Millsaps Returning to Form
Following a knee-tweaking practice crash prior to Daytona, Davi Millsaps lumbered to a season’s worst 10th. Although he looked much stronger in Indy, Millsaps struggled with arm pump since he didn't have a normal week of preparation. “Like I said, you can’t miss a beat during the week and expect to go that pace the whole time,” Millsaps said after Indy. Millsaps also stated that he should be able to return to his normal routine this week. Will refound health help Millsaps chase Ryan Villopoto in Toronto? – Chase Stallo
Gone Streaking
Right now, it’s Ryan Villopoto’s world, we’re just living in it. The two-time defending 450SX champion has won three straight and four of five to pull a 9-point gap over Millsaps and a 17-point lead over Ryan Dungey. Villopoto looks unstoppable at the moment. But, as we all know, things can change in an instant. Will Villopoto make it four in a row in Toronto? – Stallo
You think the champ means business? Look at him attack this rut. And then watch him attack some more this weekend.
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Instant Recovery
At just 19 years of age, MyPlash/Metal Mulisha Star Racing Yamaha rookie Jeremy Martin has shown the mental fortitude of a crafty veteran. Following a DNQ at Dallas, Martin went on a tear that included three consecutive top fives—including his first career podium. How will Martin rebound from a career worst 20th last weekend? – Stallo
Following in the Footsteps
Privateers have found a home in the 250SX East Region. AG Motorspots’ Kyle Peters has two top fives this season (including a podium). AJ Catanzaro rode to a career-high fourth last weekend, while rookie Mitchell Oldenburg, 250 veterans Vince Friese and Jimmy Decotis and young-gun Cole Thompson have all had their moments. Who will be the next privateer to make a run at the podium? – Stallo
Wil Hahn
Although he came from 19th to finish on the podium in Indy, points leader Wil Hahn was not happy with the way he rode. “I was riding defensive, and that’s not how I am. That bums me out when I ride like that,” Hahn told Racer X after the race. With Marvin Musquin making a run at the points lead, will Hahn return to form in Toronto? – Stallo
Go Time
Ryan Dungey is known for steadiness over aggression, but he was certainly going for it when he saw title-rival Ryan Villopoto up ahead of him in Indy. With crunch-time in sight, expect RD5 to push the limit again in Toronto. What will happen when he does? – Jason Weigandt
UpHill Battle
Don’t look now but Josh Hill’s results are slowly improving. So far this year he’s notched an eighteenth, a DNQ, a sixteenth and a pair of fifteenths. In Indianapolis, Hill took the next with twelfth. Will this upward trend continue in Toronto and result in Hill’s first top-ten finish of 2013? – Aaron Hansel
Hill boys are, ahem, climbing the ranks heading into Toronto.
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Blake Wharton
The Asterisk medical crew is good, but even they wouldn't have been able to help mend the broken heart that Blake Wharton must have had after throwing away a sure win in Indy with less than a lap to go. To make matters even worse, the AMA penalized Wharton four spots, dropping him from fifth to ninth, for skipping a short section when getting back on the track. Of course, the best way to wash away the sting of a blown race is by winning the following weekend, which, judging by how well Wharton was riding at Indy, is something he could certainly do this weekend in Toronto. -- Hansel
Kyle Peters
AG Motorsports’ Kyle Peters turned pro last year aboard a factory Yamaha with the then-named Star-Valli Motorsports team. Riding through injury for the majority of the year, Peters was never really able to show his true abilities in the pro ranks, and his contract with the team was not renewed. Now, a healthy Peters is riding remarkably well, scoring a career high of second place at Indy. One has to wonder if his performance this year is enough to make his former team second guess the decision not to resign him. Will Peters’ score another podium in Toronto? -- Hansel
You can shrug off last week's rough finish in Indy. Jeremy Martin has the speed to contend for a race win in Toronto. You heard it here first.
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Foreign Soil
The dirt in Toronto used to be some of the worst that Monster Energy Supercross had to offer. After being stored outside in the elements all year, the frozen dirt would thaw after being brought into the warmth of the Rogers Centre. The melting dirt would develop nasty ruts and break down quickly. But thanks to a new, drier storage location, the dirt holds up much better, leaving this year’s title contenders with fewer variables to worry about come Saturday night. -- Hansel
