Rookie Report: Indianapolis

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Rookie report, it’s back! I thought I was bringing this new great idea to the table. Then Troy said that Vurb did this 14 years ago, but to hell with that I’m taking over now. Each week I’m going to report on the rookies in the 250 class and give you a little insight on how the new guys are doing.

Daxton Bennick – Monster Energy / Star Racing Yamaha

Qualified – 9th

Mains – 11th / 15th / 4th

Overall – 10th

Grade – C

The standout rookie had such a good night going for himself, but mistakes in the first two mains made for a tough night. Small crashes would set Dax back, but he would finish the night with a fourth in the last main. Dax is still super young and learning from his mistakes every round. I think the small mistakes we see this year are more rookie mistakes and not anything someone should worry about. The more time he gets on a SX track, the more the competition should be worried.

Nick Romano – Monster Energy / Star Racing Yamaha

Qualified – 15th

Mains – 8th / 10th / 5th

Overall – 6th

Grade – A

By far the best race of Nick’s supercross season. He finally broke into the top ten and just missed the top five. I expected for Nick to struggle a bit on this super rutted, technical track and after qualifying he didn’t seem his normal speed. Racing was another story, when the gate dropped Romano rode super smooth, focused on the race ahead, and was able to keep it in the top ten each race. Romano finished right behind Dax in the third main of the night and it was super cool to see those guys celebrating with each other as soon as they crossed the line.

Preston Boesflug – Toyota of Redlands / Bar X Suzuki

Qualified – 34th

LCQ – 4th

Mains – 13th / DNF / DNS

Overall –

Grade – C

After coming off his best week of racing yet, Boesflug found himself sidelined again after a crash in the second main that would end his night. Preston seemed somewhat tense this weekend and maybe pushing himself a little harder than what he was ready for, but that’s part of the sport if you want to be up front. Preston went to Instagram to show everyone why he did not finish the night but will be ready after the break.

Trevor Colip – TI Lube Honda

Qualified – 16th

Mains – 18th / 20th / 17th

Overall – 18th

Grade – B

We haven’t seen Colip for a few weeks and I was unsure how he would ride this round with being off the bike as well as unsure of his current condition. Colip made sure he was going to be racing Indy as it’s his hometown race and for being away from the races he didn’t look too bad. He was able to qualify straight into the main and finish two out of the three mains. It was good to see him run up towards the top ten, but would tail off towards the end of the race. I’m going to say this is from just being off the bike. With a two week break coming up, hopefully this helps Colip get back to his full potential.

Bryce Shelly – DBD Racing

Qualified – 23rd

LCQ – 21st

Grade – C –

Bryce unfortunately found himself in the LCQ again and was competing for a transfer spot when another slip up cost him a potential spot to the main. This kid has the talent to make mains every week, but so far his supercross career has been plagued by bad luck in the LCQ.

Jorgen Talviku – CREO KTM

Qualified – 26th

LCQ – 6th

Grade – B

Jorgen had his first supercross main on lock until a small slip right before the last turn caused him to tip over and give up his spot. While this was a huge punch in the gut for Jorgen and his team, they should have nothing to be upset about. He continues to improve every week and become more competitive. Jorgen’s starts looked a lot better this week and helped him not have to fight from behind. I’ve said it every week and I’ll say it again, we will see Jorgen make CREO KTM’s first main ever this year.