2015 AMA Supercross: 450 Class Rookies

With Anaheim 1; the beginning of what will surely be an epic SX season, fast approaching, it’s time to get revved up for the racing ahead. Transmoto will be running articles, presented by Fox Head Australia, discussing a range of topics, from contenders to pretenders to rookies. And we’re putting our money where our mouth is, with some predictions. 

Dean Wilson, Jason Anderson, Cole Seely and Blake Baggett; except Cole, all three have won championships throughout their short careers so far, whilst Seely has won multiple races. For 2015, all four riders move to factory spots in the 450 class. Dean Wilson makes the change from green to orange, Anderson to Factory Husky (essentially the same team as 2014), Seely sticks with Honda and moves into the factory rig and Blake Baggett shoots over to Yoshimura Suzuki.

With Ryan Villopoto heading to Europe to contest the MXGP series, and the recent suspension of James Stewart, the 450 class is looking for a new champion, and there will nearly certainly be new race winners. Although most people will not expect either of these four to take the title, they have all proven at stages through their Lites career that they have what it takes to win; and in the sport of supercross, we know to expect the unexpected.

Let’s take a look at the careers of these great riders, and make a few predictions for the coming year.

Dean Wilson: Factory KTM

A change of scenery was what Dean was looking for, and on the new Factory Edition KTM 450SX-F, there is no doubt Wilson will be fast. Speed has never been lacking, however, as last year he qualified fastest at Daytona in a short stint on a 450. His 250 West campaign was disappointing by his high standards, as he struggled with arm pump and inconsistent results. For 2015, I think Dean will be upfront instantly, but may struggle to be consistent. I believe Dean will win a race this year, but if I were to guess, some bad races will result in a top ten points finish.

Cole Seely: Factory Honda

Seely went down to Anderson in a tough battle for the 250 West championship last year, but rode a great season. Motocross has been his weakness throughout his career, but he has steadily improved. Cole has rode 450SX races previously, already achieving a podium and top five finishes. I think Cole won’t win a race this year, but I can definitely see him taking out more podium finishes and finishing just outside the top five in points.

Jason Anderson: Factory Husqvarna

Anderson rode a fantastic season to take the title on the hotly contested 250 West Coast. His season was highlighted by late race charges to take wins, and he was consistent throughout the whole year. He sticks with the same team for the year, but a bike change to Husky and the move up to the 450 will create a different look for Jason. His speed was outstanding, and I see him too achieving multiple podium finishes, but a win might be out of reach for the first year. Expect him to again be battling Seely in the point standings, but this time it will be for a top five position instead of a championship; still an excellent result.

Blake Baggett: Factory Suzuki

Baggett’s career so far has been highlighted mainly by his outdoor performances; when he is on, he is one of the greatest motocross riders on the planet. His late moto charges are legendary and his tenacity unquestionable. In supercross, Blake has struggled to put together consistent full seasons, however many people forget he has won multiple races. His performance at the Monster Energy Cup was surprisingly good, and his equipment will be amongst the best in the pits. I am truly unsure of how Blake will do; at races where it gets like Daytona I would be unsurprised if he is on the podium and pushing for a win, however I think at times he will be slightly off the pace. Motocross is where this man does shine, and it will be exciting to see how he fares outdoors. I think a top ten points finish for Blake would be a good first year result.