It’s the first round of the season, so there’s probably not going to be a bigger gamble on who to select for the 450 and 250 motocross divisions. Nobody really knows how much work has been accomplished in the off-season, and by that we mean the two weeks since Supercross ended. Race teams have to work outdoor testing into their program long before the stadium series is over in order to be really competitive. Of course, not only is the amount of work important, but the quality as well. Hangtown will be a big proving ground for where teams and riders stand, and where they need to be. Here’s how we see it.
(If you haven't signed up yet for Fantasy Motocross 2010, get over there and do it before it's too late!)
450 A-RIDERS
Sure Thing
Ryan Dungey is the hottest rider in America right now. Don't bet against him.
Rockstar's point man is on a roll. The guy just can’t seem to do any wrong. After winning the MXdN overall title on his RM-Z450, Dungey was officially a big dog in the 450 class. He then went on to win the Supercross season in his rookie year – something only one other guy has done. Ever heard of Jeremy McGrath? He’s strong, durable, fast and very smart. Plus his confidence is at an all-time high.
Chad Reed – Everyone’s favorite Aussie (or least favorite) has taken his sweet time getting back from an injury in SX. He should be completely healed and he’s the defending champ. The only question is whether or not he’s gotten any sleep lately with that new baby on the scene.
Maybe
Mike Alessi – One of the most controversial riders on the circuit, he’s shown that he’s a win-or-crash type of guy. He’s also proven to be one of the best starters in history, so those holeshot bonuses might be a major factor. Of course, he’s running a KTM 350 SX-F this year. He’s on unproven machinery, but Alessi could come out smelling like a rose.
Andrew Short – Honda’s factory rider came back after an injury in SX with something to prove (mostly that Trey Canard didn’t deserve to keep his bike). Shorty is always in the mix.
Josh Grant – We haven’t seen JG on the track in a long time. Fortunately, Grant is healthy and on a really fast Joe Gibbs Racing Yamaha.
Villopoto dominated last year at the opener, but he's forced to sit this one out while his leg heals
The Monster Energy Kawasaki rider broke his leg late in the Supercross season and will not be on the starting gate this weekend. Because he is expected back, and we can’t add A-Riders once the season starts, he’s included on the list. Not only would you be severely disappointed with his performance this weekend, but ignorant for having made the choice. This is a good example of how riders jumping on and off the disabled list is going to be critical as the season progresses, so pay attention.
James Stewart – Bubba is the fastest man on two wheels, no question. Unfortunately, he’s also pretty fickle these days about when and where he races. He’s said he will race select outdoor events, and the rumor of a full season circulated for awhile. The preliminary enrollment list for Hangtown does not include anyone named Stewart - Tony, James, Rod or otherwise.
450 B-RIDERS
Sure Thing
Nick Wey – He’s on a factory Kawasaki thanks to Villopoto being hurt. The Michigan Mafia rider will have something to prove and plenty of support coming into the opener. He put in his best SX results when filling the factory seat.
Kyle Cunningham – Made the switch to the 450 late in the SX season and posted great results. He’ll come out swinging and looks to be a big-bike natural.
Brett Metcalfe is stepping up to the 450 class and will bring a new level of excitement.
- A regular 250 rider, Metty is one of the grittiest men on the starting gate. Watch for him to manhandle that big Honda.
Maybe
Davi Millsaps – You never know when Honda’s other factory rider will show up with his A-game. It would be wise to feel him out on this opening round.
Grant Langston – Everyone likes to root for this guy, but his vision has never been quite the same after his eye injury. Still, he opened the SX season with a 10th-place finish after years off. The last time he raced motocross he won this championship.
Ben Townley – The likeable South African was one of the fastest men on the planet a few years ago, but some bad luck and eventually he found himself back home. Now he’s returned with the Lucas Oil TLD Honda team and is reportedly up to speed.
Scratch
Ivan Tedesco – Hot Sauce is still sidelined, so don’t pick him or you deserve to get no points for being daft.
Justin Brayton – Same as Tedesco, except he only got hurt on Tuesday, so you might be able to claim you didn’t know.
Jason Lawrence – We’re saving you some embarrassment here. J-Law isn’t on the pre-registration roster. He might be taking bong hits somewhere.
250 A-RIDERS
Sure Thing
Christophe Pourcel – The Frenchman is as wily as ever, not to mention blazing fast and looking to avenge his narrow loss in 2009. With the best equipment available and two AMA ESX Lites championships, Pourcel needs to add a 250 outdoor title to his resume, because next year he’s moving up. There will be intense action between him and the rest of the Monster Pro Circuit Kawasaki team to establish a pecking order.
Jake Weimer came on strong last year and then added a WSX title during the stadium season.
– America’s home-grown star. This guy’s as down to earth as the potatoes he grew up with in Idaho. Weimer played his role in the MXdN victory, but the time for him to act as a support rider has passed. As the newly crowned WSX Lites champ and East/West Shootout king, Weimer will be backing it up with his right wrist in Hangtown.
Justin Barcia – Outdoors are this kid’s natural environment. Nobody wrings their 250 harder than the Wild Child, and he’s a go-for-broke superstar in the making.
Maybe
Trey Canard – Trey is the elder statesman of the GEICO Powersports team, but it’s clear after watching the indoor series that he belongs on a 450.
Austin Stroupe – Stroupe had flashes of brilliance last year but seems to find trouble for one reason or another. He finished 15th at this event last year.
Tyla Rattray – The South African is definitely a motocross specialist, so he’ll be thrilled to get back outdoors. He’s also on the best 250F motorcycle money can buy (and probably that money can’t buy). He was an impressive 4-7-5 last year and looking to improve now that he’s seen all the outdoor tracks.
Scratch
Nobody is a bust in the 250 class, at least not yet.
250 B-RIDERS
Sure Thing
Dean Wilson – The rookie PC Kawasaki rider was oh-so-close to winning a Supercross Lites event. The guy wants it so bad he nearly cried over it. Don’t let his squeaky kid voice fool you, Wilson knows which hand makes the noise.
Blake Baggett is one of several rookies who are possible podium contenders out of the B-Rider category.
– Another rookie who hauls ass. Baggett got used to banging bars with the top riders indoors, even collecting a win. There won’t be much of a learning curve for the Suzuki rider.
Eli Tomac – He’s never competed against these riders at the professional level, but Tomac has been training his butt off for his pro motocross debut. In an unorthodox move, the amateur prodigy took to the WORCS series to gain fitness during the brutal two-hour races, and he ran with guys who are capable of top-10 finishes in the 450 motocross class. He’s probably the strongest amateur to come out in years, plus he’s got the rookie gung-ho attitude. This is our pick for the dark horse.
Maybe
The rest of the 250 riders all belong here. There’s nobody on the list who can’t score top-10 and potentially top-5. Wait until after the first two motos to see who breaks their bikes and bodies. For now the slate is clean.
