A1 Review: Jett Makes stacked field look like a piece of cake (or donuts)
After months of anticipation, hype, and countless “he was flying at the test track” rumors, the gates finally dropped in Anaheim to start the 2024 Supercross season. There was no shortage of drama from the premiere class, which was expected after being hailed as the “most stacked class” in recent years. I mean, 15 riders were on hand for the media day press conference in the 450 class. That number ensures we’ll have eventful riding in this class all year.
It’s almost become a requirement to be a 250 Regional Supercross or Motocross Champion to enter the 450 class nowadays. Whether that’s intentional or just how the sport is evolving, it leaves no shortage of depth for the main event. With that in mind, you’d think this is the year we could see five, six, and possibly even more riders winning a race in the series.
If A1 is any indication, the depth might be playing second fiddle to an Aussie savant for the foreseeable future. In his first 450SX race, Jett Lawrence made history by becoming the first rider to win their premier class debut. No small feat, regardless of what the rider accomplished beforehand. Going bar to bar with past champions like Cooper Webb, Jason Anderson, and Eli Tomac, beating them, and doing so in a dominant fashion is becoming all too common on the resume of the young rider.
The pastry-loving HRC man looked to be from another planet, with a 7.188-second gap in his main event victory. As we all know, Anaheim 1 is never a great barometer of how the season will conclude. Rarely does the opening-round winner go on to secure the final victory come May. However, there’s no denying that Lawrence is changing this class's landscape moving forward.
As for the rest of the field, here are some notes on their A1 weekend.
Jason Anderson seems to have recaptured his championship form, appearing to be the only person to hang with Jett in the main event. With a recent switch in training programs (John Wessling with Troll Training), perhaps guys like Anderson are proving that 30 is the new 25 in the sport.
Speaking of past champions, Cooper Webb continues to carry on the “gamer” reputation that has followed him throughout his 450 career. The ever-sluggish qualifier rarely disappoints come gate drop, proving to be one of two riders to get the better of Jett Lawrence in a race this weekend. As winner of the 2nd Heat race, Webb was well positioned to end his night on the podium. Unfortunately, a mid-race tumble denied Webb such an honor, resulting in a 6th place finish. Regardless, Webb has proven that the reunion with Star Racing Yamaha will pay dividends, possibly resulting in the guy primed to track down Lawrence come Salt Lake City. It’s time to cue the Jaws music because Webb will be after the field all year.
The Red Bull KTM duo started their season with strong performances, with Sexton and Plessinger finishing 3rd and 4th, respectively. Despite the rocky adjustment to his KTM marriage, Sexton looks well-positioned and ready to defend his championship.
Speaking of new marriages, kudos to Dylan Ferrandis for having a strong finish with his new steed under the Phoenix Racing Honda tent. The Frenchman has long been rumored to want a red ride, and he delivered in his first race with the new manufacturer. I don’t know if I’d classify him as a title contender, but from what we’ve seen, Ferrandis has found a nice home with the Phoenix Racing Honda team.
It was a tough night for some long-time contenders. Tomac (9th) and Roczen (10th) didn’t have the finishes they wanted, but the season has just begun. Despite the disappointing finishes, it’s too early to write off these two for future podiums and main-event wins. The sport is better when these two are on their A-game, and with Tomac returning from a serious injury, it’s only fair to be patient with him. I do not doubt that he’ll regain some of his old speed. He wouldn’t have returned if he didn’t think he could win again. The proverbial hole might be dug for his title chances, but make no mistake, Eli Tomac will find a way toward the top step again at some point this season.
Bummer for Beta. As the newest manufacturer in the pits, many eyes were anxious to see how the new factory team would fare. Unfortunately, a pre-season injury derailed Colt Nichols’ debut on the new bike, leaving Benny Bloss as the sole rider under the tent. Bloss could not qualify for the main event, ending the team’s night early. Growing pains are to be expected with any new manufacturer entering the sport and hopefully, this is a rare low point for the Beta Squad.
250 Roundup
As for the 250 class, here are my notes from A1.
Hungry Hampshire. There’s no denying that RJ Hampshire is a man on a mission this season. The 27-year-old is bound and determined to capture his first professional title, battling seasoned vet Jordon Smith for the main event win. It would appear that the veterans have the edge in this class, as Hampshire, Smith, Shimoda, and Kitchen are all in the mix for the West Coast regional title.
Speaking of Shimoda, it’s hard to classify his night, one way or another. After returning to Honda from his stint at Pro Circuit Kawasaki, there were a lot of expectations placed on the young Japanese rider. With Hunter Lawrence moving up to the 450 class, all eyes were on Jo as Honda’s lead man in the lite’s class. Despite the 4th place finish, his start initially buried him amongst the pack. If Jo wants to be a title contender moving forward, he must improve his starts. I trust that Shimoda will contend for this and other 250 titles down the road, but he needs to get off the gate (no pun intended) much quicker if he’s ever going to stand on the top step permanently.
Look at the rookie! Bravo to Beaumer (Julien Beaumer) for a promising start to his pro career. The KTM rider looked like a seasoned vet, with strong starts and decent pacing throughout the race. While I’m sure he wasn’t happy with a 6th place finish (and getting passed by multiple vets, along the way), he has to hold his head high going forward. He made a nice first impression, and with strong backing from the Harrison/De Coster-led unit, I’m sure that Beaumer will be a guy to watch in the near future.
That’s all I got from A1. There’s plenty more to discuss, but that’s where I’ll wrap up for today. Stay tuned for future updates after every round!
