Troy Dog
Notice that this column now has a sponsor? That’s right! Troy Dog joined the Blu Cru and you should too! I have one in my garage right now and I can’t wait to go shred it! Thank you to Yamaha for believing in my ELITE columns on this dirt bike website enough to sponsor me. What a dream come true! BTW: Have you seen the all-new YZ450F? OH. MY. GOODNESS. I can’t wait to test that bad boy.
The 250SX East Region is already getting ready to drop the gate this weekend in Houston. In looking at the pre-entry list I’m excited. I’m excited because of the lack of factory riders and supercross experience lining up.
In the past the East Region has been setup to be full of privateers and we’ve seen them shine in the results. The West often gets top heavy because of the importance of Anaheim 1 and SoCal races. While sometimes the East suffers because of injuries or overall lack of depth in the class.
This season I expect four riders to be in title contention. HRC Honda’s Hunter Lawrence, TLD/Red Bull/GasGas’ Michael Mosiman, Monster Energy/Star Racing Yamaha’s Nate Thrasher, and Muc-Off/FXR/ClubMX’s Jeremy Martin. Lawrence is a big favorite as his skills have progressed each year in SX. Mosiman has also drastically improved each year indoors and out. He no doubt has the speed to win this championship, but I worry about his consistency and ability to stay on two wheels. The same goes for J-Mart. I’m worried about his ability to make it through all of the rounds. No matter what he has the speed to win. Thrasher has won main events and if he can figure out his consistency then he will be a tough competitor.
I’ve picked out three sleepers that I think can get into the mix for podiums weekly. Fire Power Honda’s Max Anstie, Phoenix Honda’s Jace Owen, and Star Racing’s Jordon Smith.
Anstie has the speed to run up front and the ability to adapt to any circumstances thrown his way. He’ll finally get to show his speed on his new Honda. Owen is coming into his own in SX these days after making a name for himself in AX for many years. He told me that he didn’t take any time off during the offseason and he’s excited to be back with his Phoenix Honda team. I think that Owen is one of the most underrated riders in the pits and a podium is well within his reach.
RELATED: 250SX EAST REGION TEAM GUIDE
What about Jordon Smith? After years of injury riddled seasons he came back last year with the Fire Power Honda team and put in a very consistent year. Star picked him up in the off-season and now it’ll be interesting to see what he can do on the bike. Remember, Smith was in title contention at Las Vegas in 2017 before he had a huge crash that ultimately cost him the championship. I think that Smith can win again, I just need to see it to believe it.
Also, we have a new era of new talent coming into the class. Red Bull KTM has brought over two-time MX2 Champion Tom Vialle, Rockstar Husqvarna is bringing up rookie Talon Hawkins early to fill-in for Jalek Swoll, Star Racing has Haiden Deegan, who is ready to show his talents and HRC Honda is bringing in rookie Chance Hymas to get some experience. All of these riders are the next wave and are going to bring in a new era for the sport.
I’m excited for the East Region. It offers a lot of uncertainty and I think a lot of riders are going to get some of their career best finishes this season. Bring on Houston!
