Wild to think that Hangtown is already here.  It feels like just yesterday we were at press day for Anaheim But as with all seasons this one is flying by. I would say the biggest talks in the off weeks after Vegas of course would be the musical chairs that so many of the riders are playing. 250 riders switching to big bikes 450 riders switching to tiddlers. It’s just another weird part of what has been a very strange and injury plagued season. The big thing about Hangtown is getting through healthy! The amount of championships that have been won at the opening round is zero. The amount that have been lost at the opening round is exponential. I’m going to skip the injury list for this round but will add it in next week if anyone gets injured. I really hope I don’t have to add it.

10 things to note:

10. In years past they have brought in quite a bit of sand to the Hnagtown circuit this year it looks like its going to be a bit more hard packed and square edged. I grew up racing at this track and when those Square edges start to form it gets ugly fast.

 9. This will be Jessy Nelsons first race as an ama pro for the TlD Honda team. He originally was supposed to race Loretta Lynn’s then race the last few nationals but with Cole Seely out they asked him to move up.

 8. For once pro circuit is chasing another team, which is the likes of the Factory Connection Honda squad. There isn’t a time I can recall where Mitch wasn’t the odds on favorite to win the title. I think for once this isn’t true.

 7. Nationals basically means a whole new season. Nothing you did in supercross means anything when the gate drops for the first moto here in Hangtown

 6. JS7 has a lot to prove on the new Suzuki motorcycle. He left a big contract a future in car racing for the JGR squad and his two year extension with Yamaha. He did all of this because he thought the only way he could win or be competitive is to be on a Suzuki motorcycle which he’s riding for free for the summer. Yes I said free.

5. Dungey mad the factory KTM motorcycle work indoors and he made it work well. Will the lack of development on the new bike haunt him all season? Or is it better than everyone thinks? If it becomes dry and square edged I think the steel framed motorcycle will work to his advantage.

 4. Both Musquin and Sipes have broken hands but will be lining up. It’s actually the exact same break. Sipes didn’t have surgery on his where as Musquin did. Both have reported to feel no pain while riding.

 3. Chris Blose is a straight boss for riding the Yamaha two stroke 250 this weekend. He is going to be under powered but who really cares cause he’s going to sound bad ass! Call me a sucker but I love me some two smoke!

 2. Tedesco said the first week aboard the 250f was rough, but after some more time on the bike he’s getting the hang of it. He wants to get through the first few weeks and steadily improve his results. Something to remember is that the last time IT9 was on a lites bike he won both championships.

 1. Leave Hangtown with points and in one piece. I see so many riders get bummed out on a sixth or seventh place when they really just need to be worried about leaving with points and safe.