Five things to watch at 2016 Red Bull Straight Rhythm

Josh Hill will be making his return to racing this weekend on board the mysterious Alta Motors electric motocross bike. Hill, who hasn’t lined up behind a gate in the US for quite some time, will be giving this bike the ultimate test as he will take on the best of the 250 class. Just how well can the Alta perform up against top spec fossil fuel burning machinery? From what I have witnessed this bike certainly isn’t a kid’s toy, this is a full blown motocross weapon. How well will Josh Hill perform on his return to racing? In a field that doesn’t boast the biggest names in the game, I predict that Josh Hill will surprise a few people on board the electric machine.

The ever-growing popularity of the goon culture has seen Ronald (aka Ronnie) Mac shoot to super-star fame. He’s amassed staggering amounts of views on his YouTube videos as he goes about his ridiculous goon antics. After the rider list dropped earlier this week with a somewhat lacklustre roster of names (no Roczen or JS7) the Ronnie Mac Trevor Piranha showdown may well the biggest draw of the night. Expect air wheelies and fender slaps galore.

Trey Canard is slated to make his race debut for the Red Bull factory KTM squad. Will this fresh start be the new beginning that the big #41 needs to catch a break? After a relationship with HRC Honda that lasted nearly 10 years, it’s certainly going to be odd to see Trey riding orange instead of red. Straight Rhythm will be our first chance to see how Trey is gelling with his new machine.

For a two-time world motocross champion, former East Coast 250 SX champ and MXoN winner Marvin Musquin always seems to keep himself flying beneath the radar. Marv quietly impressed at the Monster Energy Cup taking third place overall. He displayed his prowess earlier this year having the chequered flag in sight until ‘that incident’ robbed him of his first ever 450 SX win. I wouldn’t bet against Musquin nabbing the win over his KTM stable mates this weekend, he has won this event in the 250 class after all.

So for my number five pick I’ve chosen the #1, confusing I know. By far the favourite for the win this weekend must be the three-time Supercross champ Ryan Dungey. He’s most definitely keeping race sharp with the SMX and Monster Cup, being as solid as ever in those events. You can never count out the Dunge and this event is his for the taking.