Most Likely: 250 East Title Chase | Who’s In the Fight, Who Will Play Spoiler and More

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Things are heating up in the respective title chases in 450SX and the 250SX East Division. Over the next two days, our “Most Likely” feature series will dive deep into the title scenarios unfolding across both classes. Who’s in the fight? Who’s fading? And who could play spoiler?

Who’s in the Chase

Seth Hammaker | Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki | 142 pts

RJ Hampshire | Rockstar Energy Husqvarna | 139 pts

Tom Vialle | Red Bull KTM | 135 pts

With just two rounds remaining (this Saturday in Pittsburgh and the East/West Showdown in Salt Lake City) three riders are separated by just seven points. Hammaker faces off against the past two 250SX champions (Hampshire West/Vialle East) with his “home” race this weekend.

Who’s Most Likely to Win the Title?

All three title contenders have a lot to overcome over the course of the next two races. RJ is still battling his wrist injury, Hammaker is battling the PC curse and Vialle is battling back from a 22nd in Foxborough.

While Vialle and RJ have the experience, I’m going Hammaker. He’s coming off his second win of the season in East Rutherford, he’s back in his home state this weekend and has a small gap which will be valuable when the East meets West in Salt Lake City at the season finale. I do have the right to change my mind after this weekend, but for now, I’m going Ham Dog.

Who’s Most Likely to Play Spoiler? 

Cole Davies. This kid is on fire right now and in Salt Lake City, he and Haiden Deegan will be up front and putting a lot of space between the trio from the East. If we are talking about this weekend, I’ll go with Chance Hymas. He’s a bit banged up, but if anyone can get between these three, it’s the Idaho native.

Who’s Most Likely to Win the Next Two Races?

None of the three. As mentioned above, they will have to deal with both Davies and Deegan (and more) in SLC. I think Hammaker takes his “home” race this weekend to put himself up six or more points heading into the finale and then seals the deal with a fourth in SLC. Stamp it.

Images: @octopi.media