Lewis' post race interview with Sexton

was entirely different than I thought I'd hear from Chase. He just laughed the start off and made fun of himself over and over. He laughed with Lewis, both of 'em were dropping f-bombs, and he was super relaxed. As much as we all bag on Chase for being a head case, he seems entirely confident and unconcerned with his mistakes. Was quite refreshing, I must say. 

He's going to definitely be in the hunt for this title pending any major get-offs.

48
7
|
MotoDad32
Posts
233
Joined
7/23/2017
Location
Beverly Hills, CA US
1/18/2026 7:57am

Yeah, "...pending any major get-offs."  That's the key for sure.

No hate here, but don't think the odds are in his favor on that one.

6
16
1/18/2026 8:00am

I was impressed at A) the pace he ran coming through traffic, and Cool that he was smart enough to back it down once he realized a podium was out of reach.  Overall, that was one helluva ride.

52
1
steveloyer
Posts
255
Joined
11/29/2022
Location
Palmer, AK US
1/18/2026 8:06am

Just listened to Matthess with him

Sounds like a dude in a manic state and taking in water. 

1
34
1/18/2026 8:07am

He was flying. I think he feels confident knowing he has a setup that can win. 

21
1

The Shop

plowboy
Posts
14038
Joined
1/3/2010
Location
Norwich, KS US
1/18/2026 8:08am
I was impressed at A) the pace he ran coming through traffic, and B) that he was smart enough to back it down once he realized...

I was impressed at A) the pace he ran coming through traffic, and Cool that he was smart enough to back it down once he realized a podium was out of reach.  Overall, that was one helluva ride.

I'm glad he's tough.  I just hope he stays healthy long enough for his head to catch up to his skill.  He seems like a good egg.

11
1
1/18/2026 8:09am
I was impressed at A) the pace he ran coming through traffic, and B) that he was smart enough to back it down once he realized...

I was impressed at A) the pace he ran coming through traffic, and Cool that he was smart enough to back it down once he realized a podium was out of reach.  Overall, that was one helluva ride.

Agreed, I thought he would settle in back there. Once he started making his way through traffic he might have a get off pushing it too hard but he stayed cool and brought it home. Really impressed with how he rode other than the start. We will see how it goes next weekend. Still hard to be a kawi fan though. Just inconsistent over and over. Tomac on the other hand has been really impressing me though, looks confident and comfortable. 

10
1/18/2026 9:33am

I thought that it was great how much detail he went into with how the bike change came around.

I loved when I said "you're such a pain in the ass" and he just agreed. That was funny, haha...

45
1
captmoto
Posts
5801
Joined
4/22/2009
Location
Rancho Cucamonga, CA US
1/18/2026 10:07am

10:15 Lewis, "no homo" 🤣🤣🤣 Great interview. I'm glad these guys are starting to show a little more personality.

17
2
MikeID
Posts
338
Joined
3/29/2016
Location
Boise, ID US
1/18/2026 10:10am

I like seeing when riders and teams can solve problems and get better and be part of the crew up front.  We’ve got alot of stories to watch this season!

12
Shred
Posts
1506
Joined
10/21/2021
Location
Brighton, CO US
Fantasy
1/18/2026 2:34pm
MotoDad32 wrote:

Yeah, "...pending any major get-offs."  That's the key for sure.

No hate here, but don't think the odds are in his favor on that one.

Okay..I’m a huge Chase fan.  Fav rider.  …but let’s say you could clean up all the mistakes he catches crap for here on vital….but it meant he was a 5th-7th place guy.  Would that be better?  He is running top speed to be a 1st to 2nd place guy while trying to clean the rest up….which takes a bike that fits in a very narrow comfort window for him.  I’m okay with that.  He has 2 450 titles so far.  I think he will get more.  …but it’s like vital wants the speed while magically not making mistakes.  That would be great…wouldn’t it?  I do know some mental mistakes can be avoided with the right approach…which is still a work in progress.  Positivity!  Having been in an ultra competitive career, I can understand some of this.  Give me a call Chase!  lol

6
3
Spoonguy
Posts
3352
Joined
2/28/2022
Location
Mc Kean, PA US
1/18/2026 5:00pm

Chase is the epitome of how every little thing has to line up because SX is so competitive. He is so fast, but his minor and often mental lapses cost so dearly results wise. Still so very fast...

5
1
yak651
Posts
8557
Joined
8/26/2006
Location
Appleton, WI US
Fantasy
1/18/2026 5:15pm
MotoDad32 wrote:

Yeah, "...pending any major get-offs."  That's the key for sure.

No hate here, but don't think the odds are in his favor on that one.

Shred wrote:
Okay..I’m a huge Chase fan.  Fav rider.  …but let’s say you could clean up all the mistakes he catches crap for here on vital….but it meant...

Okay..I’m a huge Chase fan.  Fav rider.  …but let’s say you could clean up all the mistakes he catches crap for here on vital….but it meant he was a 5th-7th place guy.  Would that be better?  He is running top speed to be a 1st to 2nd place guy while trying to clean the rest up….which takes a bike that fits in a very narrow comfort window for him.  I’m okay with that.  He has 2 450 titles so far.  I think he will get more.  …but it’s like vital wants the speed while magically not making mistakes.  That would be great…wouldn’t it?  I do know some mental mistakes can be avoided with the right approach…which is still a work in progress.  Positivity!  Having been in an ultra competitive career, I can understand some of this.  Give me a call Chase!  lol

Agree with this. He gets so much 💩 for being one of the fastest guys, but riders that can’t run his pace get a great job if they get on the podium. Show some respect for the guy that lets it all hang out, gets up after being kicked in the head and doesn’t want to settle for second (will admit he frustrates me with some of his decisions and results down the stretch last SX season, so can’t imagine how he feels a lot of the time!)

6
2
gt80rider
Posts
6862
Joined
4/19/2008
Location
Boulder, CO US
1/18/2026 5:15pm
Spoonguy wrote:
Chase is the epitome of how every little thing has to line up because SX is so competitive. He is so fast, but his minor and...

Chase is the epitome of how every little thing has to line up because SX is so competitive. He is so fast, but his minor and often mental lapses cost so dearly results wise. Still so very fast...

Imma go the other way... slowest field in years... when prado can podium, it's a slow field... when you have a pair of 30 plus riders leading the field, it's bound to be a slow field... the 24 yr old versions of et3 and kroc would destroy the 30 plus versions... 

And chase keeps making so many mistakes he still isn't winning... 

3
37
1/18/2026 5:16pm
Spoonguy wrote:
Chase is the epitome of how every little thing has to line up because SX is so competitive. He is so fast, but his minor and...

Chase is the epitome of how every little thing has to line up because SX is so competitive. He is so fast, but his minor and often mental lapses cost so dearly results wise. Still so very fast...

He's 4th in the points which is good but he's already 18 down. Which is nuts after only 2 rounds! So much racing left but he definitely needs to get some consistency going. Doesn't look like the Kawi is going to hold him back. Dude was rolling Sat night coming from the back! Guess the Kawi isnt so bad after all 😂 

7
1
haydug391
Posts
365
Joined
6/5/2018
Location
Gallipolis, OH US
1/18/2026 5:16pm

I listened to it, but the end reminded me of school kid on the phone “you hang up, no you hang up”. Think there’s a man crush. 

6
4
uncledaddy69
Posts
2268
Joined
4/2/2011
Location
Huntington Beach, CA US
1/19/2026 5:39am

That was a great interview. I wish more riders would let their guard down like that. 

10
1
davis224
Posts
7349
Joined
8/15/2006
Location
Cornland, IL US
Fantasy
1/19/2026 7:15am
haydug391 wrote:
I listened to it, but the end reminded me of school kid on the phone “you hang up, no you hang up”. Think there’s a man...

I listened to it, but the end reminded me of school kid on the phone “you hang up, no you hang up”. Think there’s a man crush. 

I like hearing what appears to be the rider's actual personality and them having a good time rather than "yea I gotta go to work and hit my marks" followed by some very light casual convo.

6
1
nskerb
Posts
537
Joined
11/21/2019
Location
Kelso, WA US
1/19/2026 8:24am

Chase seems stoked on his team and the bike. Definitely not what I was expecting after waking up on Saturday and seeing that he was riding basically a completely new bike. Hopefully he can work with that setup and keep ripping.

3
rstaichi
Posts
255
Joined
1/4/2009
Location
Everett, WA US
1/19/2026 8:35am
I thought that it was great how much detail he went into with how the bike change came around.I loved when I said "you're such a...

I thought that it was great how much detail he went into with how the bike change came around.

I loved when I said "you're such a pain in the ass" and he just agreed. That was funny, haha...

“I’m not even recording “ 🤣

I really enjoy your guys interviews. By far my favorite keep it up👍

2
1
raa360
Posts
54
Joined
8/3/2008
Location
GB
1/19/2026 2:10pm
Can't wait to see Lewis pounding Motos on the stock 450.....
3
28hall
Posts
296
Joined
4/16/2019
Location
AU
1/19/2026 2:44pm
Spoonguy wrote:
Chase is the epitome of how every little thing has to line up because SX is so competitive. He is so fast, but his minor and...

Chase is the epitome of how every little thing has to line up because SX is so competitive. He is so fast, but his minor and often mental lapses cost so dearly results wise. Still so very fast...

gt80rider wrote:
Imma go the other way... slowest field in years... when prado can podium, it's a slow field... when you have a pair of 30 plus riders...

Imma go the other way... slowest field in years... when prado can podium, it's a slow field... when you have a pair of 30 plus riders leading the field, it's bound to be a slow field... the 24 yr old versions of et3 and kroc would destroy the 30 plus versions... 

And chase keeps making so many mistakes he still isn't winning... 

A lot of down votes but this is the dirty little secret of the sport. It hasn’t elevated in 10 years. We have 2018 Suzukis battling for podiums so what does that say about the other bikes? I’m a Roczen guy but he has been literally riding with 1 arm since 2017 so the 30 + version is a shadow of the 24 year old. 40 year old Kyle Chisholm was getting top 15s last year so what does that say about depth of the field? Jett is a special talent but it is only magnified by the static level he is around both in machinery and the aging pack. 

2
9
1/19/2026 3:34pm
Spoonguy wrote:
Chase is the epitome of how every little thing has to line up because SX is so competitive. He is so fast, but his minor and...

Chase is the epitome of how every little thing has to line up because SX is so competitive. He is so fast, but his minor and often mental lapses cost so dearly results wise. Still so very fast...

gt80rider wrote:
Imma go the other way... slowest field in years... when prado can podium, it's a slow field... when you have a pair of 30 plus riders...

Imma go the other way... slowest field in years... when prado can podium, it's a slow field... when you have a pair of 30 plus riders leading the field, it's bound to be a slow field... the 24 yr old versions of et3 and kroc would destroy the 30 plus versions... 

And chase keeps making so many mistakes he still isn't winning... 

Interesting comment. You might be right. Eli and Kenny (although Hunter was there this weekend) have been on another level. 

Go back to 2017 and it looked like Kenny was going to win them all. Eli did win most. Neither got the championship. But they were starting to peak than. 9 years later and they are above the rest. 

Has the field not caught up and it is slower. 

Or has being an athlete changed in every sport. 

I think its a bit of both. Jett has more. But the generations between  them and Jett, the only person to really take the next step is Chase. But yeah. 18 points down and not looking as good when the track wears down. This year I am not sure if Chase will get  in this championship fight. 

1
1
Hasletjoe
Posts
594
Joined
7/29/2013
Location
Haslet, TX US
1/19/2026 6:12pm

Chase has pace. He does still make mental errors. But to deny he is one of the fastest out there. Enjoy the seasons battles. Hopefully all the top 10 can stay healthy and we see some fantastic clean battles. First two have been good. 

4
joshd
Posts
689
Joined
3/17/2016
Location
Lucedale, MS US
1/19/2026 6:31pm
Spoonguy wrote:
Chase is the epitome of how every little thing has to line up because SX is so competitive. He is so fast, but his minor and...

Chase is the epitome of how every little thing has to line up because SX is so competitive. He is so fast, but his minor and often mental lapses cost so dearly results wise. Still so very fast...

gt80rider wrote:
Imma go the other way... slowest field in years... when prado can podium, it's a slow field... when you have a pair of 30 plus riders...

Imma go the other way... slowest field in years... when prado can podium, it's a slow field... when you have a pair of 30 plus riders leading the field, it's bound to be a slow field... the 24 yr old versions of et3 and kroc would destroy the 30 plus versions... 

And chase keeps making so many mistakes he still isn't winning... 

Interesting comment. You might be right. Eli and Kenny (although Hunter was there this weekend) have been on another level. Go back to 2017 and it looked...

Interesting comment. You might be right. Eli and Kenny (although Hunter was there this weekend) have been on another level. 

Go back to 2017 and it looked like Kenny was going to win them all. Eli did win most. Neither got the championship. But they were starting to peak than. 9 years later and they are above the rest. 

Has the field not caught up and it is slower. 

Or has being an athlete changed in every sport. 

I think its a bit of both. Jett has more. But the generations between  them and Jett, the only person to really take the next step is Chase. But yeah. 18 points down and not looking as good when the track wears down. This year I am not sure if Chase will get  in this championship fight. 

I think it’s training facilities. Ken and Eli are also just good. Who is an American younger than them that could go 20 right now? Webb was also right before facilities went big. 

1
Ehm24
Posts
124
Joined
12/9/2014
Location
San Diego, CA US
Fantasy
1/19/2026 9:51pm

Absolutely insane take to say the field is slower. The top guys find a way to stay at the top — plus with better information on how to maintain one’s body/athleticism at a high level, you get the increased longevity we’ve been seeing.


Even Dungey said the pace is way faster after only being retired for what, like two or three years?

I agree we’ve hit plateau in equipment, but these guys are flying compared to ten years ago

9
2
28hall
Posts
296
Joined
4/16/2019
Location
AU
1/19/2026 9:56pm
Ehm24 wrote:
Absolutely insane take to say the field is slower. The top guys find a way to stay at the top — plus with better information on...

Absolutely insane take to say the field is slower. The top guys find a way to stay at the top — plus with better information on how to maintain one’s body/athleticism at a high level, you get the increased longevity we’ve been seeing.


Even Dungey said the pace is way faster after only being retired for what, like two or three years?

I agree we’ve hit plateau in equipment, but these guys are flying compared to ten years ago

Dungey had been retired 5 years, came off the couch and was battling inside the top 5 sniffing the podium…

7
3
1/20/2026 1:54am Edited Date/Time 1/20/2026 2:11am
Spoonguy wrote:
Chase is the epitome of how every little thing has to line up because SX is so competitive. He is so fast, but his minor and...

Chase is the epitome of how every little thing has to line up because SX is so competitive. He is so fast, but his minor and often mental lapses cost so dearly results wise. Still so very fast...

gt80rider wrote:
Imma go the other way... slowest field in years... when prado can podium, it's a slow field... when you have a pair of 30 plus riders...

Imma go the other way... slowest field in years... when prado can podium, it's a slow field... when you have a pair of 30 plus riders leading the field, it's bound to be a slow field... the 24 yr old versions of et3 and kroc would destroy the 30 plus versions... 

And chase keeps making so many mistakes he still isn't winning... 

28hall wrote:
A lot of down votes but this is the dirty little secret of the sport. It hasn’t elevated in 10 years. We have 2018 Suzukis battling...

A lot of down votes but this is the dirty little secret of the sport. It hasn’t elevated in 10 years. We have 2018 Suzukis battling for podiums so what does that say about the other bikes? I’m a Roczen guy but he has been literally riding with 1 arm since 2017 so the 30 + version is a shadow of the 24 year old. 40 year old Kyle Chisholm was getting top 15s last year so what does that say about depth of the field? Jett is a special talent but it is only magnified by the static level he is around both in machinery and the aging pack. 

This has a lot of downvotes but I see the train of thought and don’t think you’re wrong.


As happy as I am to see Eli and Ken running 1-2 I can’t help but think of how few competitive guys between 25-30yo there are right now.  Also, they’re certainly not the fastest they’ve ever been and are somehow the fastest right now 

1/20/2026 2:05am
Ehm24 wrote:
Absolutely insane take to say the field is slower. The top guys find a way to stay at the top — plus with better information on...

Absolutely insane take to say the field is slower. The top guys find a way to stay at the top — plus with better information on how to maintain one’s body/athleticism at a high level, you get the increased longevity we’ve been seeing.


Even Dungey said the pace is way faster after only being retired for what, like two or three years?

I agree we’ve hit plateau in equipment, but these guys are flying compared to ten years ago

To be fair, after the 5 month break for winter when I get back on the bike everything is moving faster…and dunge is an extremely humble dude so I’d take that with a grain of salt 

1
tomlopez
Posts
1164
Joined
5/2/2021
Location
Saint Petersburg, FL US
Fantasy
1/20/2026 8:17am
Ehm24 wrote:
Absolutely insane take to say the field is slower. The top guys find a way to stay at the top — plus with better information on...

Absolutely insane take to say the field is slower. The top guys find a way to stay at the top — plus with better information on how to maintain one’s body/athleticism at a high level, you get the increased longevity we’ve been seeing.


Even Dungey said the pace is way faster after only being retired for what, like two or three years?

I agree we’ve hit plateau in equipment, but these guys are flying compared to ten years ago

28hall wrote:

Dungey had been retired 5 years, came off the couch and was battling inside the top 5 sniffing the podium…

He was extremely competitive and it was awesome to see him battling that year, but more often than not, he was 30-45+ sec behind the two frontrunners, Eli and Chase. I wonder if prime Dungey would've been up front battling with them, or if 2022 Dungey (by mid-late season) was pretty close to prime Dungey, and those two just stepped up the pace in comparison.

Post a reply to: Lewis' post race interview with Sexton

The Latest