Blogandt
Somebody Saw This Coming
Here at Racer X, we’ve employed our man Jason “Wheels” Todd to run social media because he eats, sleeps, and breathes the sport and is totally cool with keeping an eye on things 24/7, 365.
Anyway, last week, Wheels lived his lifelong dream of flying to California and attending the Anaheim 1 SX. He made two distinct observations from the press box. Wheels, can you elaborate on these so we can praise you for “calling it?"
First, please talk about watching the new, smoother Jason Anderson in practice:
Well, I actually first observed him during the ride day portion of press day on Friday. I was just casually watching—no one in particular—then Anderson caught my eye. He just had a natural fluidness about him, not something that he's really "known for." I think I even commented to you that even though it was just press day, the #21 looked really good. Then on Saturday, I began watching him again. I was really impressed with his corner speed. While other riders seemed to hesitate a bit, Anderson carried positive momentum leading into and through the corners. Maybe that new Husky just corners really well, but he looked fast! I've been pretty impressed with how patient he looks this season as well. He doesn't seem to be forcing the issue as much in situations, and kind of lets things develop around him—more than he would normally. But yeah, at A1 before the racing even began, I mentioned a couple times that Anderson looked dialed.
Yeah, great job Wheels. This new, calmer, more patient Jason Anderson is your new 450SX points leader.
Next topic. The jumps after the start in Anaheim. Please explain what you saw in practice and then what came to be in the main event:
To be blunt, I didn't think the entry to that first rhythm lane was good at all. When I was sitting in the press box before practice began, just sort of analyzing sections—like I have a habit of doing every time—I noticed the entry to that section was pretty small. I know it was designed to create options, but to me it just seemed like it was going to be the cause of a crash. With the entry being so small, riders had to go outside to double in, yet never really cleared the first double cleanly, so that wasn't ideal. If you went inside to roll in then double or triple like some of the 250's were, there was a large chance for wheel spin. Before free practice even began, I mentioned to you to "watch this first rhythm lane, someone is getting wheel spin here tonight and crash. I don't know who, but I don't like how this is set up, it's going to cause a big crash." You pretty much shrugged it off, UNTIL... we know what happened with Tomac. It bummed me out, because I don't like when riders eat shit, but that one was pretty foreseeable. (Please note: I'm not picking on the track crew here; I just personally didn't think with the texture of the dirt, and the small, off-set, entrance, that it would be good.)
Very good. I might add that I thought there was no chance anyone would crash on those jumps, because they were knee high and I figured the bikes would just bounce right off of them and keep on going. Shows what I know. We’ve only watched two races this year, but Tomac’s Anaheim 1 crash has practically locked up the award for “most impactful crash” of the season. Already.
Good job, Wheels.