Photo by: Mark Lester – Interview written by Dan Lamb – Conducted by: Chris Cooksey
The breakout rookie of the 2018 250SX Western Regional 250SX Championship has been GEICO / Honda’s Chase Sexton. After an exceptional amateur career, the #40 technically turned pro just before the 2017 Monster Energy Supercross series, but at his debut, he broke his femur before he could line up for a race. With that, Chase waited until the 2017 High Point National to race his first professional race and 2018 is now considered his rookie Supercross campaign.
Over the first three races of his Freshman season, Chase is quickly acclimating himself to Supercross. He started the season with an 8th at Anaheim 1, backed that up with a surprise first-ever podium in Houston and followed that up with leading his first main event laps on Saturday at the Anaheim 2 SX. His overall result at A2 was another 8th, but with many flashes of brilliance he is quickly showing that he is more than ready for the big show.
After his 15-8-3 score for 8th overall at the first ever “Triple Crown” of Supercross, MotoXAddicts’ Chris Cooksey caught up with the rookie for a quick interview.
What did you think about tonight’s “Triple Crown” three moto format?
It’s different, for sure. Like the guys said, it’s like Monster Cup for the 450’s. It was tough. It was pretty intense racing tonight. I think it was carnage for sure if you weren’t in the lead and in mid-pack. It was nice. I got two holeshots, but the intensity was gnarly. I had to kind of adjust to it. I’m new to everything here, so I think I got used to it a little more and made some progress, for sure.
They’re calling you a rookie, but technically you started last year and broke your femur. How’s the leg and the injuries you had going into last year? Are you all healed up?
Oh yeah, for sure. I only got two practices in last year so they’re calling this my rookie season. I haven’t raced any Supercross. Everything feels good. I feel good on the bike, and I’m healthy. I feel like myself again. I think I had those three injuries and I was getting beat up. I’m excited for the next round.
You live with Christian Craig, right?
No, I used to. I lived with him probably two years ago.
Do you still train with him quite a bit? He was talking about his heart rate being in the 200’s. What’s your heart rate at when you’re training and riding?
Yeah, me and Christian have been training together for a while now. His heart rate has always been higher than mine. He’s always 20-30 beats higher than me at all times I think. When we’re training on a bike ride, he’s always a lot higher than I am. Everyone’s pretty amazed at how high his heart rate is. I’ve seen him hit 216 on a bike–it’s ridiculous. Everyone has different heart rates and it’s gnarly that his can go that high for that long.
Yeah, it’s scary. At the end of the year, how high in the points standings would make you happy for your rookie year? What are you shooting for? Top five? Top 10? Where would you like to end up at?
For me, top five would be great. I honestly feel after tonight–after leading those laps–I can compete for wins, or for sure podiums. I’m just looking to build every weekend and get some experience. I’m just excited for the rest of the races.
This is now your second year with the GEICO / Honda team. How long do they have you signed for?
I am signed through 2020. I have this year and two more seasons. I’m really excited. I love the team. We’re making big progress, so I think they’re pretty happy, and I’m super happy with the bike. I’m pumped.
