Good day, and welcome to 2023! I hope everybody had a Merry Christmas and a protected and wholesome weekend whilst you sat again and watched the arrival of the brand new 12 months. As we head into 2023, now we have lots to be enthusiastic about each right here in Canada in addition to within the USA, and proper throughout the globe. I’m instructed that the 2023 Triple Crown Collection schedule will probably be launched within the subsequent week, so we’ll be wanting ahead to that. Just a few weeks in the past, the FIM World Supercross Championship launched its 2023 schedule, and if all goes as deliberate, there will probably be a spherical in Vancouver, BC within the fall. Lastly, in California, that is essentially the most thrilling week in our sport because the gate drops on the 2023 Monster Vitality Supercross Collection this weekend in Anaheim. Saturday at Angel Stadium may also kick off the brand new Tremendous Motocross World Championships. This 31-round collection will see the SX and MX collection mixed, together with a three-race playoff within the fall to resolve an total champion. For those who’re a real fan of this sport, you then’ll love this new collection because it means extra racing and extra probabilities to see your favorite rider(s) on the race observe.
For those who’re a rider, particularly a high rider, I’m undecided when you’re utterly bought on extra racing all through the calendar 12 months and/or the added threat. There isn’t a sport on the planet that calls for extra coaching and extra training at recreation velocity than Supercross/Motocross, and even in latest weeks, we’ve seen extra mid-week crashes brought on by bike failure than ever earlier than. To be race prepared for Saturday evening or Sunday afternoon, it’s a must to practice at race tempo throughout the week, and sooner or later, the percentages meet up with you. Earlier than this new collection was introduced, I’m certain each high rider would say that much less racing was on the high of their want record for the long run season. Now they’ve extra racing, and when you have a look at it from a threat vs. reward situation, the added purse and added bonuses solely come after extra threat, and that appears unfair. With ten months of racing forward, I can see this primary season being very entertaining, because the riders will probably be excited at the opportunity of making extra money. Nevertheless, with a shorter low season than ever earlier than, how bodily and mentally recent are the riders and groups going to be for 12 months two and past of this new schedule? It’s going to be attention-grabbing to see the way it all works out, particularly if the FIM World Supercross Championships proceed to develop annually, as that can little question preserve the stress on this new collection Stateside to maintain evolving. It’s too dangerous that in lower than a 12 months, these two collection have develop into fierce rivals as there’s a want for each in our sport. Clearly, the SuperMotocross Collection within the USA is the place the highest riders are contracted to race but additionally having them race in varied international locations across the globe is undoubtedly an excellent factor. There’s a motive why different USA-based sports activities have a recreation or two every season in different international locations. No matter what sport it’s, followers in each a part of the world need to see their favorite athletes compete reside. Anyway, this week it’s all about Anaheim as followers worldwide will probably be centered on what occurs Saturday night at Angel Stadium.
So what do you suppose goes to occur this weekend in Anaheim? Will Justin Barcia as soon as once more discover his opening-round vibe and take the win? Will Ken Roczen repeat what he did final 12 months and take a straightforward victory, solely this time on a Suzuki? Will Eli Tomac proceed to claim his dominance in SX and provides Yamaha their first win on the all-new 2023 YZ450F? All three eventualities might play out inside Angel Stadium this Saturday on what would be the most technical opening spherical observe we’ve seen in years. Nevertheless, if I had been a betting man, I might lean extra in the direction of Chase Sexton or Jason Anderson taking the Anaheim 1 win. Each are coming off superb 2022 seasons, and in addition each riders are on just about the identical tools they had been on final 12 months. Additionally, each Sexton and Anderson discovered final 12 months that to beat Tomac; it’s a must to be aggressive and rating as many factors as you’ll be able to early within the collection earlier than he begins to seek out his groove. I do know we are saying this yearly, however the 450SX area is deeper this 12 months then it’s ever been as so many riders are wholesome, match, and able to win races. Like everybody, I can not await the gate to drop on Saturday evening.
Within the 250SX West class, we’re going to have a few Canadian riders to cheer for as Cole Thompson and Julien Benek are scheduled to line up. Thompson, as you recognize, is getting into Anaheim 1 higher ready than anybody within the 250SX West class, as he’s recent off the Australian SX Collection just some weeks in the past. Is there any higher preparation than racing? Cole seems to be good on his Heartbeat Sizzling Sauce Staff Solitaire Yamaha, and I might not be in the slightest degree stunned if he challenges for a top-five end this weekend. As for Benek, he’s coming off one more harm, so I’m undecided if he’ll be 100% or not come Saturday. It may be a case of him attempting to enhance at every spherical and gaining an increasing number of confidence because the collection goes alongside. I like that Julien is racing SX although, as he’s simply so darn proficient, and if he can stay wholesome, then these races will little question assist him put together for the Triple Crown Collection later this summer season.
So SX is again this weekend, and when you nonetheless must buy your Worldwide Video Move, right here is the hyperlink. SuperMotoCross Video Move – Stream All Issues SuperMotoCross. Additionally, the Motorbike Present is again this weekend on the Worldwide Centre close to the Toronto Airport. That is the primary time this common present has taken place since 2020 so it ought to be enjoyable. Lastly, search for an announcement this week relating to some modifications going down right here at MXP Journal. I’m very enthusiastic about the way forward for MXP and can’t wait to let everybody know later this week. That’s it for me this week. Thanks for studying, and Completely satisfied New 12 months to everybody! When you have any questions or feedback, please e-mail me at chris@mxpmag.com.
