30+ Pro has been such a nice time

People talk about Jett so much they don’t even realize Sexton is racking up the wins with less injuries so far. Sexton & Tomac on a good night are the only ones who have anything for Jett when he’s healthy. But you’re right, other than Deegan, not many other guys who look like they’d be able to step up to 450’s and be an immediate threat. 

I feel like the age and retirement of professional athletes goes up in every sport right now. NBA, soccer, NFL, martial arts, MX etc. The top guys stay on top for really long now in most sports.

Better diets and supplements, better recovery, training programs in general compared to back then.

Also I think specially RC, Dungey and RV said in interviews that they were mentally burned out, not physically. 

Jett, Hunter, Deegan, Sexton, Prado, Shimoda and then Davies when he moves up in 2-3 years. Those are the riders that will stay for a while and challenge for wins. Levi and Hymas are question marks for me right now, crazy talented though.

I don't think anyone will beat Jett in a championship where he finishes every round. But I also think this won't be his last injury. Wouldn't be surprised if he retires earlier than the 30+ guys right now.

When I look back... Specially the 2010-12 era was so crazy stacked with upcoming riders/talents and we still see a lot of them actively racing on top. Tomac, Kenny, Anderson, Barcia, Mookie. It is definitely a great era to watch and I'm happy we still get to see those legends battle for wins and challenge the young guns.

I agree with everything you said. Spot on. Including your comments on Jett, he is a crasher, he has yet to make it through a full season of making it to every race because of a crash and injury. Which I also believe will cause him to have to retire earlier if it keeps happening. Although I hope he can maybe take it down a couple notches and accept a 5th or whatever here and there when it’s not his day to stay off the ground and healthy so we can see him race for longer.

Sexton should be a challenge to Jett for a long time after the current wave retires.  Maybe Prado outdoors, and Hunter also.  Deegan will likely be in a couple years.  But you are right, Its hard to envision many other challengers from the current 250 class.  

Jo

I expect this trend to continue. It’s the new era of nutrition and fitness. 

I feel like this Minear kid is going to be extremely good. Has that arrogant confidence that a lot of champions possess. 

Definitely a big Sexton fan, but unless something changes with his mind set I don’t see longevity in his career due to mental burnout. 

Don’t see it with Deegan either for different reasons. I think he’s out mid to late 20s. Like him or hate him Brian is smart with money. Haiden will have banked 10s of millions by then, calls it a career on 2 wheels, and goes 4 wheel racing. 

I hope Jo steps up when he hits the 450's. I can see him being a guy that has a better 450 career than 250 career.

What everyone else said but I also think the expanded # of factory rides and significantly better privateer team availability has made people stay around. Guys are able to keep getting rides due to availability. The pedigree of the top 10 is crazy. Pretty much all, at some point, have been top flight contenders and all have won a 250 championship at least. The bar for entry to the 450 class is so high for younger guys too because so many mega talents have stayed around. There's also less of a win or die attitude about the old guys. Ricky/RV would never have stayed in without winning like Kenny/Anderson/Ferrandis/Barcia, etc. Those guys were all genuine 450 championship winners or expected and they're still racing despite not really expecting to make championship runs. Total attitude shift and it's great for the fans. A little hard for the 250 guys that want to move up but maybe the bar is just higher now and the 250 talent seems to be starting to respond.

       When these athletes consider the amount of money to be banked by stretching their career a couple of years, quite a few buckle down and continue working as they did when they were youngsters, possibly harder to hold off the typical early midlife slow down. Makes great financial sense to keep trading on your name and reputation if possible. 

deegan might end up making me a jett fan b/c he will be the only one able to keep the kid honest week in and week out. its almost like rooting for putin because you hate ursula von der leyen and senator schumer. not that putin and jett arent cool in their own right.  

Deegan was born in 2006, Tomac’s pro debut was 2010  at Hangtown. So that means Haiden was 4 years old when Eli turned pro! Crazy that they will be racing each other and Tomac will be the favorite still, near term at least. Pretty awesome that we get these legends wanting to stick around longer and still being at the tip of the spear. 

There are a stack of fast young guys coming through. Just none are standing out yet. It would be easy to believe one of the 16yos from the futures race “finds their form”, as they step up to the next level. Like Davies did. 
Likely Mineer. Or not. We will see. 

Super cool legends like Tomac are still racing at the front. I’d like to think they actually love racing. (Unlikely Tomac needs the money)

People in the know have said keeping Jett from being distracted is going to be the real challenge to him. Dazzy and Hunter have said that Jett was playing or maybe goon riding when he broke his foot. It isn't going to be Deegan pushing him, not when Jett is healthy. 

This thread created by a Surron kid for sure. We’re worried about the star power of the sport? 

Hit neutral. 

Go to the 4 minute mark. 

Sounds like a bunch of hear say with out giving real quotes or sources for your claims. 

times are different all together. Riders are smarter with training and recovery (inspite of the seemingly increased workloads) but teams, more importantly, are working to keep riders for longer. Contracts over 2 years were rare or a 3rd year was only an option upon performing.

Wise riders take care of themselves and the care available to them has changed. “Recovery” is understood and has become important. Taking the time to heal…to recover…it’s a thing nowadays.