Could Axel Hodges qualify for a Pro SX race? (Video)

No

He has all the talent and skill in the world, but I think he absolutely hated the grind when he raced Lorettas back then for example and that's why he chose the freeride/FMX path so he can ride whenever he wants and build up his own schedule. So yeah, hypothetical speaking I think with a full off season/winter of training I don't see a reason why he wouldn't qualify for a SX race, but does he want to even deal with all the preparation, training and grind? Probably not.

If your question was if he could just jump into SX and try to qualify without any preparation, then no.

He could def qualify but he doesn’t care to. 

I agree his bike skills are insane. He’s like a real life video game. lol 

I'm certain he would qualify for the night program but doubt that he can make a main event. 

Yeah, guys like him and Raha for example are completely insane. Was never really into FMX since the Pastrana era but those guys are mental. I mean those jumps.. I shit myself by just watching it

The sound from that bike (PC pipe) is just obnoxious, less is more.

But the riding is just incredible as always.

I'm sure he could if he felt like it. Obviously has the ability and he has a racing resume too, he won a 250 C championship at Loretta's, got a 2nd to Aaron Plessinger in a B class, and raced the A and Pro Sport classes. Closest comparison to what he does now is Tyler Bereman and he did race pro Supercross for a while before he started the free rider life. But I'd say they both make great choices to do what they're doing making a good living having fun instead of grinding away to still have to beg for money to go to the races. Not that it comes without its own cost though, they're doing absolute psycho shit and I know Axel has had some nasty injuries.

He could qualify for SX with 1 fast lap. Could he make a main is another story. 

A lot of freestyle and free ride guys are failed racers so there’s that. 

If Josh Hill can I don’t see why he wouldn’t be able to. 

He definitely has the skills, but it takes lots of preparation and drive to make a main. He'd need some time and training.

Keep in mind that Josh Hill also won a 450 main event. 

Yea, make the night show?  Certainly.

Make the main?  Not likely.

Always wished Evil Knievel would have run a couple outdoor races.   
RIP EK

Wasn’t it last year he didn’t qualify for LL?

Or if he did we was barely mid pack?

I'm sure if he really set his mind to he could! but why would he want to all the Promoter BS

Odd timing lmao 

How the hell did that guys helmet come off?

The helmet coming off is the most insane thing in that video.

And to answer the question, no he couldn't 

You guys don’t remember ET And I don’t mean Tomac😅 , that guy was known as worlds best freestyler alsi scored podium finishes,and  the commentator often said if he would put more effort to races he would be a top podium finisher every race.

and take a pay cut?

Nah.... Plus the whole working out thing sucks...

"thing was $1000 I should have to strap it to keep it on"

No

Yes. Obviously training, practice, prep, blah blah blah. But, yes without a doubt. His talent on a bike is undeniable and the technical riding requirements of SX would be an easy fit for him, timing being the most important.

But also why the hell would he ever bother other than out of his own interest? Tyler Bereman tried to make it in pro racing, and also has a LL’s title, but he and Axel, like the Carey Harts and Brian Deegans of the world, beat the system; they carved out their own little corner of the moto world so they don’t ever have to race again. In fact, they can and do, do pretty much anything they want to. If their sponsors are willing to keep supporting their free ride ambitions (and why wouldn’t they?… those projects and vids and social media assets get insane views and exposure) then keep on jumping and tricking and thinking outside the moto sandbox people will keep watching. I know I will.

ive been blessed to have hung out with axel a ton over the past few years. He is so freaking fast on a track i have no doubt he could qualify relatively easy. not a top 10 guy but i could see him doing decent but definitely wont have an issue qualifying.

Evel was in his 30s when motocross came to the US, and spent more time healing up than he did riding. 

He also held the red plate in the 450 class for like 5 races while battling JS7 and Reed. The guy can still make mains over a decade later.

This is seriously one of the most ignorant comments I've seen on Vital. 

I seem to remember cowboy Kenny Bertram making a sx night show in the early 2000s, if he can im sure axle could as well