Slaw
What a weekend in Anaheim for round 3 of the 2025 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship. Here are five things I learned.
Sexton Latest on Illness List
The “demons” have made their way to Red Bull KTM’s Chase Sexton. A week after Cooper Webb, Jason Anderson, Hunter Lawrence and more battled an illness in San Diego, it was Sexton’s turn at A2. After winning the opener at Anaheim 1, Sexton was looking to rebound from a crash in San Diego as the series returned to Angel Stadium. Despite not feeling 100%, Sexton battled to a podium position and pressured Jason Anderson for the final spot, but couldn’t make a pass stick. While he hasn’t made the podium since his opening round win, Sexton is in a great position in points, sitting just three behind Ken Roczen.
“Anaheim 2 was a bit of a struggle,” Sexton said in a KTM statement. “I had to rest from Tuesday until yesterday as I’ve been sick this week, but I was able to come out and ride as well as I could today. I didn’t feel 100 percent, so it was good that I was able to push through. I rode pretty well in the Main Event – it obviously wasn’t the result we wanted, but fourth was okay to salvage what I could. I’ll continue to work on getting healthy again and get ready for the Triple Crown next week.”
We Underrated Ken Roczen
Speaking of Roczen, he is the POINTS LEADER after three rounds. Just like we all predicted. Being a Capital J, I don’t root for certain riders. We, my fellow Capital J’s and I, do root for good storylines and let me tell you, it doesn’t get better than this. Kenny, back on the brand he started with, taking the red plate after three rounds is all-time. Hell, even Kenny sounds a bit surprised.
“I guess sometimes we are just up for surprises, right? We’ve just been putting in a lot of work and it’s tough going through the off-season races just feeling like you’re not 100 percent or the motorcycle is not 100 percent, but that is also the time where experience just comes into play and just trying to be patient,” he said post-race. “If somebody had told me I had the red plate after three rounds I would have been like, ‘You sure?’”
Ken deserves this. The fans deserve this. And, yes, we underrated him coming into the season.
Deegan Podium Speeches are Back
Last week, I was going to write about how Haiden Deegan’s podium speeches seemed more tranquil this year. He was congratulating his fellow riders. He was talking about how losing sucked. He was…
And yeah, that all changed. Deegan got back to the winner’s circle on Saturday and further ignited the rivalry with Juilen Beaumer.
“You pissed off the bull last week,” he said. “JuJu ran his mouth, so it’s time to lock in. You don’t want to piss me off because I come out swinging.”
Did JuJu run his mouth? I don’t know. Is Haiden using this to fuel himself? Probably. I’ve said over and over: this sport needs more personality. More rivalries. Fans need to love or hate you. It’s what makes them tune in week-in and week-out. So, I can’t say I need all that and then turn around and disparage Deegan’s remarks. I’m fine with them. He knows what sells and is doing his part. Get the popcorn, because this is going to be a fun 250SX West Region title fight.
We Made the Mainstream
Did you hear about the fight? Sure you did, and so did Barstool Sports and Fox News and other “mainstream” media outlets. I get why they write about these things. They garner clicks and likes and social media clout. I just wish they would also showcase the amazing athletes these guys are, which would also perform well. But, that is unlikely to happen. If there is another fight, we’ll get some mainstream coverage. And at least they spelled Supercross correctly.
Tomac’s Line Choice
Eli Tomac had an amazing ride at Anaheim 2. He came from about 20th to seventh and salvaged valuable championship points. Kris Keefer tweeted out a photo yesterday of Tomac’s line off the gate and it pretty much summed up why Eli got such a bad start that quickly ended any chances of a win.
Eli also took to Instagram to explain what happened:
“So bummed on that start last night, felt great in the heat race and riding all day. That gate went from the best to worst in a matter of minutes with the rain hitting the hard pack outside of the rut. In hindsight I should of chosen a different gate, but it is what it is. Looking forward to giving it another go in Glendale.”
Images: @octopi.media
