Slawservation: Silly Season Is Going to be Insane and I’m Here for It

Silly season news in May is like Christmas morning for us moto dogs. Last year was pretty lackluster in regards to top riders moving. The biggest move was Justin Barcia leaving Monster Energy Yamaha for the new Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull GasGas team. 

Well, this season is shaping up to be HUGE. 

The other day, Steve Matthes (he of PulpMX Hockey fame) dropped a nuclear bomb on the industry with news that Eli Tomac could be leaving Monster Energy Kawasaki after six years (and four titles) for Monster Energy Yamaha. Seriously, NO ONE saw this coming… except Steve I guess?

Soooo word on the street is Tomac going to Yamaha next year, wow. I had heard he had agreed to 2 more at Kawi but I guess it didn't get officially done. That's gonna be weird… #BLUCRU

— Steve Matthes (@pulpmx) May 5, 2021

This news is huge, but it could send ripple effects throughout the industry. If Tomac leaves Kawasaki, what do they do? Do they move Austin Forkner up? Could Jason Anderson, who was rumored to be going to Star Racing, be on their list? 

What does Husqvarna do if Anderson leaves? Could if be Zach Osborne, Dean Wilson, and maybe Malcolm Stewart? Rumors of Mookie going there are certainly out there. 

Red Bull KTM seems set for a three rider team next year, with Aaron Plessinger moving over from Star to join the returning Cooper Webb and Marvin Musquin (who is rumored to have re-signed). 

Honda HRC is set with Ken Roczen and Chase Sexton, but man, the rest of the industry is about to be thrown for a huge loop and I’m here for all it. 

Main image: Octopi Media