Troy Dog
The inaugural SuperMotocross Playoffs are about to invade the LA Coliseum for the finale! There are a million and one storylines heading into this race and I’m going to have trouble picking just a few to highlight here! What better way to go into the weekend than break down some scenarios that may happen as well as give you a refresher into what’s at stake.
Practice Day Was Brutal
I wouldn’t expect for the finale to have an easy track. Yesterday’s practice claimed some riders, most notably Seth Hammaker, Parker Ross, and Justin Starling. I love the track layout, it’s different, and it’s got some unique obstacles. Peristyles, bro! It’s the last race of the year. It’s been 31 races. This amount of money on the line is going to cause a lot of riders to send it and I hope everyone stays safe tonight.
Who Wins the Big Money?
We have three riders in each class who have a serious chance of winning the playoff championship. Let’s start with the 450 class and the million that’s up for grabs. Jett Lawrence, Chase Sexton, and Ken Roczen will be the ones going for it all tonight, as they have all playoffs. In the 250 class it’s Hunter Lawrence, Jo Shimoda, and Haiden Deegan who will be hoping to walk away from LA $500,000 richer. Who do you have your money on?
Deegan’s Heritage
We all know about Brian Deegan’s infamous ghost ride when he won at the LA Coliseum in 1997, so all eyes are on Haiden this weekend to do the same thing if he wins. I would have to admit it would be pretty awesome to see him do an ode to his father in the same building, just something a little safer than launching the bike. I have heard that the Deegan camp has discussed this already with the powers that be, but I can’t get any info on how it went. Can you imagine the pandemonium if Deegan wins the playoffs and ghost rides the whip? We’ll get there when it’s time.
Pro Circuit Down to Two Riders
After Hammaker went down in practice yesterday that leaves Pro Circuit Kawasaki with Jo Shimoda and Ryder Difrancesco for the weekend. These two have been holding it down for Kawasaki since Ironman, but man this team needs to catch a break. Jo has a serious shot to win the playoffs, which would be a huge present to Mitch and Kawasaki as it is his final race on the team. Jo has come a long way from fill-in rider to race winner. This will be Ryder D’s last race with PC as well as he bids farewell to Kawasaki after nine years on the brand.
Photo Courtesy: Feld Motorsports, Inc.
