Industry Seating Podcast Summary: Ep 211 - Red Bud MX

Release Date: July 11, 2025
Host: Jason Thomas
Description: An inside look behind the scenes of professional supercross and motocross racing. Hosted by Jason Thomas, offering insights every Monday morning on all things moto.

1. Introduction

In Episode 211, Jason Thomas provides an in-depth analysis of the recent Red Bud MX race, offering observations on rider performances, the impact of weather conditions, and upcoming events leading to the Spring Creek National. The episode also delves into power rankings, highlighting the current standings and future prospects of various riders.

2. Red Bud MX Event Analysis

a. Weather and Track Conditions

The Red Bud MX event was notably challenging due to extreme heat and high humidity. Jason remarks on the grueling conditions, emphasizing how they affected rider performance and endurance.

• "It was hot though. You could see people struggling with it. It was, it was definitely a difficult afternoon..." [15:30]

The high temperatures, reaching over 90°F coupled with increasing humidity, created a taxing environment for the riders, pushing them to their physical and mental limits.

b. Rider Fitness and Performance

Jason underscores the importance of fitness in motocross, using the Red Bud MX as a case study to assess rider capabilities based on their physical condition post-race.

• "You can get a gauge for fitness. ... it's almost impossible for riders to hide in that moment right when they're coming off the track." [20:45]

He compares riders like Deegan, who appeared relatively unaffected, to Levi Kitchen, who seemed visibly exhausted and overextended, suggesting a disparity in fitness levels and perhaps genetic predispositions.

c. Specific Riders: Deegan vs. Levi Kitchen

• Deegan: Appeared healthy and composed after the race.

  • "When I see like Deegan come in, when he's healthy, he looks pretty good." [22:10]

• Levi Kitchen: Showed signs of significant strain.

  • "He looks like he just fought some sort of border conflict. Like he looks smoked." [23:05]

Jason speculates on the reasons behind their differing conditions, attributing it to fitness levels, genetic factors, and recent injuries affecting performance.

3. Spotlight on Joe Shimoto

Joe Shimoto's performance at Red Bud MX was a highlight for Jason. Despite challenges, Shimoto secured a notable victory, showcasing resilience and strategic prowess.

• "Joe Shimoto did that because on multiple fronts, when Deegan has an issue and has a really bad day, you have to make the most of it. Well, guess what he did. He went one, one." [37:20]

Jason discusses Shimoto's potential future with Honda, hinting at possible contract negotiations influenced by Shimoto's performances and strategic wins that resonate well within Honda's management structure.

4. Discussions on Julique Swole and Michael Moseman

• Julique Swole: Jason praises Swole's recent performances, noting his resilience and ability to solidify his position with Triumph despite previous uncertainties.

  • "He has been really impressive since he came back. I was shocked at how good he was right away at High Point and he's done really nothing but get better since then." [40:55]

• Michael Moseman: Described as an eccentric yet effective rider, Moseman's unique approach is seen as beneficial for his performance with Yamaha.

  • "He just marches to the beat of a different jump. Nothing wrong with it... this was a great performance. This is what he needs to." [44:10]

5. Power Rankings Overview

Jason presents his latest power rankings, discussing the current standings of top riders based on recent performances and overall season progress.

a. Rankings Explanation

He acknowledges the fluidity of the rankings, attributing changes to recent races, rider health, and performance consistency.

b. Notable Positions and Reasons

1. Jet – Ranked #1

   • "The guy is just lights out. I think he's only getting better." [52:30]
   • Dominant performances have solidified Jet's position at the top, with expectations of continued excellence.

2. Sexton – Ranked #2

   • "Sexton is a real deal. He just is. And he's not perfect." [54:45]
   • Despite some controversies, Sexton's capability to seize opportunities keeps him high in the rankings.

3. Justin Cooper – Ranked #3

   • Consistent podium finishes and a strong Supercross season lead to his prominent placement.

4. Eli Tomac – Ranked #4

   • Recent performances indicate a dip, but his history of success keeps him in the upper tier.

5. Hunter – Ranked #5

   • Struggles with consistency and missed Supercross events affect his ranking, despite past strong performances.

6. AP – Ranked #6

   • Injury setbacks have impacted his standing, but potential remains for movement in upcoming races.

7. Tom Viall – Ranked #7

   • Inconsistent performances and a significant crash have hindered his position.

8. Jorge Prado – Ranked #8

   • Improvements are noted, especially in cooler conditions, but fatigue remains a concern.

9. Justin Barcia – Ranked #9

   • A veteran performer whose recent races have justified his placement in the top 10.

10. Malcolm Stewart – Ranked #10

    • Steady performances without significant breakthroughs place him at the lower end of the top 10.

Notable Quote:
"The number one most valuable skill you can have in this world is availability." [58:15]

Jason emphasizes the importance of consistency and availability, highlighting how key these factors are in maintaining high rankings.

6. Future Implications and Upcoming Events

Looking ahead, Jason discusses the anticipated Spring Creek National, predicting tighter races and closer competition due to the expected milder weather conditions.

• "I would not look for a Jet runaway. Does he win the race? Probably, probably. But I don't think it's going to be like that 22nd margin that we've seen at times." [1:02:50]

He anticipates strategic shifts, especially with riders like Levi Kitchen needing to bounce back from injuries and performance dips. Contract negotiations and team dynamics are also likely to influence future standings.

7. Conclusion

Jason wraps up the episode by reiterating thanks to the sponsors and setting the stage for the upcoming Spring Creek National. He remains cautiously optimistic about the evolving dynamics in the motocross world, emphasizing the impact of rider fitness, team support, and strategic performances on the season's outcome.

Notable Quotes:

• "You can get a gauge for fitness...it's impossible...the best indicator." [21:00]
• "He is the executive director of Han at Honda and he's in charge like, MotoGP, motocross..." [38:15]
• "When fate hands you a door open, you have to be willing and able to walk through it." [46:40]

This episode provides a comprehensive analysis of the Red Bud MX event, offering listeners valuable insights into rider performances, the significance of fitness, and the intricate dynamics of power rankings in professional motocross.