Industry Seating Podcast: Ep 215 – STL SMX (September 15, 2025)

Host: Jason Thomas
Theme: In-depth analysis and insider perspective from the St. Louis round of the SuperMotocross (SMX) playoffs, with particular emphasis on the evolving SMX format, track conditions, dramatic moments in the 250 class, and 450 rider power rankings.

Episode Overview

Jason Thomas returns to his own podcast after several weeks focused on TV and other podcast duties. He reflects on the unique conditions of the St. Louis round—particularly its uncharacteristic heat—offers insider details on event logistics, provides sharp commentary on on-track drama (especially in the 250 class), and delivers fresh insights with his signature blend of frankness and experience. The episode balances technical analysis, personal reflections, and candid takes on rider controversies.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. St. Louis SMX: Unprecedented Heat and Track Changes

• Unusual Conditions: St. Louis, typically associated with cold springtime weather, was "blazing hot" for this fall (September) round, dramatically impacting the dirt and racing environment.

  • “I kept telling myself, I have never been here… If you go somewhere very often… and it's always the same, you can almost place yourself there without even being there because it's imprinted.” (08:30)

• Track Layout & Dirt:

  • The new hybrid SMX layout forced changes in pit access and created an unexpected tunnel heat zone for riders and crew.
  • Thomas predicted a slick, hard-pack track due to the time of year—a call he revisits with pride:

    "I had theorized, and I said this multiple places… that it was going to be much more slippery and hard packed than what we remember… because of the change in weather, the change in season." (13:00)

• Impact on Racing:

  • The track's lack of passing opportunities hampered on-track action and confirmed Jason’s pre-event expectations.

    "Passing was really difficult… you got in position, and if you were anywhere close to the same pace, that’s pretty much where you stayed." (20:30)

2. Reflections on Professional Growth & Mindset

• Jason shares a personal anecdote—advice from a respected boss about allowing yourself a moment to enjoy accomplishments.
• Broader lesson about savoring wins in life and not letting self-criticism dominate:

  "When you do something that you’re proud of… smile and allow yourself to enjoy it for a minute." (15:47)

3. SMX Hybrid Tracks: Successes & Imperfections

• Jason defends the hybrid SMX experiment as a net positive, even as he admits the layouts aren’t perfect and passing can be an issue.
• Acknowledges his bias as a part of the broadcast/industry but stresses his effort to be objective:

  "Just because I think it's a gigantic net positive doesn’t mean I think it’s perfect or that it can’t be better.” (22:30)

4. 250 Class Drama: Kitchen vs. Deegan, Championship Implications

• Main Storyline: The aggressive on-track pass by Levi Kitchen on Hayden Deegan in Moto 2—“the first time we've seen somebody go in and knock Deegan down.”

  “I’m shocked it didn’t happen sooner. When you’re the antagonist… eventually someone’s going to get sick of it.” (33:10)

• Deegan’s Persona & Consequences:

  • Jason argues Deegan’s confrontational style makes payback inevitable.
  • Directs Deegan to focus on the championship (against Shimoda) and not chase retribution in Vegas:

    "Right now, you need to focus on winning… Figure out how to win the championship. Piss on everything else." (37:33)

• Shimoda’s Mission:

  • For Joe Shimoda, stay locked in, execute, and avoid any “blue bikes.”
  • Must focus on hydration and health to capitalize on his points lead.

• Other 250 Notables:

  • Seth Hammaker: Solid weekend, stay under the radar and cash in on consistency.
  • Tom Vialle: Overcoming mechanical gremlins, "second moto was fantastic."
  • Kitchen’s Move:

    "For Levi, you’ve got to stick up for yourself sometimes… even though it was probably over the line… I appreciated Levi sticking up for himself a little bit." (45:15)

5. 450 Class Power Rankings & Analysis

• Jason revises his power rankings with an eye toward recent form, fitness, and “big picture” implications:

Top 10:

1. Jett Lawrence:

   "If you’re going to tell me he’s not the best rider in the world, I’ll just stare at you like you’re a moron until you change your mind." (1:10:10)

   • Superb first moto, innovative technique, consistent excellence.

2. Hunter Lawrence:

   • Massive improvement, winning races, now earning overdue recognition from Thomas:

     "He deserves better than what I’ve given him… Great job, Hunter. Absolutely crushing it." (1:08:40)

3. Eli Tomac:

   • Solid results, in the fight all night.

     "He was in the fight… a couple things go differently, he could have won St. Louis." (1:06:35)

4. Chase Sexton:

   • Below expectations this weekend, mechanical issue in Moto 2.

5. Cooper Webb:

   • Improving, but future rounds (Vegas) may suit him less; motivated by financial rewards.

     "Webb leaving here with a few hundred grand for his trouble—I think he would be just fine with that." (1:04:10)

6. Ken Roczen

   • First moto strong, second physically challenging post-injury.

7. Justin Cooper

   • Lacked spark, never truly in contention.

8. RJ Hampshire

   • Hard to rank above 450 regulars but one to watch.

9. Malcolm Stewart

   • Battling back pain from Charlotte, still trying to race.

10. Justin Barcia

    • Consistent but not spectacular; honorable mentions: Ferrandis & Savatgy.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Tracking Changes:

  “Nobody cares about the obvious… If you can find a unique angle on something, which I feel like is my job, I feel like I did something right.” (13:52)

• On Accepting Success:

  “If you do the thing you’re trying to do and can’t even enjoy it for a minute, like why are you even doing this?” (16:25)

• On Deegan-Kitchen Drama:

  “For Levi, you’ve got to stick up for yourself sometimes. You will get pushed around by a guy like Hayden if he feels that he can push you around.” (45:00)

• On Jet Lawrence’s Brilliance:

  “It’s not just the winning… it is he can innovate and put the track together in ways that other people either don’t think about or can’t.” (1:11:45)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• St. Louis Weather & Event Setup: 02:00 – 10:00
• Track Conditions Breakdown: 10:00 – 19:00
• Mindset and Personal Growth Anecdote: 14:00 – 17:00
• Hybrid Track Philosophy: 19:00 – 25:00
• 250 Class Incident Analysis (Deegan/Kitchen): 33:00 – 47:00
• Strategic Advice for Vegas (250s): 37:00 – 41:00
• 450 Class Power Rankings Breakdown: 53:00 – 1:14:00
• Praise for Hunter & Jet Lawrence: 1:08:00 – End

Episode Tone & Style

As always, Jason’s delivery is frank, self-reflective, and tinged with wry humor—equal parts inside baseball and everyman storytelling. He isn’t afraid to admit biases but strives for honesty, and provides actionable insights for both fans and industry insiders.

For listeners or readers who missed the episode, this summary captures Jason’s key observations, personal reflections, and expert analysis of an eventful St. Louis SMX, complete with drama, strategy, and the sport’s evolving landscape.