Foggy's Four - Observations from San Fran 2024

• Mac is Back ( Both of them)

Originally when I wrote “Mac” I was addressing Shane Mcelrath, but quickly realized some may think I’m talking about Eli Tomac. Conveniently, both of them prevailed in the treacherous conditions. Tomac kept Chase Sexton in view for most of the main event and finished in second. Tomac finished second in the main and left round 2 3rd in the championship standings only 10 points off of Sexton.

Mcelrath is a sleeper in the mud. When you think of rain races your mind may go to Aaron Plessigner or Just Barcia but Shane has had some of his best races in the wet conditions. Some may remember last year when he finished 6th in New Jersey. In my opinion, Shane is one of the best mud riders on the gate and he was sure to prove that this weekend. Running third for a good portion of the main, Shane is just so consistent when facing adversity. Like the little mustached Suzuki rider that could. He would eventually get passed by teammate Ken Roczen and finish in a career-best fourth place. He said it was a “handguard and handlebar type of night”. Enough said.

• The Lawrence Brothers Don’t suck

Did Chase Sexton ride amazingly in the mud? Yes. Did both Jett and Hunter Lawrence have a rough night? Yes. Did Sexton lap Jett in the main? Yes. However, I don’t think any of this means nearly as much as many are making it seem across social media. Mud races seem to go great or terrible. For Jett, it was the latter and although this wasn’t a typical Jett performance, mistakes happen and Jett is only 7 points behind Chase. This championship battle is far from over.

• Raised in The Rain

As a PNW native, you bet I was rooting for Levi Kitchen as he reeled in Jordan Smith in the closing moments of the 250 main event. Levi was born and raised in Washougal, Washington. An area known for its muddy and wet conditions through most of the winter months. Levi closed a 17-second gap to nearly a bike length as he followed Smith across the finish ride. Sitting second only 5 points behind Smith, I am very excited to see how the rest of Kitchen’s season goes.

• Mudders are Fun

It seems to me whether you're a rider, media guy, or fan you either love or hate the mud. As a fan and a media guy, I love the mud. It adds an element of uncertainty and creates some amazing racing moments. All those who stuck it out in Oracle Park seem to agree with me, however, I saw countless posts and comments saying quite the opposite. Many people claimed “mud racing is boring”, “it's a waste of time”, and even “Supercross should only race in covered stadiums”. Though I understand why the casual fan may think this, mud races are here to stay, and having one every year or two is part of what makes this sport so exciting.