WadeRaynor
We are back! Week two of the Vurb Roundup. That’s right, we have an official name for this column now. After each race, I am going to do my best to highlight a few things that I thought were worth mentioning accompanied with videos from various social media platforms.
Since Slaw refused to fly me to Tampa, I had to watch the race from my couch. He said something about me not being a real journalist. Hopefully, when Slaw realizes I’m an elite member of the media, he will send me to the races. Until then, here are my notable observations from the couch.
A New Era Is Beginning
I do my best not to jump on the “Haiden Deegan Hype Train.” I want to remain unbiased when I film these guys, but this is my second post about Haiden in two weeks. I think it’s safe to say I have bought my ticket for the “Haiden Hype Train” (HHT for short).
We here at Vurbmoto have been filming Deegan at every amateur national from Daytona to Mini O’s and everything in between. Unless you have lived under a rock the last few years, you have likely seen the coverage. Deegan got his first heat race win this weekend in Tampa in impressive fashion. He backed up it up with another fourth-place finish in the main, making it two fourth place finishes in a row. I really feel we will see Haiden land on the podium in the next two East Region rounds. He’s been impressive and consistent in both outings. When he lands on the podium this season, the Internet might just explode. All aboard the HHT.
Our buddy Stephen Erikson (@eriksonmedia) of Convrg Media (@convergmedia) got this killer shot of Haiden crossing the line for his first heat race win.
The LCQ Is Almost Always One of the Best Races of the Night
To be fair, this is not a groundbreaking take by any means. But I think it has been true for almost every race this season so far. I am sure PulpMX Fantasy helps with the excitement, but either way, these guys are willing to risk it all to qualify. I picked Devin Simonson this week, so the last turn move he put on Marshal Weltin had me yelling at the TV while everyone else in the room stared at me. Unfortunately, Fast Freddie Noren had a few mishaps and I ended up with only 7 of 8 riders…. along with everyone else it seems.
Cooper Webb Channeled His Inner Ryan Dungey
When you think of Ryan Dungey, what do you think of? One word: consistency. A multi-time champion and the man who always put himself in the right place at the right time. Which is exactly what Cooper Webb did. Webb got a great start and had Chase Sexton right where he wanted him. As soon as Chase made a mistake, Webb was there to take advantage and get the win. Whenever Cooper Webb is in a title fight, it makes everything that much more interesting.
@FilmGuyTom with the heat as always.
I Love Sand
This is going to be a very unpopular opinion with a lot of people including the riders. Sand on a Supercross track makes for a gnarly obstacle for the riders, but for those of us with a camera, it makes for some amazing shots. I will let these photos from @j_reedphotos speak for themselves and prove my point.
Hunter is Definitely a Fan of Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift
In one of the most impressive rides I can remember, Hunter Lawrence got it done. While Nate Thrasher, who led the entire race until the last turn, rode an amazing race it was Lawrence who stole the show. I am gutted for Nate because that was a great ride and he did everything he could to hold Hunter off. Unfortunately for Nate Dog, Hunter slid himself in to take the win. Literally. Even though Thrasher was on the very inside, Hunter was able to slide his rear wheel perfectly to put himself in position to block Thrasher’s line to the finish. Once again Hunter showed us why he is the top dog on the East Coast.
Aaron Plessinger Got That Whoop Speed
It is safe to say that Aaron Plessinger is back. His results have been trending in the right direction and I am happy to see it. AP is one of the sports best personalities so anytime we get to see that man on the podium is a win in my book. One of the things that caught my eye in Tampa was his whoop speed. AP passed Eli Tomac straight up in the whoops and never looked back. Maybe the weather helped, maybe it didn’t. Either way, AP was impressive in Tampa and I hope to see him back ion the podium this season.
Closing Thoughts…
The booth with Jason Weigandt, James Stewart and Daniel Blair was amazing.
Had Jason Anderson not tangled with Justin Barcia, he would have won. JA was impressive all day and I truly believe he had the speed to take the win.
That is going to do it for the Roundup this week. The series heads back West for Round 6 that is really Round 2…. I have lost track at this point. Regardless, it means everyone on the East Coast has to stay up late to watch the race again, so I am not too happy about that. See you next time.
Main image: Jessica Reed
