2026 Pro Motocross Preseason Press Conference - Pala, CA

[0:00] Okay, we're gonna get this started. Welcome everyone to the kickoff. This is the Pala Casino Spa and Golf Resort [0:07] and the start of what is probably the most anticipated beginning ever in the 55 years of the Pro Motocross Championship. [0:16] And we're going to get it underway Saturday afternoon at Pala and Fox Raceway. [0:21] And this is really going to be a fun event, this event presented by Fox Racing. JT, it's going to be an awesome season. [0:27] It sure is, Weege. MX Sports Pro Racing would like to acknowledge the partners at Feld Motorsports and NBC Sports, [0:35] Monster Energy, 5.11, Bass Pro Shops, Rocky Mountain ATV MC, Alpine Stars, Western Power Sports, Fly Racing, and Synchrony. [0:46] In addition to the esteemed list of sponsors, the OEM dignitaries, race teams, and athletes, [0:52] and the attending media here at the Starlight Theater, as well as the live stream audience watching on YouTube. [0:59] Lastly, we would like to express our gratitude to the Pala Band of Mission Indians and the Pala Casino Spa and Golf Resort, [1:06] the title sponsor of this weekend's race. [1:09] Last couple of years have been celebrating the coming together of both the Monster Energy Supercross and Pro Motocross Series [1:15] and creating the SMX World Championship and coming off of a great run, maybe an all-time historic from a storyline standpoint, [1:23] Monster Energy Supercross campaign. [1:25] And it's a credit to those riders and their teams. [1:27] What they created as a storyline led to record numbers for streaming audiences in Supercross. [1:33] So to put a period on that, we're going to give you some of the numbers for this fantastic Supercross campaign [1:38] that just wrapped record numbers on Peacock up 12% from 2025 streaming numbers. [1:45] And this is the fastest season ever to reach 1 billion minutes consumed by the audience. [1:50] It was reached that mark two weeks earlier than last year. [1:54] And also, 2026, the two most-streamed Supercross races ever, Anaheim 1 and Anaheim 2. [2:00] And the average total audience delivery for the seven races on NBC and Peacock together was up 8%. [2:08] So we're happy to have a great partnership continuing with Peacock and NBC. [2:11] There will be three NBC broadcasts from the Pro Motocross leg of the championship. [2:16] That includes a Sunday encore of this opening round race from Fox Raceway and two live events, [2:22] the Thunder Valley National in a few weeks and the Bud's Creek National on the back end of the championship [2:26] will air live on NBC. [2:29] That continues a partnership NBC began with Pro Motocross back in 2009. [2:34] So great to continue working with them. [2:36] Also in Supercross, the Race Day Live qualifying show, 9% growth in streaming this year. [2:42] And the program will continue. [2:43] We'll have a one-hour qualifying show every Saturday morning from Pro Motocross. [2:48] And this just in, the SMX League captured three teleawards for television and social content, [2:54] including the SMX World Championship preview show that aired on NBC in December. [2:58] For social media as well, New Coast, New Battles, same goal. [3:03] That social media received a silver award and a bronze for the SMX Insider season wrap-up show [3:10] from last season's SMX World Championship. [3:13] And in all, 1.1 million fans attended a Monster Energy Supercross event in person in 2026. [3:20] So this is great stuff. [3:22] We'll continue that momentum. [3:23] And if you're an international fan, the SMX Video Pass, which is how you can stream the races outside the United States, [3:30] is now 50% off since we were essentially halfway through the season. [3:33] So if you're a fan watching this outside America, this is your time to sign up, 50% off the price. [3:39] And as a reminder, the Spanish speakers here in the U.S. also this year have the option to listen to the Spanish broadcast [3:45] that was only available outside the United States until this year. [3:50] And we have a lot coming just for this round, including a special live pre-race show. [3:54] We don't normally do that in pro motocross, but this is such a fantastic event. [3:58] We're going to come on the air 30 minutes early at 3.30 Eastern time Saturday, [4:02] and then the motos will begin at 4 o'clock Eastern. [4:05] Why not, JT? [4:06] There's going to be a lot to unpack. [4:08] Yeah, that's a lot of information. [4:09] A truly historic Monster Energy Supercross season there, Weege. [4:12] But as we transition into pro motocross, we're going to get to witness the return of some of our superstars [4:18] as well as some other riders ready to take the next step in their career. [4:22] Most notably, returning is your 450 motocross champion, Jett Lawrence. [4:29] He has yet to log a single lap of competition in 2026, so it'll be great to have him back. [4:34] Another key figure is Hayden Deegan, making his long-awaited jaunt into the 450 class. [4:40] So that's going to be exciting. [4:40] I know everyone watching at home on YouTube is excited to see Hayden hit the track later today on the 450. [4:46] And the return of Eli Tomac as well, the first time we will see him in pro motocross on his Red Bull KTM. [4:51] And some riders returning from injury, notably R.J. Hampshire, Aaron Plessinger, and Benny Bloss, who is here. [4:58] They're going to be joining the series for the first time this summer. [5:02] The 250 class is, of course, last but not least. [5:06] And we're going to be returning Julian Bomair for Red Bull KTM, Chance Hymus, Joe Shimoda, Michael Mosman, Austin Forkner, and Casey Cochran. [5:14] Yep, lots of riders back just in time for the beginning of pro motocross. [5:18] The calendar and schedule, very similar to the way it always is. [5:20] That's what we like about the SMX World Championship. [5:23] You get some of the new with the playoff rounds and the world title that will be handed out in September. [5:27] But the tradition is here, the traditional races with the traditional format and the traditional locations with pro motocross. [5:33] Of course, starting with Fox Raceway on Saturday, then the venerable Hangtown Motocross Classic in Northern California next Saturday. [5:40] Thunder Valley outside of Denver, Colorado. [5:43] High Point outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in a couple of weeks. [5:46] Then a break. [5:47] Then Red Bud, which will take place on July 4th on the 250th birthday of the United States. [5:53] So that is going to be an epic round at the center of this championship. [5:57] Southwick in Massachusetts, Spring Creek in Millville, Minnesota, Washougal, Washington in the Great Pacific Northwest, Unadilla in New York State, Bud's Creek in Maryland outside of Washington, D.C. [6:08] And back to the hosting the finals this year, the Ironman National about an hour outside of Indianapolis. [6:14] And at the end of each pro motocross season, two very prestigious trophies will be handed out. [6:19] The Edison Dye Cup, that's a traveling trophy with all the former champions from the 450 class and the Gary Jones Cup with all the former champions in the 250 class. [6:29] It all leads to the playoffs. [6:30] For the first time ever, going to Columbus, Ohio and Historic Crew Stadium in September, followed by Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles for playoff number two. [6:39] And the SMX World Championship final from the Thunder Ridge Nature Arena just outside of Branson, Missouri. [6:45] JT and I got to go there last week. [6:47] Bring your golf clubs, everybody. [6:48] They have six unbelievable golf courses. [6:50] So come early and stay late for the world championship. [6:54] Yeah, truly spectacular venue there. [6:55] Can't wait to get back there. [6:57] This summer, we also get to welcome back one of the biggest surprises of 2025 was this WMX championship and the return of your defending champion, Walla Turner. [7:07] Synchrony has come on board as the title sponsor, which we are all very excited about and can't wait to see them hit the track next week at Hangtown. [7:15] Their series will consist of Hangtown, as mentioned, Thunder Valley National, the High Point National. [7:20] Then they will take a break, return for Unadilla, Bud's Creek and the Ironman National Finals. [7:25] And one special event this year that they will get to partake in is the SMX World Championship finale in Branson, Missouri, as Weege mentioned. [7:34] Yep. And also SMX Next, the motocross portion, helping seed future riders from the amateurs to the pros. [7:41] There will be two gatherings held this year at Redbud and Ironman. [7:45] And the top SMX Next athletes will also race at Playoff 1 and Playoff 2 in September. [7:50] But what we're most excited about is what that has led to, which is several SMX Next graduates now turning pro in the 250 pro motocross campaign right now. [7:59] That includes the recently crowned AMA national champion, Deacon Denno, Caden Minear, Caden Dudney, Landon Gordon, Cole Timbo, and Jeremy Fapani all making their pro debuts. [8:09] So this is really exciting stuff, both the 250 and 450 class, SMX Next and WMX. [8:15] So for more on that, we're going to bring in Tim Cotter, the director of MX Sports Pro Racing, to talk pro motocross. [8:21] Tim. [8:21] Thank you, Jason. [8:32] And good morning, everyone. [8:33] On behalf of the Coombs family and the hardworking men and women from MX Sports, AMA Pro Racing, AMA, and Feld Entertainment, we welcome you here to our 50-50 year. [8:48] It's great to be here at Pilot Resort. [8:51] They do a great job. [8:53] It's an honor to be on tribal property and an organization that really supports what we do at Fox Raceway. [9:00] Every year we come back, we continue to see improvements that they do at Fox Raceway, and we're especially proud of that. [9:09] This season is especially meaningful as it is our 50-50 year. [9:13] And for more than five decades, the championships have been represented the toughest, purest, and most demanding form of motorcycle racing in America. [9:23] Supercross took you to stadiums. [9:26] It's time to take it outside. [9:27] It's time to go to the heat, the dirt, the hills, the natural terrain, and define the championship. [9:37] But before we talk about tomorrow, I want to first congratulate Ken Rockson and the Suzuki team that represented themselves and our sport at the highest level. [9:49] And so congratulations to Ken. [9:51] I really wish Ken was here racing with us. [9:54] Also, Hayden Deegan for his West Coast 250 championship and Cole Davies for the East Coast championship. [10:05] Watching those two and the rest of the 250 class gives us comfort that our sport is in good shape and the pipeline is indeed full. [10:15] I would like to recognize our partners at Feld Motorsports. [10:18] Through the collaboration with Feld Motorsports, we can all agree that we have elevated what motocross was, what supercross was, and now what SMX is. [10:29] And we are grateful for that relationship, and we continue to come up with ways to make things better. [10:36] We're very proud to recognize our OEMs. [10:41] More OEMs than ever are participating in our sport, investing millions of dollars into our livelihoods. [10:49] And that doesn't go unnoticed. [10:52] So you OEM executives that are here, we understand it's a tremendous commitment, and we appreciate what you do for this sport. [11:02] And it does not go unrecognized. [11:05] To the Pala Band of Mission Indians, you don't have to do this. [11:11] I know that it's hard for someone that goes out to look for places to go racing. [11:16] It's difficult to find a place and say, hey, we want to bring our dirt bikes, and we want to ride your terrain. [11:23] And they allow us to come here, they embrace us, and we sincerely appreciate it. [11:31] At MX Sports, we talk about the five Fs that help guides our company in every event. [11:38] Fun, family, fairness, faith, and the American flag. [11:45] Those values are at the heart of motocross. [11:48] The sport is supposed to be fun. [11:52] It brings families together in every corner of the country. [11:57] It must be fair, and because every rider deserves a fair chance at winning. [12:04] And it builds faith. [12:06] Faith in our God. [12:08] Faith in one another. [12:10] Faith in the hard work, honesty, and the perseverance that still matters. [12:16] And of course, we're rooted by the American flag. [12:19] Because the championship represents one of the greatest American motorsports traditions. [12:26] This year, currently celebrating 250 years, that flag means more than ever. [12:33] And we are proud to be a part of American motocross. [12:36] As we turn our attention tomorrow, there is no question, there's never been a greater spotlight, [12:45] more anticipation in an American motocross championship. [12:49] Tomorrow, we're going to see the much-talked-about Lawrence and Deegan showdown. [12:58] But not to discount the rest of the field, because the talent has never been deeper. [13:05] The competition has never been more fierce. [13:09] And any one of those riders could end up on that box here tomorrow. [13:15] We are so excited to see this get underway. [13:19] The WMX. [13:20] The WMX has turned heads across the country and around the world. [13:26] And through Synchrony sponsorship, and now WMX is going to be part of six of our race days. [13:32] It's absolutely amazing. [13:35] WMX is not at Pala, but many of the women traveled here to go through media training. [13:42] They are as dedicated as anybody in this arena. [13:45] And we are proud to be a part of the WMX movement. [13:49] Speaking of the national audience, I heard Jason say that already we've had one billion minutes watched. [14:01] You know what that means? [14:03] That means if you sat down and started watching, and you started counting one billion minutes, [14:09] it would take 1,900 years to watch pro motocross. [14:17] That's a tremendous number. [14:20] We celebrate our 250th year. [14:23] When we go to Red Bud, it's going to be off the hook, as Jason said. [14:26] It's going to be a lot of fun. [14:27] And now we have a great company in 511 that is supporting not only our series, [14:35] but they supported Supercross and Supermotocross, and they are going to bring the party to Red Bud. [14:41] We're grateful for longstanding partnership with Monster Energy, [14:46] a company that invested more than any other company in the history into our sport, [14:51] and they continue to pour money into our sports in many different ways. [14:55] Regardless of whether you ride for them or not, they are supporting you, [15:00] and their DNA is all over everything that you do. [15:04] And we are very appreciative of that. [15:07] And now Bass Pro Shops. [15:08] Is there a company that has a better fit than motocross? [15:13] When we're not racing, we're fishing. [15:15] And if we're not fishing, we're hunting. [15:17] And Bass Pro Shop is right at the heart of it. [15:19] And we are grateful to have them. [15:24] Tomorrow, the work begins. [15:26] The gate drops, the engines will fire, [15:28] and the 2026 AMA Pro Motocross Championship will be underway. [15:33] Riders and teams and manufacturers and partners, it's time to go to work. [15:38] It's time to take it outside. [15:40] We look forward to seeing you at Fox Raceway tomorrow. [15:43] We thank all of you for all that you do for our sport, [15:47] and we will continue to build this and make it better. [15:51] Have a great day, and we'll see you at the races. [15:57] Thank you, Tim Cotter. [15:58] Side note, I think we and I have about 1,900 years combined watching old pro motocross races. [16:03] Put all those billions together. [16:05] Absolutely, yes. [16:05] I've got more gray hair than I do now. [16:08] Next up, I'd like to bring up a brand new partner for 2026. [16:12] That's 5'11", with Troy Brown, their CEO. [16:14] And I'd also like to congratulate him on the new partnership with Triumph Factory Racing [16:19] as their title sponsor. [16:20] Troy, if you're back there, come on up. [16:22] Every era has its moment when people stop asking what's allowed [16:25] and start asking what's possible. [16:29] You take one more step in stopping with the easier style challenge possible. [16:36] What a pleasure it is to be here with you guys today, [16:42] and what a pleasure it is to just be part of this fantastic sport. [16:46] What a year to join motocross, supercross, SMX. [16:52] I don't think we could have planned a better year, [16:54] and certainly not a better finish than what we saw in the supercross season. [16:57] I just want to start by saying thank you to all the riders, the team owners, the mechanics, [17:04] everybody who's behind the scenes, all the crews, the track crews, the media, [17:09] that have been part of making this sport what it is. [17:12] And thank you for welcoming us into this fantastic sport. [17:16] We have loved every single minute of it. [17:19] And, you know, the crazy thing is nobody really knows who 5'11 is. [17:23] If you know 5'11", you know, and if you don't, it's the best-kept secret. [17:26] No, we don't make suspensions. [17:28] We don't make bikes. [17:29] We don't make speedometers. [17:30] We don't make helmets. [17:31] What we make is purpose-built gear for people who challenge possible. [17:36] That's what we're all about. [17:38] And we are talking about the best place to go tell the story of 5'11. [17:42] We thought people that ride motorcycles and do things that are really, really difficult every single day. [17:48] And so we chose this nation to come be part of it, and we couldn't be more thrilled to be part. [17:55] Just a little bit about 5'11. [17:57] If you don't know, 5'11 was actually founded by one of the world's greatest rock climbers. [18:02] He was the first man to have climbed a 5'11 climb, and he created a pant called the 5'11 Pant that now is a very prolific pant in the world. [18:12] You may or may not be aware of it. [18:14] But we're a brand that just makes really great gear for people who do really hard things. [18:19] And we go fast. [18:20] I'm just going to share with you. [18:21] You may not know this, but about six, eight weeks ago, we were traveling about 40,000 to 50,000 miles an hour because the astronauts in Artemis II were wearing 5'11 pants. [18:33] And so I think that we know what speed's all about, and we know what challenge is all about. [18:39] Last thing I want to say is just what an honor it is to be part of the Triumph Racing Team. [18:43] You may have heard that we've signed on to be the title sponsor of the Triumph Racing Team. [18:48] We share a mindset. [18:50] We share a set of values. [18:51] We love the way that they build the team. [18:54] We love the way that they prepare, how precise they are. [18:56] It's everything that 5'11 is about. [18:59] And so it's an honor to just be part of that Triumph Racing Team. [19:02] And the last thing I'm going to say is, wow, you couldn't have picked a better first chance to come into pro motocross. [19:08] What a weekend is going to be. [19:10] Really well anticipated. [19:11] Wish all the riders, all the teams great success, and look forward to spending the rest of the season with you guys. [19:17] Thank you. [19:23] Thanks, Troy. [19:23] Welcome aboard, both with the race team and the racing series. [19:26] I'm now going to introduce the Monster Energy Senior Manager for Two-Wheel Motorsports, Michael Shackhoff. [19:33] There we go. [19:41] Right here, Mike. [19:45] Thank you, guys. [19:48] Motocross is truly a staple that has built the Monster brand to what it is today. [19:53] It's deep in the roots of our company's DNA, and we couldn't do... [19:58] Hold on. [19:58] And we couldn't do what we do as an organization if it wasn't for all of you that make this industry what it is. [20:05] It's truly an honor for our company to be a... [20:08] To be a brand... [20:09] I'm sorry. [20:10] It's truly an honor for our company to be a piece of this industry as a brand. [20:14] I'd like to thank the Coombs family, Tim Cotter, MX Sports, and Feld for all they do. [20:22] We just wrapped up an amazing Supercross season for the books, and I have no doubt that this summer will be another great season of the outdoors. [20:32] I'd like to thank each and every one of you for building our brand to what it is today, and it's truly an honor to be a part of it. [20:39] Thank you very much, and I'll give this back to Jason. [20:41] Thanks, Mike. [20:46] Great company that's really started with motocross, which hopefully some of the new brands that came on board will be able to tell that same story as time goes on. [20:54] So thank you, Mike. [20:55] And we're ready to start talking some racing here, JT. [20:57] We are. [20:57] Before we do, though, let's take a look at our 250 SMX points standings as we roll into pro motocross. [21:04] And you're going to note the riders that have been injured for the 250 Supercross series that are returning are not in the top 20 yet, so they will be climbing their way back into these standings. [21:22] Then we can look at the 450 standings here. [21:24] So what we're going to do is take the points from Monster Energy Supercross, the points from pro motocross. [21:29] That will create seating for the SMX playoffs. [21:32] Top 20 riders are automatically entered into the playoffs. [21:34] You can look at the current standings. [21:36] That's the Supercross standings. [21:37] Ken Rockson usually does show up for motocross race or two. [21:40] As of now, he's saying he won't. [21:42] So we know that there's going to be a big shuffle at the top. [21:44] And, again, there is a lot of talent that hasn't even lined up and scored points this year, such as Jett Lawrence. [21:49] Riders coming back from injury. [21:50] Mentioned Benny Bloss. [21:51] Riders who missed time in Supercross, like Hampshire or Plessig, or so many names that we expect to jumble up that order as time goes by. [21:58] And it'll be interesting to see where they end up with seating for the playoffs, because that could ultimately determine the championship. [22:04] Okay, so we're going to talk, bringing some of the riders to the stage. [22:08] But as we do that, I want to mention the international component of this championship. [22:13] In Supercross, two of the three titles were won by riders born outside the United States. [22:18] Ken Rockson's great Supercross title and story. [22:20] He is from Germany. [22:21] Cole Davies coming out of New Zealand. [22:23] And in all, 18 different countries were represented by 34 different athletes throughout the Monster Energy Supercross campaign. [22:31] And right here, the Pro Motocross opener will open with 12 different countries represented by 21 athletes. [22:38] The world comes to race the SMX World Championship. [22:40] And we know that those numbers are going to grow as the season goes on. [22:45] Sure does, Weij. [22:45] And just to prove your point, three of the riders I'm about to call out are international riders. [22:50] So it really is the place everyone wants to be. [22:53] First up is going to be Joe Shimoda. [22:55] Welcome back from Honda HRC Progressive. [23:02] Followed by Cole Davies with Monster Yamaha Star Racing. [23:09] Seth Hamaker, Monster Pro Circuit Kawasaki. [23:16] Levi Kitchen, also with Monster Pro Circuit Kawasaki. [23:19] Max Anstey with Monster Yamaha Star Racing. [23:27] Ryder DeFrancisco, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing. [23:33] The return of Chance Hymas with Honda HRC Progressive. [23:38] A big welcome back to Julian Beaumare with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing. [23:44] And Austin Forkner with 5.11 Triumph Factory Racing. [23:52] Give Austin a chance to sit down. [23:54] And I'll start the questions off with Chance Hymas. [23:57] Chance, you returned here a year ago and not such a different situation. [24:01] Really eager to get into this championship. [24:03] And you started very fast. [24:05] You made mention that you wanted to get out front early at the opener last year. [24:09] Are you entering with that same type of mindset where you feel starting fast in this championship is going to be critical? [24:15] Yeah. [24:16] I mean, for me, I'm a little bit more relaxed this year, you know. [24:19] But I feel like ultimately you definitely need to show up around once at the bar for sure. [24:23] But also with that, it's a long series. [24:25] You've got to be in every race. [24:26] And for me, it's being there every race, you know. [24:28] It's not showing up, win here, win there, and then be injured. [24:32] So, no, for me, it's probably a little bit more relaxed. [24:35] But definitely need to show up at the first round. [24:37] Cool. [24:37] Thank you. [24:38] We'll open it up to the media. [24:44] Adam from Track Talkers. [24:45] This is for Chance Hymas. [24:47] It seems like almost every podcast, every review show, you're the guy to beat. [24:52] You got the speed. [24:53] You got everything. [24:53] But there's been one stipulation, and we mentioned it a little bit, you know, your injuries. [24:59] What have you done in the time that you had to get prepared and maybe change your mentality for this outdoor season? [25:05] Yeah, I think it's relying on my circle around me and really just doing a good mental reset. [25:11] I think everyone knows when I'm healthy, I'm definitely one of the guys to beat. [25:14] And I think everyone knows what I'm capable of when I'm, you know, when I'm healthy. [25:18] So, for me, it's mainly I just got to be there every race. [25:21] And, you know, I think the crew around me, they really believe in me. [25:24] And even on my darkest days, they've always believed in me and, you know, treated me like, you know, I was the chance that I was winning. [25:31] So, yeah, like I said, for me, just showing up every race, consistent, and, yeah, just being there. [25:38] Michael Lindsay from VitalMX. [25:40] This is for Max Anstey. [25:41] Max, of course, amongst anybody here, you have technically probably the most motocross experience. [25:46] But since you moved back to the U.S. full time, most of your success has come in Supercross. [25:51] And you've actually had very limited racing time in pro motocross. [25:54] So, amongst a lot of the guys up here, you haven't been maybe talked about as much, even though on paper, some people would expect you to be considered a title contender right off the bat. [26:04] You know, what do you think of the last couple seasons? [26:06] And what are you going to do to right the wrongs and get back in this thing? [26:10] Cheers, Michael. [26:11] So, I think the reason I moved to America was for the dream of Supercross and to be under the lights there. [26:23] And I've put a lot of focus on that the last few years. [26:26] And I haven't, you know, last year I was injured and didn't get to have a chance to race outdoors. [26:33] But, you know, I raced nine years of outdoors MXGP in Europe on 250s and 450s. [26:40] And I'm really excited about this season. [26:43] It's fun. [26:44] It's a great team and a great bike to be on, obviously. [26:46] Like, to ride a star Yamaha in outdoors for pretty much everyone in Europe and in America, it's a cool opportunity and dream to have. [26:55] I have ridden a lot of outdoors in my career, of course. [26:58] But, yeah, coming off of Supercross, obviously we had some good results here and there. [27:05] Now, all right, we've had two and a half, three weeks of outdoor prep. [27:11] And, you know, you feel all right at the practice track. [27:14] But, hey, we'll see tomorrow when we get out there and go racing. [27:17] But for me, it's just one step at a time. [27:20] Let's get the ball rolling and get back into some outdoors. [27:24] It's fun. [27:25] I'm really excited for it and just excited for the opportunity and the bike and the crew around me and the team. [27:30] To go and, yeah, do the best job that I can. [27:35] Dan Beaver, NBC Sports. [27:37] For Joe, first of all, congratulations again on the SMX Championship from last year. [27:43] You didn't get a chance to kind of defend that in Supercross. [27:48] With the points being wide open again with Hayden going up, is there any kind of increased urgency to prove that the SMX Championship was for real? [28:02] Yeah, like, for me, just like, I didn't, unfortunately, I had a crash before the Supercross and had my neck injury. [28:12] So I couldn't, only had four or five days on the bike before the first round. [28:16] So coming into outdoors, I had a month and a half to prepare. [28:20] There, this is plenty of time for me. [28:23] So no complaints. [28:24] Just got to perform. [28:28] And I think I'm in a good spot. [28:30] Feels fit. [28:32] I think my speeds are back. [28:34] Just got to perform, to be honest. [28:36] Yep. [28:37] Trey Steyer, Trey's World Motocross. [28:39] My question is for Ryder. [28:40] In Supercross this year, you took a step forward. [28:43] You scored your first three career podiums. [28:45] Last year, a pole position outdoors. [28:47] But have you really honed in on what it's going to take to take that level up outdoors as well? [28:53] Yeah, I think just continue what I've been doing this Supercross season. [28:56] Obviously, you get better. [28:59] Yeah, continue that into this outdoor season and have some fun, consistent. [29:04] That was my main goal coming into Supercross season. [29:06] And race every round. [29:08] And I feel like if you do that, you're obviously making progress just being there. [29:14] So yeah, get out there. [29:16] And I can't really compare to any of the years prior. [29:21] I feel like I'm a different guy this year. [29:23] And yeah, go out there and have some fun tomorrow. [29:29] Hey, Alex Gobert, MotoOnline.com. [29:31] For Julian Beaumare, can you give us an update on your health, fitness, [29:36] and then how do you set that expectation on return to racing? [29:41] Yeah, health is 100%. [29:43] Back is good. [29:44] I had surgery April 2nd to get everything removed. [29:46] And I've been on the bike for about six weeks now. [29:48] So I had a really good prep off the bike before that. [29:51] And I think these last six weeks have gone very well. [29:55] So I'm in a really good spot. [29:57] And yeah, expectation, there's not much for tomorrow. [30:00] Just go out there, see where we're at, and improve every weekend. [30:04] I'm just happy to be back at the races, and I'm going to enjoy every bit of tomorrow. [30:07] Hey, Justin Lee from Motocross Action. [30:12] And Cole Davies, you're coming off your first Supercross Championship. [30:16] Did you really have much time to celebrate, or did you just get right into motocross prep [30:20] and didn't really have much time to let it sink in? [30:25] No, not really. [30:26] I didn't have much time to celebrate. [30:27] I kind of enjoyed it. [30:29] But yeah, still kind of soaking in. [30:31] It was a good season. [30:33] But I'm feeling good, ready for motocross. [30:37] So I feel like everyone kind of has me down as a Supercross guy. [30:40] But I guess we'll see. [30:45] Austin Forkner. [30:46] Austin, I saw an interview with one of your prior mechanics, Ollie Stone, the other day, [30:50] where he directly was asked to compare yourself versus Hayden Deegan. [30:54] And I think a lot of people forget, at one point in your 250 career, the trajectory you were on, [30:59] your capabilities. [31:00] Most of the guys that are up here on this podium, of course, are a generation behind you. [31:04] So this year has been a little weird, 250, 450, back and forth, trying to kind of find your place. [31:10] The long question is, what will it take to find your place again here in the 250 class? [31:13] And what should we expect at the opening part of the season? [31:17] Yeah, I had a couple good races last year in the 250 class. [31:22] Washougal, I got fifth. [31:24] And then the SMX in Charlotte, I got fifth. [31:26] And those were, I think, just because I got good starts. [31:29] So I really think that if I can put myself up there with those guys, I can run up there, I can stay up there. [31:37] But coming through the pack is pretty tough nowadays, especially with this many fast guys, [31:44] this many guys on good bikes in the 250 class, that's tough. [31:47] So, yeah, I guess just getting good starts. [31:52] And I've been doing motos with Deacon Dino at the track. [31:57] And I've been showing him some, he started calling me Unk. [32:00] So not even really sure what that means. [32:03] But I'm going to try to bring some Unk speed. [32:07] I've been showing him some Unk speed at the test track. [32:09] So I'm going to try to bring some Unk speed to outdoors. [32:13] Relief by Kitchen. [32:14] Obviously, I think you ended the 2024 season with a couple wins in pro motocross. [32:18] Then you had the injury last year in supercross. [32:20] Kind of came in late, I guess, behind the ball a little bit in pro motocross. [32:25] For this season, how important it is for you to start the summer off on a good note? [32:28] I think you had a little bit of a tough start last year with a bike problem. [32:31] But how important is it for you to start the season off? [32:33] I feel like that's been your, I guess, you know, last two years. [32:36] You haven't really been able to do that. [32:39] Yeah, it's super important for sure. [32:41] But, yeah, I think I'm in a better spot than I was last year going in for sure. [32:45] I would just like to have, I think, yeah, 24 had a good race here and started the season off pretty well. [32:53] So just try to get off the gate good and, yeah, just put all the work to, put all the work, I guess, that I've done [33:03] and just see what I can, how I can do and where we stack up, I guess. [33:08] And you've been having the fun haircuts the last couple years. [33:10] Anything this year or just standard hair? [33:12] Anything under that hat? [33:14] No, I've just been growing it out. [33:16] So I'll just grow it out until I probably get too hot. [33:20] Hopefully Hangtown's not 110 like last year, so we'll see. [33:27] Adam from TrackTalkers, this one's for Cole. [33:29] Last year in outdoors, we've seen a little bit of up and down. [33:31] Obviously, you had, you know, some decent motos, but some motos that were, you know, in that mid-pack. [33:37] How have you been feeling on the bike these last two weeks? [33:41] Where have you been at against the other guys? [33:43] And what's your expectation for tomorrow? [33:46] No, last year outdoors was terrible. [33:48] I'm looking to turn that around. [33:50] Just get off to a good start. [33:52] And, you know, I feel like, you know, I'm a good sport. [33:55] I know what I can do. [33:57] So, yeah, excited for it. [34:01] Trey Steyer, Transroad Motocross. [34:02] My question is for Seth. [34:04] Another solid year of Supercross under your belt. [34:06] And you showed a lot of progress last year in outdoors. [34:08] But it seems like you're coming in a bit under the radar this year. [34:12] How does that affect you mentally? [34:13] Are you someone that likes being counted out a little bit? [34:16] Yeah, it doesn't really affect me. [34:19] I feel like, and for outdoors, you know, I still need to prove myself. [34:23] Supercross last two seasons have been good. [34:25] You know, asserted myself as one of the guys that can fight for a title. [34:28] But now I just need to do that this year for outdoors. [34:31] And coming in under the radar doesn't bother me. [34:33] I feel like that's kind of something that's nice to kind of keep the pressure off and just kind of go in there, do my thing. [34:39] But looking forward to start off strong. [34:41] And, yeah, this is the most excited I've been for outdoors in probably ever. [34:45] So, yeah, ready for it. [34:50] Hi, Sophie Phelps here with RacerX. [34:52] My question is for Austin. [34:54] Austin, congratulations on the baby on the way. [34:56] I'm curious now after many years of you racing, you're a little bit older than these other guys. [35:01] So, no comments here. [35:03] But with the baby on the way and your current child, how has that changed your mentality going into racing since you have dependents now? [35:12] Yeah, I've heard a lot of guys say it in the past. [35:15] But I feel like it kind of makes you just think about things a little bit differently. [35:19] Maybe not. [35:20] I feel like whenever you're young, you know, dirt bikes are the only thing that you're, I mean, at a certain point, it's kind of like it's all you're living for. [35:29] You're doing it every day. [35:29] You wake up, you eat, sleep, breathe. [35:32] Dirt bikes, where now, you know, they definitely take, it starts to funnel in a little bit more to just a job, I think, whenever you start to have kids. [35:42] And obviously, family life starts to rise. [35:44] It turns into definitely a little bit more of a job. [35:47] So, not that it still can be fun. [35:49] And I have been enjoying the whole process and stuff lately. [35:51] But, you know, definitely family's priority at this point. [35:58] And, yeah, but Atlas wants a trophy. [36:01] So, I'm going to try to get him one this year. [36:06] For Julian, we're all excited to have you back at the racing. [36:09] What's it been like during the week? [36:10] Have you changed a lot of your program just knowing coming off of injury? [36:13] And can you kind of just fill us in a little bit what the day-to-day has been like during the week? [36:17] Yeah, it's been pretty normal as of late. [36:19] It hasn't changed too much. [36:22] I think, obviously, I'm now in Florida with the guys over there. [36:24] And I spent most of my prep here in Cali just because I had surgery April 2nd. [36:31] And I wanted to make sure that everything was good. [36:33] Spent some time with Dr. G. [36:35] And just really made sure that the back was 100% before we did too much. [36:39] But now I'm pretty close to 100%. [36:41] And I think I'm in the best shape I've ever been in my life. [36:45] So, where we're at on the bike is going to tell tomorrow. [36:48] But I'm excited to go racing and see where we're at. [36:52] Was the decision to move to Florida? [36:53] Is that your decision or your decision from the team? [36:55] It was my decision. [36:59] Chance Hymus. [37:00] Chance, you still hold a pretty unique tag. [37:03] You are the first rider that Factory Honda signed directly out of Amateurs since, I believe, Tommy Hawn, [37:08] probably over two decades ago, to race a 250 for them. [37:12] You know, you came in in the shadows of the Lawrence's great success on the 250s. [37:15] There's a lot of things. [37:16] You're what still a lot of people consider the most premier team in the sport. [37:20] What are the positives with that? [37:22] I think those are a little more obvious. [37:23] But also, can you tell us what some of maybe the negatives or tough things you've faced with that road? [37:28] There may be a little unknown. [37:30] Yeah. [37:30] I mean, it's hard coming from amateur ranks into the pro team, especially coming from Team Green and then going into HRC, being based as a pro team. [37:39] Just kind of figuring out my path there and what really worked best for me and the team as well and having to learn each other at a young age. [37:47] Like, it's pretty tough for me and not really having the experience to do that. [37:51] But, you know, they took very good care of me along the way. [37:53] And, you know, they've been behind my back with all my injuries and, you know, continue to believe in me through all the hard times. [37:59] And, honestly, there's been plenty of times they could have, you know, got rid of me or clipped me, you know. [38:05] But they continue to believe in me and know that I can still be the guy to make it happen. [38:09] So, for them to have that belief in me, it means a lot. [38:12] And, yeah, it's definitely, don't get me wrong, it's hard to be in the shadows a little bit, you know. [38:17] But to be, it's also a good position to be in, you know, because, you know, the team around you, like, they're very capable of getting the job done. [38:26] And they'll do whatever it takes to make it happen. [38:28] So, I think it's one of those, you look at the glass half-hole half-empty, you can use it and say, yeah, I'm maybe not as good as these guys or maybe more attention is going there. [38:37] But also, I've had just the same amount of attention. [38:40] And, you know, these guys have also been very good to me and also taken care of me and given me the attention that I've needed. [38:46] So, yeah, I think I have a great team around me and I, you know, wouldn't want to be with anyone else. [38:53] I'll give you one more, Adam, then we got to wrap our 250s. [38:56] Go ahead. [38:57] Adam from Track Talkers, this last one's for Joe. [38:59] You have a lot of pressure on you right now. [39:01] I feel like you're also one of the favorites. [39:04] And you have a lot of speed as well. [39:06] But, unfortunately, you had that injury and I've been riding for a long time and I know how injuries heal and that was definitely quick. [39:13] Where are you at recovery-wise? [39:15] Do you feel rushed in your training to get here? [39:17] And, you know, I know you said you're ready to win, but what's a realistic expectation for tomorrow? [39:23] No, I think I really have no excuse. [39:26] I had a month and a half to prep, which is plenty enough time. [39:31] We did a good test early. [39:34] We got that down and we just keep riding and doing 30s in hot weather. [39:40] So, no, pretty fit, ready. [39:44] Yeah, like I said, I'm in a good spot, I feel like. [39:48] And also, like, in between Supercross and outdoor, you only have, like, two weeks normally. [39:53] But this time, I mean, I had so much time to just ride, ride, ride and then figure some stuff out with the team. [40:00] And personally, I'm excited. [40:02] So, ready to go. [40:04] All right, that's our 250 pressers, 1140. [40:07] We got to cut it. [40:08] Thank you, gentlemen. [40:10] Round of applause for our 250 athletes. [40:13] We'll encourage them to stick around after, but they will have to go to the track and they will be riding at the track this afternoon as well. [40:19] Feel free to try to find them in the pits as well if you're looking for one-on-one time. [40:23] We hope that some of them stick around at the end of this. [40:24] But we are going to transition to the 450 class. [40:27] We're going to introduce the riders first with the defending SMX champion. [40:30] And then in order of where the riders are currently ranked in the SMX standings, which are essentially the Supercross standings at this point. [40:37] So, the first induction is for the number one, the defending champion, Jet Lawrence from Honda HRC Progressive. [40:45] Come on out. [40:48] Then the number 96, Hunter Lawrence, also from Honda HRC Progressive. [40:56] Eli Tomac, now on board the Red Bull KTM. [40:58] Former champion of this 450 Pro Motocross Championship of Monster Energy Kawasaki, Chase Sexton. [41:13] Multi-time MXGP champion, Jorge Prado of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing. [41:22] Pro Motocross debut for the Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing Team. [41:27] Former champion of this class, Dylan Ferrandez. [41:30] Back from injury in Supercross on the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Machine, the 24 of RJ Hampshire. [41:41] And the Liquibali Beta Team jumping into Pro Motocross full-time for the first time with the number 54. [41:51] We welcome Benny Bloss. [41:57] 450 full-time debut for the two-time 250 Pro Motocross champion, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing's Hayden Deegan. [42:08] And Triumph jumping into the 450 division of SMX as well. [42:11] The 5'11 Triumph Racing-backed number 31, Mikkel Harrop. [42:15] I'll take the first one here as an obvious one for you, Jet Lawrence. [42:22] Good to hear you. [42:23] It's good to see you back. [42:24] We were in a similar situation last year coming back from injury. [42:27] You have said this one is tougher, so what's the situation coming into this opener? [42:32] Yeah, this one took a lot longer. [42:34] It was a pain in the ass because it was interfering with all my hobbies, so I wasn't too pumped. [42:38] But yeah, same, similar thing coming back. [42:41] Obviously, I'm excited for the adrenaline rush again and the racing, and I'm just looking forward to being back. [42:47] You know, it's great and all watching great racing on TV, but you like to be a part of it, you know. [42:51] So I'm excited to be back, and I just can't wait for that gate drop, you know. [42:55] Is there any sort of number or expectation you can put on where your prep is? [43:00] Is there enough, or is this a bit of a rush to be ready for round one? [43:04] We'll see tomorrow. [43:05] Okay, well done. [43:06] Let's open it up to the media. [43:07] Go ahead. [43:08] Michael Lindsay from Violin Max. [43:09] This is for Eli Tomac. [43:10] Eli, of everyone on this stage, plus the people you'll be racing tomorrow, you are the most successful in this series. [43:18] It has also been, I believe, over 1,000 days since you won a pro motocross national now. [43:22] So just speak to the depth of the talent around you, like, again, the guys on the stage, the guys you'll be racing. [43:28] What do you think of the state of pro motocross now compared to earlier in your career? [43:35] Every year. [43:36] Every year it's outstanding, but this is exceptional. [43:41] I mean, and maybe that's because everyone's racing a little bit longer, I think. [43:47] Like, I mean, look, there's a lot of guys that are in their, you know, well into their 30s now racing, like where everyone would kind of draw the line at 27, 28 for, like, top, top guys. [43:57] So, yeah, here we are. [43:59] It's an excellent field. [43:59] Everyone's, you know, pretty healthy right now. [44:01] So it's cool to see all of us sitting up here ready for tomorrow. [44:05] And then also I know that statistic I mentioned you've seen on social media because I saw you comment back to somebody. [44:10] Again, that number seems big to see on paper, but I saw some comments from you very confident that it won't take long to right the wrong there. [44:18] That's right. [44:19] I mean, my last win, I think, was actually here at Paula. [44:21] So overall I like this place. [44:23] It has been a while, but if I look back at my preparation into the other seasons, like I was always coming back from some sort of injury or just, I don't know. [44:33] I wasn't on fire, you know, those last couple of years. [44:36] So hopefully we'll bring something different this year. [44:40] Mitch from RacerX. [44:41] So this one's for Hayden. [44:42] If my math is correct, I think you were four years old when Eli turned pro and made his pro debut and won. [44:47] You know, is Eli somebody even thought you would race against when you were a kid? [44:50] Like, yeah, I know you trained with him and rode with him and did a video with him, but now you're racing him straight up. [44:54] Like, is that something you ever thought would happen? [44:56] No, 100%. [44:57] That's badass. [44:58] I race in Tomek. [44:59] Like, I mean, you're going to be racing Tomek, right? [45:01] Even in WSX when I was up there racing with him. [45:04] Yeah, man, that was the coolest thing ever. [45:06] That was a dream come true. [45:07] So I'm ready to lay the hammer down, hopefully go battle with those boys, turn up for sure, and it's definitely a dream come true. [45:15] Trey Steyer, Transroad Motocross. [45:16] My question is for Chase Sexton. [45:18] You had the win at the end of Supercross in Salt Lake City. [45:21] It seemed like a huge boost in momentum and morale for the team. [45:24] These last couple weeks, how much progress have you been able to make for the bike to get ready for outdoors? [45:29] Yeah, I mean, I think everyone kind of saw my Supercross season was pretty bad. [45:34] And to win the last race was nice. [45:36] Obviously, there was a lot going on with the championship and stuff. [45:39] But it was nice to go out there and ride somewhat good and definitely made these last couple weeks easier. [45:46] We've made some good progress. [45:47] And so far, I feel pretty good. [45:49] But everyone feels good until you go to racing tomorrow. [45:52] So, yeah, we'll see. [45:54] But, yeah, so far, so good. [45:55] And I'm definitely fired up for a good outdoor season. [45:59] Adam from TrackTalkers, this one's for Hunter. [46:03] Hunter, this Supercross season, we've seen so much progression from you. [46:07] We've seen you learn so much and get so much faster. [46:10] But, unfortunately, at the end, you did take second place. [46:13] But you handled it with more class than we probably have ever seen. [46:18] Unfortunately, with those losses, you know, it's detrimental sometimes to your emotion and what goes on. [46:24] Can you take us through the last two weeks of getting ready [46:26] and how you're picking yourself up to win a pro motocross championship? [46:31] Yeah, obviously, when the Supercross doesn't go your way, you're like, [46:34] damn it, my whole outdoor prep's screwed and I didn't get the title. [46:37] So, it's, like, easy to feel down. [46:38] But that's racing. [46:40] And we're here. [46:41] We've got a good-looking bike to go race. [46:43] And I think we're in a good spot kind of where we left last year. [46:46] So, I've had probably the shortest prep for outdoors out of any of my seasons. [46:50] But I feel like the race pace through Supercross and race fitness kind of carries on, you know, [46:56] better than being at home. [46:57] So, I'm looking forward to it. [46:59] We've got an amazing feel to go race. [47:00] It's a bunch of awesome athletes. [47:01] And I think it's going to be good regardless. [47:04] Dan Beaver, NBC Sports, for Mikkel. [47:10] So many strong runs last year in the 250 class. [47:15] Can you talk about the preparation and the expectations in 450s? [47:21] Where do you think you'll get your first podium? [47:25] I mean, that's going to be tough to say. [47:27] I've had a lot of time to get ready. [47:29] Almost too much time in my taste. [47:32] I like to race. [47:33] At the end of the day, I'm a racer. [47:35] But, no, I feel good. [47:37] We've had, man, yeah, since Unadilla last year to prepare. [47:41] And the Triumph bike feels great. [47:44] And, yeah, I can't get ready. [47:45] I can't wait to get ready and get started. [47:49] Hey, Alex Gobert, MotoOnline.com. [47:52] For RJ Hampshire, we saw such an impressive season last year outdoors. [47:57] You're coming back from injury. [48:00] So, how long do you think it's going to take for you to really race yourself back into the type of form that we saw last year? [48:07] I mean, I think I'm better right now than what I was at the end of last year. [48:11] I mean, I had a good six, seven weeks on the bike. [48:14] And, man, I love where I'm at right now. [48:16] I love the, you know, feeling I have on the bike. [48:19] So, yeah, just excited to be here and to be back racing. [48:21] Like, it's tough watching, you know, week in and week out. [48:24] And, yeah, a lot's happened in the last, you know, couple of months or so. [48:28] But I'm ready to put it all out there and start the season off strong. [48:34] For Jorge Prado, Jorge, you now have a season under your belt here in the U.S. [48:39] This season, however, you will be back on a type of machinery more similar, of course, to what you won your two MXGP World Championships on. [48:46] I've heard the team talk about you sampling things that are basically directly pulled from your MXGP setup of past days. [48:52] They also have new stuff for you to try. [48:53] Can you talk a little bit about, now that you've experienced it, what are some of the differences really between MXGP and here in terms of bike setup? [49:01] How you have to approach it? [49:02] Or are we all overthinking it? [49:03] Do you really not approach it any differently? [49:07] Well, at the moment, I feel very good with the bike. [49:10] And, yes, we had some base setups coming from my last MXGP season that were working perfectly here. [49:20] We tried to improve that setup, and I think we did. [49:23] So, yeah, overall I feel very good with my bike, and I can't really wait to start racing. [49:29] I think it should be a good pro motorcross season. [49:31] Ryan Itzen with Cycle News. [49:34] My question is for Dylan. [49:36] As a former champion, we also saw your results get better each week on the Ducati and Supercross. [49:41] As a former champion, what's it feel like to lead the Ducati team into their debut season in pro motorcross? [49:46] I mean, it's going to be quite a surprise tomorrow because we've never raced this bike in outdoors yet. [49:52] So, we see, but for sure we learn a lot from the Supercross season. [49:56] And we apply all the good and bad for the two last two weeks testing. [50:03] And, yeah, I think we're in a much better place than we've been for the first race of Supercross. [50:08] So, we learn a lot. [50:10] We get the bike, I think, where we want before this race, and we will see tomorrow how the bike react in race condition. [50:18] But I'm pretty confident. [50:19] And, yeah, I think we did a good job in a pretty short time we had between Supercross and motorcross. [50:27] Hi, Gene Turner-Adams with Dirt Bike Magazine. [50:29] My question is for Jet Lawrence. [50:31] Talk about the entire Supercross season. [50:33] Is there any benefit to being able to take a step back and just have a perspective of the entire thing rather than being center stage? [50:41] Um, I mean, you can do, you can watch as much as you want, you know, but I feel like you learn best when you're out there. [50:49] So, I wouldn't say too much. [50:51] Obviously, I was at some ease with Hunter doing so well. [50:55] So, it didn't drive me completely insane. [50:58] But, yeah, I mean, I would have rather be out there, you know, learning with him and just keeping the racing sharp, you know, [51:05] and being out there for obviously my team and stuff like that. [51:07] But, yeah, it was good to watch, but we definitely like being out there more than watching. [51:15] How's it going? [51:15] Justin Lee from Motocross Action. [51:17] My question is for Chase. [51:18] It's kind of crazy how quickly the talk has kind of lifted from you and more towards Hayden and Jet. [51:25] You know, you're a former champion, and it's kind of odd how quickly people forget that, you know, [51:32] you can run up there and run that pace. [51:34] Has that kind of driven you and kind of fueled the fire a little bit? [51:37] Yeah, I mean, that is the hot topic right now. [51:41] But, I mean, the season hasn't started yet. [51:43] So, everyone has the same opportunity tomorrow to go out there and win. [51:47] And, like I said, I feel good on the bike, and I feel more prepared than I was last year coming in. [51:53] Obviously, it didn't go very well. [51:54] So, yeah, like I said, I feel good. [51:57] But my goal is just to go out there and ignore all the noise going on and go do my thing. [52:02] And that's usually when I ride my best. [52:03] So, we'll see you tomorrow. [52:04] Trey Steyer, Trey's Web Motocross. [52:08] My question is for Hayden. [52:10] Obviously, you're coming into your home race this weekend, making the big 450 debut. [52:14] You got the iced-out chain over there. [52:16] First and foremost, what is your confidence level coming into this weekend? [52:20] And also, is this a dream 450-class debut for you since you get to do it in front of your backyard and your friends and family? [52:26] Yeah, 100%. [52:27] Yeah, you know, got to put the drip on sometimes for sure. [52:30] But definitely, it's a dream come true. [52:32] Definitely a hometown race. [52:33] And just like this guy said over here, why is no one really talking about the other guys? [52:39] Or my point is Chase kind of more. [52:41] It's because they're just trying to get some views, you know? [52:43] The Deegan vs. Jet is obviously bringing a lot of views to this sport. [52:46] And it's huge. [52:47] This is massive. [52:48] It's going to be a good battle. [52:50] And I think it's going to be massive to do it in the hometown. [52:53] I think this is going to probably do some record numbers for fans. [52:55] And like the guy was saying, he was 12% up on Peacock views or whatever this year. [52:59] It's like there's a lot going on behind the scenes that's bringing views to this sport. [53:03] And I think this is all good. [53:06] This is all a good thing for sure. [53:07] Bring money to the sport. [53:08] Bring fans. [53:09] And just continue to grow. [53:12] So he helps with RacerX. [53:14] My question is also for Hayden. [53:15] Hayden, can you talk a little bit about your mentality? [53:18] We know you're a very mentally tough rider. [53:21] And you've talked about in the 250s having a mental advantage over your competitors. [53:25] Do you feel like you have that mental leverage over these seasoned veterans of the sport? [53:30] No, I wouldn't say I have a mental leverage over them. [53:33] I'm just mentally strong. [53:34] I'm unbreakable. [53:36] I have a hard head on me. [53:37] And that's kind of how I've always been. [53:39] So I'm up to the fight right now. [53:41] I've never raced these guys. [53:43] I'm more excited than anything. [53:45] I was talking to my buddy the other day. [53:46] I remember my 250 season passing J-Mart in Daytona or whatever. [53:50] I was starstruck because that's like a guy you watched growing up. [53:53] So hopefully I get the same feeling battling with these guys and battling with them. [53:56] Get that starstruck feeling again. [53:58] And I'm excited. [53:59] You only get one rookie season. [54:00] So obviously I want to go learn, make the best of it, and put on a show. [54:06] And Beaver, NBC Sports again, back to the other end, to Jet. [54:11] Perfect at Paula. [54:13] You said we have to wait until tomorrow to see exactly where you are. [54:16] But striving to keep that perfection, does that add to your confidence? [54:20] Or does it add to the stress level? [54:25] It doesn't really add much at all, you know. [54:28] It's just another race for me. [54:30] Obviously I have a really good record there. [54:32] But that doesn't mean jack squat to today or tomorrow, you know. [54:36] So I'm just going to go out there, just ride like how I ride. [54:40] And we're going to see where I end up. [54:41] You know, I back myself with a lot of stuff. [54:44] So, yeah, we're just going to go out there. [54:46] We've got to focus on, obviously, press today, qualifying tomorrow. [54:49] You know, take it step by step. [54:51] We can't just jump straight to the gate drop. [54:52] So, yeah, I'm looking forward to it. [54:57] For RJ Hampshire, obviously you had the time off in Supercross to test for Pro Motocross. [55:01] How did you continue to develop the bike? [55:03] And can you compare it to 250 testing and kind of the differences in testing the 250 versus the 450 for Pro Motocross? [55:10] I mean, yeah, it's quite a bit different. [55:12] Like, nothing that we really have on the bike now is what I race with on the 250. [55:17] It's just, like, this thing so much and a bad setup or, you know, not being comfortable. [55:23] It will bite you a lot faster than what the 250 would. [55:26] Yeah, I don't know. [55:27] Like I said, I'm in a good spot. [55:29] You really don't know until you go racing, like they've all said. [55:32] But, yeah, just excited. [55:33] Like, it's been a bit. [55:36] And, yeah, happy with the bike. [55:39] I'm going to ask one. [55:40] I'm going to go to you, Benny Bloss. [55:41] So, your team does not normally race Pro Motocross, but then we won't even mention how quickly you were injured in Supercross, but didn't even make it to Anaheim 1. [55:48] Now your team has pivoted to race outdoors, but I think you've always liked racing and some of your best results have come in Pro Motocross. [55:55] So, are you actually excited about this opportunity? [55:58] Yeah, I'm really excited. [55:59] Like you said, I did one lap of press day at A1, which was pretty embarrassing before I got hurt. [56:05] I said I wasn't going to talk about this. [56:06] I tried to help you. [56:07] I've always been more of an outdoor guy, so I'm really excited. [56:10] We did a couple last year, but, like, my prep for them was terrible. [56:14] Just we didn't do a lot going into them. [56:16] So, I've got, like, two months on the bike right now, and I'm really, really happy with it. [56:20] It's much faster than last year, and the suspension has been awesome, too. [56:24] So, I think we're going to be able to get some sneaky good results that people don't expect. [56:31] So, yeah. [56:33] Take a page out of your playbook there, Weege. [56:35] I'm going to ask one for Dylan Ferrandes. [56:37] Dylan, this Ducati has infinitely more time on motocross testing and preparation than the Supercross season you guys went through. [56:45] You talk about your preparation for motocross and your expectations. [56:47] Are they a little bit higher up the leaderboard than they were maybe in the first year of Supercross for that motorcycle? [56:53] Yeah, I think so, because for me, motocross is more natural, and I have more experience, obviously, with my time in MXGP. [56:59] So, for sure, it's maybe easier for me to set up the bike and also get to the speed. [57:04] And, yeah, when I feel good, I'm really – I think we can, with this bike, we can really achieve pretty good results right now. [57:12] Like, if I feel tomorrow how I feel at the practice track, I think, yeah, there's good capability for this bike. [57:18] So, we're going to try. [57:20] But, yeah, like I said, it's going to be the first year of the season for this bike in motocross. [57:23] So, we have to learn, and we see how it goes. [57:26] But, yeah, I'm feeling pretty confident. [57:28] And all the – yeah, what we learned from Supercross is going to help, for sure. [57:35] Got time for one more. [57:35] Go ahead, Adam. [57:37] Adam from TrackTalkers. [57:38] Hayden, you mentioned it, and it is reality, the fact that using your name and Jet's name is getting views and getting clicks right now. [57:47] And I think that's because you two are the biggest rising stars in our sport and the two fastest guys that we want to see go against each other. [57:56] This question is for Jet and Hayden. [57:58] Can you talk about the excitement to battle each other, and is there anything you want to say to each other before the gate drop tomorrow? [58:05] Yeah, it's good. [58:06] I think to be able to bring more numbers to our sport and grow it, you know, it's always good. [58:11] I think it's great for our sport, and I think people are finally seeing how sick motocross and supercross is, you know. [58:18] Like, it's great to have, obviously, a new rivalry like there was with James and Ricky and stuff like that or James and Chad, you know. [58:25] So, it's always good. [58:27] A sport loves a rivalry, and obviously Hayden and I are really close in age, so it's like a perfect mix, you know. [58:33] We're going to be racing each other for a pretty long time. [58:35] So, it's going to be fun. [58:36] I'm looking forward to it. [58:37] I always love a new challenge and learning just a new riding, you know. [58:42] So, it's going to be good. [58:45] Yeah, I'm excited. [58:46] There's obviously a reason they put us on the other end of the tables together. [58:49] So, there's definitely a reason to that one. [58:51] But, yeah, rookie versus the champ. [58:53] I feel like it's been a while since that's really been a thing, and I think it is going to the sport 100%, one. [58:59] And I think also kind of got to put some respect on myself, too, because now they're comparing a rookie to the champ, which is pretty cool. [59:04] So, that honestly hypes me up. [59:07] That makes me work harder during the week, knowing that, all right, that's the expectation. [59:10] Let's get it. [59:11] So, obviously, I get to give props to my team, too. [59:13] The whole Monster Energy Star Yamo team, we have been grinding our butts off and just hard, long days in the hot. [59:19] Obviously, Florida's got that summer heat right now, that feel. [59:22] So, yeah, it's been good. [59:24] Big thanks to the team, and we're grinding, babe. [59:26] We're ready to send it. [59:28] That's it. [59:29] Let's hear it for our 450 athletes. [59:31] Thank you, gentlemen. [59:35] Again, we encourage riders to stick around for one-on-ones with the media. [59:38] Lunch will be served in the back half of this facility. [59:41] We do have a couple more athletes to talk to, though, before we wrap up the live stream here, [59:46] and that is to put the spotlight on our WMX racers, JT. [59:49] Thank you, Ege. [59:50] Let's bring them out right away. [59:51] Your defending champion number one, Lachlan Turner with Altus Motorsports Blue Crew Yamaha. [59:59] Number seven from Australia, Charlie Cannon with Quad Lock Honda. [1:00:05] And number 51, Michaela Nielsen with SLR Honda Racing Team. [1:00:17] Start the questions off, and let's go right to the defending champion. [1:00:20] Lala, you really kind of hit the ground running last year. [1:00:24] But this battle brewed throughout the season with the lady to your right, Charlie Cannon. [1:00:28] You guys are close friends, which is such a crazy dynamic when you watch. [1:00:32] You can just feel the tension amongst the men riders into tomorrow. [1:00:36] But you guys all seem to get along. [1:00:38] So can you give us your thoughts about battling both Charlie and KK going into the season? [1:00:42] Also, being friends. [1:00:43] How does that all work, being so competitive and also friends? [1:00:47] Yeah, we're really competitive on the track. [1:00:51] It definitely is cool to race them and battle. [1:00:54] We're literally racing to win, and it's fun to battle them. [1:00:59] And then off the track, we could go get our nails done or go get food or something. [1:01:02] So it's fun. [1:01:03] Cool. [1:01:05] We'll open up to the media. [1:01:06] Go ahead, Dan. [1:01:06] Dan Beaver, NBC Sports. [1:01:09] Kind of for all three of you guys, can you talk about the excitement, the expectation of such a rapid rise? [1:01:18] It goes back to High Point last year where the rain put you guys on Saturday, and now you've been a regular feature of Saturday. [1:01:26] But this season is going to be so much different than the other two seasons, starting with Locken. [1:01:33] Yeah, I think it was definitely God works in mysterious ways with the rain. [1:01:37] And we got a moto on Friday or Saturday, and we got more views than the boys. [1:01:44] So that was super cool, and now we race on Saturdays too. [1:01:51] Yeah, with the rain coming, I think it was a blessing in disguise that we only had a race on Saturday, which put us on the live stream. [1:02:00] And it really gave us a lot more recognition and showed pretty much the whole country and world like women riders can battle and race at a pretty high level as well. [1:02:11] So that definitely helped our sport, and it just made this push even better. [1:02:21] Yeah, I think as a whole, women's sports is growing rapidly right now. [1:02:26] And the fact that we get to be a part of that and everyone wants to see us, and it's just a nice feeling to feel that we are supported and we want to be racing on Saturdays. [1:02:35] And with Synchrony on board now, we get to be able to show what we can do on Saturdays as well as the Friday motos. [1:02:42] So, I mean, it's kind of a crazy time to be a part of women's sports right now. [1:02:49] Sophie Phelps here with RacerX. [1:02:51] My question is for Charlie. [1:02:53] Charlie, last year we know that you came basically straight from Australia to the U.S. to just start racing. [1:02:58] Now, this year you have a year of WMX here in the U.S. under your belt, and then you also have been training back east, right? [1:03:04] So can you talk to us about how your preparation has been now, and do you feel more prepared now that you've been in the U.S.? [1:03:12] Yes, I definitely feel a lot more prepared. [1:03:15] I have a lot more knowledge with a year racing last year. [1:03:20] I kind of came into last year not really knowing any other competition and the tracks and everything, but this year I know all of that, [1:03:31] and I've had a really good preparation coming into this season. [1:03:35] Training at MTF, a lot more bike time and just consistency. [1:03:40] So I'm looking forward to this year and getting racing underway. [1:03:47] Adam from Track Talkers, this one's for Lala. [1:03:49] How much did the Australian Women's Championship help you out for this year, and what did you learn? [1:03:54] What are you going to bring here? [1:03:57] Yeah, they definitely taught me a lot, like very much. [1:04:01] I have a whole different riding style ever since I got back from being over there for such a little time, [1:04:07] but they just have so much knowledge that they taught me, and it was super cool to be over there. [1:04:15] It definitely gave me a confidence boost coming back over here, and I'm ready for the season to start. [1:04:21] As far as the knowledge goes, was it more bike setup? [1:04:26] Was it riding style? [1:04:28] Was it technique? [1:04:29] Can you enlighten us just a little bit on what they brought? [1:04:32] Yeah, bike setup, a big thing, and just riding as a person, riding differently. [1:04:39] It was really cool. [1:04:41] Mitch from RacerX, obviously the Oceana Cup, you guys raced that. [1:04:46] But for all three of you, how much racing have you done this year so far? [1:04:49] Is it mostly just stuff at the test track, or are you able to get some gate drops in here leading into your first round? [1:04:56] So I've been racing my National Grand Prix series for off-road. [1:05:00] I've done about six rounds so far. [1:05:02] I've done a couple local races, but, yeah, I have that championship as well. [1:05:07] But we're on summer break right now, and it doesn't pick up until the same weekend as Ironman, [1:05:11] so I'll have to kind of accommodate to racing both of those series on that weekend. [1:05:15] But, yeah, I've been putting a lot of time in racing for off-road, but also just a couple local races. [1:05:21] I probably haven't raced as much as I would have liked to coming into this season. [1:05:28] I've done the first round of the Australian Championships, which was combined with the Oceana Women's Cup, [1:05:35] which has been the only big race I've done this year. [1:05:38] I did a local area qualifier at High Point, but that's about it. [1:05:42] But I've luckily spent a lot more time on the bike training during the week, so I'm prepared in that way. [1:05:49] I haven't done much racing this year. [1:05:58] The only racing I've done was the Oceana Cup, and it was the first round of Australia. [1:06:05] So, yeah. [1:06:07] How many rounds did you race in Australia, Lala? [1:06:10] Did you just do that? [1:06:11] You did a series, right? [1:06:12] Yeah, we do a series. [1:06:13] We've only raced the first round so far. [1:06:16] Oh, so it's not that you've skipped. [1:06:17] They just haven't had other races yet. [1:06:19] Yeah. [1:06:19] Okay. [1:06:19] The first one's in March, and the next one's, I think, July, early July or something. [1:06:25] So, Charlie, you're still committed to that series. [1:06:27] They just haven't had round two yet. [1:06:29] Yes. [1:06:30] It's a four-round series, and there's a really big break between the first and second round. [1:06:36] So our first one was in March, and then our last three are pretty much back-to-back in end of July, August. [1:06:44] Gotcha. [1:06:44] Okay. [1:06:44] Makes sense. [1:06:45] Trey. [1:06:46] Trey Steyer, Transroad Motocross. [1:06:48] My question is for Michaela. [1:06:49] Obviously, you mentioned balancing that NGPC series with Pro Motocross. [1:06:54] Even though you have a break for that series, how are you trying to balance training for the off-road, more enduro stuff with balancing the WMX training and trying to get that intensity and speed up? [1:07:06] So my team and I's plan was to just kind of hit hard in the beginning for off-road, and then probably in March, I just started riding moto only and just show up to the off-road races and kind of adjust on that Saturday. [1:07:20] And then race on Sunday. [1:07:21] But, yeah, I've just mostly been on a motorbike since March and just putting in more time than I was last year for this race. [1:07:31] Hey, Alex Gobert, MotoOnline.com. [1:07:34] For Charlie, there's so much attention on the Lawrence brothers from Australia, obviously, as you are too. [1:07:40] Can you just tell us about your pathway and how you've ended up in America with the Quad Lock Honda team? [1:07:50] So I've been racing motocross pretty much my whole life since I was quite young. [1:07:56] And through juniors, I've, I guess, always been, like, at the top level, and I got an opportunity to then ride my first year on a factory team in my first year as seniors. [1:08:10] And then that progressed me to ride for Honda Racing Australia with Yurif Khonski. [1:08:16] And he's got, obviously, Quad Lock Honda over here, which, after my first year racing on Honda, I, he gave me the opportunity to come and race over here alongside pretty much Honda's full support. [1:08:31] And, uh, I, I guess now we've seen, we're on, like, social media and obviously America's the pinnacle of motocross. [1:08:42] So this is where I've always wanted to be. [1:08:44] And, uh, now I get the opportunity to be based here, race the whole series under Quad Lock Honda. [1:08:52] Um, and, yeah, hopefully stay here for a few more years and continue my goals. [1:08:58] So, um, that's kind of where I'm at now. [1:09:01] I race between Australia and America still, uh, for Honda, and I'm just enjoying what I do. [1:09:10] For Charlie and for Lala, um, Jean Turner Adams with Dirt Bike Magazine. [1:09:14] Uh, last year you both had a pretty good go at each other, but I felt like neither of you were fully healthy. [1:09:22] Like, Charlie, you still had the finger. [1:09:23] Lala, you still had the back, uh, issues. [1:09:26] So do you feel like, is this the first time we're going to see you guys head-to-head both totally healthy? [1:09:30] Um, I think somewhat. [1:09:34] Um, I had a crash like two weeks ago and I thought I broke my back again, the lower back. [1:09:39] But, um, turns out it's just tore some ligaments in my lower back. [1:09:44] And I think it's pretty close to being full, both of us. [1:09:50] So I think it's going to be a really cool challenge to race this year when we're both fully 100%. [1:09:57] Yeah, I think this year, coming in, we're both a lot more healthy than last year. [1:10:05] Um, I don't have any injuries lingering, um, and I'm sure Lala's ripping as well. [1:10:12] Fingers are all healed up. [1:10:14] So, um, yeah, we're coming in healthy and I'm ready to, um, put up a fight. [1:10:22] Sophie Phelps with RacerX. [1:10:24] My question's for Michaela. [1:10:25] Um, Michaela, talk to us a little bit about your plan for this season, kind of as a whole. [1:10:29] Um, last year we saw you come out swinging at the first couple of rounds and then sort [1:10:33] of died off a little bit, if, if we can say that. [1:10:36] Um, what's your plan this season to stay consistently at the front, all of the rounds? [1:10:40] Yeah, I feel like it's safe to say it was not a very consistent season as I would hope [1:10:46] to. [1:10:46] Um, I mean, the highs were highs, the lows were lows, but, um, I feel like I have a better [1:10:51] understanding of this season now. [1:10:53] I mean, before that I was just racing off road and I had not really much moto. [1:10:57] Uh, but now coming into it, like, I feel like I'm more prepared, obviously. [1:11:01] And, uh, I just try to put as much time as I can on the bike and doing a lot of motos [1:11:06] and training with the boys. [1:11:07] And I mean, I'm sure they have all two, but I just feel like I'm going to come at this [1:11:11] season a little bit more, like open-minded. [1:11:14] And if anything happens, like, don't take it. [1:11:16] Like, you got to race the next weekend. [1:11:17] And I feel like that's one thing I had to learn last year was you can't, you can't dwell [1:11:21] on it. [1:11:21] Like you're, you're right back in again on seven days later. [1:11:24] So, um, yeah, I feel like I just want to come out this season and, and just be grateful [1:11:28] for what we're doing. [1:11:29] Um, obviously I want to win, but it's kind of crazy how much we've blown up. [1:11:33] So I, I feel like all three of us should sometimes just take a step back and being like, this [1:11:37] is crazy. [1:11:38] Um, but yeah, I definitely do want to still come out swinging again last year and keep [1:11:42] it going as I just go from race to race. [1:11:45] One more. [1:11:47] Brie Markov with Moto Fit Club. [1:11:48] Um, now that you guys have a season under your belt, what's the expectation going into [1:11:52] just round one Hangtown? [1:11:54] Questions for all three of you, starting with Turner. [1:11:58] Um, my expectation is obviously go 1-1. [1:12:03] Last year I didn't go 1-1 the first opening series. [1:12:06] So that was a real kick in the bum, but, um, I definitely want to go 1-1 this opening series [1:12:12] and get the year going. [1:12:15] Coming into this first round, I just, uh, really want to get some good starts. [1:12:25] And consistency, uh, start up front and, um, just fight for the wins. [1:12:32] Uh, last year I had a really slow start to the season, but obviously I came in a little [1:12:37] bit injured, but this one I'm all healthy and I'm ready to go in, um, in for the fight. [1:12:44] So, uh, I'm just looking forward to having some fun battles and fighting for the wins. [1:12:49] Yeah, I feel like with off-road I'm, I'm better in my later motos and, uh, since the motos [1:12:57] are kind of shorter this year, but I've just been working a lot on my sprints and that's [1:13:01] something I lacked last year was just getting a start in sprinting. [1:13:05] And, uh, I feel like I've really, uh, coned in on those technique skills and yeah, I, I [1:13:10] want to come out swinging again as I did last year. [1:13:12] So yeah, I'm getting pretty excited for this race. [1:13:15] That'll do. [1:13:17] Thank you to our ladies from the WMX division. [1:13:20] Thank you very much. [1:13:21] Uh, thanks for our crowd for attending. [1:13:22] There will be one-on-one media time in the back. [1:13:24] Some riders are probably already participating with that. [1:13:27] Bikes on track at 2 p.m. [1:13:29] Bikes on track at 2 p.m. [1:13:30] For press riding at Fox Raceway. [1:13:33] Lunch is served in the restaurant in the back. [1:13:36] For Jason Thomas, I'm Jason Wygant. [1:13:38] Thanks for attending. [1:13:38] We'll see you tomorrow. [1:13:39] Bye-bye.