The Value of Weekend Breaks
Weekends off are appreciated by riders, though opinions on their impact can differ. For those maintaining momentum, a solid week’s work often leads to a moto-free weekend. For instance, Jett Lawrence plans to spend time with his girlfriend, singer and actress Dylan Conrique, in Nashville. Taking a break from the intense SMX schedule is crucial for both mental and physical recovery.
Challenges Amidst Opportunities
Conversely, when things aren’t going well, riders may feel they can’t afford to rest. Instead of taking a break, many are driven to work harder. Jorge Prado exemplifies this. His performance in the first four races has been disappointing, possibly due to a mix of injuries, a new bike, and team changes. His once high confidence has taken a hit, with critical elements of his racing style now absent. This weekend off could provide vital introspection for him and his team.
The Lengthy SMX Schedule
The SMX racing calendar is exhaustive, running from January to late September. This lengthy period necessitates breaks for riders; continuous training, travel, and racing for 9-10 months can lead to performance drops and burnout. Scheduled downtime is crucial, even for those who feel cornered. While it’s important to tackle issues, it shouldn’t jeopardize future performance.
Tune Into the Fox Re-Raceables Podcast
If you’re not listening to the Fox Re-Raceables podcast, you might be missing some great content. Weekly, Matthes, myself, and Seth Rarick provide a nostalgic review of classic races. This week, we reminisced about the thrilling 1996 High Point National, featuring an exciting 250 class battle among greats like Jeremy McGrath and Jeff Emig.
Tom Vialle’s Unique Journey
Red Bull KTM’s Tom Vialle has yet to complete his career assessment in the USA. While he hasn’t followed expected trends, he surprisingly won the 250SX East title in the last two years, alongside two MX overall wins. His career start here has offered curious dynamics, holding the record for the fewest wins among two-time 250SX champions. With a necessary transition to the 450SX in 2026, he faces challenges ahead.
Avery Long’s Progress
At High Point, I photographed the back of Avery Long‘s jersey, showcasing his rookie AMA Supercross and Motocross number, #134. It reminded me of a similar photo from last year’s Loretta Lynn’s Regional, where he was #263, a top A rider for the NSA Factory Yamaha Team. I managed to find that old photo and created a side-by-side comparison, illustrating his journey in an amusing way.
