Well it's a slow news day as there wasn't any racing this weekend, so I figured we’d look at all of the silly season rumors that are actually being talked about, not just any rumor out on the internet. I'm not saying these are all 100%, but these rumors do come from very trustworthy insiders. Let’s dive right into it.
Firstly, let's look at Justin Barcia. Now he isn't actually switching teams or any part of his program. But his decision affects Chase Sexton, as Sexton was rumored to be in talks with Roger DeCoster about a deal on Gas Gas. From what I heard DeCoster told Sexton if he was going to get on an Austrian team it’d be KTM. It’s now confirmed that Sexton at least won't be on Gas Gas as Justin Barcia is supposed to sign a 2 year extension with the team. Now maybe they add another 450 spot for Sexton but I doubt it.
Now let's look at Chase Sexton. He has said that he loves the Honda HRC team, but it looks like he has been struggling on the bike at least for supercross. So will he switch teams in 2024? And if he does, where will he go? Well it sounds like if he does leave Honda (which still isn't confirmed) then it most likely will be to Red Bull KTM. Sexton still has an extension with Honda HRC on the table, but if he doesn't take it he will be going to KTM.
So If Sexton’s going to Red Bull KTM, who will he replace? Red Bull KTM normally has only 2 450 spots. They were really nice to Marvin Musquin this year and added a third just for him, but it looks like that's out of the question in the future. If KTM does keep 3 450 spots, then Sexton will replace Musquin. If not, it looks like he will be filling Cooper Webb’s spot.
Now let's talk about Cooper webb. Webb has been very unhappy with both the new KTM machine, and his training program at the bakers factory. His time with Red Bull KTM seems to have come to an end. Although unconfirmed, it sounds like Webb is looking at his options and right now, he's looking at his former team Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha. Yup you heard me right, but this depends on if Tomac retires. Tomac is set to retire at the end of 2023 which leaves a spot open for a 450 ride, but if he doesn't retire, then Webb will most likely stay with KTM.
Alright that's all the 450 class silly season rumors that are possible at the moment, now lets take a look at the 250 class.
First up is Jo Shimoda. It looks like Shimoda will be leaving Kawasaki for Honda. Shimoda has really shown his talent in 2022, and when he returns to racing this summer he is expected to be a title contender yet again, which brings me to the question. Why would Jo Shimoda leave Pro Circuit Kawasaki. Well it's simple. Money. Pro Circuit simply cannot compete with the money that Honda HRC offers. Pro Circuit has all of their sponsors set in stone. With Honda, the rider picks what gear they want, what helmet they want, they can do energy drink deals, and get that fat salary. So yeah it's a no brainer. Now this rumor is a pretty recent one, it's not a 100% done deal but it sounds like Shimoda is talking with Honda.
The final couple rumors I'm going to tell you are extremely recent and have virtually no context or comments. But they seem to have merit so I figured I'd still tell you guys.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BUY OUR MAGAZINE: themxnetwork.com
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SPONSORS:
Sweet Life CBD | 20% OFF EVERYTHING | Use code "TMN" or click link
[ Ссылка ]
Hydro Power | 10% EVERYTHING | Use code "TMN" or click link
[ Ссылка ]
