We are hearing rumors that the recently crowned three-time arenacross champion, Babbitt/Monster/Kawasaki’s Tyler Bowers, is being called up to the big show by Mitch Payton to fill-in on the Pro Circuit 250F for the remaining East rounds in Houston, Minneapolis and the Las Vegas SX if he qualifies with enough points to race the finale. While the decision comes as a surprise—with rumors floating around that the fan favorite privateer Jimmy Decotis could get the job—it seems like a no-brainer now that we hear about it. Tyler recently signed a three-year deal to extend his legacy as one of the most dominant AX riders in history with Babbitt/Kawasaki, who rides the same brand and carries the same title sponsor as the Pro Circuit team: Monster Energy.
How will Tyler do on the Mitch Payton tuned machine if it happens? I think better than most expect. Top-fives and podiums will be a definite possibility for Bowers. The kid knows how to ride a 250F, has the confidence of a champion and—his most dangerous ingredient—he has nothing to lose and everything to gain. Tyler has always had a potent SX arsenal, and despite his lackluster performances last year on the 450 as a fill-in on the Hart and Huntington team, he is a viable podium threat in the East. Last year, Tyler was nursing a couple of injuries and finished 16th, 10th and 15th in his three 450 main event appearances in 2012 SX. I see him crushing those results in 2013 if he chooses to ride one of the best bikes in the pits. At this point, we are hearing Tyler has not made his decision yet, and we will let you know if we hear more.
