Glendale Round: A Challenging Terrain
Glendale may be the highlight of the series, with its impressive weather, expansive stadium floor, and consistent dirt conditions that many find hard to rival. While the dirt may not cater to everyone’s preferences—particularly those seeking extra traction or a bit of rutting—it’s still difficult to argue against the quality of this round. The real question is, who will thrive and who will struggle with the unique challenges of Glendale?
Riders Suited for Glendale’s Dynamics
The fast course, slick dirt requiring the use of outside lines, and a significant double leading into the whoops make Glendale favorable for riders like Eli Tomac, Ken Roczen, Chase Sexton, and Jason Anderson. Their skills align perfectly with this challenging setup. If he’s healthy, Malcolm Stewart could also be a strong contender. These riders excel at finding traction when others falter and can carry momentum into the whoops, taking advantage of the skill-requiring double beforehand.
Challenges for Certain Competitors
On the flip side, Justin Cooper and Cooper Webb might face difficulties in this race. Cooper aims to break free from his Glendale struggles, having managed a second-place finish last year. He must regain that performance as a sixth-place finish could mirror his past trends. Both riders tend to thrive in jumping over whoops, but the current conditions may not permit efficient jumps due to excessive speed. Slowing down may only result in losing positions to quicker riders like Sexton.
Track Nuances Affecting Performance
Glendale serves as a prime example of how specific track nuances can significantly impact riders’ results. While some excel, others may find it particularly challenging based on the track’s characteristics. Webb, who recently secured his first SX win of the year in Houston, displayed his ability to improve as conditions worsened, proving his resilience. Although some competitors were on the brink of winning, it was Webb who ultimately emerged victorious. As the series shifts eastward, fans speculate whether he’ll continue to improve.
Women’s Racing Advancements
In an exciting development, the SuperMotocross League has appointed Christina Denney as the series director for the Women’s Motocross Championship (WMX). Since transitioning from a team manager to her current role representing riders with the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) and SuperMotocross League, Denney has been instrumental in various initiatives, including the SMX Next program and collaborations with Team USA for international competitions.
Denney’s Commitment to Women’s Motocross
Denney’s personal relationships with the athletes and her dedication to their development have greatly contributed to the growth of the WMX series, which is now officially part of the SMX League. She expressed her passion for advancing women’s motorsports, stating, “Being part of the growth of WMX is deeply personal to me… creating space for women to be seen, supported, and believed in.” Her journey, starting as the first female team manager in the U.S., has uniquely prepared her for this vital role.
