Industry Seating Podcast Ep 223: San Diego SX

Host: Jason Thomas
Date: January 23, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode, Jason Thomas dives into analysis of the San Diego Supercross (SX), reflecting on key performances, storylines, controversies—particularly focusing on Hayden Deegan and the 250 class—and delivers his updated 450 power rankings. This is a blend episode, mixing his observations from San Diego SX with his expectations for Anaheim 2, providing in-depth commentary and predictions.

Key Discussion Points

1. The Hayden Deegan–Max Anstey Incident (250 Class)

• Deegan’s Dominance:
  • Jason opens the analysis by highlighting Hayden Deegan's total package at San Diego—qualifying speed, heat race pace, ability to handle adversity (bad start), and fitness ([16:15]).
• Deegan vs. Anstey Collision:
  • “The other part of that conversation is the Max Anstey incident... My take on it is that Max was giving the position up... Max checked up, he gave Hayden the line and was hoping to just go on his merry way. And I think he knew... the race was finished at that point unless Hayden crashes, which he really doesn't do..." ([17:20])
  • Jason asserts that Deegan intentionally made contact:
    • “To spin the rear tire up there and put it into the side of Max, that’s an intentional move. ... Hayden went in there to make a point... Did he mean to knock him down? I don't believe so. ... but he felt slighted after A1... That has been him and his M.O. from the jump.” ([18:10])
• Deegan's Attitude and Public Perception
  • On Deegan's “thank God” podium shield:
    • “It is that he is using that as a shield... to deflect the boos that he knows are about to come and the hard feelings that he knows are about to come and I don't like that.” ([20:00])
    • “Just own it and say, you know what, man, I'm the guy. ... and if I give him the chance I'm going to rough him up. Like, I would respect that so much more.” ([22:10])
• Backstage Fallout:
  • “Hayden went at Max aggressively with words this week... Max was like, ‘Why are you doing this?’ Why are you saying those things? And Hayden just went in harder... And there's nothing wrong with it. You just have to know that's who he is and that's what he's going to do.” ([24:00])
  • Jason speculates this has ignited “angry Max,” predicting increased tension and possible retaliation or escalation in future races.

Memorable Quote:
“At some point you're going to deal with people that know how to do something about it. And I promise you, if he tries to do these things in the 450 class... they’re not going to put up with it.” — Jason Thomas ([25:25])

2. 250 Class Standouts and Storylines

• Cameron McAdoo:
  • “He has not even been... one of the top five fastest guys through two races. But he was able to conjure and manufacture a second place. That was awesome to me.” ([28:00])
  • “His podium interviews are all time right... It's heartfelt... This is who Cameron McAdoo is.” ([29:45])
• Levi Kitchen:
  • “Kitchen has got to figure this thing out, the riding is not the problem. It's all the little stuff. It's the detail stuff... That's two in a row, man. That was one of the worst starts I've ever seen by a guy with his talent.” ([31:00])
  • Jason emphasizes urgency:
    • “This weekend, to me, is incredibly important for Kitchen, like, wildly important, to turn the momentum back his direction and start reeling the points back in.” ([33:00])
• Chance Hymas:
  • “One of the biggest saves I’ve ever seen in my life. To be able to shift twice in the air, to know instinctively, to get the rear tire spinning faster, to bring the front end up, I’ve never done that. It was remarkable to see.” ([36:00])
• Michael Mosiman:
  • “His career has been really bumpy... It's nice to see Michael Mosman doing well. And I do think he could win a race.” ([36:50])

3. 450 Class Power Rankings

[38:00–58:30]
Jason’s updated 450 power rankings with rationale for picks:

10. Jorge Prado

• “His qualifying was outstanding... he always needs to get the start. If he doesn’t get the start, it’s going to be really challenging for him to move forward.” ([39:20])

9. RJ Hampshire

• “He hasn’t been in the top 10 in a race yet, but I’m looking at last season... I think he’s going to get much better as we go.” ([41:55])

8. Malcolm Stewart

• “Think about getting 10th after that crash. That says so much about Mookie’s character...”
• Jason doubts he’ll win a race this year due to injury but expects improvement. ([43:10])

7. Aaron Plessinger

• “Incomplete here... I don’t know that we’ve seen the best of AP yet... One little thing gets off kilter, and everything comes unravel[ed].” ([46:40])

6. Justin Cooper

• “It’s been a very quiet sixth... If he ever can find a way to get a start, you’re going to see Justin Cooper do some damage.” ([49:00])
• “I do think a podium is possible for Justin Cooper...”
• Speculates Anaheim 2’s whoops and track layout may favor him.

5. Hunter Lawrence

• “Hunter is dangerously close to moving forward... I think he deserves it thematically, but in practical terms, he doesn’t because he’s riding well, but look who’s ahead of him.” ([51:00])

4. Chase Sexton

• “I’m giving him credit because I know what he’s capable of. ... Hitting the gate is inexcusable and the first round... was an abomination for Chase Sexton. ... but I think he’s going to win.” ([53:00])

3. Cooper Webb

• “I’m not going to get caught up in the moment because better things are coming for Cooper Webb... It’s circumstances: bad starts, crashing, putting yourself in bad position. ...this stuff is going to sort itself out.” ([55:00])

2. Ken Roczen

• “He has been really good through two rounds. ...I think a race win is coming, and he just. He looks the part so much right now.” ([56:40])

1. Eli Tomac

• “Eli Tomac, make no mistake, has been absolutely lights out. Incredible. ... I wasn’t sure he could handle so much change and be this good, but he’s made it look ridiculous.” ([58:00])
• “[Switching teams, bikes, suspension] is a master class in how to switch teams and figure things out. ...I just give the guy all the credit in the world.” ([59:00])
• “He has not been that great in January over the course of his career...and to win the first two rounds, to establish himself as the man to beat...good luck, man. Good luck to everybody else. Because that is an equation that I don’t know that anybody can answer.” ([1:00:00])

4. Looking Ahead to Anaheim 2

• Predictions & Trends:
  • Watch for heightened Deegan–Anstey tension, significant weekend for Kitchen to turn things, and possible breakthrough performances from Roczen, Cooper, and others.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Deegan’s Racing Style:
  • “That is as clear as day. That has been him and his M.O. from the jump... This is not something he's going to shy away from.” ([19:20])
• On Respect for Deegan, If He Owned It:
  • “Like, just stand up and own it, you know... I think every adult in the room would just be like you know what? I don't like it, but at least you're admitting what's going on.” ([22:25])
• On Michael Mosman’s Bumpy Career:
  • “This kid is so talented, but it has not come easy. Like, that crash at Unadilla last year was just breathtakingly brutal, and he's had a lot of those.” ([36:50])
• On the Challenges of Plessinger’s Year:
  • “Once you get things going the wrong direction, it's really hard to steer the ship back your way.” ([47:30])
• On Eli Tomac’s Success Post-Change:
  • “This is something special. And I don’t know that we’ll ever see something like this ever again.” ([59:10])
  • “He can just be around the podium most of the time and run away with this thing.” ([1:00:30])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Deegan/Anstey incident and analysis: 16:15–26:00
• Deep-dive into 250 Class contenders: 27:50–36:50
• Power Rankings (450 Class): 38:00–58:30
• Eli Tomac “master class” praise: 58:00–end

Tone & Final Thoughts

Jason maintains an analytical, candid style throughout, combining technical observations with insider nuance and a fair amount of passionate critique, especially regarding rider mentality, on- and off-track behavior, and strategic implications for the series.

Summary:
If you missed the episode, this is your go-to breakdown for the San Diego SX. You’ll get an unflinching assessment of the Deegan–Anstey controversy, a realistic look at where the 250 favorites stand coming into Anaheim 2, and Jason’s clear, data-backed rankings and predictions for the 450 class as the season develops.