Which PC rider gets the KX 450 contract

MELTON139
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MELTON139
Haven’t done my fact checking but assuming Grants deal runs out after this season or next season who would Kawasaki get next? Would they pull up a PC guy or get an experienced 450 guy? I’d really like to see AC get that ride he’s been on kx forever!
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Crush
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Crush 1/16/2018 5:21am
1/16/2018 5:21am
I guess it comes down to do you want X-factor or a clear number 2 guy? You'd assume pending a good year from both, AC is leading the 450 potential race but I bet Honda will be fishing for him also.

Savatgy is hard to figure out. He looked so solid in 16... then last year was a mystery like it got too him maybe being expected to do it?
mac3-d
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mac3-d 1/16/2018 5:36am
1/16/2018 5:36am
Is it a taken that a PC rider gets the nod ? Does Kawasaki give it to AC being one of the best at interviews. That how many shoulders injuries between them ? Could they go for Osbourne or Plesinger ?
Acidreamer
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Acidreamer 1/16/2018 6:05am
1/16/2018 6:05am
AC gets it. In 2 years grant will be out and tomac will be close to being done. They will need a heavy hitter and right now AC is that guy. Hes got really easy mistakes to fix right now(impatience). Once he figures that out its game over.
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TJMX947 1/16/2018 6:07am
1/16/2018 6:07am
I honestly think Plessinger will be at the top of the 450 list, his body just seems built for the 450 and he looked really good on it in the B class at Loretta's. Lots of guys never rode a 450 in the amateurs, so I would say he's probably at least a little ahead of the learning curve when it comes to overall racecraft.

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MELTON139
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MELTON139 1/16/2018 6:13am
1/16/2018 6:13am
Acidreamer wrote:
AC gets it. In 2 years grant will be out and tomac will be close to being done. They will need a heavy hitter and right...
AC gets it. In 2 years grant will be out and tomac will be close to being done. They will need a heavy hitter and right now AC is that guy. Hes got really easy mistakes to fix right now(impatience). Once he figures that out its game over.
I agree, I hear a lot of people saying they believe AC and Plessinger have the best chances to succeed because of their size. I think since AC starting training with Kenny, who is big on strength training to prevent injuries, he has really developed strength in his shoulders to accommodate his late puberty growth spurt lol which hopefully will keep him somewhat healthy. But if he can overcome his Houston result and win this championship or win it next season it would be hard for Kawi to pass up on him. Especially with his long ties to Kawi and his popularity in the sport. I think AC wants to go to 450 after this season, maybe he can workout a deal with Mitch to ride a PC 450 for a season then go to factory Kawi after next season. Didn't Mitch do that with Wilson?
Bruneval
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Bruneval 1/16/2018 6:22am
1/16/2018 6:22am
Savatgy was a rolling roadblock on Saturday. To me, it looked like McElrath gassed himself trying to pass him politely, and then Cianciarulo dropped his bike trying to do the same.

If I was the decision maker at Factory Kawasaki, I would consider AC for a 450 ride from the current PC crop based on recent speed and marketing potential (Davalos and Savatgy don't appear as popular), but that's it.
ML512
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ML512 1/16/2018 7:14am
1/16/2018 7:14am
Acidreamer wrote:
AC gets it. In 2 years grant will be out and tomac will be close to being done. They will need a heavy hitter and right...
AC gets it. In 2 years grant will be out and tomac will be close to being done. They will need a heavy hitter and right now AC is that guy. Hes got really easy mistakes to fix right now(impatience). Once he figures that out its game over.
MELTON139 wrote:
I agree, I hear a lot of people saying they believe AC and Plessinger have the best chances to succeed because of their size. I think...
I agree, I hear a lot of people saying they believe AC and Plessinger have the best chances to succeed because of their size. I think since AC starting training with Kenny, who is big on strength training to prevent injuries, he has really developed strength in his shoulders to accommodate his late puberty growth spurt lol which hopefully will keep him somewhat healthy. But if he can overcome his Houston result and win this championship or win it next season it would be hard for Kawi to pass up on him. Especially with his long ties to Kawi and his popularity in the sport. I think AC wants to go to 450 after this season, maybe he can workout a deal with Mitch to ride a PC 450 for a season then go to factory Kawi after next season. Didn't Mitch do that with Wilson?
Dean Wilson went back to PC for a 250 indoor/450 outdoor deal after his JWR team fell apart shortly after signing, this was heading into 2013. 2014 he did another year for PC with 250 indoors and outdoors, then went to Red Bull KTM in 15/16.

Brent
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Brent 1/16/2018 9:08am
1/16/2018 9:08am
Plessinger.
Falcon
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Falcon 1/16/2018 9:22am
1/16/2018 9:22am
I think Kawasaki hires whomever they really want. PC guys don't necessarily get any kind of special consideration, although maybe they get the nod if all else is equal.
BigDaddyG
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BigDaddyG 1/16/2018 9:57am
1/16/2018 9:57am
AC will be a multi time champion once he gets on a 450. If Kawi was halfway smart they would let him ride the opposite coast on a 450 like JMart is doing now. He will be a beast on that 450 and so will AP but I bet Yamaha snags him since Webb isn’t setting the world on fire.
Shawn142
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Shawn142 1/16/2018 10:05am
1/16/2018 10:05am
Remember AC just signed a deal this last off-season. Rumor were swirling that he had a lot of bids. I imagine to retain him for multiple years means he had to be promised a spot on a factory 450.
Halv187
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Halv187 1/16/2018 10:27am
1/16/2018 10:27am
This topic got me thinking, is PC still considered the official 250 program for Factory Kawasaki? I don't think Kawi has moved a PC rider to a factory 450 ride since the RV/Weimer days...? Seems like a long time if in fact PC is still the farm program for them.

You'd think AC would be at the top of their list. Savatgy would be a great alternative too.
Rockinar
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Rockinar 1/16/2018 10:56am
1/16/2018 10:56am
AC posted a video yesterday saying hes not ready for 450, Mich wants him n 250 thriugh 2019 and thats what he is contracted for.

AC on 450 in 2019 is not happening.
mb60
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mb60 1/16/2018 11:48am
1/16/2018 11:48am
Plessinger will be on a Yamaha 450 next year. I'm sure he will on one already this summer for the outdoors.
hamncheeze
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hamncheeze 1/16/2018 12:33pm
1/16/2018 12:33pm
I think it will be Savatgy. AC planning to stay 250. But there's no guarantee they take a PC guy. If we assume Osborne stays at RS Husky and Hill is locked in at JGR that leaves Plessinger, Savatgy, Davalos, and possibly McElrath looking for 450s. Lot of moving parts. Webb to KTM? That fills them. Plessinger and Barcia at Yamaha? That fills them, so then it might leave Savatgy, Davalos and McElrath looking for rides. But also guys like Tickle, Deano, and Bogle will be on the market too. Musical chairs, always a bit ugly when the music stops.
WVUpetro2013
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WVUpetro2013 1/16/2018 2:18pm
1/16/2018 2:18pm
Not a Savatgy fan, but that’s who I would be taking. I believe he’s been injury free on the kawi’s right? Consistently a good starter who is hard to pass. Has been overall pretty reliable in being in the hunt for the whole season.

If I’m taking personal bias, then AC without a doubt.

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