Troy Dog
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Welcome to a new weekly segment called “The Underrated”. Let’s face it, the Pro Motocross Championship basically has four hours worth of racing and 40 riders in each class. Riders can easily get lost in all of this. So, in this column we’re going to highlight some guys who may have been passed over on the results sheet.
Also, I’m sure I’ll miss a few riders along the way. Just know that it wasn’t on purpose. Feel free to add them in the comments below!
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250MX
Chance Hymas 2-4//4th Overall
I suppose I just need to accept that this will be the new norm for Hymas. He’s elevated himself to that next level and he is a podium guy now. He’s oh-so-close to his first overall podium. He tied Levi Kitchen for third overall this weekend, but Kitchen had the tie-breaker due to his 3-3 finishes.
Ty Masterpool 6-11//8th Overall
Progress was made this week for Ty Masterpool and I don’t think we’re actually going to see what he’s made of until RedBud. Until then he’s going to keep progressing on his new PC ride. This weekend was much better for him and he was up front in the battle testing the waters out.
Casey Cochran 12-12//10th Overall
It’s always cool to see the new guys take some big leaps in progress, which is exactly what Cochran did at Hangtown. He put in two really amazing qualifying laps and he took the pole position. He had some good luck on his hands taking a 12-12 to a top ten finish, but it still counts. Cochran is learning quickly.
Mark Fineis 33-13//18th Overall
Fineis had a mechanical issue in the first moto, however that 13th in the second moto is what stands out to me. In Motos that Fineis has finished this season, he’s gone 14-11-13. He’s found his pace inside of the top fifteen early in his career and now he’s going to learn how to progress as we start heading East.
450MX
Justin Cooper 4-3//4th Overall
On any other normal day this 4-3 would have been a podium finish overall. Yet, this is a classic Justin Cooper finish. Cooper was amazing all day at Hangtown, but perhaps he was overshadowed by the Jett Lawrence crash, Chase Sexton charge from the back, and Aaron Plessinger out front. Either way he also grabbed the second Moto holeshot and had himself a day.
Freddie Noren 9-10//9th Overall
Freddie is going to Freddie. We’re two nationals into the season and Noren already is sitting tenth in points. Some of his best tracks are coming up as well. These results obviously aren’t shocking me as Noren has been riding like this for over ten plus years, but it’s always great to see the nicest athlete in the sport succeed.
Grant Harlan 11-12//11th Overall
Har Dog and I have mutually agreed to split ways for now, hence the reason you don’t see any Squad logos on his helmet. We had a great run and accomplished a lot of cool things along the way. He’s just a top guy when it comes to outdoors now. This was perfect redemption from his huge first turn crash here last year. He’ll be back within the top ten overall very soon and Thunder Valley is home to some of his best results.
Harri Kullas 15-13//13th Overall
Kullas raced three nationals last year for Yamaha and went 6-12-10 at Unadilla, Budds Creek, and Ironman. He showed up on a KTM at Hangtown and picked back up where he left off. He’s been racing in Brazil, so he has a race there next wekkend, but he will be back for High Point.
Derek Kelley 13-15//14th Overall
In just two races back from injury, DK has been impressive. He’s found his spot here in the 450 class and he’s only going to learn and get better and stronger from here. One thing that has stood out to me is that he’s feeling very comfortable because he’s back to throwing down some heaters consistently in practice.
Justin Hill 16-14//15th Overall
Hill raced the first two rounds to secure some more SMX points. I’d assume that he isn’t going to race all of these, but he may do a couple more, especially Washougal.
Main Image: Octopi Media
