MXP: Hey Newf! The first question this week is about the next few rounds of the 2025 Monster Energy Supercross Series. These next three rounds just might decide who the champion will be in the 450SX class. This weekend, the series travels to Alabama, then it goes out west to Seattle, and then to the opposite coast in Foxborough. Chase Sexton needs to win and get on a run if he wants a shot at this title, but will these next three tracks favor Cooper Webb?
RL: I really think you are onto something by saying these will be three important rounds. The biggest factor for me is going to be the weather. The remaining rounds all take place in outdoor stadiums, and let’s face it the weather these days is super unpredictable. Time has run out on Sexton and he needs to win, and not only does he need to win he needs to have Webb have some big mistakes. If all goes smoothly I don’t see Cooper Webb finishing off the podium the rest of the year. Selfishly I would like to see Chase tighten this points race back up but sadly it could be just about over for him in just a few short weeks.
MXP: We heard last week that Eli Tomac intends to come back and race in 2026. Do you like this decision by Eli, after all, he was very good before getting hurt in Tampa.
RL: Am I living under a rock because I didn’t hear this? Either way, this is wild to hear, and to be honest I think it’s a little crazy. I love the fact he still has the passion but at the same time, I hate seeing him hurt. Two seasons in a row. He’s a badass and should retire while he’s somewhat healthy. I’m sure deep down he still feels and knows he can win which is awesome, but nobody would fault him for throwing the towel in. I guess we will see what happens.
MXP: Last week, the WLTN Kawasaki Team announced they signed Phil Nicoletti to race the 450 class in the 2025 Triple Crown Series. Phil is popular both on and off of the track, so this is a great deal for everyone involved. How do you think Phil does this summer?
RL: First of all thank you to WLTN Kawasaki and Phil for making this happen. This is great for everyone and with Phil racing it will put so many more eyes on the series, as far as fans and media in the USA. Now, how do I think he’s going to finish this summer? I believe that he’s going to be good. Look at his results from last year in the Pro Motocross Championships, he was a 7-10 place guy most weekends. He’s a great starter and knows how to race. The one thing I will say is I think he’s at the point in his life where he’s not going to die trying to beat Jess and Dylan, but he will be consistent and he knows how to manage a series.
