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10/6/2023
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An interesting counterpoint to the fact that this season has been one of the most unpredictable in terms of who is going to stand on the top of the podium in the 450 class is that there really haven't been any extended battles for the lead. It seems like by the midpoint of the race, the leader (be it Hunter, Roczen, Tomac, et al) sets up a comfortable lead, and we are left watching a battle for 7th place, or someone rolling around with a mechanical malfunction to sell the suspense.
As much as who might win in SLC (mind says Hunter, heart is rooting for Kenny); I'm curious to see if it will be a down-to-the-last-lap battle, or will it be another round where the leader checks out, and mid-pack drama takes center stage?
The tracks need some serious attention, a planning. Understanding the dirt compounds before they go into the stadium and have a layout that will help promote the local dirt , slow the boys down for less high speed crashes, create multiple lines, and good racing. For instance you don’t have an easy, low lap time for a triple crown race. It will chew it to death.
Just some actual thought would be good in our sport.
It seems that the tracks are designed to maximize, "flow," and to impress TV viewers with the speed of the riders. The riders are basically racing at the same MPH speed on every lane, regardless if the obstacles are whoops, rhythm, or sand.
Remember when 125 riders had to choose whether to swing wide and clear the triple or protect the inside and go 2-1? Yeah, do more of that.
I know that modern 450's can clear a triple in 1st gear from the inside of the corner, so throw some random obstacles in there that disrupt the flow.
Cookie cutter layouts and less dirt definitely plays into that.
Even if it is the result of track design, why has there been such a consistent gap between the leader & 2nd place? It seems even if track design results in a "one line" track, we should still see more extended battles for the lead position? It wouldn't be such a peculiar question if it were the matter of one or two particularly dominate riders who were able to walk away from the field. The fact that we have had multiple different winners on varied teams and backstories, and each one is able to open up a commanding lead on the field once they get in front simply raises more questions than answers.
Not that I think there is a particular answer for it; maybe it is the zeitgeist of the season. Will we see race-long battles once the season heads outdoors, or it will it be more of the lead rider walking away from the rest of the pack?
Post a reply to: Multiple Winners, Few Close Battles