Fantasy Motocross Pala Hot Picks

While it’s sad to say, the final round of the 2010 AMA Pro Motocross Championship has arrived. On Saturday the 450s and 250s will lineup at the starting gate just two more times to see who walks away with ultimate bragging rights. Even though Rockstar Makita Suzuki’s Ryan Dungey has already been crowned the 450 National champion, there are still plenty of points remaining to dish out amongst the remaining competitors. If you haven’t already, make sure to get your final picks in for Fantasy Motocross and rack up as many points as possible.
 
450 Class
A-Riders
Sure Thing
 
Ryan Dungey - While Ryan Dungey already has the title in the bag, RD5 will still be vying for the record of the most rookie wins in a single season. He needs just one more moto victory in the upcoming round, so we definitely can’t count out the champion just because he’s already taken the championship. If nothing else, Dungey will be looking to put a cap on an amazing season which has included nine overall wins and 12 individual moto victories. The champ currently leads the series by a bone-crushing 137 points.
 
Andrew Short - Honda Red Bull’s Andrew Short is currently third in the series and desperately needs points on the board if he wants to take the runner-up position in the championship. Shorty finished fourth overall at Steel City motocross and prior to that he had a dismal round at Moto-X 338 where he finished 18th. He trails Geico Powersports Honda’s Brett Metcalfe by only five points, and will need to put his holeshot skills to good use in the final motos at Pala Raceway. Look for some heated racing action between Metcalfe and Short as the two go head to head for second place in the series.
 
Maybe
 
Mike Alessi - One name that has been absent throughout much of the ‘10 season is KTM’s Mike Alessi. Recently, however, the 350 SX-F rider has been putting in some strong rides in the final rounds to take fourth place in the championship. Although he is a full 50 points behind third place in the series, Alessi may change things a bit up front if he gets a good start. In the most recent round at Steel City he claimed fifth overall after putting in two seventh- place finishes, and at Moto-X 338 he took second overall. He’s more than capable, and his presence at the front of the pack may offer some interesting racing as the field attempts to finalize its standings within the championship.
 
B-Riders
Sure Thing
 
Brett Metcalfe - One word comes to mind when Brett Metcalfe’s name is brought up: consistency. The Honda rider has been the model of it all year long by remaining in the top-five repeatedly in addition to taking numerous podium finishes. He is second in the standings, but will need to be careful in the final round with Shorty just five points behind and desperately eyeing his second-place position. At Steel City Metcalfe took home second overall, and prior to that he had a heart-breaking day at Southwick where he was robbed of his first win of the season after running out of gas on the final lap. Look for Metty to be determined and focused at Pala as he puts a close to what has been a phenomenal season.
 
Ben Townley - Currently fifth in the championship and trailing KTM’s Mike Alessi by 10 points, Red Bull Honda’s Ben Townley has been another strong competitor this year and has been a regular up front. While he’s experienced his ups and downs, the #101 has been on a downturn recently and bleeding points. In the most recent round at Steel City he finished 10th overall after a disappointing Moto 2 saw him finish back in 37th. At Southwick he took seventh after another upsetting performance in the first moto. If he wants to move up in the championship in the final round, Townley will need two solid performances in so-cal.
 
250 Class
A-Riders
Sure Thing

Christophe Pourcel - Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Christophe Pourcel will have a tough chore ahead of him at Pala Raceway. The Frenchman must hold-off a hard-charging Trey Canard, who has won five of the last six races, including the most recent round at Steel City. If Pourcel can do this he will take the 250 Championship, which he currently leads by just seven points. It will be easier said than done, however, as Ice-Trey has been an unstoppable force lately. Pourcel finished second overall to Canard in the most recent round and prior to that he took fifth after a score of 7-3. The entire 250 season has come down to just two final motos, so plan on some intense action in the 250 class.
 
Trey Canard - As Pourcel’s lead in points has been diminishing, Canard’s grip on the championship has been growing stronger round by round. The Geico Powersports Honda rider has dominated the second half of the season, and has taken a total of five overall wins this season much to the chagrin of rival Pourcel. In his most recent performance at Steel City Ice-Trey took well-earned victories over the championship leader in both motos. There’s no telling who will take top honors in the final round this season - all that’s left to do is watch as the two frontrunners lay it all on the line at Pala Raceway.
 
Maybe
 
Tyla Rattray - While not an immediate threat to the championship Pourcel’s Kawasaki teammate, Tyla Rattray, may become a hindrance to Canard in his quest for the title. Rattray, along with teammate Dean Wilson, may become additional problems for Canard if he winds up behind them. The Pro Circuit Kawasaki trio will all be trying to outrun the Honda man as he attempts to overthrow Pourcel for the championship, and Rattray will be one tough rider to beat. At Steel City Rattray finished third overall, and prior to that he clenched his first overall of the ‘10 season at Southwick. It will be an interesting race if the green machines are out front, so keep this in mind while making your final picks.
 
B-Riders
Sure Thing
 
Dean Wilson - One of the final pieces in the 250 puzzle is Dean Wilson. Currently fourth in the championship and 15 points behind Rattray, Wilson has taken sixth- and ninth-place finishes in the last two rounds. Although he’s struggled a bit in the final motos, his record in the 2010 season remains strongly intact with numerous podium finishes and one overall victory. It’s a safe thing to say that Wilson stands an excellent shot at being up front and in the thick of it along with Canard and Pourcel.

This is the final round ladies and gentlemen, so make those picks count!

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