Ricky Carmichael and Ryan Villopoto have given their thoughts on Chase Sexton’s rollercoaster ride so far in 2026 after his switch to Kawasaki following his complaints about the KTM.
RC began the segment saying: “I’m hearing some rumblings. You know where I’m going to go right now…I’m hearing some stuff. I don’t like what I’m hearing. I don’t know if it’s true.”
RV commented: “Personally believe it’s something to do mentally. It’s upstairs. He’s checked all the other boxes.I think the equipment’s good from this standpoint. Maybe they are still working on some things with the motorcycle, just trying to get him more comfortable. But I will say, that’s kind of par for the course.A few years at Honda, a few years at KTM, now you’re at Kawasaki, bouncing around and moving around like that isn’t definitely ideal.
“We just talked about Kenny being so solid on a motorcycle that he’s rode for three years straight. Chase has bounced, like I said, from three different manufacturers. I hope that’s not the case. I hope it’s not the case of him where it’s mental and that’s something that you can’t break. He’s got the speed, he’s checked all the boxes there, the fitness, but it just comes down to showing up and being on every single night, but then not making those mistakes.
RC then opined: “When he was at Honda, we would hear things. When he was at KTM, we would hear things. What are those things? He can’t get the feel that he wants for the bike. The bike is doing this and it’s disabling him to ride the way he wants and get the finishes that he wants.
“We’re only five rounds in. Again, just from things that I’m hearing and I’m sure you’ve heard a couple things. I’ve heard particularly after this week, but it’s the same thing. He even said why he rode so well when he won Anaheim. He finally got that feel that he was looking for when I had swore that he thought that he had said something like that before the season started. It’s just… it’s the same thing.”
“A lot of the multi-time champions, they’re able to take an ill-handling motorcycle and not let it ruin their day, ruin their season. And they’re able to, like they’re not happy, but they still get the job done. And they still, you know, your championships are won on your bad days. And yep, maybe you can’t win, but at least you’re getting third. And we know he’s plenty capable of getting third on a piece of shit.“
Get the full thoughts below from the mult-time champs who know exactly what it takes to win races and championships consistently.
