Industry Seating Podcast - Episode 206: SX Wrap and MX Preview
Host: Jason Thomas
Release Date: May 18, 2025
Supercross Season Recap
Deegan's Championship Triumph
The episode opens with Jason Thomas delving into the recent Supercross season, highlighting the surprising yet impressive championship victory of Jeremy "Deegan" Deegan. Despite initial predictions favoring other contenders, Deegan clinched the title decisively.
"If you closed your eyes and you said, okay, I'm going to sleep, it's Saturday afternoon, I am one. Wake me up on the off weekend... Deegan won by 32 points, and that's all you knew, you'd be like, okay, yeah, that totally makes sense."
[Timestamp: 09:30]
Hayden's Dominance at Salt Lake
A significant moment discussed is Hayden's exceptional performance at Salt Lake, where he dominated the race, surpassing expectations and solidifying his reputation as a formidable competitor.
"Hayden dominated, right? Like that... We saw him smoke everybody anyway."
[Timestamp: 15:45]
RJ's Controversial Move and Seth Hammaker's Struggles
Jason provides an in-depth analysis of RJ's strategic maneuver during the championship, which involved forcing Seth Hammaker into a vulnerable position. This tactic, while controversial, was aimed at altering the championship's outcome.
"RJ's only recourse for winning the championship in that dynamic, the only way was for Seth to fall down. That was it."
[Timestamp: 25:10]
He emphasizes that Seth Hammaker's performance this season has been notably strong, making RJ's actions a point of contention among fans and commentators.
"This whole thing sucks for Seth. Like, that should be on the front end."
[Timestamp: 18:20]
Sportsmanship and Racing Dynamics
Jason reflects on the broader implications of sportsmanship in racing, advocating for respectful competition and emphasizing the importance of letting performance speak over rhetoric.
"If you're going to do the work and back up all of your talk, I'm probably just gonna shut up and nod my head and say, hey, man, you want to stop it? Do something about it."
[Timestamp: 35:50]
Pro Motocross Preview
250 Class Overview
Tier One: Dominance of Deegan
At the forefront of the 250 class sits Deegan, whom Jason regards as uniquely positioned due to his resilience and consistent performance.
"He finds a way to get it done and that is that's why I have him in his own tier."
[Timestamp: 44:15]
Tier Two: Emerging Contenders
The second tier features promising talents such as Levi Kitchen, Tom Vial, Chance, Jaime, Joe Shimoda, and Ty Master Pool. Jason anticipates potential breakout performances from these riders, particularly highlighting Levi Kitchen's readiness to compete at higher levels.
"We've seen Kitchen make the jump from there. I think he will be ready to roll."
[Timestamp: 50:30]
Potential Breakouts and Challenges
Jason discusses the challenges faced by riders like Jaime and Shimoda, noting their potential to ascend within the class despite current inconsistencies.
"Jaime has been practicing motocross for two months now... his goal has been to be the champion in motocross this summer."
[Timestamp: 58:05]
450 Class Overview
A Star-Studded Lineup
The 450 class is described as the most competitive ever, featuring top-tier riders such as Chase Sexton, Eli Tomac, Jet Lawrence, and Jorge Prado. Jason emphasizes the exceptional talent and experience these riders bring to the table.
"Chase Sexton, we have Jet Lawrence... Eli Tomac... Jorge Prado."
[Timestamp: 1:05:20]
Key Matchups and Predictions
Jason predicts intense rivalries and highlights Chase Sexton's momentum and strategic prowess as pivotal factors in the upcoming season.
"Chase Sexton was the best rider in the series... He really was the best guy in Salt Lake."
[Timestamp: 1:12:45]
Other Contenders and Strategic Insights
Additional riders like Hunter, AP Anderson, and Malcolm Gas Gas Husky are examined for their potential impact, with Jason providing strategic insights into their racing styles and championship aspirations.
"Hunter probably deserves a little bit more credit because he did lead the points last year and he really had a breakout season."
[Timestamp: 1:18:30]
Insights and Conclusions
Fitness and Mental Fortitude
Jason underscores the critical role of fitness and mental strength in motocross, particularly for riders managing injuries and high-pressure championship battles.
"Sexton's firing on all cylinders and that's a, that's a big thing. He has the most momentum of anybody here."
[Timestamp: 1:24:00]
Outlook for the Upcoming Season
With the season kicking off soon, Jason expresses his excitement and anticipation for the unfolding races, emphasizing the unprecedented competitiveness of both the 250 and 450 classes.
"This setup for 450 Pro Motocross as it might be as good as we're ever going to get."
[Timestamp: 1:28:50]
Final Thoughts
Concluding the episode, Jason reflects on the dynamic nature of motocross, the emergence of new talents, and the enduring spirit of competition that defines the sport.
"If you're not excited for next Saturday, I don't know what you could possibly be looking for if you're not excited."
[Timestamp: 1:30:10]
Notable Quotes
-
"Deegan won by 32 points, and that's all you knew, you'd be like, okay, yeah, that totally makes sense."
— Jason Thomas [09:30] -
"Hayden dominated, right? Like that... We saw him smoke everybody anyway."
— Jason Thomas [15:45] -
"If you're going to do the work and back up all of your talk, I'm probably just gonna shut up and nod my head and say, hey, man, you want to stop it? Do something about it."
— Jason Thomas [35:50] -
"Chase Sexton was the best rider in the series... He really was the best guy in Salt Lake."
— Jason Thomas [1:12:45] -
"This setup for 450 Pro Motocross as it might be as good as we're ever going to get."
— Jason Thomas [1:28:50]
Conclusion
Episode 206 of Industry Seating provided a comprehensive wrap-up of the Supercross season while setting the stage for an exhilarating motocross preview. Host Jason Thomas offered insightful analysis into rider performances, strategic maneuvers, and the competitive landscape of both the 250 and 450 classes. Listeners are left with a heightened anticipation for the upcoming races, confident in the depth and talent present in the current motocross season.
For more in-depth discussions and exclusive content, consider subscribing to Jason Thomas's Patreon podcast available every Saturday morning.