The first round of the 2024 SuperMotocross Playoffs took place over the weekend in North Carolina, and there were plenty of surprises. In order to wrap our heads around everything that went down at zMAX Dragway, we fired off our urgent questions to former pro and NBC pit reporter, Jason Thomas.
How different was the motocross section from the supercross section? Was it enough to wreak havoc on bike setup?
It was very similar to last year. The track was faste, but the clay section inside the dragway forum was much more technical than the faster, motocross-themed section at the end of the strip. I think most riders knew what to expect and could set their bikes up accordingly before arriving. Last year was such a guessing game that most had no idea what direction to go. Prior data is often the most powerful tool when it comes to setup and this year they had that.
There was a split section on the track. What were the advantages and disadvantages of each line, and which do you think was better overall?
The split section was a savior because much of the passing originated there. The main disadvantage of going inside in the first corner is that riders would be on the outside of the second corner and vulnerable. Haiden Deegan used this line (outside first, then inside on exit) to pass several times. Even if just alongside, that allowed for the inside rider to pace the rider to his right as they careened towards the sand. Sometimes the pass takes care of itself if you are in position to block their entry to the upcoming corner, especially when there’s only one line for entry. That outside-then-inside option was so much better in the final motos that Jett Lawrence was willing to follow Eli Tomac through it, versus taking the other lane.
Speaking of splits, there was also a split start. Do you think both sides were equal, or did one have a slight advantage?
They seemed fairly even, although I would have preferred the left side. Riders could use the rear brake entering the first corner and they also had the inside when the sides converged. Riders on the outside could carry more speed into the merge but if you’re blocked by those on the inside, does momentum even matter?
Jo Shimoda was back after breaking his collarbone about a month ago, and he went 3-5 for fourth. Were you surprised he was able to do this well this quickly?
I was incredibly impressed. I didn’t think he would be able to race, let alone battle for a podium. I’m not sure whether this is a testament to modern medicine or Shimoda’s toughness. Maybe both? That is an extremely quick turnaround for racing—forget about racing at the top level. If you told me Shimoda went 3-5 and was never injured, I wouldn’t even blink. Amazing performance from Shimoda.
Haiden Deegan had a super creative line (other riders later picked up on it), going up on the backside of a dirt divider, to get a better angle going into the next turn. How effective was this?
It was quicker, no doubt. The angle he was able to open on the next corner allowed him to cut down earlier and carry more speed into it, too. He was doing several things that while subtle, lowered his lap times. Whether it’s something that comes naturally or from his father’s race craft teachings, it’s very hard to deny he’s a leg up on that front.
Julien Beaumer was amazing! We know he’s good, but most people weren’t predicting second overall for him. Where did all that speed come from?!
I didn’t see this coming and really, it wasn’t even a consideration coming in. Beaumer has been respectable in his rookie season but this was on a different level. He was near the front all day and for a while, I was convinced he would win moto one. He didn’t seem surprised, though. It bodes well for him that this was a shoulder shrug moment versus an out of body experience. Further, I believe he needed this moment to show his KTM bosses that he can be that guy. Decision makers are always looking for confirmation that the plan is on schedule. This was that moment and hyper critical for Beaumer’s future.
Eli Tomac is back, baby! He made the first moto look easy, but wasn’t quite able to hold Jett Lawrence off in the second moto. What was the difference for Tomac in those motos?
This track leaned into the things he does well. He loves a fast, wide open track that allows him to be uber aggressive. He could push the limit and not worry about finesse as the primary concern. Second, he’s just closer to 100 percent than he was at Budds Creek and Ironman. The cobwebs are gone, his confidence is back, and the results proved it
As far as why he wasn’t able to hold Jett off in the second moto, that rhythm section got the best of him. Had he continued to quad, I think he would have been able to take it to the last lap or two. Maybe Jett gets him, maybe not, but missing that quad changed the algebra.
Jett Lawrence won the overall in just his first race back, which is scary for the competition. Did he look 100 percent to you, or do you think he’ll just be getting faster in the coming races?
He’s not 100 percent but this was a legendary performance. Think about Michael Jordan’s flu game in this context. There is simply no way that Jett should have been this good, this early. I was and still am shocked at how this went. The kid continues to find ways to amaze me. He’s going to get better but I don’t think it will be leaps and bounds from here. He may not even win the next two. But, he will improve because time is simply what he needs most. I think his early lap speed and that trademark burst may return by Vegas.
What was going on with Chase Sexton? In both motos it seemed like he’d get on the back wheel of Lawrence, then lose a few seconds to him. This happened several times. What was it about his riding that didn’t allow him to latch on?
I truly believe Sexton has a mental struggle when he approaches Jett. I don’t have a way to prove this other than it’s what my eyes are telling me. Chase makes mistakes and just seems to second guess himself when in that situation. He showed that he can overcome it this summer but the tendencies remain. I would guess this is an extremely frustrating thing for Chase to deal with. The mental aspect of racing is so much more powerful than most realize. Chase is capable of any goal he sets in this sport but only if he, and he alone, believes it.
