Slaw Dog
Following a 93 percent accuracy rate in 2022, the most-read, most popular blog in Supercross is back for another season of flaming hot predictions. We are off to round 6 (really round 5) in Tampa.
As the greatest wrastler alive, Ric Flair, once said: “I’m the stylin’, profilin’, limousine riding, jet flying, kiss-stealing, wheelin’ and dealin’ son of a gun.”
As always, we will first review my amazing picks from Houston before we get into Tampa.
Prediction | Deegan Debuts
There is going to be a ton of pressure and eyes on Deegan this weekend. Unfair? Yes. Look, it’s the kids first race. Let’s all chill a bit on this. But, we still have to talk about it. The speed is there. And I like Deegs for a top 7 finish this weekend.
Just gonna leave this here….
Also, pretty sure 4th is inside the top 7.
Slawdiction: 99 out of 10.
Prediction | Hymas Debuts
Chance Hymas is coming in super under the radar with Honda HRC. We saw last year in Supercross Futures that Hymas has SX speed and skills. I think him coming in under the radar helps and I have him with a top 7 finish as well.
Hymas got 8th which is basically inside the top 7 and ran near the front. Overall, a victory for Hymas and Slaw.
Slawdiction: 7 out of 10.
Prediction | Justin Cooper Debuts
We finally get to see Justin Cooper on a 450 in Supercross. Cooper will race “select rounds” before dropping back down to the 250 for Pro Motocross and will debut this weekend in Houston. I honestly don’t know where to slot J-Coop, but I’m going between 9th and 12th.
Damn, J-Coop did even better than I thought with a 7th. Still, pretty much a win for me.
Slawdiction: 7 out of 10.
Prediction | Talon Hawkins Debuts
Hawkins showed a lot last weekend in Supercross Futures at Anaheim 2. The speed was there, but so were some rookie mistakes. That’s expected. I have no idea if the team planned on this, but with Jalek Swoll out, they decided to move Hawkins up for Houston. I think he’s a top 12 guy this weekend.
Pretty sure 11th is inside the top 12.
Slawdiction: 99 out of 10.
Prediction | Blose Debuts with PC
Poor, Mitch. Luckily you can’t kill zombies and the veteran will do well this weekend. Seriously, don’t sleep on his results. Top five finish for Blose.
Blose made it out of Houston without getting hurt, which is a win for Pro Circuit and Mitch. Unfortunately, he did not finished inside the top 5, so a loss for me.
Slawdiction: 1 out of 10.
Prediction | Vialle Debuts
I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT TO EXPECT from the two-time MX2 World Champion. I’ve heard nothing… good or bad. Top 12, but that’s a complete guess.
Yep, missed the bun on this one.
Slawdiction: 1 out of 10.
Prediction | Caden Braswell Debuts
Like Vialle, not sure where to slot in the Horizon Award winner in 2022. Just a guess: 10-15.
Yep, missed the bun on this one.
Slawdiction: 1 out of 10.
On to Tampa, the Crown Jewel of the series.
Hunter Wins
IF we don’t get a mudder, which is totally possible, Hunter wins. Lawrence bros, so hot right now.
Sexton Fires Back
It sounds crazy to be dejected after a second place finish, but Chase Sexton was probably feeling it a bit after Houston. All day and most of the night he was the man to beat. Then Tomac went Tomac. I think Sexton fires back in Tampa and snags the W.
Thrasher Bounces Back
Nate Thrasher has had the craziest start to a career that I can remember. Since turning pro in 2021, he has 3 wins in 250SX and NO OTHER PODIUM FINISHES. And I think 2 of those he had to come through the LCQ. Insane. He had a disappointing start to the season in Houston, so maybe he goes to the LCQ this weekend and podiums.
A Better J-Mart
A fifth is nothing to be upset over, but Jeremy Martin has to be pissed about getting passed late by Haiden Deegan for fourth, when for a time it appeared he would podium. I think we get a better J-Mart this weekend. Podium for the Club boys.
Anderson Stays Fried
If not for Tomac and Sexton, I feel we’d be talking a lot more about Jason Anderson. He’s coming off back-to-back podiums and that continues at Tampa. Three straight for Mr. Fried.
Main image: Honda HRC
