Jonathan McCready: The 450 class will, in my worthless opinion, come down to Sexton v Ferrandis v Lawrence. All three are champions, Sexton is on a high after his supercross title, but will that long stressful indoor sesson hinder him outdoors in the early rounds? Ferrandis and Lawrence might he hoping so but I think Chase has too much confidence and motivation to let that happen especially with Jett competing directly against him out of the same truck, Sexton won’t want to lose that duel.
For me, Jett was born to ride a 450, looms remarkable like Stefan Everts and makes amazingly mature in-race decisions. The only thing he doesn’t have is 450 experience but the MXON showed the speed is already there along with the style and technique. The kid is a generational talent and like Sexton, class to watch technically on a bike. This might be the most stylish title battle since McGrath v Emig!
Dylan Ferrandis is coming off three injury riddled series but his speed at MXoN was awesome and he is a former 450 champ, the questions are can he stay healthy and is he comfortable enough on the new bike to run the pace Sexton/Lawrence will set week in week out?
For me I think this comes down to Lawrence v Sexton by the final round and Sexton’s experience might edge it but if Jett wins Pala and the title, I won’t be the least bit surprised – and I’d Dylan stays healthy, and gels with the Yamaha he cab ruin the red party.
I think Plessinger can get in there too here and there as might Webb and AC later in the year if fit and healthy.
Pala
- Jett Lawrence
- Chase Sexton
- Dylan Ferrandis
- Aaron Plessinger
- Adam Ciancuarulo
Title
- Chase Sexton
- Jett Lawrence
- Dylan Ferrandis
- Aaron Plessinger
- Cooper Webb
250
It’s really the premier class outdoors in 2023 with all the 450 injuries and Hunter Lawrence starts as favourite for sure with Justin Cooper right there and, if Tom Vialle brings his MX2 speed and IF he can learn the track in the ridiculously short practices he should be challenging for the title.
If it was a two-day format I think Vialle goes in alongside Hunter and Cooper as favourite but with the short practice and heat question marks I see him maybe third overall but if he rides like MX2 in 2022, he wins this title. His speed and alongside Jago was phenomenal last season, underlined by Geerts running Tomac pace on a 450 at Red Bud wet or dry.
The class is stacked and Shimoda should be up there with those three as well and I think Deegan will be a podium threat and maybe win a moto. Jeremy Martin, Mosiman, even Vohland along with Kitchen, Smith and certainly Hampshire will all have realistic ambitions to run up front too. Kitchen might be the breakthrough guy along with Deegan with RJ Hampshire pinned all year long but crashes might hurt his title ambitions.
Don’t forget EMX250 man from last year Guillem Farres who should also be in there with a season under his belt and the best team in the class.
Pala
- Justin Cooper
- Tom Vialle
- Hunter Lawrence
- Levi Kitchen
- Haiden Deegan
Title
- Hunter Lawrence
- Justin Cooper
- Tom Vialle
- Jo Shimoda
- RJ Hampshire
Andy McKinstry: It’s such a shame Eli Tomac picked up an injury at the end of the Supercross season as we’d have at least three heavy hitters going into the season with Tomac going up against the new generation. As it is, Sexton and Lawrence look to be the big favourites going into the season and small margins could decide the title. We can’t discount Dylan Ferrandis but we don’t really know how much bike time he’s had coming into the season after missing the SX championship but when he’s on it, he is rapid.
450 Pala:
- Sexton
- Lawrence
- Ferrandis
450 championship:
- Lawrence
- Sexton
- Ferrandis
The 250cc class is going to be interesting with potentially more race winners than the 450cc class. Hunter Lawrence is the big favourite but it won’t be easy, the Star Yamaha’s are rapid and always get good starts so Justin Cooper can’t be dismissed.
Then there’s the MX2 World Champion, as long as he hasn’t lost too much of his GP speed sfter an SX season he should be at the front with a point to prove in America. Jo Shimoda on the Kawasaki and RJ Hampshire are always fast as well.
250cc Pala
- Cooper
- Lawrence
- Hampshire
250cc championship:
- Lawrence
- Cooper
- Vialle
Image: Honda