Plessinger 2027?

I'll get flamed for this, but here goes. 

I like AP, but he's been seriously underwhelming on the KTM. Dude won a 250 regional SX championship and 250 MX championship, and has done arguably bupkiss since. The only time he's mentioned as a contender for a race is when it's an expected mudder. I thought he would be one of the top guys moving up to the 450, but it didn't help with that pig of a Yamaha (before Star took over).

Personally I was always surprised he signed with KTM, it just didn't seem like the right fit for him and I feel he's wasted his prime 450 years there. I hope he sorts out his health issues and goes to a different brand for a fresh start.

May keep him on a white bike?

They would cut RJ loose and put AP on a Husky before they did that unless his pay is the issue but Im not sure who else would have a spot for him. Kawasaki wouldn't be a bad landing spot I would take him over Kitchen at this point which is who we all were assuming would be in line for that ride.

Aaron seems like a great guy, and has built a very successful personal brand with the "Cowboy" thing...but he's clearly been the low man on the KTM team totem pole since his initial season. Me thinks he could benefit from a "freshie" on another bike/team. Did he sign a 1-year for this season?

I think he's at the point where a change of scenery will do him some good.

I like the dude, but whatever the team...I think weve seen the best were gonna see out of him. 

Change of scenery and a new trainer

I'll give you Hunter at HRC, but what other team has a better #2 rider than Plessinger? Both in results and marketability? He had 5 podiums and 1 win in SX last year, and another couple of overall podiums outdoors before his heath issues hit. Lord knows KTM doesn't have any young bucks looking to push him out of the spot.

Edit: I agree he would probably benefit from changing up his training

I think he'll finally shave his head.

I think he'll sign another 1-year deal with KTM. 

Realistically, where else could he go in terms of factory teams? Triumph is probably the only other option.  

KTM has a great #2 rider but it's not AP

#2 guy on the Kawi? Or is Marchbanks' deal multi-year?

Marchbanks is on a 1 + 1 deal. It can renew if he hits certain targets. 

I'm not convinced the health issues are behind him. 

What's prado deal? If he does well this year and Eli wants to stay there may not be a budget for AP. I also think Eli being there makes the AP marketability less valuable. Bet there's a lot of overlap with Eli and AP fans. 

Seems like perfect guy for beta or triumph to sign. 

Ap is just a good'ol boy...never meanin' no harm

HEP, Star. J coop is a better investment than AP. Husky is debatable but I think RJ has more upside than AP.

Edited for the marketability. He has them beat in that department, but free autographs don’t make the factories happy. 

Beats all you never saw
Been in trouble with the law since the day they was born...

I loved Dukes of Hazzard

Results, they have Tomac for that. AP probably has one of the longest autograph lines. Great with fans and kids. 

Social Media/Views are important and he's very marketable. 

JCoop is solid, but has no personality. 

RJ has more upside than AP? They're both 30 years old. 

Who didn't love a woman who had short-short cutoffs named after her? 🤪

"Aaron seems like a great guy, and has built a very successful personal brand with the "Cowboy" thing...but he's clearly been the low man on the KTM team totem pole since his initial season. "

What exactly are you saying? That he's not getting the same equipment or support?

TM

KTM Offroad 

Hes likely been the most profitable for them of any KTM guys since RD5. While id love to see him back on blue, i dont think ktm is letting the gold mine go. 

triumph? 

How do you figure? Webb and sexton both won them championships and have bigger social media followings. Musquin has bigger social media following. AP is likable guy but not sure that translates to profit as much as people think. 

Plessinger to me has never been a big Supercross guy. He’s old school, gnarly, gritty, suffer in the heat motocross guy.

I feel like he’s had some really great rides in the nationals that were overshadowed by some other crazy events like when Chase went from last to first.

AP7 is 30 years old and has had a good career. 

But I am not sure how much longer he will continue racing. If he doesn’t get a factory contract for 2027, he may retire. 

Completely agree, he’s had race winning speed on multiple occasions, and him straight up passing Jett will stick in my brain for a while. Obviously he’s not a dangerous championship contender but he’s arguably elite outdoors

GNCC on one of Steward Baylor's 300 2stroke factory Kawi's?

He only way he hangs with KTM is multiple mudder’s.  That’s where he gets his points.

Who sells more bikes, AP or Prado?