Is it purely coincidence that the two best AMA 250 Supercross riders are still standing, and riding, while virtually every other top rider (with the exception of Ezra Lusk) is injured, sick, or both? The Yamaha factory team is down to one rider (Reed), the Suzuki factory team is down to zero riders, the Honda factory team is down to two riders (Carmichael and Fonseca — when Fonseca isn’t injured), and the KTM factory team is down to zero riders. Only Kawasaki is at full strength in the 250 class (Lusk is their only 250 rider).
Yes, with the exception of just a few, supercross is taking a huge toll on the 250 class this year. Reed and Carmichael ride as close to the edge as anyone, but they haven’t been hurt (at least not seriously enough to miss a race). Indeed, Carmichael, like Jeremy McGrath before him (at least, in McGrath’s prime) very rarely misses a race due to injury.
Part of it, undoubtedly, comes down to the skill level of these elite riders. Part of it, as well, comes down to physical and mental toughness (evidence suggests that Carmichael will ride despite injuries that would sideline most riders, and Reed is one very tough dude, as well).
Whatever the reason, the two best riders are still competing, and that should keep the series interesting.
