Five Things to Watch For at Arlington Supercross

Following a nearly 88 percent pick rate over the first six rounds, I’m here to bring you the most flame, fire, fuego, feu, Пожар predictions for the eighth round of Monster Energy Supercross in Arlington.

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As always, we will first review my predictions from the last round in Minneapolis…

Prediction | Hunter’s Brother Wins The East Region Opener

Jett Lawrence was scheduled to ride the 250SX West Region, but that got thrown out the door when he had a big crash and sustained a rib injury prior to Anaheim 1. Well, Jett says it was actually a GOOD thing.

“The biggest thing is I just peaked way too early, even too early before West Coast started. I think that little hiccup [rib injury] there was actually good, it kind of whipped me back into line a little bit. I was feeling like superman a bit and it was a reminder, hey, slow down, just put your laps in and don’t do anything crazy. I’m really excited to race, feels like forever since outdoors. I’m excited to get out there with some fast boys.”

Yep, I’m loving his attitude coming into the opener and I think he fires first.

I mean, I didn’t really go out on a hot dog here, but hey, when you’re right, you’re right.

Slawdiction: 10 out of 10.

Prediction | Forker Gets His Mojo Back

Austin Forkner coulda, shoulda, woulda already had a title or even two by now. Injuries have cost him dearly the last few years, but I think he bounces back in 2022. Forkner said 2022 will be his last year in the 250 Class, but that he’s not even feeling any pressure.

“Actually this year, it’s my last year in the 250 Class so I feel like I should have a lot of pressure on me this year, but I don’t feel a lot of pressure,” he says. “I just don’t. I don’t know if that’s because I’ve gotten hurt really bad, I’ve blown multiple championships…. then outdoors was just a horrible 12 rounds. I feel like I’ve gone through some stuff and I’m coming into this year not feeling a lot of pressure. Usually coming into the first race by now I’m already starting to feel nervous and stuff. But right now I’m just excited.”

I’m liking a podium for Austin this weekend.

Aside from his run-in with Phil, Minneapolis proved to be a a huge rebound for Forkner. Now the question is: Can he run with Jett? Time will tell.

Slawdiction: 10 out of 10.

Prediction | Martin Podiums

Jeremy Martin’s 2021 Monster Energy Supercross campaign lasted all of one corner, as he got landed on, hurt his shoulder and missed the entire year. Look, we all know the Star bike is probably the best in the class, so I’m liking J-Mart in his return to the squad in year two.

“I guess my perspective is a little bit different now. I think my best finish in a supercross series is third. So, you’ve got to climb the mountain, right? That’s nine rounds. So I’m not going to get ahead of myself. There’re a lot of fast guys in the class and they’re all going to be ready on Saturday. The biggest thing for me is to not be my worst enemy.”

Loving him for a podium at the opener.

Okay, it wasn’t a podium, but a lot of positives for Martin to take away from the opener. 1) He made it through the first turn. 2) He didn’t lose the championship by not making it through the first turn.

Slawdiction: 4 out of 10.

Prediction | Webb Gets His Mojo Back

Yep, it’s been a TERRIBLE couple rounds for the defending champion. BUT, we are moving to the East Coast, where I personally feel Cooper Webb is better. He gets back on track this weekend with AT LEAST a top five finish.

Knock, knock.

Who’s there.

Slaw. And he’s always been there for Webb.

Slawdiction: 100 out of 10.

Prediction | Steve Matthes Wears Cargos in Frigid Temps

This weekend is a day race. The temps are supposed to be like minus 3 for track walk. None of that matters to Steve Matthes, he of PulpMX Hockey fame, as he wears cargo shorts and flip flops.

WHAT IN THE ACTUAL….

I did hear this was for the live show on Friday and that Steve DID IN FACT wear shorts on Saturday but I don’t have proof.

Slawdiction: 5 out of 10.

Vince Friese Leads a Lap of One Triple Crown

ICYMI: Friese moved up to the 450 Class for the East Coast and guess what he brought with him: his starts. Yep, I’m starting to believe that Friese might be the greatest starter ever. If only we had stats to prove it. Anyway, I think the Freezer leads at least a lap or two of one Triple Crown.

Forkner Wins One Main Event

Do we call these main events? Races? I don’t know. Either way, Forkner wins one of them in the 250 Class. I really like what I saw from him at the opener and I think it continues this weekend.

Hampshire On the Overall Podium

RJ was apparently dealing with an illness in Minny. “Dude, I looked like a pansy there for a little bit in the main event,” he told Steve Matthes. “It was almost more embarrassing, because I train my ass off, and it looked like I was fading bad, and you could tell. I hit the ground enough today, and yesterday, that dude I’m being a bitch again. I couldn’t breathe, my stomach was in such a notch, and I couldn’t breathe.” He rebounds this weekend with an overall podium.

Malcolm On the Overall Podium

Mook Dog tossed away a podium in Minneapolis. Not this weekend. Malcolm has been crazy good and crazy consistent this year. He hasn’t finish outside the top five since the opener at Anaheim 1!!! That continues in Arlington.