Chase Sexton - The Rookie
Posted on January 22, 2021
One of the youngest racers in the 450 field at 21 years of age Chase Sexton is known for his calculating-but-aggressive riding style and dedication to his craft. The Illinois native joined the Honda family early, signing with Factory Connection’s amateur squad in 2015. Two years later, he transitioned to the operation’s pro team for his professional debut, and he went on to win the 250SX East Region Championship in 2019.
After successfully defending that title in 2020, Sexton was promoted to the factory Honda squad midyear, to race the factory CRF450R in AMA Pro Motocross, ending the season in dramatic fashion with his career-first 450 overall win at the series finale. He was also the top qualifier at that race and earned fifth in the final standings. This is his rookie season in the premier class of AMA Supercross.
Racing legend James Stewart helps Sexton with coaching and guidance and it is something that Sexton feels will help his progress and confidence. As we saw last Tuesday night, his confidence wasn’t the problem.
“It’s kind of been under the radar a little bit,” Sexton said. “But it’s been really good and he’s helping me a lot. I think today I rode decent, but my race-craft wasn’t very good – I’ve got a few text messages already about it, so we’ll go back to work. He’s been a big help and mentor so far and it’s only the beginning, so looking forward to going back and doing some more work this week. Unfortunately, he’s not here, but yeah, we’ll go back to work.”
Sexton looked brilliant leading the last main event of the 2021 season last Tuesday, but came down hard and will miss tonight’s round. The HRC rider crashed hard, hitting his shoulder as he smashed to the ground. Initial tests didn't show a break any, but Sexton will miss tonight as he flew home to Florida for an MRI.
“The day started off pretty good. I had pretty good practice qualifiers and was second in both of them. I got my first heat-race win in my second race on a 450, which was good. In the main event, I got a good start and was really feeling good out front—in control and hitting my marks really well. I put a pretty good gap between myself and [Eli] Tomac but made a small mistake that cost me big hit the ground pretty hard. I’m really sore and my right shoulder is pretty beat up. I hope to be back racing here soon and try to finish the job and get my first win.
“It kills me to say I won’t be lining up Saturday for the 3rd round of @supercrosslive due to my crash Tuesday night. I’ve been having problems with my right shoulder being weak and limited range of motion. Getting MRI done tomorrow back in Florida to see if there is any damage done internally. Hoping to be back next weekend at 100% for Indianapolis. Thank you for the support.”
The opening round last Saturday didn’t go the way Sexton would have liked as he struggled the main event in the Houston opener.
“Things started off okay; I qualified fastest in practice, which was good for me. Then I went to the heat race and got a pretty bad start. I came from ninth to fourth and caught the lead group but just ran out of time. The main event was pretty much a disaster. I started off ninth or 10th and ended up getting together with Martin Davalos. From there it just kind of went downhill and I made a few more mistakes. It was just kind of a rough main event overall, but I’m looking forward to going racing again Tuesday. That’s one of the positives about being here in Houston. We have three races in a week, so hopefully I can redeem myself and get on the box.”
Chase Sexton – Profile
Race Number: 23
Date of Birth: September 23, 1999
Hometown: La Moille, IL
Residence: Clermont, FL
Accomplishments*:
2-time AMA Supercross 250SX East Region Champion (2019, 2020)
5th in 2019 AMA Pro Motocross 250 final standings
5th in 2018 AMA Supercross 250SX West final standings
2018 AMA Supercross Rookie of the Year
6th in 2018 AMA Pro Motocross 250 final standings
1 career AMA Pro Motocross 450 win
2 career AMA Pro Motocross 450 podiums
TURNED PRO: 2017
BEST CAREER SEASON RESULT: 1ST (250SX EAST) 2019-2020
2020 SEASON RESULT: 1ST (250SX EAST) 2020
Racing Accolades
2019 and 2020 250SX East champion
17 podium finishes in three seasons of Supercross, both 250SX East and West, including six race victories
2020 Fox Raceway 450 Class Motocross champion in his rookie season
Lifestyle & General Interest
Enjoys being outdoors
Cycling
Playing golf
2020 Season Recap: Chase Sexton was dominant in his 2020 250SX East campaign finishing on the podium in eight of nine races with his lowest finish being fourth. Sexton won five of those nine races after close battles with second place contender Shane McElrath. After a hard push in the last three rounds, Sexton took home the 250SX East title in the season-ending standings, finishing nine points ahead of McElrath.
2021 Outlook: Sexton is making the jump into his first 450SX Supercross season, remaining alongside his Honda crew and joining Team Honda HRC. Sexton has proved he is already very comfortable on the Honda CFR 450R after the season he was able to put together this summer in the Outdoor Motocross series where he finished fifth in the season-ending standings amongst some of the sport’s biggest names. Entering his rookies 450SX Supercross season, it may be safe to say that Sexton will be a podium contender every week alongside teammate, Ken Roczen.
