Ryan Nitzen | July 21, 2023
Unless you live under a rock, you’ll know there’s a big two stroke presence this weekend at the Washougal round of Pro Motocross. Moto Memes, a literal meme account on Instagram, started the madness with a post offering $5000 to the top placing two stroke in the 450 class. Then Motosport, Jettson Donuts, the KTM Group, and the Washougal track itself, all matched the offer which bumped the purse to $20,000. That’s big money. Click below to see the full post.
Despite winning Straight Rhythm, Marvin Musquin is not on the rider roster for Washougal.
But there are some rules which means you won’t see Ken Roczen line up on his ’05 RM250 build. AMA rules say any bike on the grid has to be within three model years to be eligible to race, meaning we’ll likely only see Yamahas and the trio of KTM, Husqvarna, or GasGas models. Maybe a Beta? Additionally, only 250cc engines are allowed in the 450 class, so no 300cc KTM’s and no sneaky big bore kits. Cough cough.
AMA rules say the bike can’t be larger than a 250 and must be within three model years.
Okay onto the rider list. There’s 87 riders gunning for a spot, with 13 of those being two strokes. Despite some loose rumors, we won’t be seeing Marvin Musquin or Justin Barcia line up on the two smokers. Both of these guys rode great at Straight Rhythm but we’re guessing injuries – a wrist for Musquin and a collarbone for Barcia – are holding them at bay.
Last time we saw Carson Brown (center) race a two stroke, he won Red Bull Straight Rhythm.
Matt Burkeen (820), Carson Brown (64), and Brandon Ray (388) during Washougal qualifying.
First up, the local boy Carson Brown. The #64 is the likely favorite and will line up aboard a Red Bull / BBR Motorsports YZ 250.
Justin Rodbell is next up on the roster. The former HEP Suzuki rider is piloting a KTM 250 SX #70.
Kevin Moranz #80 opted in on the action and is riding a KTM 250 SX.
Jeremy Hand #91 is lining up a KTM 250 SX. *Update – Hand was the fastest two stroke qualifier with the 19th best time.
Jerry Robin is lined up on a YZ250.
Jerry Robin #93 will be switching it up from his usual YZ450F to ride a YZ250. Remember Robin qualifying for Loretta’s on the ’85 CR250? We do.
Anthony Rodriguez is also making an appearance. After riding for the MotoConcepts team during the 2023 Supercross season, A-Rod jumped to the MDK KTM for World Supercross and is riding an MDK KTM 250 SX at Washougal, #111.
Brandon Ray, #388 is signed up aboard a Husqvarna TC250.
Matt Burkeen has been racing a 250 two stroke all year.
Josh Lee, #497 is the first GasGas two stroke on the entry list.
Stank Dog, Gared Steinke, practically started this movement a few years back. He’s lined up on a Husky TC250.
Of course Gared Steinke is here on a two stroke.
Josh McBride, #732 will be lining up on a KTM 250 SX.
Hamish Harwood is a New Zealander looking to score big aboard a Husqvarna TC250 #753.
Matthew Burkeen has been racing all the nationals on a two stroke this summer. Look for him at Washougal aboard the #820 Yamaha YZ250.
Bryan O’Neil, #845 is the final entry for the two stroke riders, again on a KTM 250 SX.
Justin Rodbell made the show on a KTM 250 SX.
Moranz posted the 35th best time on what practically a stock bike.
A closer look at Carson Brown’s YZ250. He qualified 23rd.
