In this month’s instalment of Matthes Answers, led by PulpMX’s Steve Matthes, get his take on the current Lucas Oil Pro Motocross form guide, SX-only contracts and when we can expect some of the current 250 contenders to graduate. If you want to send him a question, simply get in touch via the @motoonline socials and we’ll pass on the most timely questions each month.

Image: Octopi Media.

Can you identify a favorite at this point, in your opinion, for the 450MX crown?

It’s way too early! We’re four motos in, but I guess I gotta answer this, right? It’s too easy, but I’ll go with Chase Sexton who currently has the red plate and the points-lead. He’s gone 1-1-2-2 through the first four motos and looks to have everything all together. Those 2-2 scores included him leading laps in those motos and he’s yet to show much weakness out there. I know he’s never won a 450 title, but we’re all in agreement that he’s going to in his career, right? So, why not, like Dylan Ferrandis last year and Zach Osborne the year before, can’t he do it this outdoor season? I’m still not sold on Eli Tomac’s knee issues staying fine all season long, Jason Anderson still makes those big mistakes (Sexton does too, but so far he’s shown he’s been able to cure that unlike Anderson at the first round), Ken Roczen’s got some serious questions around him and, yeah, you’re left with Sexton. In my championship pie, I’ll go Sexton 40 percent, ET 30, Anderson 20 and Roczen 10. But it’s too early and do not hold me to this, please and thank you…

Should we be concerned with the amount of riders linked to SX-only contracts for 2023?

I don’t think so? We got Eli Tomac most likely doing SX-only, Cooper Webb is doing SX-only and I would bet Ken Roczen will be SX-only in his next deal. So yeah, more stars than we’ve usually seen, but back in the day with had Kevin Windham, Mike Larocco and Jeremy McGrath doing SX only and the nationals survived, so I think we as a sport will be fine. Of course, there are the World SX guys next summer, so it’ll be interesting to see how that affects everyone, although I don’t see Webb or Tomac going that route – they’ll most likely take that summer off to get ready for the indoor stuff. In my mind, if you’re older, you’ve raced a bunch and want to do SX only, I’m fine with that. I hear of a rider like my buddy Enzo Lopes doing SX-only and racing the 250SX class and I think that’s not a great career move, but hey, what do I know?

Image: Octopi Media.

Will Jett Lawrence take the same path as Chase Sexton and step up to 450s outdoors next year?

Yes, as I related above I don’t think Roczen will come back to the MX series in 2023 (I think he stays at Honda though) and so, like Chase Sexton in 2020, he’ll make his 450 debut in MX and then go 450SX in 2024 and stay up there. I think that’s the plan as of right now and I think THE JETT will be a real factor for everyone to deal with in the coming years.

What’s your take on TC222 and RD5 so far?

I think they’re right about where I thought they would be, somewhere 4-7 and Dungey running third in both motos at Pala was a bit of a shock, right? I think if things break right, either guy can make the podium, but no matter what, it’s still really cool having both guys in the series. Lots of intrigue and good stuff to talk about. Plus, I think both guys will be closer to the front as the series moves east and suits both of their strengths a bit better.

If Justin Cooper and Colt Nichols are moved out of 250SX, what would be the ideal next step for their careers?

Yes, this is interesting, for sure, to figure out. I think Cooper is pretty safe, he’s got amazing results and speed – go look at his career stats indoors and out. Both riders petitioned the AMA to stay down because of not being able to defend at all, but it was denied. The rumor I’ve heard lately is that Cooper stays with Star Yamaha and rides 450SX or even sits out SX to ride 250MX. That would be a unique arrangement, but the 450SX/250MX thing used to happen a lot back in the day and probably hasn’t happened for a factory team in 15-plus years. I think the Star guys would be smart to hang on to Cooper no matter what, he’s a great rider with race wins no matter what class he rides.

As far as Nichols, I think he’s in a tougher spot, he’s going to end up like Shane McElrath in that he’s a solid rider with good results, but doesn’t have the elite stuff like a Cooper or Sexton to get him onto a factory team in 450s. At least not to start in my opinion, he’s going to have to go down to a MotoConcepts or BBMX team – something like that – and show some real 450 results to get back to that 450 spot. Maybe HEP Suzuki? He’s also got to stay healthy, which hasn’t been the easiest thing for him. I hope it works out for Colt, he’s a good dude and we need more grounded guys like him that took the long way to the top.