5 Things We Learned at Houston: AP is Back, The Rookies, Anstie a Contender and More

Five Things We Learned…is a new-ish installment to the Vurb line of race coverage. It’s a quick hitting piece where I break down five trending topics from the weekend. We’ll put facts behind what happened and break down how it will play out. As always, please feel free to give your thoughts on these topics in the comment section. If you’d like to discuss any of these topics further or have a question for me you can reach me at [email protected]

The Rookies

A new wave of riders have entered the 250 class and judging by the way they looked on Saturday night, they should all be here for a long time. Haiden Deegan withstood all of the hate and the hype (depending on how you feel about him) and finished the best out of the lot with a fourth. Tom Vialle finished a respectable seventh after running up front. Chance Hymas was right behind him in eighth. Tallon Hawkins, who didn’t really even know he was racing until about two weeks ago, finished 11th. Also, that Chris Blose on the PC Kawi was solid in 10th, that kid has a bright future…hey wait. 

Anstie a Title Contender?

If you had Max Anstie in the script for qualifying first, finishing second in his heat, and second in the main then I’d like for you to pick out some lottery numbers for me. Anstie was slated to ride West and dipped out at Anaheim 1. I didn’t see this coming and neither did you! Honestly, Anstie has always had the speed in many different racing conditions, but now he’s a title contender. What a cool storyline to this already unpredictable East Region. 

AP is Back!

Before the restart occurred Aaron Plessinger was out for revenge on everyone who had possibly written him off heading into 2023. He was ripping! If you’re keeping score at home he’s gone 8-9-7-4 to start the season and the series is going to take a shift East here for real after Oakland. The East is where AP always shines. When those frozen tracks thaw out and create a mess of ruts, well my money is on Plessinger to be on the podium, especially after a fourth. 

Moranz Mafia Mind Blown

Kevin Moranz is turning into the most improved rider of the season. His rookie 450SX season went well last year earning a few 16ths and a 15th at the final round in Salt Lake City. Well, in Houston, Moranz made it in through a very wild LCQ and finished a career best 14th in the main. I asked him how it felt having a career best after putting in so much work over the years and he replied, “Damn, it feels good! We still have better in us though.” Then he made a great point about how it’s still early in the season and the field is still deep. I think we all need to keep an eye on Mr. Moranz and his mindset as well as his mind blowing Mafia members as he meets most of his magnificent expectations.

Wild Wild East

I’m at a loss for words on this 250SX East Region after one round. It’s seriously up for grabs. Hunter Lawrence is the big title contender, but it’s Supercross and anything can happen. How many winners do you think that we will see? Who is the biggest surprise? How many different riders will get a podium? Your guess is as good as mine. Maybe that East Region is actually more evenly stacked then the West after all, eh?

Main image: KTM

Written by Troy Dog

Faster than Slaw Dog. Editor-in-Chief

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