The Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Honda team is set to make waves in the Western Regional 250SX class.
Cole Seely – Now or Never
Since Cole Seely is most likely moving up to a 450 in 2015, this upcoming season will probably be his final chance to earn a 250SX Championship. While Seely’s not a shoe-in for the title, nobody would be surprised if he was holding the lead after the season finale in Las Vegas. He’s won multiple 250SX races in the past, he’s healthy and the two people who bested him last year, Ken Roczen and Eli Tomac, have graduated to the 450 Class. Look for Seely to be stacking up wins early and often in 2014.
Malcolm Stewart – The Giant
After making the jump to a 450 at the last second for the 2013 AMA Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, Malcolm Stewart is stepping back down to a 250 for supercross in 2014. That’s a shame, because Stewart, whose large, muscular frame really suits a 450, had some excellent results on the bigger bike, and it would have been interesting to see if he could have carried that momentum into supercross. But, since Team Lucas Oil TLD Red Bull Honda only competes in the Western Regional 250SX Class, the 450 option simply didn’t exist for Stewart. Look for Stewart to wring the neck of his little 250 all season out West as he waits to get back on a 450 for AMA Motocross.
Jessy Nelson – The Sophomore
Last year was Jessy Nelson’s rookie year in supercross, and considering the extremely steep learning curve that comes with stadium competition, he did okay before hurting his elbow and pulling out of the series with three rounds remaining. Now armed with a season of experience, expect the only rider in the series who’s missing a thumb to bang out some top fives and the occasional podium finish.
Shane McElrath – The Rookie
There’s no question that Shane McElrath can go fast on a supercross track. One look at his stunning finish in the first moto of the Amateur All Stars race at the Monster Energy Cup in 2012, in which he completely smoked guys like Adam Cianciarulo and Cooper Webb, is proof of that. What remains to be seen is just how fast this kid can go when pitted against a stack of veterans in his first year as a pro racing supercross. Don’t expect him to come smashing out of the gate and earn race wins and podiums right away, but don’t be surprised when he finishes consistently in the top ten and logs a few top fives.