He supports the safety precautions, recognizing the potential for accidents in such high-speed and challenging environments.
Pileup in the 250s
The opening lap of the first 250 moto was chaotic, with Carson Wood pushing the limits alongside his championship-leading teammate, Levi Kitchen. Wood's youthful exuberance and inexperience led to a pileup, with Kitchen and Cole Davies also affected. Thomas highlights the importance of trust and smart decision-making among top-level riders, emphasizing the need for predictable and well-signaled moves to avoid putting others in harm's way.
Battling for Position
Kitchen and Davies were battling for the lead from the back, with Davies eventually DNF'ing due to a hole in his fuel tank. Thomas discusses the complex balance between moving forward and beating competitors, noting that both goals can coexist. He also mentions Julien Beaumer's fitness and staying power, attributing his moto one win to his elite fitness and ability to push into the red on the last lap.
Marking Riders
Mosiman's comment about not knowing Beaumer was close behind him raises questions about marking techniques. Thomas explains that the track's unique design, with limited parallel lanes, makes it challenging to mark other riders effectively. The sand whoops offer some possibilities, but they become too close for accurate marking once riders get within five seconds.
Breakout Performances
The 250 Class saw breakout rides from Chance Hymas and Carson Mumford, who finished 11-3 for fifth overall. Thomas attributes their forward leaps to the chaos behind them, including the absence of Jo Shimoda, Sacha Coenen's return to Europe, Davies' crashes, Kitchen's leg injury, and Ryder DiFrancesco's fall. He emphasizes the importance of stepping up and taking advantage of opportunities when they arise.
450 Moto Incidents
Haiden Deegan's wide start in the first 450 moto and Justin Barcia's block pass on Deegan raised questions. Thomas clarifies that Jett Lawrence's inside leverage was crucial, and Barcia's concession of the spot was a result of knowing the pass was inevitable. He also discusses Hunter Lawrence's dominance, attributing it to his rhythm and Jett's early attempts, which saved energy for the second moto.
Jett Lawrence's Crash
Jett Lawrence's crash while leading in the second moto was caused by a loss of front end in a dogleg left-hand corner, a mix of hard-based clay and loose powder. Thomas speculates on the impact of Jett's inability to weigh his outside peg, suggesting that his right leg's lack of strength and flexion may have contributed to the crash. He poses the intriguing question of whether a healthy ankle might have prevented the crash.
