Post-Race Press Conference

[0:00] Of course, Hayden, congratulations. [0:01] You did exactly as you said you were going to do. [0:04] In your final 250 championship, what makes this one so special? [0:09] I mean, it's the last one. [0:10] That's probably the best part about it. [0:13] Pretty quick 250 career. [0:15] It's gone by really fast, and it's kind of crazy. [0:17] It's like it went by like a flash. [0:18] So I'm stoked to win it though, and especially [0:21] win it three rounds early. [0:22] Do some history book stuff right there, [0:24] even though they were trying to take it away from me, [0:26] but we got it done. [0:27] So that was pretty cool to put the name [0:29] in the record books right there. [0:31] I know that you have family at most of the rounds, [0:34] so they're here to celebrate with you. [0:35] I just saw your sister Haley is here. [0:37] How much more special does that make a moment like this? [0:39] Yeah, I'm really family orientated. [0:41] We do everything together, and I think that's why I'm so good. [0:45] You just kind of have that family nature on you [0:47] all the time. [0:48] But yeah, it's super cool. [0:49] Sis came out, did a little signing today, [0:51] so that's always nice. [0:53] Yeah. [0:55] Michael Lindsay, Violin Mix. [0:56] Hayden, as you mentioned, a very short time in the 250 class [0:59] compared to a quarter. [1:00] What quite a few of the guys go through nowadays, four years, [1:03] I believe six titles total. [1:06] If you would have picked up a Supercross regional title [1:08] a year earlier, it would have shortened this up. [1:10] Do you feel like you hit the perfect amount? [1:12] Again, some people consider short, four years. [1:14] How do you feel about that? [1:15] No, I'm really grateful. [1:17] That kind of took me a little longer [1:19] to win a Supercross title, because it let me learn. [1:22] It kept me in the class long enough to keep learning. [1:24] And I feel like this year, I finally [1:27] ticked off a lot of the boxes that I needed, [1:28] where I feel like if I would have went [1:30] to the 450 last year, I didn't have everything I needed. [1:33] So I really think this was a good thing that we won a title [1:36] last year and were able to race this year as well, keep [1:37] building. [1:39] And then speaking of that, checking off all the boxes, [1:41] clearly you got it done in SMX, pro motocross. [1:43] You've been there for a couple of years now. [1:45] Yes, you had a Supercross title last year, [1:47] but it feels like this year you did it [1:49] in a much more dominant fashion, maybe the way people [1:52] expected of you. [1:54] What is the difference this year? [1:55] What are the things that you are taking away from this [1:57] to go to the 450 class? [1:59] Yeah. [2:00] I feel like one thing that was hindering me was just, [2:02] I mean, a lot in the whoops. [2:04] And I feel like I really just a lot of early mornings [2:06] trying to get those dialed. [2:07] And it's kind of switched the path. [2:09] I feel like if you can hit whoops, you can win races. [2:11] So I mean, it takes a little more than that, obviously, too. [2:14] But that does help it a lot. [2:15] I feel like it's just a lot more consistent in them. [2:17] And it's really helped overall. [2:20] So yeah. [2:20] Apologies if you've already answered this, [2:23] but what are the emotions of this particular title [2:26] win versus the other ones that you've had already [2:27] in your career? [2:28] Yeah. [2:29] Basically, I mean, like I said, it's [2:31] just the final one, last one in 250s before I get bumped out. [2:36] So it means a lot. [2:38] And I feel like it's just a stepping stone. [2:41] Can you confirm that 100% you will still [2:44] race a 250 in Denver and Salt Lake? [2:46] Or is that maybe a bit of a question now? [2:47] No, I'm actually working on a deal with Bobby. [2:49] He offered me $2 million to race outdoors on a 250. [2:52] So he might take that up. [2:54] I'm just kidding. [2:59] Basically, what's the highlight moment of the 250 career [3:02] standing here? [3:02] Is it? [3:03] Coming to an end, what stands out to you first [3:06] that you're the most proud of, or a race or a moment that [3:09] really stands out to you? [3:10] I think the seven in a row. [3:11] I feel like no one's done that in a long time. [3:14] So just that consistency, even starting mid-pack [3:18] and being able to go to the front and win these races. [3:21] I mean, the biggest thing this SuperGuy season [3:23] has been able to go seven in a row so far. [3:26] And obviously, I mean, six 250 titles, [3:28] winning every form of championship twice is awesome. [3:32] Hayden, of course, you've had great mentors along [3:34] the way. [3:35] But if you were to go back five to 10 years [3:37] and have a conversation with your younger self, [3:39] any advice you would give him? [3:41] You know what's funny is on our YouTube channel, the Deegans, [3:44] it literally shows me probably five years ago, [3:47] maybe a little longer than that, on our way to Paula. [3:50] And I was like, I just want to win one title, [3:52] win one championship. [3:52] So I literally said it like that. [3:54] And now we're six in, and it really [3:57] is a dream come true as a kid to just win one. [4:00] And now we're six in, so it's awesome. [4:02] Thank you for all that you continue to give the sport. [4:04] Hayden Deegan, congratulations. [4:06] Yep. [4:08] OK. [4:09] I just want to say, I hope Joe's all good. [4:13] Hate to see that happen. [4:15] Hope he heals up good. [4:16] And yeah, congrats on Hayden. [4:19] Cool. [4:19] Congratulations on today. [4:21] You did exactly what you needed to do. [4:23] Is there a sense of relief having gained that point [4:26] in the championship standings in an East-West showdown [4:28] where these are so difficult? [4:30] Yeah, no. [4:31] I feel like there's not really any reason to push it today. [4:35] Hayden was riding unreal. [4:37] And the. [4:38] And the. [4:38] And the main, so I feel like the risk versus reward there [4:41] was just, it wasn't really worth it for me. [4:43] So I just ride at home. [4:45] And yeah, it was a good ride. [4:47] Made up points. [4:47] I'm happy. [4:48] Yeah, it seemed like it just, I can tell from your tone, [4:52] you seemed happier with your performance [4:53] than you had maybe, let's say, two weeks ago. [4:55] Last week was perfect. [4:56] This one, it seems like you were on par with last week, correct? [5:00] Oh, I wouldn't say that. [5:01] I would say last week was pretty good. [5:03] I kind of just survived out there today. [5:06] I'll put it up to questions from the media. [5:08] Johnny? [5:10] Johnny Hopper with Moto One. [5:11] Filtered two questions. [5:13] With you being in front of your coast, your East Coast, [5:17] was there really no need to battle with Deegan? [5:20] And then did your team manager, Will, [5:22] did he talk to you guys about like, hey, [5:24] we don't want a Denver again. [5:26] We don't want you guys taking each other out. [5:27] So got to ride clean. [5:29] Yeah, well, obviously, Hayden's not in my championship. [5:33] Big picture, all I care about is this championship. [5:36] It's what I've worked for since I was a little kid. [5:39] It's what I've dreamed of since I was a little kid also. [5:41] And yeah. [5:42] This big picture, I'm happy. [5:44] We made up points tonight, and that's what I care about. [5:47] Dan Beaver, NBC Sports. [5:49] The whoops weren't as big a part of the track this week [5:52] as they were last week and the weeks previous, [5:55] but you still dominated. [5:57] Does that say something about your riding style, [5:59] that you're fast all the way around the track, not just [6:02] the whoops? [6:04] Yeah, no. [6:05] I would like to think I'm good around the track also, [6:07] not just the whoops. [6:08] So yeah. [6:11] I mean, the whoops weren't even there. [6:12] And the main. [6:13] There was a line down the middle, [6:15] and it was pretty much dead flat. [6:17] But I'm going to say it. [6:19] That was the gnarliest track I've ever ridden in my life. [6:22] It was ruddy. [6:23] It was gnarly. [6:25] Yeah, it was brutal. [6:27] Michael and Zee, Vilemex, two things. [6:29] First off, Cole, I've decided something tonight. [6:30] There are three things you can depend on in life. [6:32] Death, taxes, and you passing Seth Hamacher in the whoops. [6:35] Number two, we just talked to Hayden Deegan [6:37] about the shortness of 250 career [6:39] and how quickly it can go by. [6:41] You're well on track. [6:42] Yes, you still have to. [6:44] The title is not done yet, but it is [6:46] trending in the right direction. [6:47] And with that, you will only have one defense here. [6:51] Is that weight on your mind at all, [6:53] that this 250 career might go by a little bit quicker [6:55] than you expected? [6:56] And again, even where you stand now, [6:59] do you expect that there's potential [7:00] you would be on a 450 as early as 2028? [7:03] I mean, we don't think about that right now. [7:05] Focused on just the present. [7:09] You're just focused on this championship, [7:11] and we'll go from there. [7:12] But yeah, I'm not looking ahead that far. [7:14] If you go back to the Birmingham showdown, [7:17] you were kind of frustrated with your own personal riding [7:20] at the end of the night, even though it resulted in a win. [7:22] Second place, but got the win because of the Deegan penalty. [7:26] So tonight, did you actually feel quite happy [7:28] with your riding? [7:29] And that's maybe why you feel a little bit more [7:31] satisfied with it? [7:32] Birmingham, I was kind of pissed off because, I mean, [7:35] Joe passed me on the last lap. [7:36] It was kind of like, if Joe would have had that and stuck [7:41] that pass, he would have got the win that night. [7:44] He would have been, what? [7:45] 40? [7:45] Five points ahead of me. [7:47] So yeah, that's what I was pissed off about. [7:51] I was pissed off about the part that it [7:54] could have happened like that. [7:55] I don't want to give chances to everyone else [7:58] in this championship. [7:59] So that's what I was frustrated about. [8:01] But there's not many. [8:08] I mean, tonight it was, yeah, I did what I needed. [8:12] And then this still being your second year, [8:14] there's obviously probably still things you're learning [8:16] throughout. [8:17] This year, what would you say is kind of like the biggest thing [8:19] you're taking with you each week that has kind of helped [8:21] you learn and progress to be more consistent like you've [8:23] been? [8:24] I mean, just not think about it too much. [8:26] Just do what you need to. [8:30] Yeah, start of season, I was just thinking too much, [8:32] just getting overwhelmed with everything, [8:36] and just pushing the issue when it wasn't really needed. [8:40] So I just let the race come to me. [8:42] And yeah, I feel like we've got my starts back now, too. [8:45] My starts were unreal all day today. [8:46] So yeah, happy with that. [8:47] The two long rhythm sections down the far side [8:53] seemed to be very difficult for everyone today. [8:55] Just how mentally difficult was it to remain clean and not [8:58] lose pace in there? [9:00] Yeah, I mean, together every lap was difficult, [9:02] because the ruts and how soft the dirt is. [9:08] You hit a different rut, it might be firmer than the other one. [9:11] One might be softer. [9:12] So it's hard to tell where you're actually going to land, [9:15] because it's different wherever you are on the track. [9:18] So. [9:19] And your pigs get caught. [9:21] You don't know how far you're going [9:22] to jump if your pigs get caught. [9:24] So yeah, they were difficult. [9:30] Seth Hamaker, what we see from you this season [9:32] and again tonight, these are just gritty finishes [9:34] that we've seen from you. [9:35] How would you describe what we saw from you today, round 12? [9:38] Yeah, it was definitely a tough race track, as we all know. [9:41] But I think just kind of staying consistent. [9:44] And for me, just kind of being smart, especially [9:48] with how the track is. [9:48] But definitely been consistent, but just, you know, [9:52] Cole's been riding well. [9:53] So need to bring some more speed the next couple of weekends [9:58] and kind of start taking some more risk here [10:00] at the end of the season. [10:02] Mike Lindsey from Vilemex. [10:03] Seth, I know a couple of weeks ago, [10:05] you guys sort of overhauled the bike, [10:07] went back to your old one, threw a bunch of new parts out, [10:09] kind of re-explored every option. [10:11] I know a big part of that was to try [10:12] to make up some of that deficit to Cole and the Woops. [10:14] Ultimately, that was still the biggest difference between you [10:17] two tonight. [10:19] To put it bluntly, did all that work [10:20] on the bike a couple weeks ago not really pan out? [10:23] Or is the gap to Cole in that area just that big [10:26] that you made progress, but it's just not enough still? [10:29] Yeah, I feel like we've made progress with the bike. [10:32] I think just continuing to figure out more stuff with that [10:35] and then also with myself, just continue [10:37] to work on that during the week with technique and stuff [10:39] like that to try and close that gap. [10:42] But yeah, and just being confident in myself [10:45] and believing that I can come in with that entry speed [10:50] and not have to worry about the bike kicking side to side [10:52] or whatever. [10:53] But just trust in my technique and what I know how to do. [10:56] And yeah, we'll keep chugging along. [10:58] And then outside of that Woop conversation, [11:01] judging by tonight's race, where else [11:03] do you feel like you need to step up [11:05] to take it to Cole over these last couple rounds? [11:09] I know it's shortly after the race, but what have you [11:11] evaluated so far? [11:13] I mean, yeah, as far as tonight, I [11:15] think I was not really good at getting [11:17] that rhythm across the start. [11:20] I think he was doing that. [11:21] I'm not exactly sure. [11:22] I'll have to watch it back. [11:24] I'm not sure. [11:25] I mean, I think the Woops just kind of carry that speed [11:28] into the rest of the track. [11:29] And it's tough. [11:31] I feel like I'm riding well. [11:32] But obviously, I haven't been riding as good as he [11:36] has the past couple rounds. [11:37] But yeah, don't worry about it too much. [11:40] Just kind of keep doing my thing. [11:42] Kel Brower, SWAT Moto Live. [11:43] Can you just talk about how gnarly the track got [11:45] from beginning of Maine till the very end? [11:47] Because there's combinations you guys were getting more [11:49] consistently at the beginning. [11:50] But by the end, it seemed like almost all of it [11:51] was out the window. [11:52] Yeah, it changed really quick, but I know they tried [11:55] to prep the majority of the two rhythm lanes [11:58] to try and keep those fresh. [12:01] But halfway through or even before that, [12:03] it was definitely challenging to hit your marks consistently. [12:05] And especially just some routes would throw you a little bit [12:08] differently than others. [12:09] But yeah, and also just not trying to rush too much [12:12] and hit your marks. [12:13] But that was the key tonight to try and hit the rhythms [12:15] each and every lap. [12:18] Seth, Johnny Hopper with Moto Unfiltered. [12:20] Would you say that this track was ruddier than Daytona? [12:24] And during press day, it seemed the 250 [12:26] guys were struggling trying to find a good rhythm. [12:30] It was hard to be like, OK, these guys are hitting this triple, [12:33] but I don't know if we can do it every lap. [12:35] So was that going through your head as far as maybe I should [12:38] just slow down to go fast and finish the race? [12:42] Yeah, it was definitely going through my head. [12:44] Definitely couldn't override this track. [12:46] A little bit in the second practice, [12:47] I found myself trying to do that. [12:48] But you'd almost kind of take a step back. [12:51] And then as far as the ruts and stuff, yeah, [12:53] it was more ruddier than Daytona and kind of like an Indy style. [12:56] With the ruts, but then I felt like the dirt kind of grabbed [13:00] the tires a little bit more. [13:01] It was a little bit more sticky. [13:03] But yeah, kind of with the 250s, you [13:07] had to kind of bowl the corners all the way around to get that [13:10] jump across the start, and then 3-3. [13:12] But yeah, it was not easy to hit those rhythms every lap. [13:23] Scott, you're already on Moto now. [13:25] Your mindset with five minutes to go, [13:26] are you still trying to push to get cold, [13:29] or are you just trying to survive out there? [13:32] I mean, you're trying to just hit your marks. [13:34] Yeah. [13:35] So I mean, if you kind of close that gap, [13:37] and you can be consistent and hit the rhythms, [13:39] and he makes a few mistakes, then you're right there. [13:42] But a little bit of both, I would say, just kind of survival [13:46] and seeing if you can close that gap a little bit. [13:48] But it's tough on a track like that. [13:52] Thanks. [13:52] Thanks. [13:53] Ken, it looked like all day you were just in the flow state. [13:56] Is that a result of staying calm, as you said, [13:59] was your intention today? [14:01] Today took some work for me, honestly. [14:03] I didn't feel all that comfortable. [14:07] I've been great. [14:07] You know, for most of the year. [14:09] And just today, I don't know, like leading up to it, [14:12] I just was a little bit at unease. [14:13] And of course, I don't let that define my entire night. [14:17] But it is a little bit more work at times [14:20] compared to other weekends. [14:21] And so this one definitely did not come easy to me, [14:24] starting off with the first qualifying. [14:25] And it was just a really tricky track. [14:28] You know, it was big. [14:29] The rhythms were big. [14:31] And ultimately, just because the dirt was so soft, right? [14:34] So I ended up doing like three, four, five laps or something. [14:37] And in first qualifying. [14:39] And then I went down. [14:41] And I haven't even done all the jumps yet. [14:43] So then you have like a couple minutes left on the clock, [14:45] right? [14:45] So I was like, hey, I just got to do the jumps [14:47] and get a time in. [14:49] And I ended up being ninth or something now. [14:51] That's how my day started. [14:52] But I didn't let that fully derail me. [14:54] And it was a perfect night, honestly. [14:56] After Q2, I won that one. [14:59] And then winning the heat race and an amazing main event. [15:02] And I'm honestly just still over the moon, really. [15:04] I can't. [15:06] I'm just riding my butt off out there. [15:08] And I'm just trying. [15:09] All right. [15:11] Michael Lindsay from Biomex. [15:12] Kenny, two things. [15:13] First off, I believe it went 31 points, 14, and now five, [15:17] if I have my notes correct. [15:19] First off, has that sank in that you're that far back into this? [15:22] And then the second thing is something [15:23] I want to ask you for a couple weeks. [15:25] You keep mentioning the craziness of your kids. [15:27] And we have this whole host of riders [15:29] that are here much longer than any fan would have expected. [15:32] Motocross, Supercross is naturally [15:34] a very selfish sport. [15:35] Having your kids, having to balance the time, [15:38] just kind of the reality check it gives you, [15:40] how much has that helped, you think, yourself? [15:42] And again, a lot of those guys in that conversation [15:44] stay here as long as they have. [15:46] Well, let's start off with the points. [15:48] I mean, of course, it's hard to ignore [15:49] when you cut down the points. [15:51] But Larry keeps telling me, don't even look at the points. [15:52] Just go race. [15:53] And I really try to do that. [15:56] Now, again, you mentioned it. [15:57] It's hard to ignore, right? [15:58] So it's fun. [15:59] I'm honestly just so thankful to be in this position. [16:02] I haven't been in this position this late in the season [16:05] in a Supercross championship at all. [16:07] So I'm just really enjoying every minute of it. [16:10] Doesn't matter what anybody says. [16:11] Out there, I'm obviously the one racing. [16:13] And even if it goes south, it's been a really cool ride [16:17] so far. [16:18] And like I said, I try not to look at the points too much. [16:21] And then when it comes to the kids side, [16:24] in the moment when you're around your kids, [16:25] you really need a break. [16:26] And it's stressful. [16:27] And they annoy you and piss you off. [16:29] And you've got to train and all of that. [16:30] So in the moment, sometimes, it may not be that fun. [16:32] But I can always say that in the end of the week, [16:35] especially once I sit in the plane, [16:37] it's like sometimes you just want to leave and get [16:38] to the race. [16:39] But as soon as I'm gone for 20 minutes, I'm texting my wife. [16:41] I'm like, hey, I miss the kids. [16:42] Like, you know, so I just think it's a great balance. [16:46] As tough as it is sometimes throughout the week, [16:48] but it puts your focus on something else [16:50] than just racing dirt bikes. [16:52] Hey, Kenny, massive win tonight. [16:54] Congratulations. [16:55] I believe this was your first win after your post-arm [16:58] incident. [16:59] Correct me if I'm wrong, but if that is the case, [17:02] what's up with this place and the vibes here? [17:05] Sorry, sorry. [17:07] Yeah, after my arm injury, this was the first win [17:09] that I've gotten back. [17:10] I don't know. [17:11] Honestly, the track was way different than it even [17:13] was for. [17:14] It was way more hard pack last year. [17:18] This year was super soft. [17:19] I was a little bit surprised. [17:20] It was almost like a new venue, I guess, you know? [17:23] Like, just the dirt was so incredibly soft. [17:25] So I don't know. [17:26] It has nothing to do with this venue. [17:27] I think it's just that I'm locked in at the moment. [17:29] It doesn't matter where I go, so. [17:33] Matt Williamson, MXP Mag Canada. [17:34] So this round being the St. Jude round, [17:37] talked to Matt O'Shea this last weekend [17:40] about your donation of the bike, stuff like that. [17:43] How does it feel to win today at the St. Jude round? [17:45] And talk about, you know, what caused [17:50] you to want to do that for the kids? [17:54] Well, honestly, I've loved my kids my whole life. [17:58] And then once you have your own, it's just they mean it. [18:01] Like, honestly, I'm racing for them, you know? [18:03] They mean everything to me. [18:04] So over my entire career, I've always, you know, [18:08] reserved my jerseys for auctions, people [18:10] that are in need or sick. [18:11] And I've done that for a long time. [18:13] That's why I feel bad telling fans that, you know, [18:16] if they ask for jerseys or whatever, I always say, no. [18:18] I just stick to it because I've done it for so long. [18:20] But it is for a good cause, even, you know, [18:23] not that they get mad, but most of them understand, of course. [18:26] And then our bike giveaway is just a huge deal. [18:30] I mean, over the last, you know, three, four, five years, [18:33] whatever it is, like, we're almost raised, like, [18:35] we're probably going to be at, like, a half a million dollar [18:37] just for us. [18:38] So it's incredible. [18:40] And then, you know, cool graphics. [18:42] Everybody does something with their graphics, cool gear. [18:45] It just all comes together. [18:46] That's what makes this win even extra sweet. [18:48] Kenny. [18:50] As a stopper with Moto Unfiltered, [18:52] a little bit more of a personal question. [18:54] Just through your adversity with going back [18:58] with your career almost ending, you know, [19:00] and now revamping and being at the top [19:03] and then fighting for a championship, [19:05] how much more does this mean from something [19:07] that was almost completely taken away from you to now? [19:11] Dude, you're, you're, I just am so impressed. [19:16] Honestly, at one point, I never thought [19:17] I would be in this position again. [19:20] Even once I started racing after my, [19:21] uh, arm injuries, you know, it just, [19:24] I didn't feel the same physically, mentally. [19:27] Like, things, you know, there were just a few years [19:28] where it just was tough. [19:30] And sometimes when you're, excuse me, [19:34] sometimes when you're at the bottom like that, [19:35] it's just, it's way harder to dig yourself out of that, [19:39] you know? [19:40] So yeah, the hard truth, I never thought [19:43] I would be in this position again. [19:45] But part of me also believed. [19:47] And I don't know, here we are. [19:49] I'm just, this is kind of new to me too, right? [19:51] So I, I'm just enjoying every bit of it. [19:53] And a lot of work has, has been put in. [19:56] By my team, by me personally. [19:58] And I'm, yeah, just thankful to be in this position. [20:02] And like I said, if it goes south, so be it. [20:03] You know, I really have nothing to lose. [20:14] Absolutely. [20:15] I mean, we've been dating since 2014. [20:19] And she's seen me through, you know, [20:22] left, right, up, down, like all angles of me, right? [20:25] So it's, it's, it's a bond in general with our family, right? [20:29] Like, Griff's almost six now, [20:30] which is wild for me to think about. [20:33] We have a really strong bond [20:34] and we're really doing this together. [20:36] And honestly, I believe that if, [20:37] if I didn't have the kids, [20:39] I don't know if I'd still be racing, to be honest, so. [20:44] Adam from Track Talker is a little more lighthearted. [20:47] One of the big things I've seen from you this season [20:50] in these last three races is you just have raw speed. [20:52] I know you talk about having a stress-free, [20:55] you know, linear attitude, [20:56] but is there anything else that you can pinpoint [20:58] into how you're going this fast? [21:03] I mean, we keep talking about that I'm happy with my bike [21:05] and that's, that's the absolute truth. [21:07] I don't change anything on it. [21:08] So I've ridden it on so many different tracks, [21:12] different soils, all over the world, really. [21:14] And I think it's ultimately just the trust. [21:16] And when the track breaks down [21:17] and I really only have to adjust to the track [21:21] and not tinkering with the bike and trying to do both. [21:23] So I don't really know, [21:25] obviously I've done a lot of motos [21:27] over the last six months or, or so. [21:30] You gotta be fit physically, mentally, [21:32] and, and you gotta be one with the motorcycle, [21:35] happy with what you're doing. [21:36] And I got a great crew behind me. [21:38] So even in the pits, like everything's lighthearted [21:42] and [21:43] the team lets me do whatever I need to, [21:45] to feel comfortable and, and the other way around as well. [21:47] So there's nothing really in particular that I can mention. [21:50] And I would say that I'm, you know, [21:54] trying just as hard as I did last year, [21:55] but I'm just really riding well right now. [21:58] I don't know. [21:59] I guess I don't suck every year. [22:05] Justin, it's great to have you back here [22:07] in showing the speed and results we know you can bring, [22:10] but this seems like something extra. [22:12] This seems a little bit more fiery, [22:14] a little bit more intense. [22:15] So where is this coming from? [22:17] Yeah, I think I'm known [22:18] for my consistency. [22:19] So it's this year, it's a little bit of aggression, [22:24] I think mixed in, [22:26] which has been kind of what I've been looking for. [22:29] I'm not, not aggressive, you know, all the time, [22:32] but I feel like I've been mixing in well. [22:33] And yeah, the riding has been really good lately. [22:36] I've been gelling with everything [22:37] and I feel like this has just been, [22:41] yeah, the last three races or four races I've been fourth. [22:43] So it's been right there and just continuing what I'm doing, [22:46] not really changing much. [22:47] And yeah, [22:49] I don't, I don't have any complaints right now. [22:52] Adam from Track Talkers. [22:54] One of the things I've seen right off the bat [22:56] is my boy J.Coup went out [22:58] and skimmed the whoops in the heat race. [23:00] That was phenomenal. [23:01] I want to talk about the changes that you made [23:03] and why you're deciding to skim first over jump, [23:06] but also your mentality in the main event. [23:09] Why did it look like it was so far forward [23:11] compared to, you know, past times? [23:15] Yeah, first of all, the, yeah, the heat. [23:18] Really good for me just to, you know, get a good start like that. [23:20] Really good for me just to, you know, get a good start like that. [23:21] Really good for me just to, you know, get a good start like that. [23:22] The starts have kind of been lacking [23:23] and I feel like we found something there [23:25] and that's been really making my life a lot easier. [23:29] I feel like I've been working my way through the pack a lot [23:31] and really had to do that in the main a little bit. [23:33] But yeah, the heat race is really nice. [23:35] It's always nice to get that fresh air. [23:36] And yeah, I was able to, [23:40] you know, ride my own laps and yeah, blitz the whoops. [23:42] That's been a talking point, of course. [23:44] But I feel like there's times where it needs to happen. [23:49] And, you know, that's kind of one of them. [23:51] And then, you know, [23:52] relocate that subject in the main event. [23:55] But yeah, I feel like it's talked about so much. [23:59] But what's not noticed is I'm probably one of the best jumpers. [24:03] So at times I got to take advantage of that. [24:06] And it almost becomes a breathing point for me [24:09] rather than, you know, riding riding that bucking bronco when they get rough. [24:13] So yeah, kind of mixing it up between both. [24:17] Obviously, I would like to skim, you know, more. [24:20] But yeah, there's, you know, there's a lot going on. [24:22] There's there's points where I need to and there's also points [24:25] where I need to jump. [24:27] Kumbhrawa Swapmoto Live. [24:29] When you think of the of the year as a whole [24:30] and you look back to the beginning of the season, [24:32] the results maybe didn't reflect [24:33] how good you were riding at the beginning of the year. [24:35] And now it's started to kind of snowball into better starts more consistently [24:39] at the front. [24:39] Can you even feel that kind of rush of momentum yourself from week to week [24:43] where you come into a weekend knowing you're going to be more in the mix? [24:46] Yeah, I feel like I've been at this riding at this point the whole year [24:52] in the beginning. [24:53] My. [24:53] I'll say it again. [24:54] Yeah, I've been saying it a bunch. [24:56] I was starting 15th, 16th in the main events. [24:58] I mean, that's just a wrap from the beginning. [25:03] I think in the first two rounds, I remember going from like 16th to sixth [25:06] and there were amazing rides. [25:07] I was riding phenomenal, but I was just, you know, not seen. [25:10] But that's that's part of it. [25:12] You need to be a good starter in this class and to to compete and, [25:16] you know, at least be in the top five to to give yourself a chance. [25:19] These guys are all such good riders. [25:21] And in order to mix it up with them, you got to have [25:24] that that fast start and that aggression. [25:28] Matt Williamson, MXPMA Canada. [25:31] This year, kind of more than maybe I've seen before. [25:34] I've seen a lot more smiling from you. [25:36] I even saw a whip today after the the heat race. [25:40] Are you having more fun this year? [25:41] It seems like something's changed, something switched on. [25:44] Yeah, I think throughout my whole career, I haven't enjoyed it enough. [25:48] I've put so much pressure and have had so much self-discipline. [25:52] And yeah, especially going through the 250 ranks. [25:56] I feel like there was like four to five years there [25:57] that I was in every championship fight. [26:00] And it's just nonstop, like mental, you know, [26:03] you just think about it day and night and you know what you can do. [26:07] And really just makes the weeks longer. [26:10] But as far as, you know, 450 class, yeah, I'm just trying to prove myself. [26:14] And it's a it's a nonstop effort, I feel. [26:17] And yeah, but just trying to put that all behind me. [26:20] And, you know, at the end of the day, you can't change it. [26:23] You just got to lock in when when it's race time and and try to [26:27] smile and, you know, be a walker a little bit lighter on the pits [26:31] and enjoy it because it's it's not here forever. [26:36] I think the track conditions we can all say tonight [26:38] is what most people would expect to Indy by far the readiest race we've had this year. [26:42] Getting into the main, getting to, you know, the battle between Hunter and Jorge [26:46] and you getting in that three of you trying to battle [26:49] the way the track's breaking it down. [26:50] Walk me through those couple laps. [26:52] Was there any sketchy moments, anything like that? [26:54] Because I can imagine it's it's tough enough when you're battling one guy [26:56] when it's this red, but when you're up against two guys, all of you die. [26:59] I think there's more sketchy moments than than not, to be honest. [27:04] I had one really big moment in the in the rhythm section. [27:08] I think I was trying to pass Joey in the beginning there, and I went three, three [27:12] and didn't get any left and rode the front wheel for about two obstacles [27:16] and ended up making a pass somehow. [27:18] But yeah, it took me a few laps to recover from that one. [27:21] And yeah, as far as the battle for a second, it was, you know, [27:26] it's always tough to to pass Jorge. [27:28] He kind of rides a little bit. [27:29] He's a wide bike and, you know, you almost have to sneak attack him. [27:32] But yeah, got caught up behind him a little bit [27:36] and could just feel the presence of Hunter. [27:38] I knew he was back there because I had passed him a few laps before. [27:41] And yeah, it kind of tightened us up and I know we were all close there. [27:45] So I knew I had to to get around Jorge there [27:48] and put in some laps and get some breathing room. [27:51] But as soon as I did that, I felt like the track just got worse and worse and worse. [27:55] They that far rhythm, they did not touch for the 450 main, which was really scary. [27:59] Because I knew how many laps were coming up and how bad it was going to get. [28:04] But you kind of just had to, you know, trust the bike [28:08] and kind of go for some obstacles that you weren't really sure about. [28:12] So those lines got really deep and it was super technical. [28:16] You had to definitely keep your focus and not slip up. [28:28] Yeah, that was like in my mind, 99% going down. [28:32] Like the feeling I had, like both feet off the pegs, riding the nose for two things. [28:37] I was [28:38] I was all in God's hand right there. [28:41] Scott, you're going to now. [28:42] How does how did the track today compare to, say, like a Seattle? [28:46] Another really rutted, soft track? [28:48] Pretty similar. [28:49] I felt like from the beginning of the day, it was obviously the softest. [28:55] And these transitions, the main transitions get these kind of inverted lips [29:00] and the track crew doesn't reshape them. [29:03] They kind of just keep working them in the same. [29:06] They keep going that way. So [29:09] they just. [29:10] To begin with, they like when they're smooth, they still kick you like it's [29:13] it gets that that curb at the bottom in the in the line. [29:17] So that's kind of similar to what we had at Seattle. [29:22] It's actually really similar. [29:23] So I would yeah, I would base it off Seattle. [29:25] It was it was really tricky tonight. [29:29] So you mentioned earlier felt you rode this well all season long, [29:32] but the improving starts is really what's making the difference. [29:35] Can you expand a little bit about, you know, why your starts have improved? [29:38] Is it better technique like change a little bit? [29:42] Just. [29:42] Bike change, really. [29:43] I felt like I was overthinking the technique in the beginning. [29:47] But yeah, we made some adjustments for sure with the clutch. [29:50] And we got a good we're comfortable now. [29:54] We're confident when we when we line up. [29:56] So that's been the big difference. [29:58] And I would say back to maybe Indy, I've been pretty confident with my starts. [30:02] And I think that's yeah, that was the first time I let a main event [30:07] there in India and I ended up winning. [30:09] So it just it's a better position. [30:11] I have good, good speed in the beginning and [30:14] yeah, if I can get out front like like in the heat race, I can just ride my own race. [30:18] And I don't I don't have to worry about other people. [30:20] And yeah, man, it's so it's so much fun when you get out front. [30:24] So I want to do some more of that. [30:26] And the main event wasn't terrible, but definitely wasn't wasn't no heat race start. [30:31] So I think I was like six or something. [30:33] So better than 16. [30:34] So we're making we're making steps in the right direction. [30:37] And yeah, have more fun. [30:40] Thank you, Justin. [30:41] Wow. This fourth season continues to be crazy for you last weekend. [30:45] That was that was a tough night, a big rebound tonight. [30:48] And now tying the points back up. [30:51] Where do you I guess where do you leave this race mentally there? [30:54] Yeah. Where do you leave this race mentally? [30:57] Yeah, I'm pretty happy, honestly, from what happened last week. [31:00] How my wrist is feeling. I'm pretty happy. [31:03] I think this track was arguably one of our gnarliest tracks, [31:07] more so than Daytona or India or anything. [31:09] It was it was pretty wild, honestly, how the bumps were [31:13] and how kicky the jumps were and deep the ruts where it was. [31:16] Yeah, it was. [31:16] It was a really, really tricky track. [31:18] So I'm happy. [31:19] How cool is it? [31:20] Three of us so close, you know, tied red plate. [31:23] We got, what, five more races. [31:24] So, yeah, it's pretty cool. [31:27] Dan Beaver, NBC Sports from the outside looking in. [31:30] It appeared that you picked up the pace in the second half of the race. [31:35] Was that true or is it just everybody kind of came back together? [31:39] Yeah, I mean, I was trying to I feel like tonight was all about [31:43] trying to just get into a rhythm and just honestly hit the same. [31:47] Rhythms were a big, big key to it. [31:51] But yeah, the rhythms were really tough. [31:53] They were probably some of the toughest rhythms [31:56] just to be consistent on, I think, this year with how soft the dirt was [31:59] and how deep the ruts were getting. [32:01] But yeah, like I tried to make a little push and then had a lot of close calls. [32:06] So it was, yeah, give and take and just happy to kind of leave in one piece. [32:13] Hunter Johnny Hopper with Moto Unfiltered. [32:15] Do you have a good moto set up now after going through this track? [32:20] And talking about having some close calls, when did you switch in your brain? [32:26] Like, OK, maybe I'm not going to push and I'm going to just finish. [32:30] And did you guys change set up at all to maybe go a little bit stiffer [32:35] because of the ruts? [32:37] We changed the second qualifying and then we just went back to the actual first [32:42] qualifying session, [32:45] which I think was better. [32:46] It was a better race bike and stuff. [32:48] But yeah, it was was a question was first one. [32:51] Again, sorry. Oh, yeah. [32:55] The close calls went. Yeah, sorry. [32:58] I mean, every time you have a close call, like you just try to reset [33:01] and then get back into the rhythm. [33:03] It's not I don't know. [33:04] I wouldn't say I have a shut it down, but you just kind of obviously [33:09] with caution in a lot of areas, [33:13] a lot of it was just due to the strength loss in my wrist and the kind of [33:19] it just would give out on some of the stuff where normally [33:21] I could kind of like muscle up and continue on and make the next rhythm. [33:25] So a lot of it was kind of governed a little bit more by that [33:28] rather than close calls and I need to play it safe. [33:32] So you are your motor now. [33:34] What's the problem with the rest exactly? [33:36] Oh, it just hurts. [33:37] And it like gives out when it has a big G out from last weekend. [33:41] So nothing's broken. [33:42] It's just obviously really sore and still swollen in the joint. [33:45] But it was good enough to do what I could do today. [33:47] And honestly, with how it was and ride much in the week. [33:50] But like, I'm really happy with how I'm leaving out of here. [33:54] Did you ride at all during the week? [33:56] Were you letting? [33:57] Yeah, just a little bit Tuesday. [34:00] I mean, maybe ten minutes and then probably 15 minutes on Wednesday [34:03] and just kind of a rehab week, you know, kind of when things are good [34:07] and you're healthy, you're like, yeah, knocking them out. [34:09] And that's like the tricky part of this championship. [34:11] It's so long. [34:11] And when someone like that happens, you've only got four or five days [34:16] to do as much as you can on it. [34:17] But all in all, I'm happy. [34:19] I've got a great team behind me and we're in a great spot. [34:22] Jeff with Whiskey Throttle. [34:23] Hey, I want to talk about kind of the mental side of this championship battle [34:26] and. [34:27] How much have you been leaning on Dazzy and in jet? [34:30] And what are those conversations like post race? [34:34] I don't know. [34:37] I wouldn't really say I'm leaning on them. [34:38] There's not really the mental side of it. [34:40] I mean, just go out and do the best you can [34:44] and whatever it'll be, it'll be, you know, obviously, I think it's more [34:47] we're working more just not here at the races, but more with dad and the team. [34:51] Honestly, we're reviewing film. [34:53] That's more during the day, looking at lines where we can be better [34:57] and stuff like that. [34:58] I'd say that's more where you rely on a team because. [35:02] I think once I'm out on the track, it's it's all on me. [35:05] You know, you can have the best bike, you can have the worst bike, [35:07] but in the day, you're the one that has to make the difference [35:09] and you have to get the job done. [35:12] Michael Lindsay from Vile MX. [35:14] The sport, of course, has a major case of recency bias, [35:16] and we're always talking about momentum. [35:18] The man at the back of this room, Ken Roxon, definitely has momentum on his side. [35:22] However, you're one of the most even keeled riders we talk about. [35:25] So, I mean, do you really believe in the hype of momentum per se? [35:28] Do you look at the last two weeks and ponder it or just stash it away? [35:32] Doesn't matter. [35:33] Move on. [35:35] No, not really. [35:35] I mean, momentum, sure, when things are going your way [35:38] and when you feel good, you feel good, right? [35:40] And but it can change. [35:41] I mean, I'm a perfect example of that last weekend. [35:44] I was feeling great. [35:45] And, you know, from one one whoop to the next, it can change. [35:49] So, yeah, just keep my head up. [35:51] I'm in a great sport. [35:52] I'm going to get healthier again and be back ready to fight next weekend [35:55] in Nashville. Cool venue. [35:57] We got a dope livery for the bike, and I'm kind of stoked that I got [36:01] the red plate back to share because it'll [36:03] the graphics will look even better with that with delivery. [36:06] We've got a hunter real quick, obviously a good start [36:10] and then got into a battle with a few. [36:12] Just talk me through. [36:13] I believe it was Jorge and Justin. [36:16] Just talk me through that battle, this few couple of laps. [36:17] It looked like at one point you guys were three wide in one rhythm section. [36:21] Yeah, it was. [36:22] Yeah, first lap. [36:23] Everyone's, you know, gone home. [36:25] It's it's the intensity is high in the 450 class. [36:29] So, yeah, it was interesting. [36:30] And then, yeah, Jacob was riding well and I just was trying [36:34] to string off laps, trying to get my rhythm, trying to find where I would [36:37] be better or where they were better and trying to improve. [36:40] So, yeah, just, yeah, tough day in the office. [36:45] Adam from Track Talkers. [36:48] Last week on the pod, we were talking a lot about the whoop crash [36:50] and how much the bike setup played and how much that was just a mistake for you. [36:55] Obviously, you had a short week, but you have a few weeks [36:57] and a big points championship on the line. [37:00] How much did last week change your mentality as far as your bike set up? [37:05] How much. [37:05] you'll set it up for just the whoops in particular and the direction that you're going to go with the [37:09] bike um not really i mean you know obviously we reviewed it and how why why'd that happen what [37:15] did i do wrong and i mean dude the last two whoops i'm kind of moving forward setting up for the [37:21] corner and it that's ultimately where it all went wrong and it's like how many laps do you do a year [37:26] where the last whoop or last two whoops you relax and come forward maybe 2 000 times so why on the [37:32] 2001st would you stay locked in and drive through it it's just sometimes shit happens and that's [37:38] racing like the weekend before how does someone's air filter get pulled off their bike on e-line [37:42] heat race you know it's just motorsport sometimes crap goes wrong thanks dustin pipes congratulations [37:50] on another successful weekend for you and the team in not just your racing career but your family's [37:56] career in this sport where is this season starting to rank among you and your family's best motocross [38:01] memories um it's definitely [38:04] um it's definitely [38:04] um it's definitely [38:04] definitely right up there um been around the sport my whole life my parents ran races stuff [38:11] like that i've raced and um obviously now doing the race team and stuff just being in this position [38:16] we're just very very thankful and um yeah we just want to keep it going hey dustin uh is uh kenny's [38:24] win tonight obviously a massive win um momentum is growing is it starting to feel a little bit [38:30] more real no i think we're still five points down um we're still third and we don't have the red [38:35] plate so um still feel like we're the underdog right and uh for us it's just we we we just did [38:43] our job tonight and we got to go to work tomorrow and then uh on another subject um i'm just in [38:48] bogle today in practice uh do we have any kind of just update on just just what happened with him [38:53] uh justin is in concussion protocol right now um there's a lot of steps for him to be able to get [38:59] back on the bike um other than that he is healthy um but head injuries we take very very serious [39:05] here so um we got to go through the process and we're going to have to get back on the bike [39:06] and um sorry last one last one train of thought here um we had colt nichols um it was a solid [39:15] finish in his heat race what did you see from colt nichols tonight uh i think you know colt we just [39:20] we we got to get starts with him um if he doesn't get a start he rides the other guy's pace and that [39:25] kind of uh snowballs his main i know he he moved up from like 18th to 13th tonight but um you know [39:33] i think he can be a top 10 guy with starts so we just gotta we just gotta get him off the gate [39:36] dan beaver nbc sports we talked last week about the [39:40] st jude uh giveaway it was 60 uh k or so then i think i heard today 90 or so um thoughts on that [39:50] that that really good surge this week yeah yeah um last update i got we were over 100k [39:57] um so we're getting there we're getting there we got five rounds to go and um we need to just meet [40:02] our goals obviously you know ken's had a good good season so so so so far so to uh be able to [40:09] win his bike is really really cool [40:11] and yeah we just want to help the kids out and you know help the hospital so however we can do [40:16] that we got to pump pump pump those numbers up a little bit so everybody knows ken has the talent [40:22] to do what he's doing but a few weeks ago when this kind of resurgence you know came about did [40:28] you notice any difference in attitude is anything different or just momentum's building naturally [40:33] no i think i think he's been good all year i think the three races that we've had he's just [40:40] we've had falls right and and um you could see an [40:43] ind you can see in bama that you know he had the pace right so i think it was just building and [40:48] we're just starting to execute right now and um it's a good time to do it we still got five rounds [40:53] left though so um yeah we gotta we gotta get to work uh scott yarjomoto now do you have any updates [41:00] on anderson and if we'll see him back with no updates for jason uh just real quick uh i like to [41:10] correlate a little bit like moto team um relationships kind of like golf and caddies [41:16] in relationship to like vibes um how are the vibes right now like with the team and winning [41:22] compared to all the years would you say like these are the probably the best vibes you guys have had [41:27] and like how important is that just uh carrying that every single weekend yeah i think um it's [41:34] a good question i think we have a really really close team right and i think we try to make it [41:40] to where there's not a lot of pressure to where the guys can go out and execute and do their job [41:44] right because um one thing is [41:48] you know the riders put more pressure on themselves than any one of us can right so [41:52] they're already dealing with that in inside of themselves so for us we just try to keep it loose [41:58] and make sure the bikes work and make the changes they need and just let them go racing yeah