McThoughts: 2015 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Series
By Jeff McConkey
It’s finally here!!! A1 goes off tomorrow from Angel Stadium in snowy California. Yes, I said snowy. Let’s hope the weather doesn’t ruin the great action, as this is the most stacked 450 class ever! I’m still pretty pissed at the FIM and their handling of James Stewart and his suspension. The series will still be amazing without James, but I am a ‘Bubba’ fan and I love watching the #7. With James and Ryan Villopoto out, the title could be won by many. Most are calling the title Ken Roczen’s to lose, but there are just too many great riders to hand it over just yet. I’m going to give you my breakdown of the riders and their spots in the class.
Potential Race Winners and Championship Contenders:
Ken Roczen: Kenny is in a good spot and riding high after his National Championship and is full of confidence.
Trey Canard: Trey is hot right now and is a serious title threat.
Eli Tomac: Eli is going to surprise a lot of people.
Ryan Dungey: Dungey is ‘Mr. Consistency,’ he just needs to pull the trigger earlier if he wants this title. No more ‘Mr. Nice Guy.’
Davi Millsaps: Davi is coming off a long lay-off. He loves his new bike and is healthy…that is a dangerous combo.
Chad Reed: When you count Chad out, that is the most dangerous Chad you can have. The fire is still there.
Potential Podium Finishers:
Justin Barcia: Barcia just doesn’t look great to me on the JGR Yamaha. He will be fast, but on the ground a lot.
Jason Anderson: I love watching this kid ride. He will show some serious speed.
Dean Wilson: ‘Deano’ will be very good; he may even sneak in a win.
Josh Grant: ‘JG33’ has serious speed and will unleash it a few times this season and put in some great rides.
Potential Top 10 Guys:
Josh Hill: Hill is back on a Yamaha and he will show some serious speed. Top 5’s will be in his grasp most weekends.
Justin Brayton: I just see Brayton being a tad off the pace from the top group.
Cole Seely: I see Cole getting hurt and missing a lot of races.
Andrew Short: Short will ride with heart every week and give you some good rides.
Will Hahn: ‘Wilbur’ will have the highest points total out of this group at seasons end.
Westin Peick: Peick has the heart, just not the talent to be a top 5 guy. It doesn’t matter what bike he is on.
On The Bubble:
Jake Weimer: Only time will tell how Jake rebounds after losing his factory ride.
Broc Tickle: Broc has a question mark beside his name. Hopefully, he can bounce back after a near career-ending injury last year.
Blake Baggett: Blake is a complete unknown on a 450. And with teammate Stewart out suspended, I see too much pressure to perform for poor Blake. I see him crashing out way before Daytona.
My Predictions for A1:
450 Class:
1st: Trey Canard
2nd: Eli Tomac
3rd: Ken Roczen
4th: Chad Reed
5th: Dean Wilson
250 Class:
1st: Justin Hill
2nd: Cooper Webb
3rd: Josh Hansen
4th: Malcolm Stewart
5th: Tommy Hahn
