Pre-Race Thoughts // The Ridge

After a short hiatus the MotoAmerica series returns to action this weekend at Ridge Motorsports Park. And with that, we're back like we never left. Here are some things to consider as you're following along with the action from Washington this weekend.

Supersport's Heating Up

We feel like a broken record, but we think the fuse really is lit in Supersport. Let's take a quick stroll back to Road America and remind ourselves what we're stepping back into this weekend.

We'll lead with this - Josh Herrin's rare mistake resulting in a DNF likely has not sat well with him, and we've got to imagine the resulting points gap is only going to fuel the fire. He enters the weekend 34 points adrift of Binder. Speaking of Binder, we're headed to a track that he's had time on for what we believe to be the first time this since his arrival in the states. Something to note for sure.

And then there's the residual rule change tension between a few riders on the grid. We saw the top 3 Ducati riders and at least one Yamaha rider casting a bit of shade on the Suzuki's extra grunt following Road Atlanta. This included a bit of back and forth in the press conference on Sunday.

How will any of this affect the racing? Who knows. Either way there's no shortage of tension as we head to Washington.

The Battle for Superbike Supremacy

No one on the grid this weekend, apart from Cameron Petersen, has won a Superbike race at The Ridge. Furthermore, the podium finishers from both races last year? They won't even be on the grid.

Petersen clicked off a win at the last round at Road America aboard the Wrench Racing Ducati, which is Herrin's former bike that just so happened to be on the podium in both races last year. Does that make him a favorite for the weekend? He's certainly in the mix.

PJ Jacobsen found form on the Rahal Ducati in Wisconsin, bringing home his first bit of hardware after battling for the win, eventually taking second. We said it at the beginning of the year, Jacobsen and the Rahal team have the pedigree to bring the heat to the Superbike class once they found their footing on the all-new Ducati V4R, maybe the time is now?

A streak of podiums and the points lead has Sean Dylan Kelly in the conversation for weekend favorite, and Mathew Scholtz will be eager to get back to the front after an extremely tough weekend in Wisconsin.

Loris Baz returns to Warhorse Ducati this weekend filling in for the injured Cameron Beaubier and the Attack Yamaha duo of Fong and Beach cannot be counted out, especially after a great showing at a track where 'the Yamaha doesn't work well'.

Hooligans Return

Hark your mind back to Barber… Gus Rodio did the double in somewhat dominating fashion and put the paddock on notice that he and the Ducati V2 could be a bit of a force going forward.

Saddlemen Harley's pain points could only be exacerbated by the technical nature of the Ridge. That said, Rispoli's Hail Mary set up change in Barber landed him on the podium in Race 2, what have they found since? Speaking of Saddlemen, Jake Lewis and Cory West will be off racing Bagger World Cup for the weekend, from our understanding leaving Rispoli solo under the tent at Saddlemen.

It would be hard to count out Andy DiBrino this weekend as we venture into his backyard. With plenty capable equipment, he and Bryce Kornbau are a legitimate threat for the weekend.

Lightfighter found the podium at Barber as well with Josh Herrin at the helm. With limited time and a rapidly developing bike, it's likely they show up with some updates for Kaleb De Keyrel and Herrin at the Ridge. The Lightfighter seemed to lose power toward the end of races, presumably due to heat which won't be as much of an issue with a cooler forecast on the horizon for this weekend.

Additionally, Robertino Pietri and Jason Waters were in the mix at the front at Barber, and those trends are likely to continue as we head into the weekend.