Slaw Dog
Following a nearly 88 percent pick rate over the first six rounds, I’m here to bring you the most flame, fire, fuego, feu, Пожар predictions for the seventh round of Monster Energy Supercross in Minneapolis.
NONE of this would be possible without the folks at FLY Racing, who have stepped in to support Slaw and #slawnation couldn’t be happier. Visit www.flyracing.com and support those who support Slaw.
As always, we will first review my predictions from the last round in Anaheim 3…
Prediction | We Need to Talk About Derek Kelly
To me, Derek Kelly has not been getting his due this year. Over the last three rounds he’s gone 12-10-11. Pretty damn solid if you ask Slaw. I think Kelly continues his strong start to the season with a second top 10.
Look, let’s call a spade a spade here: the West Region is missing some talented dudes due to injury and the whoops took out about half the field at A3. But guess what? None of that matters, because Kelly is thriving in his third pro year. He has two top 10s already this year. You know how many he had in the prior two years? Zero. His eighth at Anaheim 3 was a career high. Listen to Slaw, get smarter. It’s science, people.
Slawdiciton: 10 out of 10.
Prediction | AP Finds His Form
It’s been a rough few rounds for AP since his podium in Oakland. That stops this weekend, as AP scores AT LEAST a top five.
Okay, okay, maybe DON’T listen to Slaw on this one. Not sure what’s happened to AP since his podium but he hasn’t been the same.
Slawdiction: 0 out of 10.
Prediction | Hunter Continues Podium Streak
Hunter Lawrence has been the model of consistency in the 250SX West Region, scoring a podium finish at all five rounds. Following his win last weekend, he’s only eighth points back of Craig in the championship. A win would go a long way this weekend. Will it happen? Not sure. What will happen is another podium. LEAD SLAW LOCK OF THE WEEK.
Just gonna leave this here… Luckily Huntah is all good.
Slawdiction: 0 out of 10.
Prediction | Feeling Sexy
I don’t know, something in my bun just tells me Chase Sexton is going to come out firing this weekend and get his second win of the season. Sometimes you just gotta trust your bun.
Yeah, see what had happened was…
Slawdiction: 0 out of 10.
Prediction | Chiz Will Chiz
We all know what this means. And yes, it will happen for a 500th consecutive time this weekend.
The year is 2029, Kyle Chisholm is like 48 years old and still Chizzing all over the field.
Slawdiction: 100 out of 10.
On to frigid Minneapolis we go….
Hunter’s Brother Wins The East Region Opener
Jett Lawrence was scheduled to ride the 250SX West Region, but that got thrown out the door when he had a big crash and sustained a rib injury prior to Anaheim 1. Well, Jett says it was actually a GOOD thing.
“The biggest thing is I just peaked way too early, even too early before West Coast started. I think that little hiccup [rib injury] there was actually good, it kind of whipped me back into line a little bit. I was feeling like superman a bit and it was a reminder, hey, slow down, just put your laps in and don’t do anything crazy. I’m really excited to race, feels like forever since outdoors. I’m excited to get out there with some fast boys.”
Yep, I’m loving his attitude coming into the opener and I think he fires first.
Forker Gets His Mojo Back
Austin Forkner coulda, shoulda, woulda already had a title or even two by now. Injuries have cost him dearly the last few years, but I think he bounces back in 2022. Forkner said 2022 will be his last year in the 250 Class, but that he’s not even feeling any pressure.
“Actually this year, it’s my last year in the 250 Class so I feel like I should have a lot of pressure on me this year, but I don’t feel a lot of pressure,” he says. “I just don’t. I don’t know if that’s because I’ve gotten hurt really bad, I’ve blown multiple championships…. then outdoors was just a horrible 12 rounds. I feel like I’ve gone through some stuff and I’m coming into this year not feeling a lot of pressure. Usually coming into the first race by now I’m already starting to feel nervous and stuff. But right now I’m just excited.”
I’m liking a podium for Austin this weekend.
Martin Podiums
Jeremy Martin’s 2021 Monster Energy Supercross campaign lasted all of one corner, as he got landed on, hurt his shoulder and missed the entire year. Look, we all know the Star bike is probably the best in the class, so I’m liking J-Mart in his return to the squad in year two.
“I guess my perspective is a little bit different now. I think my best finish in a supercross series is third. So, you’ve got to climb the mountain, right? That’s nine rounds. So I’m not going to get ahead of myself. There’re a lot of fast guys in the class and they’re all going to be ready on Saturday. The biggest thing for me is to not be my worst enemy.”
Loving him for a podium at the opener.
Webb Gets His Mojo Back
Yep, it’s been a TERRIBLE couple rounds for the defending champion. BUT, we are moving to the East Coast, where I personally feel Cooper Webb is better. He gets back on track this weekend with AT LEAST a top five finish.
Steve Matthes Wears Cargos in Frigid Temps
This weekend is a day race. The temps are supposed to be like minus 3 for track walk. None of that matters to Steve Matthes, he of PulpMX Hockey fame, as he wears cargo shorts and flip flops.
Main image: Kawasaki
