MXSports Pro Racing confirmed today that Red Bull / KTM’s Jeffrey Herlings will possibly be lining up to race at this weekend’s 2017 Ironman National finale in Crawfordsville, Indiana. The Dutchman has been in the US all this week getting ready for the 2017 USGP in Florida. It was reported that Jeffrey is officially entered, but is waiting to see how he feels on the bike after riding the AMA-spec production bike before he makes his final decision.
How will Jeffrey do in the 450 class at Ironman? Since coming alive in the middle of his rookie MXGP season in Valkenswaard, Jeffrey has arguably—some might give the nod to Antonio Cairoli—been the man to beat over there. The former three-time MX2 champion has been steadily building confidence on the 450 against what I personally think is the deepest field of MXGP talent I have ever seen. With that said, I think Jeffrey is a huge favorite to be on the podium, and I would not be surprised at all if that spot on the podium turned out to be the top spot.
Playing in Jeffrey’s favor is the fact that he is 101 points behind Cairoli in the MXGP World Championship title chase, and free to put it all on the line if he feels there’s an opportunity to win. There is also the track. The Ironman circuit’s loam, elevation changes and natural terrain will be right in Jeffrey’s wheelhouse.
If Jeffrey races [?], there will be quite a few people wondering who “The Bullet” on the #784 is. It will not take long for them to figure it out if he is challenging the likes of Eli Tomac, Blake Baggett, Marvin Musquin and the rest of the 450MX field for a podium spot. We are just happy we will be there to watch it.
Photos by: Ray Archer
