Top Storylines Entering 2025 San Diego Supercross

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We are down a round! The Monster Energy Supercross season continues its California swing with a visit to San Diego this Saturday and in this edition of Most Likely, we examine some key talking points. Like, will Jett and Hunter bounce back? Is Hill for real? Can can the old dogs continue their form this weekend?

Read on…

Are Jett and Hunter most likely to bounce back in SD?

Wes: Of all the things that are most likely to happen, this has to be it. We know where these guys belong—and so do they. Bike issues or not. Mental issues or not. There’s absolutely zero chance these guys won’t improve their performances from A1. The cobwebs are dusted off, and from the stats I’ve seen this week, both still have a shot at the championship despite their 11th and 12th-place finishes last week.

Slaw: Easy answer: yes. Moving on…

Are Kenny and Anderson most likely to repeat their A1 performances?

Wes: Our old friend Andrew Campo texted me before A1 and said Slaw Dog was sleeping HARRRD on Ando. I had a gut feeling myself that a nearly silent Ken Roczen was worrisome for the field as well. So, it’s not surprising that my inner thoughts helped them achieve the success they found at A1. Can they keep it going? I’m voting “hell yes,” because if they do, the next 15 rounds after San Diego are only going to get hotter. The field is absolutely STACKED, and if these guys keep it up, it means everyone else will be that much more pissed off.

Slaw: Ehh…. I don’t have them on the podium this weekend if that’s what we’re asking. Tomac will be in the mix. Webb too. And Jett and Hunter will certainly be better (see my long winded answer above). Does that mean Kenny and Ando won’t be great? No, no it does not. This field is just crazy good and you have to be riding at 10000000% to get on the podium week-in and week-out. Top fives? Sure. Podiums? No.

Is Justin Hill most likely to secure another top 10?

Wes: Yes, yes, and more yes. We might’ve been rooting harder for Ju. Hill during last weekend’s main event than anyone else. Now, he’s got the confidence. We know he’s got the speed. The dude ain’t going nowhere.

Slaw: Hill is the biggest enigma in the sport. He could podium this weekend or not make the main… I would not be shocked by either. Throw away Hill’s 2024 season, as he was dealing with a back injury and never showed that “Hill” speed we have all grown to love. So, let’s go back to 2023, where he had eight top 10 finishes and ended the season with results of 5-4-3. THAT is the Justin Hill we know. I see 2025 more like the Justin Hill of 2023, not 2024. So, I have him for another top 10 this weekend. Why not?

Is Deegan most likely to win this weekend?

Wes: The problem for Deegan is EVERYONE wants to beat him. Unfortunately, when you’re the star of the class, that’s how it goes. If he gets the start, good luck, everyone. If he doesn’t, I can see another tumultuous round for Deegs, simply because his temperament doesn’t seem overly dramatic this year. He knows how the 250 class rolls, and he knows he’s got a long way to go. He’s going to be patient. So, is he most likely to win this weekend? Probably, but against my better judgment, I don’t think he’ll take the win until next weekend at A2

Slaw: I’m still on the Deegan wins the title train. Not having to deal with Austin Forkner and Levi Kitchen only solidified my thoughts on this. I LOVED that Jo Shimoda finally showed up early in the season. That was massive, not only for his own confidence, but to get a gap on Deegan early in the year.

JuJu Beaumer and Ryder D are still in the “show me” portion of their careers. They need to prove they can be consistent over the course of the season to show me they can contend for a title.

I don’t know about Jordon Smith. He just hasn’t shown he’s consistent enough. With that said, I think this title comes down to Jo and Deegan, with the edge going to Deegan. Oh, and to answer the question, yes, he wins San Diego.

Are JuJu and Ryder D most likely to repeat their A1 performances?

Wes: Whoever wrote this knows Ryder D finished fourth, right? I can definitely see him staying in that position for this weekend while the other spots really shake up. Between Jo, Julian, Jordon, and Haiden, spots 1-3 are going to look very different. Does that mean JuJu gets his first win? Yes, yes, it does. I see it going JuJu, Deegan, Smith, DiFrancesco, Shimoda.

Slaw: Well, if Wes was a Capital J and previous nominee for the AMA Media Member of the Year award like myself, he would know that Ryder D’s best finish last year was 8th and that he only had four top 10s. Alas, he’s not and why he doesn’t get to write these questions.

As usual, I was way ahead of the Ryder D hype. I had him as my “most likely” rider to breakout in 2025. Take notes, AMA, I want that award. Anyway, I think Ryder will stay around that top five range… for now. Working with Davi Millsaps might just be the secret sauce he needed to get back to his old self. We shall see.

I was stunned at the ride JuJu put in. Did I think he would be better in year two? Sure. Did I think he would finish second at the opener? No. Like I mentioned above, these two are still in the “show me” portion of their careers, so I’ll be curious what they do this weekend. For now, no, I don’t think JuJu will podium in SD.

Is Cole Davies most likely to repeat his A1 ride?

Wes: He proved he can start. He proved he’s fast as hell. He proved he belongs. I think what that does mentally for the freshman Cole Davies is what matters most. So, it’s only up from here. I’m going to say he not only repeats his debut success, but improves upon it by one position.

Slaw: If Daniel Blair liked him enough to sign him and if Bobby Regan and Star liked him enough to steal him away and then let him turn pro at Anaheim 1, then I’m onboard the Davies train. Not only did he finish top 10 in his first pro race, he came from way back to do it. To me, that showed me more than anything. A rookie, with the hype of A1 and to put in THAT ride, mind blown. I think he’s a threat to win very soon…