Hey everybody, Taylor is back and better than every with a more in depth prediction than ever seen before. OK! So, since my last post, A LOT of twists and turns have been mixed into this early Supercross Season. The Lites class has been the most exciting class of the year with plenty more excitement ahead. Since proving his point in the 1st 2 races of the season, Ryan Dungey has hit a skid, and now trails Jason “J-Law” Lawrence in the West Region Series by 2 points.

My prediction this week might draw some criticism, and it will probably make you think that I have no idea what i’m talking about. Hold on a second, this is where I start to heat up. It gets kinda fast so try and keep up. Coming into Texas this weekend Jason Lawrence is 2 points ahead of Ryan Dungey with 2 races left in the West Region. Lawrence really seems in the zone and more focused than ever since he started training with Ryan Hughes. It must be the 30 minute ping pong session they have to start the day off(helps with hand eye coordination). Im not so sure Dungey is going to be able to steal J-Law’s thunder away just yet. To be truely honest, the only person I see contending with J-Law for the rest of the year(including outdoors) will be Ryan Villopoto, and im still not sure RV2 is going to prevent J-Law from earning his 1st Outdoor National Title.

I’ve got one name that fits this years Supercross Series: Almost Famous. Why you ask? Last years privateers are really stepping it up this year, one name that stands out in particular is Gavin Gracyk. By far one of the most inspirational riders to hit the motocross scene in the last decade. True privateer in the 2006 outdoor season, Gracyk was a familiar name inside the top 10 in the Motocross Class. It seemed like every week he was improving his scores and stepping up his game. Not much was known about Gavin coming into this years Supercross Lites West series, except for one thing, the kid can ride a motorcycle. With the newly formed Troy Lee Designs Honda SX team, Gracyk has established himself as a consistent top 10 finisher. Gavin’s SX season hasn’t exactly been an enjoyment. He lost his father, his #1 Coach, fan, and inspiration as soon as the season got underway. He’s endured all of this and still is able to focus on his riding and his committment to TLD/Honda.

Another rider who is on a roll is Thomas Hahn. Last year was a year Hahn would rather forget, sure he had 2 podiums in 7 rounds, but there were 2 rounds in particular that tore apart his season: in the 1st 2 races of the East SX Lites region his finishes were 18, and a DNS. This year Hahn has moved on to a new team with a lot of promise ahead of them, Motosport Kawasaki. Hahn has really been heating up as of late, 5 top 10 finishes in the 1st 6 rounds, and 2 of the last 3 races, instead of heading to the pits, he’s been on the podium celebrating. Look for Hahn to be on the podium this weekend in his home state.

Not much needs to be said about Jason Lawrence’s riding except, RV2 needs to be 100% when Glen Helen rolls around, or else it’s going to be a long summer for last years TWMX Rider of the Year. Saturday night, I expect Lawrence to extend his point lead and win streak and move one race closer to his 1st professional AMA Championship. Lawrence has the edge in the series so far with an 18.8 points per race avg, while Dungey is averaging 18.5, which is a true testament to Dungey’s recent skid since Lawrence scored 0 points at Anaheim 2.

1. Jason Lawrence

2. Thomas Hahn

3. Gavin Gracyk

Top Privateer: Robert Kiniry.

The Supercross class has been a one-man show with the exception of Phoenix. Chad Reed swept every single race in California, and he’s looking to sweep the rest of the series as they head towards the East Coast. With James Stewart down with a knee injury, Reed knew it was his series to lose. The pressure hasn’t gotten to him a bit. Sure he’s suffered a few bobbles and crashes this season, but he doesn’t quit until he takes off his boots after a hard 20 lap main event, and THATS what makes a rider a champion. Reed leaves everything on the track. Last year all the talk was about Carmichaels farewell tour, and James Stewarts 13 wins in 16 races(not counting Canadian Rounds). This year Reed is proving that he is still a worthy contender with 5 wins in 6 races.

Aside from Reed, Kevin Windham has been on a hot streak of his own with 6 top 5 finishes, including 3 podiums. After a dismal 2006 Supercross Season, Windham had contemplated following Ricky Carmichael’s into retirement, but just when everybody just “assumed” he was on the chopping block at Honda, he breaks through outdoors and lays down his most successful Outdoor season since he joined the big bore class. Windham is as cool, calm, and collected on the track as he is off. His uniquely smooth and flowing style makes him one of the most entertaining riders in the field when he is on his game. It’s time for Windham to show us what he is made of this weekend at Reliant Stadium.

Honda is having a breakthrough year so far. Although they are not collecting nearly as many wins as Yamaha. You’re almost guaranteed to see 2 or 3 riders in the top 5 riding red bikes. And since we’re on the topic of red riders, nows a perfect chance to talk about Andrew Short. Short has really stepped it up since moving up to the 450 class. Short and fellow Honda rider Davi Millsaps are tied after 6 races with 85 points each. Millsaps has been strong, but texans do everything bigger, so look for Andrew Short to score his 1st podium of the season this saturday in Houston.

1. Chad Reed

2. Kevin Windham

3. Andrew Short

Top Privateer: Paul Carpenter

It’s been awhile…

This is Ryan checkin’ in to give his heads up on this weekend, and I mean been awhile as in two different predictions for the weekend. Anyhow, here is how my being goes.

Ryan Dungey we all know has been struggling, for some reason I have a feeling it’s not going to stop this weekend. Why? With pressure seeming to get the best of him, it’s only more pressure now, by trailing 2 points behind for a championship. He not only has a championship to ride for, but he also has to beat one of the best in the Lites right now.

Lawrence has brought his A game these past few weeks, and he is just down right fast. I thought it was over for him after Round 3 in Anahiem, but that’s what I get for doubting him so soon. The guy can flat ride and put down the lap times, and that momentum is only a confidence booster. This weekend I think Lawrence is only going to hit the nitrous and take home 4 wins in a row. Unless he falls, or gets a real horribly start, nothing is holding the YoT rider back.

Metcalf is another contender to talk about. He hasn’t got a podium every race, but he has been consistent, as in the Top 5. He puts his game face (or race face) on every weekend and continues to come out swinging. Between him and Reardon (with the exception of last week) they are probably the most consistent riders, and we all know consistency is the key; take a flashback two years ago when Reed, Carmichael, and Stewart were all tied going into Vegas. Reed only won 2 races, but received a podium finish every race except one. Between this Kawasaki and Honda rider, they both I believe will be contenders for the podium this week.

One to say that has had the opposite of consistency would be Weimer. The poor guy can ride, he just can’t finish. I wouldn’t doubt him being in the run for the championship, if he could finish more races, and especially with his capable top running positions. Who knows?

But Hahn isn’t going to let anyone get the podium easily. This guy is on fire too, with two consecutive 2nd place finishes, who would of thought. As Taylor said, this class is stacked, and is nothing but competition.

Lastly, you can’t count the rookie out, Mr. Stroupe. He’s riding some good races as well, but is starting off like many rookies do; just pure anxious. He still has what it takes to be a consistent podium finisher though, so no one can cut his string.

1. Jason Lawrence

2. Brett Metcalf

3. Tommy Hahn

The Supercross class is truly a one man show right now. Even with a mediocre start, or a wreck in the main, he has the speed to finish up there every time. Reed is on fire, almost literally. The guy uses his cruise control just about every race and still pulls from the other riders.

Windham has been trying to break that though. We all know this old man can ride, just the chain of events not allowing him (flat tire at A3) and just last weeks O.K. ride in the main can’t cut the win streak for the Yamaha rider. He’s going to have to have perfection, and ride a clean race. Other words, I don’t think he can stop the guy.

Tim Ferry, also another vet, can race a good race too, but he can’t consistently do it. He has the speed, just I’m not sure if he has the youth the other riders do.

Millsaps has been riding his best ever. The young gun has already challenged Reed, but continues on having to watch him take the checkers first. Another rider that has the potential to shut Reed down, but I’m not sure if he has the experience that the other vets, and Reed do. They know what they have to do, and Millsaps more or less seems to try and gamble for the win.

Lastly, Short is impressive with his lines and guts to do things the others aren’t. But it isn’t paying off. He’s going to have to up it up where the other riders are faster and not depend on his few certain lines.

1. Chad Reed

2. Kevin Windham

3. Davi Millsaps