USA INSIDER #176: THE BEST FIGHT

Transmoto’s weekly web-exclusive column, the USA Insider, penned by Jason Weigandt, presented by Ipone.

It’s on now. Ryan Dungey romped on the 450 class in Lucas Oil Pro Motocross, but the 250 title is on the line this weekend. Jeremy Martin has just a two-point lead over Marvin Musquin, and there’s a myriad of scenarios, situations and strategies going into this final race. Close title battles aren’t rare (we had a close 450 fight between Roczen and Dungey just last year) but this one is extra special. First, the two point gap is the closest in decades, as recent final-round 250 battles like Canard/Pourcel (2010) Dungey/Pourcel (2009) or Pastrana/Roncada (2000) were close, but not quite this close. Second, spoilers are playing a bigger role. In previous fights, the two contenders would up the intensity and pull away from the pack, usually going 1-2 in the motos. This year both Martin and Musquin have made a ton of mistakes, and in fact before last weekend’s event in Utah, neither had won the overall for three-straight weekends. Even in Utah, although Martin won the event with a 3-1, he needed help. Rookie RJ Hampshire dumped it in the last turn of the first moto to gift Martin a third. Cooper Webb moved over and let his teammate take the lead in moto two.

Yes, the teammate thing. This is usually overstated and over-thought, but Webb made the story real by slowing up and letting Martin pass him. This has ignited such controversy that one French website is claiming Red Bull KTM is moving Ryan Dungey onto a 250 this weekend to help Musquin! I seriously doubt that, as you have to remember teams are ultimately marketing exercises for the brand. Winning a title at all costs doesn’t work, because if you win it and just create a stink with the fans, you’ve defeated the purpose of doing it. I don’t think Roger DeCoster and the KTM bosses will endorse dirty work, and on Yamaha’s end, Star Racing team owner Bobby Reagan has said no meetings have been held, and the riders can decide for themselves what they want to do. Webb’s a salty personality and has had a lot of friction with Musquin lately. I have no doubt he acted on his own to help Martin there. In fact, I think with the young talent on Star Racing Yamaha, we’ve got something akin to the cool kids at the lunch table at school. They don’t mind picking on Musquin at all.

In addition, this is a new track. It debuted last year but that was a mudder, so no one really knows who it will favor. So when you add this all up – the close points, the team tactics and the track – you have a mix even crazier than the points indicate. The impressive part is that, through it all, Martin and Musquin have remained friendly and respectful. They’re good guys and I believe it will stay that way regardless of this weekend’s outcome. However, one of them is going home happy, and the other will be heartbroken.