The analysis is the same every year, but we just change the class names: The 125/Lites/250 class will feature wide-open action between a ton of riders, and the 250/Motocross/450 class will feature a select group of heavy hitters, maybe just two, battling it out.
This year, a stacked 250 class headed to the gate at Glen Helen with ten potential winners, while the 450 division was expected to boil down to a Villopoto/Alessi rematch. Chad Reed added some intrigue at the last minute, but in general, the 250s were supposed to showcase depth.
But after Round 4 of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship at High Point, just two 250 riders have split all eight motos and all four overalls. Ryan Dungey and Christophe Pourcel have quickly established dominance over the field, pulling away quickly when they get good starts and slicing through the pack when saddled with a bad one. Justin Barcia’s fire has cooled a bit, Tyla Rattray and Tommy Searle are still looking for the next gear, Brett Metcalfe is just a hair off, and Austin Stroupe is injured. Only Trey Canard appeared ready to break with Dungey and Pourcel. He improved steadily at the first three races until, at High Point, he appeared ready to end the Dungey/Pourcel duo’s seven-moto win streak. As Pourcel struggled to find a way around, and Dungey maxed out trying to close the gap, it looked like Trey could get to the top of the mountain. But then he fell off, hard.
Dungey and Pourcel have such a big points lead that Canard still lies third in points despite scoring zero in High Point’s second moto. His position stands as the line in the sand between the riders expected to contend for the 250 title, and the two that are actually doing it.
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