The gate dropped on A2 over the weekend and the action left us with plenty of questions. Fortunately we've got NBC trackside reporter Jason Thomas on staff, and we sent him a list of questions on topics that needed the insight of a former pro. There are areas of the track where there is no soil left and that base resembles ice more than tacky clay when hit with some precipitation.
Haiden Deegan mentioned to me after the race that it was incredibly slick. The literal slippery slope. He was trying to get aggressive and send a message, though. JuJu ran out of room and basically fell over the side of the berm. Deliberate takeouts are usually much more impactful.
Haiden went in with purpose but when the intent is to knock someone down, it will likely be hard to hide. I am going to take the leap that this is what he was referencing. There was literally nothing else to report on so I will take it at face value. Any slight, misspoken word, any perceivable way to fuel the fire, this is how he works. Nothing wrong with it. I think this was just about right. Baby steps toward the ultimate goal is a smart method of approach.
I think it has to be considered a net positive night. I truly believe had he been able to blitz the whoops with conviction, he would have been in the fight for a podium. It was the only section of the track in which he could be exploited. Leading laps is a big deal for any rider. First, Anderson was riding very well.
But, to the point of the question, Jett knows he has to approach JA21 with a soft touch. Jason is looking for a reason to escalate the situation. He wants a physical type race because that tilts the odds in his favor. Jett should and likely would, want nothing to do with that encounter. Make the pass cleanly and decisively and then exit dodge immediately. He is still fighting a few things with the motorcycle but luckily for him, he has enough talent to overcome it.
