Industry Seating Podcast - Episode 212: Washougal MX
Release Date: July 24, 2025
Host: Jason Thomas
Description:
"Industry Seating" offers an insider's perspective on professional supercross and motocross racing, providing listeners with in-depth analysis and behind-the-scenes insights every Monday morning.
Introduction
In Episode 212, titled "Washougal MX," host Jason Thomas delves into the events of the Washougal race weekend, offering a comprehensive review of the performances, team dynamics, and rider strategies. Recorded on July 23, 2025, from the JFK airport lounge as Jason prepares to travel to Prague, this episode promises a focused and detailed exploration of the latest happenings in the motocross world.
Personal Insights and Upcoming Travels
Jason begins by sharing his personal experiences from a recent trip to Spain, highlighting the challenges posed by persistent rain and limited networking opportunities. Despite the adverse weather, he appreciates the quality of his accommodations but expresses eagerness to engage more actively with the racing community in Europe. His upcoming plans include spending 12 days in Prague and Amsterdam, working closely with the Red Bull KTM DiCarlo Racing team to strengthen partnerships and support talented riders like the Kunin brothers and Simon Langenfelder.
"I just want to spend some time with the Kunin brothers and Simon Langenfelder and try to just improve and continue to build on that relationship..."
(00:00-02:00)
Washougal Race Weekend Overview
The core of the episode revolves around the Washougal race weekend, where significant developments unfolded:
- Launch of Fly Racing's 2026 Line: Fly Racing introduced their new line, marking a notable milestone. Jason emphasizes the extensive preparation and execution required for such a launch, demonstrating the dedication behind the scenes.
"We launched our 2026 line. So that was really cool. It's a lot of work and a lot of both prep and execution to do."
(05:00-06:00)
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PIR Thursday Night Motocross Event: Jason attended the Pirates of the Creek (PIR) event on Thursday night, setting the stage for the competitive weekend.
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Friday's Holeshot Challenge: The Holeshot Challenge on Friday becomes a focal point, setting up discussions for future episodes about race strategies and rider decisions.
Key Rider Performances and Team Dynamics
Jota and Lars Lindstrom
Jason commends Jota for his consistent performances over the past three rounds. He discusses an incident at Spring Creek where Jota lost a moto due to rear brake issues, highlighting Lars Lindstrom's professionalism in taking full responsibility.
"Lars took the high road and said, we have to figure out a system then that will stop that from happening. That's on us. We have to be better."
(12:00-15:00)
Jason explains the technical aspects of rear brake failures, emphasizing that it's a combination of rider input and mechanical limits. He praises Lars for publicly addressing the issue, fostering a culture of accountability within the team.
Joe and Deegan
The podcast delves into Joe's performance, especially his win at Red Bud following Deegan's injury. Jason underscores Joe's ability to seize opportunities and contrasts it with Deegan's struggles due to a leg injury affecting his grip and overall performance.
"When Joe passed Deegan, he basically had relented and said if Joe goes, I'm done. Like, I'm going to settle for second here."
(20:00-25:00)
Jason reflects on Deegan's resilience, noting that despite his injury, he maintains competitive spirit. However, Joe's missed opportunity at Spring Creek, where he failed to capitalize on Deegan's vulnerability, is critiqued as a significant missed chance.
"You have to put the nail in the coffin right then. Like, you have to break their will right in that moment."
(22:30)
Garrett Marchbanks
Garrett Marchbanks is highlighted for his impressive riding and consistent podium finishes. Jason expresses concern over Garrett not having a contract for the next year, attributing it to team budget constraints despite his undeniable talent.
"He's earning it. Like, getting podiums is really difficult, and he's doing that."
(28:00-30:00)
Valentin Guillaud, Malcolm Stewart, Jorge Prado, and Barcia
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Valentin Guillaud: Makes his debut in the top 10 power rankings. Jason acknowledges initial skepticism but praises Guillaud's performance given his privateer status.
"If you run your rear brake pretty high, which I think they do, most guys do, I couldn't, because I would melt the thing in half."
(35:00) -
Malcolm Stewart: Commended for his sportsmanship, particularly for assisting another rider during the race, showcasing the human side of competitive racing.
"He got up and helped somebody pick their bike up in the back sections. That was really cool."
(37:00) -
Jorge Prado: Faces criticism for his underperformance. Jason attributes Prado's struggles to potential bike issues or personal factors, emphasizing that Prado is not riding to his full potential.
"He's not riding anywhere near what he's capable of. I'm just telling you straight up, straight to the point."
(40:00) -
Barcia: Noted for steady performances and securing deals for the next season, reducing pressure and allowing for focused development.
"He seems happy. Seems like he's in a good mood at the races. I'm here for it."
(42:00)
Power Rankings
Jason presents a detailed Power Rankings segment, evaluating the top 10 riders based on their recent performances, consistency, and potential for the season. Key highlights include:
-
Jet Lawrence - Holds the top spot due to consistent performance and strategic maturity.
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Chase Sexton - Praised for his victorious performance at Washougal, demonstrating strong starts and racecraft.
"Nothing but praise to give Chase Sexton. Nothing but praise. Rode really well."
(50:00) -
Hunter Lawrence - Despite a challenging day at Washougal, remains a strong contender with potential for improvement.
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Eli Tomac - Returned to racing with promising performances, though recent races suggest areas for growth.
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Jacob - Needs to secure better starts to enhance his podium prospects.
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AP - Currently facing health challenges, with hopes for a full recovery by upcoming races.
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Barcia - Steady and secure in his performance, with secured contracts for next season.
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Jorge Prado - Struggling to meet expectations, potentially due to mechanical or personal issues.
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Malcolm Stewart - Recognized for his sportsmanship and consistent performance.
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Valentin Guillaud - New entrant earning his place with impressive results on a privateer bike.
Insights on Race Dynamics and Strategies
Jason emphasizes the critical importance of race dynamics, strategic decision-making, and the mental fortitude required to excel in motocross racing. He discusses how riders must constantly assess threats, seize opportunities, and manage their energy to maintain competitive edges.
"It's understanding race dynamics and knowing when to go, knowing when it is beneficial to go and maybe when you shouldn't waste and burn all your energy."
(48:00)
He uses Jet Lawrence as a prime example of maturity in handling setbacks, balancing competitiveness with strategic patience to maintain his lead in the championship.
Conclusion and Looking Ahead
Jason wraps up the episode by reflecting on the resilience and dedication of the riders, the complexities of team management, and the ever-evolving strategies that define the sport. He expresses gratitude to the sponsors and listeners, reinforcing his commitment to delivering insightful and comprehensive coverage of the motocross world.
"If you view life through the lens that best serves you, typically is your best move."
(55:00)
Jason signs off by encouraging listeners to stay engaged with upcoming episodes, where he plans to delve deeper into topics like the Holeshot Challenge and broader industry discussions.
Sponsors Mentioned:
- Guts Racing Pro
- Glow Wash Works
- Connection
- Bass Foundry
- TL Speed Shop
- Grandstone Boots
- Fly Racing (2026 Line)
For more details on the sponsors and the latest racing news, visit flyracing.com and follow @flyracing_global on social media.
This summary captures the essence of Episode 212: Washougal MX, providing listeners with a detailed overview of the discussions, key points, and strategic insights shared by Jason Thomas.