Industry Seating Podcast Summary EP 185: Off Week Release Date: August 4, 2024
Host: Jason Thomas

1. Introduction

In EP 185 of Industry Seating, titled "Off Week," host Jason Thomas provides listeners with an in-depth look behind the scenes of the professional supercross and motocross racing world. This episode, released on August 4, 2024, delves into Jason's personal experiences during a rare off week, industry events, and insightful analyses of recent races and rider performances.

2. Embracing the Off Week

Jason opens the episode by discussing the significance of the current off week for the motocross community. He notes, “It's been an off week and really two right the second consecutive weekend off and it's a godsend for riders and the pro mechanics and everybody that's on the road all the time. If you did not have to go to a Reddit winds man, you really, really probably leaned into some of this off time” (00:03:00). This break provides much-needed rest and recovery for riders and teams, highlighting the demanding nature of the racing season.

3. Personal Travels and Events

Jason shares a whirlwind of recent travels, emphasizing the depth and breadth of his involvement in the motocross scene:

• Spring Creek and Mexico: He attended the Spring Creek race around July 13th and took a brief trip to Mexico for a mini-vacation, spending Sunday night through Tuesday there.

• Portland International Raceway (PIR): Jason details the successful 2025 Fly Racing launch event held at PIR, which coincided with a Thursday night motocross event. “The turnout was incredible. We did a ton of unique content, videos with all the media outlets,” he states (00:10:15). This strategic timing allowed Fly Racing to stand out amid the busy racing news cycle.

• Europe Trip: Leaving for Amsterdam on Tuesday, Jason attended the WAML GP and engaged in multiple meetings with GP teams, riders, and staff. He highlights the productive nature of these interactions, focusing on team signings, rider acquisitions, and commercial negotiations.

• Loretta Lynn’s and SMX Insider Filming: Returning to the U.S., Jason flew to Seattle and then Nashville to film SMX Insider at Loretta Lynn’s, despite battling severe jet lag and exhaustion. Reflecting on this, he mentions, “I genuinely love it. And I don’t think it's like my calling, I don't even know what that means really, but it feels in my heart like that” (00:18:45).

4. Overcoming Travel Challenges

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the unexpected challenges faced due to a massive cybersecurity outage:

• CrowdStrike and Microsoft Glitch: Jason recounts how an unplanned update from CrowdStrike, a leading cybersecurity firm, caused a widespread failure in Microsoft Windows systems. This led to severe disruptions, including flight cancellations and logistical nightmares. “All the people that were flying Delta, think about Deegans, Ricky Carmichael… everyone was affected,” he explains (00:07:30).

• Impact on Race Participation: This outage nearly prevented key team members from reaching Washougal, including Deegan, the points leader. The situation escalated to the point where a private jet had to be rented at exorbitant costs to ensure their arrival. Jason shares the tension felt within the broadcast team: “I was the only member of the broadcast team that looked like they were going to make it to the race” (00:09:00). Fortunately, all essential personnel managed to attend, averting a potential disaster.

5. Insights on Recent Races

MX2 Class Showdown: Kaido Wolf vs. Lucas Koonin

Jason provides a thorough analysis of the ongoing rivalry in the MX2 class:

• Performance Dynamics: He observes, “There is this kind of quiet war between Lucas Koonin and Kaido Wolf. They desperately want to beat each other” (00:20:10). Kaido Wolf has been outpacing Koonin by consistently capitalizing on points, creating significant gaps in the championship standings.

• Rider Strategies: Jason advises Koonin to focus on consistency and reducing crashes to remain competitive. “You need to be your best, but you also need consistency to be a real title threat,” he emphasizes (00:22:50).

• Future Prospects: Looking ahead, Jason is optimistic about Koonin's potential to overcome current challenges and mount a serious title bid.

MXGP Class Highlights: Jeffrey Herlings and Tim Geyser

In the MXGP class, Jason highlights Jeffrey Herlings’ extraordinary performance:

• Dominant Racing: “He is the best sand rider I think that's ever lived,” Jason proclaims, praising Herlings' ability to dominate races and build substantial leads (00:24:30).

• Competition Analysis: He contrasts Herlings with Tim Geyser, noting Geyser’s struggles in sand racing due to his background and experience. Jason points out, “He’s not riding in the sand every single day of his life… sand is not his prowess” (00:26:00).

• Championship Implications: Jason discusses the challenges Geyser faces in maintaining consistency, which is crucial for a title run, while Herlings continues to set a high standard in the sport.

6. Loretta Lynn’s Festival Reflections

Jason reflects on his return to Loretta Lynn’s, one of the premier events in American motocross:

• Event Atmosphere: “That race and event is freaking awesome,” he states candidly (00:32:10), despite the extreme heat and his personal discomfort from jet lag.

• Rising Stars: He discusses emerging talents like Drew Adams, Parker Ross, and Cole Davies, highlighting their potential to make significant impacts as they transition to pro ranks.

• Economic Considerations: Addressing the high costs associated with attending Loretta’s, Jason acknowledges the financial strain but reaffirms the event's irreplaceable value. “The memories that are made, the… I never forget those days,” he shares nostalgically (00:34:00).

7. Broadcasting Passion and Future Goals

A recurring theme in the episode is Jason’s deep passion for motocross broadcasting:

• Personal Fulfillment: “I genuinely love it,” Jason confesses, discussing his aspirations to elevate motocross broadcasting to rival mainstream sports’ presentation (00:15:00).

• Quality of Interviews: He highlights interview talent, mentioning, “AP is still awesome. For all those wondering, he is still the best Interview. He might be the best interview in sports” (00:21:00).

• Vision for the Sport: Jason envisions making motocross more mainstream by enhancing viewer engagement and understanding. “If you could convince them to put gear on, go to a track and try to ride, and you could do that for everybody in America, I think our ratings would explode” (00:28:00).

8. Supporting the Community and Sponsors

Throughout the episode, Jason expresses gratitude towards his sponsors and the motocross community:

• Sponsor Acknowledgments: He thanks sponsors like Pirelli Tires, Guts Racing, Plum Creek Funding, and others, emphasizing their crucial role in sustaining the podcast and industry events.

• Community Support: Jason praises colleagues and industry figures, reinforcing the tight-knit nature of the motocross community and the collaborative efforts that drive the sport forward.

9. Closing Thoughts and Future Events

Jason wraps up the episode by teasing upcoming events and expressing optimism for the future:

• Unadilla Preview: Looking ahead to the event at Unadilla, he anticipates an exciting bounce back and expresses hope that riders like Hunter Lawrence will regain their form.

• Continued Engagement: He encourages listeners to stay tuned for more insights and coverage in the next episode, promising continued in-depth analysis and industry updates.

Notable Quotes

• On the Significance of the Off Week:
  “It's been an off week and really two right the second consecutive weekend off and it's a godsend for riders and the pro mechanics and everybody that's on the road all the time.” (00:03:00)

• On Overcoming Travel Challenges:
  “I was the only member of the broadcast team that looked like they were going to make it to the race.” (00:09:00)

• On Jeffrey Herlings’ Dominance:
  “He is the best sand rider I think that's ever lived.” (00:24:30)

• On Broadcasting Passion:
  “I genuinely love it. And I don’t think it's like my calling… it feels in my heart like that, like this is what I'm supposed to be doing.” (00:15:00)

• On Making Motocross Mainstream:
  “If you could convince them to put gear on, go to a track and try to ride, and you could do that for everybody in America, I think our ratings would explode.” (00:28:00)

Conclusion

EP 185: "Off Week" offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the motocross industry's current landscape, enriched by Jason Thomas's personal anecdotes and expert analyses. From navigating unexpected challenges to celebrating rider achievements and envisioning the sport's future, this episode serves as a valuable resource for both dedicated fans and newcomers seeking to understand the dynamic world of professional motocross racing.