5 Things We Learned at Southwick

Jimmy D

I know every other fan and media person in this sport is talking about Jimmy Decotis, but I have to as well. It’s such a cool story. Jimmy D is a fan favorite and when he retired due to his Lyme Disease complications over three years ago I assumed we’d never see him race again. I was pleasantly surprised to see him show up to the Wick, but I had no idea that he would qualify fastest in the 250 class. Sure, he was in B practice where the track is a lot smoother, and I’m sure he’s been pounding the laps there in preparation, but that doesn’t take away anything from this cool story. Going to the gate first at your home national has to be an unreal feeling. I also thought it was cool that he proved that he truly is HIMMY Decotis after tying his career best national finish, not only at Southwick, but ever. Good job Himmy D. 

250 Class Title Fight

What just happened? Hunter Lawrence wasn’t one hundred percent coming into Southwick, but that wasn’t the biggest issue with a DNF at the end of moto 1. Moto 2 obviously wasn’t the best Hunter we’ve seen and now he’s lost the points lead. Five rounds and ten motos remain and the standings look like we just hit a series reset. We now have five riders within 22 points and Levi Kitchen is lurking in the distance only 36 points behind in sixth. Any scenario is possible. Justin Cooper has sat out two motos and he’s only 22 points down! Who are you taking for the championship now? 

RiderPointsDifference
1 Haiden Deegan218
2 Hunter Lawrence213-5
3 RJ Hampshire205-13
4 Jo Shimoda198-20
5 Justin Cooper196-22

Ham Maker

I don’t get to write about Seth Hammaker very often. It’s not done on purpose, I promise you that. He seems like a nice guy and he definitely has the speed and work ethic to be successful. He came back at RedBud, finished eighth overall, and then at Southwick he put in the best outdoor result of his career with a fifth overall. It’s got to be tough to step into a series during the middle of it, but Hammaker is holding his own and I think he’s only going to get better down the stretch. 

Butron Rawr!

Wildcat Racing has been a welcome addition to the outdoors and Jose Butron is putting in the best results of his career. He’s 32 and I’m thinking he is wishing that he would have come to the U.S. sooner. Butron had a season best sixth overall courtesy of his 9-6 moto scores. On a smoking hot day, on a rough track, you really can’t ask for a better day. 

Canning Did It!

Chris Canning has been racing Pro Motocross since he debuted at Southwick in 2011. Since then he’s had four top 15 finishes overall, but he’s never finished inside the top 10, until this weekend! Canning went 8-7 for seventh overall at his literal home track. That had to have felt amazing with the crowd screaming for him all day. He was one of three full privateers inside of the top ten overall results. This is why I love Southwick. 

Main image: Pro Motocross

Written by Troy Dog

Faster than Slaw Dog. Editor-in-Chief

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