Prado drama continuing?

Thisusernameisavailable wrote:

Whilst what you say is correct, can you pinpoint what parts on the GP bike are different to the US bike?

JBlain619 wrote:

Frame, subframe, swingarm, electronics, engine, electronics, fuel, tires. The frame and its characteristics are what violate the production rule. "The 2025 AMA Motocross production rule requires that the...

Frame, subframe, swingarm, electronics, engine, electronics, fuel, tires. 

The frame and its characteristics are what violate the production rule.

 "The 2025 AMA Motocross production rule requires that the engine and frame be an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) model from a matching set. Key requirements include maintaining the original frame geometry, including all suspension pivot points, and not reducing the engine's displacement. While the engine and frame must remain a matched set, modifications for strength (e.g., to the frame), after-market components like A-arms and suspension, and some engine modifications are permitted."

Beagle wrote:

Indeed, prototype frame and the like are allowed in MXGP, though Febvre just won the championship on Kawasaki production frame and swingarm.

https://gatedrop.com/romain-febvre-kawasakis-big-hope-and-50k-frames/

JBlain619 wrote:

Frame, subframe, swingarm, electronics, engine, electronics, fuel, tires. The frame and its characteristics are what violate the production rule. "The 2025 AMA Motocross production rule requires that the...

Frame, subframe, swingarm, electronics, engine, electronics, fuel, tires. 

The frame and its characteristics are what violate the production rule.

 "The 2025 AMA Motocross production rule requires that the engine and frame be an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) model from a matching set. Key requirements include maintaining the original frame geometry, including all suspension pivot points, and not reducing the engine's displacement. While the engine and frame must remain a matched set, modifications for strength (e.g., to the frame), after-market components like A-arms and suspension, and some engine modifications are permitted."

Beagle wrote:

Indeed, prototype frame and the like are allowed in MXGP, though Febvre just won the championship on Kawasaki production frame and swingarm.

https://gatedrop.com/romain-febvre-kawasakis-big-hope-and-50k-frames/

themrtoad wrote:

I actually listened to a recent interview with Febvre where he said you can’t even compare the bikes. Almost everything was different on his bike including...

I actually listened to a recent interview with Febvre where he said you can’t even compare the bikes. Almost everything was different on his bike including the frame. I can’t remember which one it was but i’m sure of what i heard. 

3strokemx wrote:

ESPN.com: Is it true that you told Coy Gibbs, "I feel like I can't win?"Stewart: Correct. I told Coy that I felt like, in the...

ESPN.com: Is it true that you told Coy Gibbs, "I feel like I can't win?"
Stewart: Correct. I told Coy that I felt like, in the current situation, on the bike that I was on, that I couldn't win. In my contract I didn't have a performance thing so I could -- I would never do it -- but I could literally go to the races and finish 20th place every weekend and nothing can happen. Obviously it wasn't what we both wanted to hear but this was a conversation that we had before the season even started. He kind of knew my dislike for the Yamaha, and that current [model], knew how much we struggled, so we tried our best to try to fix it but I came to him and told him straight up I cannot win because of these reasons.


Give one example of why you can't win on the bike. What's something that would prevent a rider of your caliber from winning?

It's not the team. It's the new Yamaha. This is different. When I say I can't win, it's not what the team's doing, it's how that motorcycle was particularly built. I've crashed a lot. In 2009, I won 11 of 17 races so it wasn't the brand, it's just how they built this new motorcycle that did not gel with me. I was uncomfortable on the motorcycle. It's not what the team did. The team tried their hardest but we knew going into it that we had to fix the motorcycle for me to perform and we didn't. I didn't on the L&M Team. We couldn't fix it there. I had the same issues. I don't know anybody that's doing really good on it. Davi did awesome but he's 25 pounds heavier than I am. I think bigger and taller people can handle the bike where I can't.

Well, you're riding this summer for free. You have nothing to prove but what message are you trying to send?
I'm not trying to send any message. Actually, what it comes down to is that I love racing motorcycles. I made a lot of money. I still make a lot of money. To me, like, when I came to Suzuki I asked them, "Can you do what I want to do? Can you give me a motorcycle? Can you give me a team? Can you guarantee me those for the next few years?" And they did.

And then they said, "Do you want to race outdoors?" I was like, "Hell yeah, I want to race outdoors." They said, "You know we can't pay you, no bonuses or anything like that?' I told them, "I don't care. I love racing motorcycles, I just left making a lot of money, I just want to race."

Yeah, I am racing for free when it comes to factory Suzuki. My contract doesn't start with those guys until January and that doesn't bother me one bit. I could really care less.

 

280driver wrote:

Just different rules.  US is limited due to production based rules.  MXGP is true factory works bike without those limitations.

Thisusernameisavailable wrote:

Whilst what you say is correct, can you pinpoint what parts on the GP bike are different to the US bike?

JBlain619 wrote:

Frame, subframe, swingarm, electronics, engine, electronics, fuel, tires. The frame and its characteristics are what violate the production rule. "The 2025 AMA Motocross production rule requires that the...

Frame, subframe, swingarm, electronics, engine, electronics, fuel, tires. 

The frame and its characteristics are what violate the production rule.

 "The 2025 AMA Motocross production rule requires that the engine and frame be an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) model from a matching set. Key requirements include maintaining the original frame geometry, including all suspension pivot points, and not reducing the engine's displacement. While the engine and frame must remain a matched set, modifications for strength (e.g., to the frame), after-market components like A-arms and suspension, and some engine modifications are permitted."

3strokemx wrote:

ESPN.com: Is it true that you told Coy Gibbs, "I feel like I can't win?"Stewart: Correct. I told Coy that I felt like, in the...

ESPN.com: Is it true that you told Coy Gibbs, "I feel like I can't win?"
Stewart: Correct. I told Coy that I felt like, in the current situation, on the bike that I was on, that I couldn't win. In my contract I didn't have a performance thing so I could -- I would never do it -- but I could literally go to the races and finish 20th place every weekend and nothing can happen. Obviously it wasn't what we both wanted to hear but this was a conversation that we had before the season even started. He kind of knew my dislike for the Yamaha, and that current [model], knew how much we struggled, so we tried our best to try to fix it but I came to him and told him straight up I cannot win because of these reasons.


Give one example of why you can't win on the bike. What's something that would prevent a rider of your caliber from winning?

It's not the team. It's the new Yamaha. This is different. When I say I can't win, it's not what the team's doing, it's how that motorcycle was particularly built. I've crashed a lot. In 2009, I won 11 of 17 races so it wasn't the brand, it's just how they built this new motorcycle that did not gel with me. I was uncomfortable on the motorcycle. It's not what the team did. The team tried their hardest but we knew going into it that we had to fix the motorcycle for me to perform and we didn't. I didn't on the L&M Team. We couldn't fix it there. I had the same issues. I don't know anybody that's doing really good on it. Davi did awesome but he's 25 pounds heavier than I am. I think bigger and taller people can handle the bike where I can't.

Well, you're riding this summer for free. You have nothing to prove but what message are you trying to send?
I'm not trying to send any message. Actually, what it comes down to is that I love racing motorcycles. I made a lot of money. I still make a lot of money. To me, like, when I came to Suzuki I asked them, "Can you do what I want to do? Can you give me a motorcycle? Can you give me a team? Can you guarantee me those for the next few years?" And they did.

And then they said, "Do you want to race outdoors?" I was like, "Hell yeah, I want to race outdoors." They said, "You know we can't pay you, no bonuses or anything like that?' I told them, "I don't care. I love racing motorcycles, I just left making a lot of money, I just want to race."

Yeah, I am racing for free when it comes to factory Suzuki. My contract doesn't start with those guys until January and that doesn't bother me one bit. I could really care less.

 

OwenJakes wrote:

Interesting. What if Prado could have gotten out early like stew? Would he still be "such a quitter"? What if Stew couldnt have gotten out then...

Interesting. What if Prado could have gotten out early like stew? Would he still be "such a quitter"? What if Stew couldnt have gotten out then? Would he still be sporting a black eye in view of the fans?

I've noticed that if you stick up for prado at all the forum boomers come out with pitch forks. The very idea of him being justified at all is off the table for so many.

3strokemx wrote:

ESPN.com: Is it true that you told Coy Gibbs, "I feel like I can't win?"Stewart: Correct. I told Coy that I felt like, in the...

ESPN.com: Is it true that you told Coy Gibbs, "I feel like I can't win?"
Stewart: Correct. I told Coy that I felt like, in the current situation, on the bike that I was on, that I couldn't win. In my contract I didn't have a performance thing so I could -- I would never do it -- but I could literally go to the races and finish 20th place every weekend and nothing can happen. Obviously it wasn't what we both wanted to hear but this was a conversation that we had before the season even started. He kind of knew my dislike for the Yamaha, and that current [model], knew how much we struggled, so we tried our best to try to fix it but I came to him and told him straight up I cannot win because of these reasons.


Give one example of why you can't win on the bike. What's something that would prevent a rider of your caliber from winning?

It's not the team. It's the new Yamaha. This is different. When I say I can't win, it's not what the team's doing, it's how that motorcycle was particularly built. I've crashed a lot. In 2009, I won 11 of 17 races so it wasn't the brand, it's just how they built this new motorcycle that did not gel with me. I was uncomfortable on the motorcycle. It's not what the team did. The team tried their hardest but we knew going into it that we had to fix the motorcycle for me to perform and we didn't. I didn't on the L&M Team. We couldn't fix it there. I had the same issues. I don't know anybody that's doing really good on it. Davi did awesome but he's 25 pounds heavier than I am. I think bigger and taller people can handle the bike where I can't.

Well, you're riding this summer for free. You have nothing to prove but what message are you trying to send?
I'm not trying to send any message. Actually, what it comes down to is that I love racing motorcycles. I made a lot of money. I still make a lot of money. To me, like, when I came to Suzuki I asked them, "Can you do what I want to do? Can you give me a motorcycle? Can you give me a team? Can you guarantee me those for the next few years?" And they did.

And then they said, "Do you want to race outdoors?" I was like, "Hell yeah, I want to race outdoors." They said, "You know we can't pay you, no bonuses or anything like that?' I told them, "I don't care. I love racing motorcycles, I just left making a lot of money, I just want to race."

Yeah, I am racing for free when it comes to factory Suzuki. My contract doesn't start with those guys until January and that doesn't bother me one bit. I could really care less.

 

OwenJakes wrote:

Interesting. What if Prado could have gotten out early like stew? Would he still be "such a quitter"? What if Stew couldnt have gotten out then...

Interesting. What if Prado could have gotten out early like stew? Would he still be "such a quitter"? What if Stew couldnt have gotten out then? Would he still be sporting a black eye in view of the fans?

I've noticed that if you stick up for prado at all the forum boomers come out with pitch forks. The very idea of him being justified at all is off the table for so many.

Johnny Ringo wrote:

Stew absolutely got shit on here in 2012 over that…then he won immediately on the Suzuki and all was forgiven. Jorge can do the same

3strokemx wrote:

ESPN.com: Is it true that you told Coy Gibbs, "I feel like I can't win?"Stewart: Correct. I told Coy that I felt like, in the...

ESPN.com: Is it true that you told Coy Gibbs, "I feel like I can't win?"
Stewart: Correct. I told Coy that I felt like, in the current situation, on the bike that I was on, that I couldn't win. In my contract I didn't have a performance thing so I could -- I would never do it -- but I could literally go to the races and finish 20th place every weekend and nothing can happen. Obviously it wasn't what we both wanted to hear but this was a conversation that we had before the season even started. He kind of knew my dislike for the Yamaha, and that current [model], knew how much we struggled, so we tried our best to try to fix it but I came to him and told him straight up I cannot win because of these reasons.


Give one example of why you can't win on the bike. What's something that would prevent a rider of your caliber from winning?

It's not the team. It's the new Yamaha. This is different. When I say I can't win, it's not what the team's doing, it's how that motorcycle was particularly built. I've crashed a lot. In 2009, I won 11 of 17 races so it wasn't the brand, it's just how they built this new motorcycle that did not gel with me. I was uncomfortable on the motorcycle. It's not what the team did. The team tried their hardest but we knew going into it that we had to fix the motorcycle for me to perform and we didn't. I didn't on the L&M Team. We couldn't fix it there. I had the same issues. I don't know anybody that's doing really good on it. Davi did awesome but he's 25 pounds heavier than I am. I think bigger and taller people can handle the bike where I can't.

Well, you're riding this summer for free. You have nothing to prove but what message are you trying to send?
I'm not trying to send any message. Actually, what it comes down to is that I love racing motorcycles. I made a lot of money. I still make a lot of money. To me, like, when I came to Suzuki I asked them, "Can you do what I want to do? Can you give me a motorcycle? Can you give me a team? Can you guarantee me those for the next few years?" And they did.

And then they said, "Do you want to race outdoors?" I was like, "Hell yeah, I want to race outdoors." They said, "You know we can't pay you, no bonuses or anything like that?' I told them, "I don't care. I love racing motorcycles, I just left making a lot of money, I just want to race."

Yeah, I am racing for free when it comes to factory Suzuki. My contract doesn't start with those guys until January and that doesn't bother me one bit. I could really care less.

 

Jkawi wrote:

If he announced he was leaving and that he was giving kawi 2 weeks, I would almost understand the not really giving it his all (although...

If he announced he was leaving and that he was giving kawi 2 weeks, I would almost understand the not really giving it his all (although he should probably atleast try and appear like he is trying). Unfortunately, this isn't a great example. It was waaaaayyyyy longer than 2 weeks he drug his ass around the track, and this is a contract, between 2 businesses with reputation at stake.

I kind of get it if you are a drive thru attendant at mcdonalds, but I would bet if you asked that question to the top 40 CEO's in the world, you would get a much different answer as they are judged on professionalism, just like Jorge.

kpiper wrote:

Basically, Prado ripped off Kawi. He failed to uphold his end of the deal.

Thisusernameisavailable wrote:

Do you have some inside info to know that Kawasaki upheld their end of the deal too?

OwenJakes wrote:

Interesting. What if Prado could have gotten out early like stew? Would he still be "such a quitter"? What if Stew couldnt have gotten out then...

Interesting. What if Prado could have gotten out early like stew? Would he still be "such a quitter"? What if Stew couldnt have gotten out then? Would he still be sporting a black eye in view of the fans?

I've noticed that if you stick up for prado at all the forum boomers come out with pitch forks. The very idea of him being justified at all is off the table for so many.

Johnny Ringo wrote:

Stew absolutely got shit on here in 2012 over that…then he won immediately on the Suzuki and all was forgiven. Jorge can do the same

OwenJakes wrote:

All is fair then. I wasnt around then - glad to see we are equal opportunity ball busters here.

3strokemx wrote:

Maybe Prado is evaluating the Kawasaki team based on their results not the effort they are putting in?Maybe he doesnt want to get hurt and ruin...

Maybe Prado is evaluating the Kawasaki team based on their results not the effort they are putting in?

Maybe he doesnt want to get hurt and ruin his career when the bike gets sketchy?

Maybe he knows that risking injury and pushing an uncomfortable bike for 3 seasons of 8th place finishes will get him branded as a top 10 guy, instead of a winner, and de-rail his career?

greatlakeskind wrote:

Weak weak answer. Like we all haven’t took a job after interviews only to find the manager and employees or some other factor made the job suck...

Weak weak answer. 

Like we all haven’t took a job after interviews only to find the manager and employees or some other factor made the job suck than originally thought. 
 

Austin Keyfinger wrote:

He rode the god damn bike before signing . He thought his accolades from Europe were a guaranteed championship in the states.  Once he realized he...

He rode the god damn bike before signing . He thought his accolades from Europe were a guaranteed championship in the states.  Once he realized he wasnt even in the ball park in the speed department, he blamed everything and everyone but himself.

TooOld4WFO wrote:

Prado is a young athlete of privilege.Lack of money or struggles with earning have never been an issue.There is no doubt he has discipline and commitment...

Prado is a young athlete of privilege.

Lack of money or struggles with earning have never been an issue.

There is no doubt he has discipline and commitment for training. His championships demonstrate this.

His move here, new team and new structure, were elements he couldn’t possibly understand would create unique obstacles.

After all, his prior championships solidified that he was indeed capable of continuing this level of performance.

Kawasaki was convinced of it.

But, all these changes occurring with this move created a slow progressive slipping of his confidence. Friends, family, new home, new team, new training areas, new culture and other hurdles were having an impact.

For a young man of privilege who has always been told he is the best, it becomes relatively easy to blame everything else around you.

Expecting him to overcome these changes by adapting was too far outside what he has had to do in the past.

Kawasaki’s mistake was thinking he possessed the maturity to adapt despite his upbringing and privilege.

The one most glaring character flaw for Prado was an inability to take responsibility.

This behavior tends to be consistent with individuals from specific backgrounds.

 

I like many here, would expect an entirely different Prado next year. KTM knows what he needs. Little surprise he would do whatever he could to get back on that brand.

 

Just my opinion.

TooOld4WFO wrote:

Prado is a young athlete of privilege.Lack of money or struggles with earning have never been an issue.There is no doubt he has discipline and commitment...

Prado is a young athlete of privilege.

Lack of money or struggles with earning have never been an issue.

There is no doubt he has discipline and commitment for training. His championships demonstrate this.

His move here, new team and new structure, were elements he couldn’t possibly understand would create unique obstacles.

After all, his prior championships solidified that he was indeed capable of continuing this level of performance.

Kawasaki was convinced of it.

But, all these changes occurring with this move created a slow progressive slipping of his confidence. Friends, family, new home, new team, new training areas, new culture and other hurdles were having an impact.

For a young man of privilege who has always been told he is the best, it becomes relatively easy to blame everything else around you.

Expecting him to overcome these changes by adapting was too far outside what he has had to do in the past.

Kawasaki’s mistake was thinking he possessed the maturity to adapt despite his upbringing and privilege.

The one most glaring character flaw for Prado was an inability to take responsibility.

This behavior tends to be consistent with individuals from specific backgrounds.

 

I like many here, would expect an entirely different Prado next year. KTM knows what he needs. Little surprise he would do whatever he could to get back on that brand.

 

Just my opinion.

Jabe wrote:

Very well phrased.It might be insightful to look at the parents of those star riders to understand more of the riders mental game and fortitude. After...

Very well phrased.

It might be insightful to look at the parents of those star riders to understand more of the riders mental game and fortitude. After all this is how the seed is planted.

Disclaimer for discussion:

I am basing this mostly on the interviews with Darren Lawrence (as there are quite a few around). I have only read/heard tiny snippets on other parent figures (like RV's dad, RC's mum, Millsaps Mum, Big James, RD's dad) so this might also just be complete nonsense / pure speculation.

I would like to mention, that the parents education is not the sole influencing factor. As there are many more influences which shape the minds of our kids. Not to mention even the starting point, i.e. their intrinsic personality and capability. 

3strokemx wrote:

Maybe Prado is evaluating the Kawasaki team based on their results not the effort they are putting in?Maybe he doesnt want to get hurt and ruin...

Maybe Prado is evaluating the Kawasaki team based on their results not the effort they are putting in?

Maybe he doesnt want to get hurt and ruin his career when the bike gets sketchy?

Maybe he knows that risking injury and pushing an uncomfortable bike for 3 seasons of 8th place finishes will get him branded as a top 10 guy, instead of a winner, and de-rail his career?

lostboy819 wrote:

Maybe you should quit making excuses for him

beamer wrote:

MC didn’t have much good to say on the Jaxxon podcast that’s for sure . 

beamer wrote:

MC didn’t have much good to say on the Jaxxon podcast that’s for sure . 

mxxxeR1 wrote:

 MC did the same with ktm when he didn't  like that bike....so he better keep his mouth shut....

beamer wrote:

MC didn’t have much good to say on the Jaxxon podcast that’s for sure . 

mxxxeR1 wrote:

 MC did the same with ktm when he didn't  like that bike....so he better keep his mouth shut....

beamer wrote:

Except for the fact that bike was a total turd, especially in SX

mxxxeR1 wrote:

 MC did the same with ktm when he didn't  like that bike....so he better keep his mouth shut....

beamer wrote:

Except for the fact that bike was a total turd, especially in SX

3strokemx wrote:

Didn't they have a different bike from what they let him test before signing the contract?

greatlakeskind wrote:

Weak weak answer. Like we all haven’t took a job after interviews only to find the manager and employees or some other factor made the job suck...

Weak weak answer. 

Like we all haven’t took a job after interviews only to find the manager and employees or some other factor made the job suck than originally thought. 
 

Austin Keyfinger wrote:

He rode the god damn bike before signing . He thought his accolades from Europe were a guaranteed championship in the states.  Once he realized he...

He rode the god damn bike before signing . He thought his accolades from Europe were a guaranteed championship in the states.  Once he realized he wasnt even in the ball park in the speed department, he blamed everything and everyone but himself.

jazza167 wrote:

Us ain’t that much faster than Europe buddy, this  isn’t the 00’s

Jkawi wrote:

If he announced he was leaving and that he was giving kawi 2 weeks, I would almost understand the not really giving it his all (although...

If he announced he was leaving and that he was giving kawi 2 weeks, I would almost understand the not really giving it his all (although he should probably atleast try and appear like he is trying). Unfortunately, this isn't a great example. It was waaaaayyyyy longer than 2 weeks he drug his ass around the track, and this is a contract, between 2 businesses with reputation at stake.

I kind of get it if you are a drive thru attendant at mcdonalds, but I would bet if you asked that question to the top 40 CEO's in the world, you would get a much different answer as they are judged on professionalism, just like Jorge.

kpiper wrote:

Basically, Prado ripped off Kawi. He failed to uphold his end of the deal.

Thisusernameisavailable wrote:

Do you have some inside info to know that Kawasaki upheld their end of the deal too?

TooOld4WFO wrote:

Prado is a young athlete of privilege.Lack of money or struggles with earning have never been an issue.There is no doubt he has discipline and commitment...

Prado is a young athlete of privilege.

Lack of money or struggles with earning have never been an issue.

There is no doubt he has discipline and commitment for training. His championships demonstrate this.

His move here, new team and new structure, were elements he couldn’t possibly understand would create unique obstacles.

After all, his prior championships solidified that he was indeed capable of continuing this level of performance.

Kawasaki was convinced of it.

But, all these changes occurring with this move created a slow progressive slipping of his confidence. Friends, family, new home, new team, new training areas, new culture and other hurdles were having an impact.

For a young man of privilege who has always been told he is the best, it becomes relatively easy to blame everything else around you.

Expecting him to overcome these changes by adapting was too far outside what he has had to do in the past.

Kawasaki’s mistake was thinking he possessed the maturity to adapt despite his upbringing and privilege.

The one most glaring character flaw for Prado was an inability to take responsibility.

This behavior tends to be consistent with individuals from specific backgrounds.

 

I like many here, would expect an entirely different Prado next year. KTM knows what he needs. Little surprise he would do whatever he could to get back on that brand.

 

Just my opinion.

TalinH112 wrote:

I believe this take to be accurate and thoughtfully articulated. 

3strokemx wrote:

Maybe Prado is evaluating the Kawasaki team based on their results not the effort they are putting in?Maybe he doesnt want to get hurt and ruin...

Maybe Prado is evaluating the Kawasaki team based on their results not the effort they are putting in?

Maybe he doesnt want to get hurt and ruin his career when the bike gets sketchy?

Maybe he knows that risking injury and pushing an uncomfortable bike for 3 seasons of 8th place finishes will get him branded as a top 10 guy, instead of a winner, and de-rail his career?

TooOld4WFO wrote:

Prado is a young athlete of privilege.Lack of money or struggles with earning have never been an issue.There is no doubt he has discipline and commitment...

Prado is a young athlete of privilege.

Lack of money or struggles with earning have never been an issue.

There is no doubt he has discipline and commitment for training. His championships demonstrate this.

His move here, new team and new structure, were elements he couldn’t possibly understand would create unique obstacles.

After all, his prior championships solidified that he was indeed capable of continuing this level of performance.

Kawasaki was convinced of it.

But, all these changes occurring with this move created a slow progressive slipping of his confidence. Friends, family, new home, new team, new training areas, new culture and other hurdles were having an impact.

For a young man of privilege who has always been told he is the best, it becomes relatively easy to blame everything else around you.

Expecting him to overcome these changes by adapting was too far outside what he has had to do in the past.

Kawasaki’s mistake was thinking he possessed the maturity to adapt despite his upbringing and privilege.

The one most glaring character flaw for Prado was an inability to take responsibility.

This behavior tends to be consistent with individuals from specific backgrounds.

 

I like many here, would expect an entirely different Prado next year. KTM knows what he needs. Little surprise he would do whatever he could to get back on that brand.

 

Just my opinion.

Jabe wrote:

Very well phrased.It might be insightful to look at the parents of those star riders to understand more of the riders mental game and fortitude. After...

Very well phrased.

It might be insightful to look at the parents of those star riders to understand more of the riders mental game and fortitude. After all this is how the seed is planted.

Disclaimer for discussion:

I am basing this mostly on the interviews with Darren Lawrence (as there are quite a few around). I have only read/heard tiny snippets on other parent figures (like RV's dad, RC's mum, Millsaps Mum, Big James, RD's dad) so this might also just be complete nonsense / pure speculation.

I would like to mention, that the parents education is not the sole influencing factor. As there are many more influences which shape the minds of our kids. Not to mention even the starting point, i.e. their intrinsic personality and capability. 

quadzrulebro wrote:

Many are leaving out the fact that not only did he have a new country, tracks, team, and bikes to learn, but he had very little...

Many are leaving out the fact that not only did he have a new country, tracks, team, and bikes to learn, but he had very little time to accomplish all this.  

Almost as soon as he got on the Kawasaki to begin testing for SX, he had a big get off in the whoops and smashed his face.  By the time he returned from this injury, he only had three weeks to test and prepare for SX (and you better believe that crash was in the back of his mind every time he rounded the corner and saw that whoop pad coming up fast).  He only made a handful of rounds before ruining his shoulder that had already been damaged previously.  He got surgery and took yet another break.  

He came back from surgery and began preparing for MX.  As someone who is currently recovering from a shoulder injury, I can attest to the fact that it takes a long time to rehab a shoulder to the point where you don’t notice it at all and are back to full confidence and strength.  He came into the outdoors with limited time on the bike yet again, then realized quickly that shoulder injury or not, he needed to find another gear to run with Jett.  It seems like this was the straw that broke the camel’s back, causing him to throw in the towel on 2025.  Immaturity didn’t allow him to accept reality, and instead he lashed out at the bike and team.

I honestly believe that if he can make it through the off season injury free, we’ll see a whole new Jorge at Anaheim.  If he makes it through the SX season unscathed and has a confidence inspiring finish or two, we might see the Jorge we were hoping to see this year, bringing the fight to the Lawrences on tracks he is now more familiar with.  In his head, he might believe that the bike and team are the reason, but the fact is that injuries and lack of time to prepare are what put him in the position he was in this year.

3strokemx wrote:

Maybe Prado is evaluating the Kawasaki team based on their results not the effort they are putting in?Maybe he doesnt want to get hurt and ruin...

Maybe Prado is evaluating the Kawasaki team based on their results not the effort they are putting in?

Maybe he doesnt want to get hurt and ruin his career when the bike gets sketchy?

Maybe he knows that risking injury and pushing an uncomfortable bike for 3 seasons of 8th place finishes will get him branded as a top 10 guy, instead of a winner, and de-rail his career?

Jkawi wrote:

So he tried to not qualify? Is that actually justifiable in your mind?