24’ Outdoor Champ - Sexton or Hunter?

Hunter has been off the podium in only 1 moto, and it was a 4th. He has been getting great starts. I think Chase has a slight edge in fitness and top end speed, but I think he also has the higher likelihood of a costly tip-over or bad start. So I think I’m leaning Hunter just for consistency, but wouldn’t be shocked if Chase wins. I think it will ultimately be a really close battle to the end. 

Is there any question?   If Chase doesn't auger himself...it's a done deal.

I am kinda hoping for Filthy though!

Heart says Hunter, head says Sexton. Sexton shouldn’t lose this one.

The fact Hunter has held the red plate for three rounds and is in this equation is amazing though. Go back to everyone’s preseason predictions and most had him 5th at best. 

Hunter only had one moto finish outside the top three and was on the podium every race so far, that's pretty good for his first year and I think he exceeded most expectations so far. Really curious to see how him not being able to practice with Jett now translates to his riding on the weekends.

Yes Sexton has the speed advantage but he can't make any mistakes because Hunter will be there and he points will stay tight.

Sexton has Hunter beat on speed and fitness. I do think Hunter will give him quite a challenge, but Chase is going to come out on top. 

Agree, and I don’t think Sexton’s speed advantage is as big as everyone’s saying.

In the ten qualifying sessions so far, it’s only 6:4 Sexton to Hunter. Hunter’s outright speed is right there, in fact it was 4:4 before Southwick. But it seems Hunter can’t maintain the pace for a full race yet, whereas Sexton’s late race charges have been super impressive.

Without mistakes from either rider, I think that makes the difference.

Without little brother pulling him around the track and sometimes blocking for him,  he will lose a spot or two.  Nevertheless way better year then anyone expected as a rookie i might add.

Hunter will be 5-8 seconds back on Chase and the rest of the field will be 30+ seconds back

I'm not a betting man but if I was I think the smart money is on Chase.

I think he has shown he does have a speed edge over Hunter, even though has been beaten straight up by Hunter.

Some are saying that with Jett gone, Chase can now back it down and ride safer, but if he does this doesn't that negate his speed advantage?

IMO they both have clear advantages over the other.  With Chase I believe it's a speed edge and what looks to be fitness, with Hunter it's consistency.

With the freak out for the season, I hope we get to see Chase and Hunter battle until the end.

I highly suspect this is going to be a tight title fight between Chase & Hunter. 

55 Sexton/45 Hunter

Looks like Philthy is working on pulling a Chase and coming on strong at the end -

You forgot there are three requirements in mx, speed, fitness and the ability to keep it off the ground.

The Championship ain't so clear now, is it.

Just for giggles, let's not disregard Justin Cooper, not just yet.

He is the undefeated SMX LCQ champion after all.

I'm torn. I kind of expect Chase to win but Hunter is darned near as much of a story as Jett was last year imho. Imagine if Jett didn't exist? We'd be going crazy over Hunters rookie season in the bigs. I think Chase but not by a mile.

Chase Sexton is the safe bet. If Jett wasn't around he would have won 90%+ of motos he competed in. I think Hunter will consistently be close enough (and possibly beat him occassionally) but without Jett racing, Chase won't have as much pressure on him and will probably make minimal to no mistakes from here. 

Anderson gonna make sure that red plate aint on a honda this weekend

Hunter is consistent, chase is about to start losing the front and blaming the bike. It will be close but Hunter gets it.

He’s going to have to have found a lot of speed in the last 2 weeks, if he’s going to do that.

Yeh, Hunter may wish he tried to stay away from Jason more. No doubt there will be motos where Hunter has to pass Jason and Ando has already shown he cares more about blocking the Lawrences than his own race. 
 

100% agree. Sexton should win this. 

I don't think it's that cut and dry ... I mean Phil can win this .