Dirty Little Secrets
For years, the race in this area was up in Pontiac at the Silverdome. About thirty minutes north of town, it was home to the Detroit Lions and more importantly, supercross. With the building deteriorating and the Lions exploring options for a new stadium, they decided to take the team back into the heart of downtown Detroit. Ford Field was constructed right next to Comerica Park, home of the Detroit Tigers. In a hope to bring some vibrancy back to the ailing downtown area, moving the sports teams back downtown seemed like a good idea. While it hasn’t necessarily been a failure, the downtown area is still not very ideal for many to visit. I have spoken with fans in nearby areas that are a bit nervous about venturing into the area and I don’t ever remember that being an issue in Pontiac. In any case, Ford Field looks like it’s here to stay, so hopefully this year is better than ever.
The track map actually looks pretty good for this weekend. I say “actually” because it is different than last weekend. Last weekend was the third time this season that basic layout has been used, which was a bit disappointing. There are some cool rhythm sections, and it seems there will be options as to what the fast line could be. It doesn’t appear there will be an overly tough whoop section, but that could change depending on how they decide to build them. Detroit’s whoops typically break down quite a bit and aren’t normally too treacherous. The start looks to be on the shorter side and heads into a ninety-degree turn, which usually means riders will end up on the plywood on the outside of the first turn. It’s tough to prevent the push by the inside guys, so those on the outside are bumped off the track—watch for that.
Who’s Hot
I have to keep putting Ryan Dungey here because it would be unfair not to. He’s won three races in a row and is running away with this series. The Diesel’s glow plugs are running red hot.
Cole Seely woulda coulda shoulda won Daytona and then backed that up with a runner-up finish in Indianapolis. His confidence looks to be at an all-time high and I wouldn’t be surprised to see a win soon.
Weston Peick won his first-ever heat race and backed that up with a solid fourth-place in the main event. If he can regain his fitness soon, he’ll be on the podium. The speed is there, the starts are there, the confidence is there—he just needs a few more laps to make it reality. Oh, and if you want to see someone go fast through the whoops, watch the #23.
Marvin Musquin, much like his teammate and training partner Ryan Dungey, has taken control of 250SX East. He has consistent starts and doesn’t make mistakes. Last weekend, when his competitors were crashing around him, he was putting in lap after solid lap. Unless Justin Bogle or Jeremy Martin can put pressure on Marvelous Marv, don’t look for anything to change.
Who’s Not
Jeremy Martin had a horrible weekend in Indy. He crashed twice in his heat and then again in the LCQ. He lost any chance at the championship, so he may as well focus on wins moving forward. He has the speed and talent to win races, but his decision-making cost him again in this series. Strange from a rider who was so dominant and calculating last summer.
Jason Anderson was a human wrecking ball last weekend. After his rendezvous with Blake Baggett in practice, he then proceeded to clean out Jake Weimer in his heat race, causing both to go down. Couple that with his move on Weston Peick in Atlanta a few weeks ago and you have a pattern developing. Not a good one, either. Hopefully this is just a phase and he realizes there is nothing to gain by moves like that.
Martin Davalos has had a rough go lately. He came in at less than 100 percent and hasn’t been the same rider we saw last year. His starts have been a bit less consistent in 2015 and his fitness is definitely suffering from such a lengthy injury in 2014. It might be time to give the 450 a real shot—look at the success Blake Baggett has found.
Bold Predictions
Jason Anderson and Blake Baggett rekindle their spat from last weekend. It turns into an Anchorman-type battle with both coming ready for war. Anderson utilizes his Husky resources, wielding a Husqvarna chainsaw while Baggett relies on a custom-built, titanium Yoshimura trident. John Gallagher attempts to black-flag both of them but is quickly removed by the blood-thirsty Detroit crowd.
Andrew Short gets another holeshot. Jeff Emig is again stunned to learn that Andrew Short is using third gear for the fortieth time in two years.
Jeremy Martin, as punishment for his Indy troubles, is forced to ride the inside of every turn and roll through the whoops every lap in Detroit. His results aren’t great but he does qualify for the main event. His team assures everyone that his outside lines and whoop blitzing privileges will be reinstated for St. Louis.
Ryan Dungey wins his fourth main event in a row.
Marvin Musquin wins his fourth main event in a row.
Weston Peick lands on the podium for the first time in his career. Someone in his camp begins to cry tears of joy, but Peick quickly backhands them in disgust.
Adam Enticknap makes his second main event of the season and holds an impromptu rap concert in the pits following the race. Eminem’s people catch wind of this and sign The 7 Deuce Deuce to a multi-million dollar deal with WanDawgg as his vocal backup. Ted Parks signs on as Enticknap’s handler and motorhome driver for his upcoming summer tour. “Subway” hits #1 on the charts by late summer.
Trey Canard gets a good start. Finally.
My Picks
450
- Ryan Dungey
- Trey Canard
- Eli Tomac
250
- Marvin Musquin
- Justin Bogle
- Jeremy Martin
