2024 Thumpa Report - Round 3

What could possibly resurrect the Thumpa Report from its early grave over a decade ago?

I think you already know the answer…

So it’s time to blow the dust and brush the cobwebs off the old mouse…

…and let’s explore the current events of this very unusual Supercross season.

First, a little recap - the opening round in Anaheim fooled us with an exceedingly typical start to the season. Fresh off his undefeated 450 outdoor rookie season and a Supermotocross title (whatever the hell that is), the A1 victor was no surprise.

While Jett coasted to an expected debut victory, about the only drama came in the form of Vincent Friese doing Vincent Friese-like things.

Friese had a hand in taking out Hunter Lawrence in the heat race and a rejuvenated heat 1 winner Ken Roczen in the main. Seems like Friese’s name is only mentioned in the midst of havoc, and all too often.

Of note at A1 was the resurgence of Cooper Webb. Enlisting the strategy “if you can’t beat’em, join’em,” Webb was welcomed by his chief rival with open arms to his new home at the blue team.

The heat 2 winner seemed poised for a likely 2nd place finish before a miscue that cost him the podium, but he certainly looked like the Cooper of old while chasing down eventual runner up Jason Anderson. Instead, he gifted a podium spot to Chase Sexton (who was also gifted a SX title by Eli Tomac last season).

Just when we thought we were in for a cookie-cutter SX season, we were hit with round 2 in San Francisco.

The main event was marked by an epic jump out the gate by Sexton.

But the excitement ended there as rest of the race was marked by just what we’ve come to expect from a race of this nature.

As smoking bikes with fried clutches wallowed in the slop, the defending SX champ slowly rolled to victory. What else transpired? Who cares. Mudders are outdoor races, not Supercross.

With round 3 in San Diego, media day practice marked the return of the high flying antics of Supercross.

And then…

As the Dirt Wurx crew did its best to finesse the track into race shape…

…throngs of eager fans packed the stadium to await the night’s historic events.

Despite being robbed of an actual Supercross race, fans were thankfully not deprived of one of the most memorable nights in recent SX history. After coming up just a foot short of victory last season in Detroit, everyone’s favorite cowboy would not be denied his first 450 SX win in San Diego.

A favorite of his peers as well as his fans, fellow competitors showered Aaron Plessinger with congratulatory hugs…

Remarkably, this all too touching scene would turn out to be the least dramatic event of the night.

For while Plessinger dramatically fought his way to victory, much further back in the pack Jett was battling Jason Anderson for whocares place. Luckily, the whole scenario was captured by our crack team of photographers.

As Jett hung tightly on Jason’s rear…

…the slower, elder Ando employed his usual unusually wide riding tactics.

Despite making the eventual pass, Jett was apparently upset that Ando didn’t receive the message on track.

Thus, Jett decided to deliver the message post-race with a gentle tug on Jason’s helmet.

Not surprisingly, El Hombre responded in-kind…

<p>And so began one of the biggest controversies in Supercross history. Memes ensued, as well as overdubbed instagram reels since tv cameras caught the aftermath of Jett’s ire.

Jett’s attentive team, as one would expect, quickly rushed to the young star’s aid…

Ironically, Jett’s big bro Hunter paused to admire the festivities, but his response was not as expected.

If Jett is looking for a coordinated family attack, apparently strategies still need to be discussed.

Naturally, the pugilistic antics were closely examined by AMA officials…

…and prompt disciplinary actions were taken.

As fans argued the merits of the case…

…Jett took to social media to quell the growing storm.

Likewise, El Hombre countered with a response of his own.

 

As the debate flooded social media, fans were even treated to screenshots of discussions including the likes of Deegan, McGrath, Forkner, RC, and Roczen - all seemingly siding with Anderson.

One can’t help but think that Jett is starting to feel a little ganged up on.

Who else can’t wait for Round 4?!?!?!