Troy Dog
For over a century, Michelin has been a pioneer in the motorcycle industry. Embracing the philosophy of continuous improvement, Michelin consistently delivers innovative solutions and cutting-edge technology for all segments of motorcycling. Michelin’s off-road motorcycle tires incorporate state-of-the-art materials and tread designs to deliver optimal grip, durability, and riding confidence to meet the demands of riders in all conditions and terrains. Learn more at https://www.michelinman.com/motorcycle/
Most Likely is such a banger that our friends at Michelin have jumped on board! So, go buy some new tires for your entire lineup!
Each week, Slaw, Troy, and sometimes Denny Stephenson, (and sometimes Cade Clason) will come up with some topics and then list the riders most likely to accomplish those feats. Hence the title “Most Likely”. Most would call us beautiful minds.
This week we’re taking a closer look at the new Triumph 250 lineup of riders that was just announced. The squad includes Jalek Swoll, Jordon Smith, Stilez Robertson, and Austin Forkner. It’s a bountiful list that is capable of giving the Triumph team a whole bunch of milestones. Let’s break it down further.
Which rider is most likely to bring home a championship in 2025?
Troy Dog: It would be such an incredible story to have Triumph win a championship in their second season, but I don’t foresee that happening. New teams have so much going against them and so much to figure out. Triumph has done everything by the book so far, so maybe it’s not totally crazy if they did? If I have to pick someone, I’ll go with Jordon Smith, I thought he may have had the growth that Christian Craig did at Star when he won his championship. Maybe the move for Triumph will be the missing ingredient.
Slaw: Forkner. Look, I know the injury stuff, but man, he was the best dude for a few rounds earlier this year. If, and its a big if, he can stay healthy, I think he could pull off a long-deserved championship.
Which rider will most likely get the most podiums?
Troy Dog: Again, I’m going with our veteran guy here: Jordon Smith. I’m really high on Smitty’s capabilities for 2025 and I think that this fresh start is going to do a lot for his program. He’s coming off of one of his most consistent years ever. Next year he’s going to be on the podium more often than not…at least indoors.
Slaw: Forkner. To win the title you have to have a lot of podiums.
Which rider is most likely going to have the most successful rebuilding year?
Troy Dog: So, obviously this comes down to Austin Forkner and Stilez Robertson. I mean absolutely no offense when I say this, but I have absolutely zero expectations for Forkner next season. Forkner had one of the most scariest crashes that I’ve ever seen in the history of the sport last year. Then he had to have brain surgery on top of that. It’s a miracle that he even wants to continue racing at this point.
I’ll pick Stilez Robertson for the comeback kid award. Stilez wasn’t able to show what he was capable with at Monster Energy/Star Racing Yamaha the past two seasons, although he did show potential with a podium in Supercross in 2023. I say Robertson bounces back in a big way and proves a lot of people wrong this year.
Slaw: Ummm… Forkner again. If he wins the title, it will be an amazing comeback story.
Which rider will most likely be the most consistent?
Troy Dog: Believe it or not, our boy Jalek Swoll had the most consistent year of his career in 2024. I believe that he will continue to build off of his stellar year and continue to fight for the 3-5 spot every weekend inside and out.
Slaw: Going with Swoll here as well. He had a banger year that I don’t think got talked about enough. Another year with the team and the bike improvements likely to be made, it could be a career year for the veteran in 2025.
Which rider is most likely going to get the most wins in Supercross?
Troy Dog: Any other year, I’d say that Austin Forkner would be the man for this, but in 2024 it’s going to be Jordon Smith getting the most wins out of this group.
Slaw. See above…. Forkner.
Main Image: Triumph Racing
