One of the keys to going fast at Ironman is in maneuvering through long corner ruts. Aggression is usually a good thing but overriding Ironman simply doesn’t work. Riders have to find rhythm through the corners and maintain momentum. A start/stop methodology with heavy rider input doesn’t work like it would at other racetracks. It sounds counterproductive but slowing the intensity and finding rhythmic flow works better at this track. Watch for the heavy ruts in many of the corners and watch for those with the best technique. They won’t be making any unnecessary movements. Their head will likely not move at all. They will want to let the bike float, lightly and free, through the ruts and bumps. There’s a fine line between not trying hard enough and making the most of what the track gives you. That’s the sweet spot riders will be looking for. One lap fury might work in qualifying but over 35 minutes, rhythm will win out.

Passing at Ironman has a bit of a unique twist. Many of the corners are followed by long straights. They have removed many of the switch back corners that used to be in the middle of the course. What this means for passing is that riders will want to exit the corners with purpose, knowing that the opportunity to pass is in the middle of the straight and entering the next corner. That requires optimal momentum and drive on corner exit, lining up to pull alongside (ideally the inside) and simply being in the spot that the lead rider wants to enter the next corner. Often, you don’t need to do anything other than occupy the area your competitor wants to be. If he’s aiming for the inside rut in the upcoming corner and you know this because you’ve seen him declare this as his primary line in prior laps, the goal is simple. Get a better run and beat him to the spot. Watch for this methodology in the straights leading up to the finish line area. Those corners are inside heavy and whoever can control that inside entry often controls the situation.

Who’s Hot

Haiden Deegan clinched the 250 Pro Motocross Championship with 1-10 scores at Budds Creek. Make no mistake, that first moto was a statement.

Levi Kitchen has won three out of the last four overalls and has a lot of momentum to end this series. It reminds me a bit of Jo Shimoda in prior years. He’s getting hot at the right time for the playoffs.

Chase Sexton could clinch the 450 Pro Motocross Championship, his first, in moto 1. He hasn’t been as lethal in the first moto as in the second so maybe we see it come down to the last. Sexton was “next” leaving the 2022 season and won the 2023 Monster Energy SX Championship. This feels like a surprise title but really shouldn’t.

Hunter Lawrence has won the first moto in consecutive weeks and really has shown improvement since the break. Credit the 2025, credit the time off, the difference is stark.

Aaron Plessinger snagged yet another podium on his way to a likely third in series points. I am a big believer that goals need to be realistic and attainable, otherwise it’s perennial disappointment. Third in the series is a good goal to be gotten.

Malcolm Stewart put in his best ride of the season, 11 years after his prior best outdoor overall at the same facility.

Who’s Not

Dean Wilson had a tough Budds Creek and will now find himself on the line for the LCQ’s at each playoff round.

Colt Nichols had a big get-off in the second moto in just his second weekend on yellow. The silver lining is that he still has two weeks to sort out the kinks before we get to Charlotte.

Haiden Deegan’s engine took the beating of a lifetime during the post-race celebration. There isn’t a part related to that engine that should be used ever again, the effort to blow it up was relentless. His engine refused to be cooked.

Bold Predictions

Ken Roczen holeshots moto one and AMA tech discovers that he and team inserted a GSX-R 750 engine into his race bike.

Haiden Deegan holds a Gladiator type assembly where he gives the thumbs up/thumbs down decision to the Motocross of Nations.

Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing signs Christian Craig and anoints him as Czar of Whoops moving forward.