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This edition of T-Dog’s Takes, presented by Yamaha, (because I’m cool and have OEM sponsorship) is going to be short and sweet. Also, please note that because this column is sponsored by Yamaha, that they did NOT pay me to say this. I came up with this content on my own because that’s my job.
You’re welcome.
Nate Thrasher is going to contend for the 250SX West Region title by season’s end.
After an eventful season opener at Anaheim 1, where he took a medic mule ride off of the track, to the 18th at San Francisco, this season didn’t start out the way he had planned. However, a massive W in San Diego and a 3rd at Anaheim 2 have put him back on track.
Some of us, meaning probably just me, are forecasting that he will thrash his way back into the title hunt. He currently sits 8th is points and 34 out of first. We’ve got six races left to go and two of those are East/West Showdowns. Thrasher is playing the role of dark horse the rest of the season. He has the speed and skill to go on a win streak. Heck, he was a favorite to win this title when the season started, so now he has nothing to lose and everything to win.
When you look at the track record of Jordon Smith and RJ Hampshire, their consistency over their careers hasn’t been the greatest. You can jump on me for saying that. I understand that this is potentially a new era of RJ and Jordon, so maybe this isn’t an issue. However, RJ had two 11ths last year that should have been podiums and Jordon missed a main event completely. If those two do that this year, then that’s a certified way for Thrasher to gain traction in the standings.
The most difficult part of this comeback for Thrasher is that he has to deal with the consistency of Levi Kitchen. Unless something truly happens to the Chef, he’s usually spot on within the top five. In fact, he’s only finished outside of the top ten three times in his supercross career. Kitchen also went into this small break on a high after his Triple Crown win at Anaheim 2. If he stays consistent it will be tough to jump over him in the standings.
This title is going to come down to Smith, Hampshire, Kitchen, or Thrasher. I’m not here to call which one it will be quite yet as I haven’t seen enough trends in the racing so far. The mud races and Triple Crown definitely set the series on a different path this year, but it’s been incredible racing for all of us watching.
All I’m saying is that Thrasher could go on a win streak here soon and set himself up with an outside shot at this championship.
Crazier things have happened.
Main Image: Octopi Media
