It seems the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team are very happy with Deano since they gave him the chance of a factory ride. After a successful Supercross season where he finished 8th with 185 points we fast forward to the outdoor season. Two consecutive 4th places is amazing and tantalisingly close to a podium spot! The Factory team have extended his contract to 2018 with an option of 2019
When you think this rider just a few months ago was turning up to races as a privateer out of his own pocket its great to see. Not only because he has secured factory backing but because he was a great rider who was dealt a few bad hands injury wise. Just nice to see Factory teams putting faith in the riders and not just dumping them and moving on. Motocross can be a harsh mistress sometimes, its a crazy sport that eats its young... Seeing teams look after their riders is key! Look at how Pro Circuit Kawasaki have stuck by Cianciarulo! That's the message we need to send out!
Now for the silly season Supercross rumours :)
I know we are months away from the next Supercross season and we have only just started the outdoors... This hasn't stopped the rumours from circulating haha. So lets see whats being talked about.
Justin Barcia to Red Bull KTM
Now this one did raise my eyebrows! Don't get me wrong, on the right bike this guy is lightning but i find his riding 'style' a little aggressive for KTM. Look at their current and past Factory team riders. Dungey, Musquin, Canard.. all technical clean riders... I guess you could say McElrath is a little more like Barcia... so interesting one to watch.
Justin Brayton fill in at Honda HRC for Ken Roczen
Big boots to fill! I think it would be an amazing opportunity for Brayton and a great team to partner with. He has some serious speed and it seems the bike is solid with pretty much everyone throwing a leg over the new bike being super competitive.
Chad Reed to JGR Suzuki
Now this one... another strange one for me. Yamaha have been very supportive of Reed and also he is a big name for them. Nobody can take away from Reed his glowing history and also he still finished inside the top 10 at the end of Supercross. Perhaps making way for some new blood has left him looking for support elsewhere?
Mitchell Oldenburg to Rockstar Husqvarna
This make sense to me as I'm expecting Ozborne to move up to the 450 class after the outdoor season. This would mean Oldenburg could fill that gap and having lots of experience on the KTM would make it an easy switch.
Joey Savatgy to RCH Suzuki
Savatgy has had two supercross titles slip away from him but unless he is struggling over contract wage increases i would be surprised if he wanted a switch from Pro Circuit to Suzuki. He did lose out to his team mate towards the end of the season though which is going the wrong way down the rankings...
Josh Grant stays at Monster Kawasaki
No brainer here! Grant is killing it on the Kawai at the moment! He is keeping pace with the top riders in the class, for sure one team green would want to keep hold of.
Adam Cianciarulo stays at Monster Kawasaki
This guy is a complete holeshot machine! Now he is back and injury free its only a matter of time before he starts dominating again. Another rider who has received amazing support from his team which is really refreshing to see.
Jeremy Martin stays down in 250SX for 2018, goes 450MX though
Makes sense to me, he had a great season on this Honda 250 and getting some more experience in the lites is never a bad thing.
Weston Peick and Phil Nicoletti JGR Suzuki
The Yellow compound certainly would want to keep hold of these guys. Both show great potential but just need a little more fire in their bellies to push on.
Broc Tickle RCH Suzuki
Tickle had an amazing Supercross season! He showed he can hang with the big boys this year and pushed his Susuki to the front multiple times. Just needs to work a bit on consistency now.
Aaron Plessinger to Factory Yamaha
No doubt Plessinger's recent form has caught the attention of the factory team. Obvious and easy switch for this top 3 rider to move up the ladder :)