Phoenix SX: Tomac Wins, Reed Inspires

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tomac-win(Editor’s note: Just a heads up, there’s about to be a highly graphic, probably NSFW photo pop up in this article. Just letting y’all know)

I’ll admit, as soon as Ken Roczen’s arm broke in half and came out of his skin, I said “great, here goes another Ryan Dungey championship…”.  Be honest, you thought it, too.  And speaking of Kenny’s arm, check out this disgusting picture he posted on Instagram from his surgery.

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The Phoenix track began to give the riders issues as early as press day, as its super long rhythm sections provided only two options really:  jump as far as you can and go fast, or double everything and get passed.  Josh Grant learned firsthand how technical this track would prove to be, just watch him basically eat his handlebars:

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_Jbni_M9L8]

Grant wasn’t the only rider with practice issues, as we saw both Jeremy Martin and Weston Peick end their weekends early due to injury.  And the track didn’t let up in the night show either.  Several riders found themselves on the ground or mistiming the technical course.

This fast course also provided a great example of how much difference there is in the 250 class regarding speed and bike horsepower.  There was an obvious gap that opened quickly between the big team riders (Pro Circuit Kawasaki, TLD KTM, Geico Honda) and the rest of the field.  It’s amazing what money can do to those little motors.

As I mentioned earlier, I wasn’t expecting much action from the 450 class.  I assumed Dungey would get a good start and throw down consistent laps to the finish line.  I was wrong, and I’m glad.

Eli Tomac got off to an early lead after grabbing the holeshot, and never looked back.  It’s a good thing he didn’t, because the battles for the top 5 were fierce!  Davi Millsaps showed that he’s ready to follow up his Heat race performances by fighting for podium finishes in the Main Event.   Even Justin Brayton stayed in the fight for a long time!

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The real story from the night, though, was Chad Reed’s fight from 6th place to an eventual 2nd place finish.  He even cut into Eli Tomac’s 18 second lead and brought it down closer to 10 seconds by the end of the race.  Quite impressive.

Chad will be 35 years old later this season, and has been considered a non-title contender for the past few years.  This hasn’t stopped him from trying, and I won’t stop rooting for him.  I’ve heard of ‘Old-Man Strength’ and I think we’re now witnessing ‘Old-Man Speed’.  Perhaps Chad’s friendship with Valentino Rossi has provided him with some much needed inspiration.  Don’t count him out.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RM13Eai2SA]

I’m sad that Roczen is out of the Championship race now, especially under the circumstances, but I am extremely happy to see the pending battle between at least five of the world’s fastest riders.

I would like to end this week’s coverage with one request: Ralph Sheheen, please get it together.  I’ve been saying that phrase for at least a decade now, but nothing seems to change.  A boy can dream though can’t he? (Assuming that’s my actual gender, I’m so confused nowadays)

Cadbury Pringlebatch is the Lead Supercross Writer and Investment Analyst for The SoBros Network, but knows a little bit about everything. Known for frequenting Nashville YMCA steam rooms, he’s a firm believer that winning football is produced by moving the chains, and became a SoBro after mistaking the Power Hour Podcast for an AA meeting. Follow on Twitter:@SoBroCadbury

Follow us on Twitter @SoBrosNetwork

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