Troy Dog
Ty Masterpool Is a 450 Podium Guy!
Before the season started Ty Masterpool wasn’t even on my radar. Call it recency bias, but I really didn’t even know that he was going to race. Moving up to the 450 Class for Hangtown was a great idea and he was in fact the top privateer. Now we know that Hangtown was not a fluke and at Thunder Valley Masterpool was the fastest rider on the track not named Jett. I can’t tell what is more impressive: his first moto charge from last or his second moto passes on the factory boys en route to what I thought was a sure moto podium finish. I can only see Ty getting better from this point on and he shines at RedBud!
The Privateers Have Leveled Up
The current crop of factory 450 riders are definitely an interesting bunch. Here is what we have to work with:
Jett – He’s perfect.
Webb – Coming back from a head injury sustained in Nashville. Not ready for MX.
AP – Keeps crashing.
Ferrandis – Coming back from some injuries and racing into shape. Not gelling with the bike.
AC – Working through an arm issue.
A select group of privateers have now infiltrated the factory pace and are pushing them to their limits. Masterpool passed through these guys to get to third and Grant Harlan gave AC all he could handle in moto 2. The privateers are working on a shoestring budget and have their own problems as well that no one talks about. So, an interesting storyline has developed that I will be keeping an eye on. Have the older factory riders lost their edge? These young privateers aren’t getting the chance to be called up because of the older guys in those spots. They are hungry and ready for the challenge. It’s an interesting time in the sport.
Here Are Some Much Needed Results For Some of the 250 Guys
Some of the 250 guys who I was waiting on to show me some signs of life this season put it together at Thunder Valley. My chef friend Levi Kitchen went 5-2 for third overall. Chance Hymas went 11-3 for fifth overall, which shows me that he has what it takes to be a player in this class. Hymas, in just his eighth moto of his career put it on the box in a very stacked class. Also, newcomers Caden Braswell and Talon Hawkins finished 12th and 13th respectively.
Jordon Smith is Progressing
Monster Energy/Star Racing Yamaha’s Jordon Smith went 6-6 for seventh, which was big for a guy who hasn’t raced an outdoor race in four years. Yes, the last time Smith raced an outdoor national Haiden Deegan wasn’t even born! That’s a wild stat! All joking aside, you Deegan fans can put your pitchforks down. I’m proud of Smith for this finish. Sure, he’s on a Star Yamaha, at elevation, but I think this is where he will fit in this class more often than not as the series heads east.
Terren O’Dell is Still a Badass
In follow up to my story from last week, Terren O’Dell raced his first national in 13 years and HE MADE THE 40 MAN GATE! He accomplished his goal and raced himself into the show with a second in the LCQ. Not bad for the 31-year-old who works 60 hours a week, right? Good job O’Dell Dog, now we want to see you more. You’re a legend for this.
Main image: Yamaha
