Slaw Dog
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We are down three rounds! The Monster Energy Supercross season continues in Glendale on Saturday and in this edition of Most Likely, we examine some key talking points. Like, will Deegan and JuJu continue on and off the track? Will Kenny keep the red plates? And we make our podium picks for this weekend.
Read on…
Is the war of words most likely to continue this weekend between Deegan and Beaumer?
Slaw: Umm… have you met Haiden Deegan? The “beef” or “drama” or whatever you want to call it between Deegs and JuJu from Anaheim 2 spilled over onto social media this week and will, in my humble opinion, continue into this weekend.
The Deegans know what sells, and this is selling. Further, JuJu seems to be onboard with all of it—some riders in the past have not been—and the sport is better for it. Drama sells and this is lining up to be an amazing title fight.
Wes: This is a no-brainer. At this point, it almost feels like both of these guys are in on it—they know that playing into this rivalry benefits both camps. I’m not saying the rivalry isn’t real, but Deegan is a smart cookie when it comes to marketing. He knows exactly what he’s doing. So, I don’t expect this to slow down in the slightest. If anything, it’s only going to pick up the pace.
Is Kenny most likely to win this weekend (he has a history in Glendale and at Triple Crowns)?
Slaw: Kenny and red plates and Triple Crowns and Glendale just mix, man. He’s won here three times (2016, 2020 and 2024) and has started the season on fire. Go read these stats, they are amazing. To answer the question, yes, I have him as the fav in Glendale.
Wes: The answer is a definite yes. I don’t know Slaw’s response yet, but he’s fired if it’s anything but that. Kenny will go 2-3-1, grabbing the overall and continuing to hold the red plate as we head east.
Do you prefer Triple Crowns or regular Supercross events?
Slaw: A mix. Yes, I just waffled all over that, but we can’t hold 17 Triple Crowns, even though they are much better. I think the perfect mix would be 7-8 Triple Crown events with the rest being a more regular Supercross.
Wes: I really enjoy a wrench being thrown into the program. Just when you’re getting used to something, it’s time to switch it up. It keeps the racers, teams, and fans on their toes. The excitement of a Triple Crown weekend is amazing, but I wouldn’t want that format all the time. Conversely, now that we have the Triple Crowns, I honestly can’t imagine just having regular events every weekend, either. With the addition of the three E/W 250 races this year, I’d say it’s the perfect mix of entertainment.
The top five in 450 points are separated by just 10. Who is most likely to leave Glendale with the red plates?
Slaw: See above, Kenny leaves Glendale with the reds.
Wes: Ken Roczen will leave Glendale with the red plate. He’s going to win, so mathematically, he has to keep it.
The top three in 250 points are separated by just 9. Who is most likely to leave Glendale with the red plates?
Slaw: While I have Deegan for the win this weekend, I think Beaumer finishes second, so he’ll leave with the points lead. I’ve said this elsewhere, but JuJu has been one of the biggest surprises of the year so far and doesn’t show signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Wes: Haiden Deegan and JuJu Beaumer will leave Glendale with the red plate. Haiden got the win at A2, and he’s got the momentum. JuJu has had nearly flawless rides since the start of the season, but statistically, I think a tip-over in the sand section is likely in race two this weekend, which would give him a 1-5-2 for possibly third overall. I think this situation leaves them tied, with Haiden taking the win.
Who is the most likely 450 podium?
Slaw:
1: Kenny
2: Jett
3: Tomac
Wes: Ken Roczen, Eli Tomac, Jett Lawrence
Who is the most likely 250 podium?
Slaw:
1: Deegan
2: JuJu
3: Coty Schock
Wes: Haiden Deegan, Jordon Smith, JuJu Beaumer
Images: @octopi.media
