Who has the most pressure going into round 1?

38

26

26 for sure, really hope he's back to mxgp jorge

George prado 

I think Prado. I also think he is going to handle it just fine. I am excited to see him really get to race outdoors this summer against the established AMA guys!

I actually think there’s a distinct lack of pressure for round one. I think they’d all be happy with a podium at this stage.

Defending Champ….

Defending champ that has never lost an OA at Pala

I'm gonna guess Chase but Eli isn't far behind.  Jett and Deegs are just gonna do what they do.  Hunter is gonna take what he can get.  I don't know what to think about Prado.

#4 and the entire team have a lot to prove after SX. 

From the team side they need to prove their bike is capable. Especially with Marchbanks who was incredible last year outdoors on the 250.  If the team can’t get these guys up in the top five top 10 area even more questions are  be asked about their program.

Chase

36

Jett can always blame it on not being 100. Chase new bike. Tomac new bike. Deegan new to 450.

Prado probably most pressure.

Hunter also since he is one of few in a stable climate. No excuses for him unless they are on the 2027. 

Jcoop doesn't have much pressure because of lower expectations. No one would flinch if he's outside top 5.

Team Kawasaki (450), by far.

KTM rear shocks

Chase, but he will win.

38. 

Jett has already tempered expectations by saying he's still healing up and is focused on the championship, not round 1. 

Donger, in contrast, knows that if he goes out there and gets smoked all his accolades in the 250 class (best ever in the 250 class claim) plus the effort to make it a Jett vs Deegan thing will get thrown back in his face. 

He'll be feeling a lot like his friend here if that is the case. 

It won't make anyone sad but I can't see it relieving his pressure.  He'll have to repeat.

It's round 1.  Nobody should be feeling pressure yet.  

Sexton - don't throw away the season like last year.

Deegan. A lot of people think he's going to be a huge factor when he likely could just be a 5th place guy 

Pressure is all on Chase. Why? Because everyone knows he can win but if he doesn't, he'll have that monkey on his back all season. If he can't get a win against Jett when Jett is just coming back, what's going to happen when Jett gets in full stride?

TM

4

Most pressure: 38. He has probably said more than any other rookie entering the class in recent history. He has a lot of pressure to set the narrative right away. If he loses, and especially to a still-recovering 18, he’ll have to humble himself or make excuses. Both of which are bad for the brand. 

As a side note: I think everyone will make the mistake of counting Hunter out, just like before SX. 

While I don’t disagree he has (maybe) the most pressure based on his dominance of the 250 class, huge following and drive to win….but what specifically has Deegan said?  From what I have seen he talks about putting in the work/laps. Unless I missed it- I don’t recall him ever saying he is going to beat this person or that person..

You clearly don't pay attention to social media then (no judgement, good on you tbh). Deegan has posted multiple things directly related to Jett just this year alone, specifically making fun of him and/or antagonizing him. This goes all the way back to his battle with Hunter during outdoors in 2023, where he was bringing the American flag on the podium and getting into yelling matches with the Lawrences near the podium. He's been doing this to them for years already, and Jett has acknowledged and accepted that it's coming (listen to his most recent interview on Gypsy). 

Prado and Sexton.  

My top 3:

CS has the chance to make a reasonably good season into a great one. 

Jett has comeback pressure, and very high expectations. 

38 creates a lot of pressure on himself, he’s gonna be interesting to see how he handles it, win or lose.