AARON PLESSINGER INTERVIEW: “THINGS CAN SHAKE OUT MY WAY AND I CAN GET BACK OUT THERE AND BE IN THIS POINTS CHASE.”

Whether or not Red Bull KTM rider Aaron Plessinger can gain points back and win the 2024 Supercross championship remains to be seen, but there is no doubt that Plessinger has made major strides in his 450 career. The 28-year-old not only won his first Supercross 450 main, but he also held the elusive red plate for several rounds. The Ohio native looks as comfortable as back when he was racing and winning on his Star Yamaha 250.  We recently caught up with Aaron to hear more about his season, and popularity.

 

by JIM KIMBALL

2024 SEATTLE SUPERCROSS // FULL COVERAGE

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AARON, RECENTLY YOU HAVE LOST SOME POINTS, BUT THIS SEASON HAS BEEN A BIG BREAK OUT HERE FOR YOU.  YOU TOOK YOUR FIRST 450 WIN AND BECOME A CHAMPIONSHIP CONTENDER. It is somewhat unfortunate that these last few races have not gone my way, but this season has been unreal. We have been making improvements to the bike every week and I am still happy with the way I am riding. It is just a series of unfortunate events that have happened. I go back to Phoenix and if I had won or gotten second in that race, I would have been way, way up there in points lead still.  So, it’s just been a few mistakes on my end that kept me from being in that top three group. Overall, it has been an unreal season, and I am happy with the way things are going. I am having fun and letting everything come to me. 

Aaron Plessinger held the red plate for two rounds earlier this season.

YOU LOOK REMINISCENT OF WHEN YOU WERE CRUSHING EVERYBODY IN THE 250 CLASS. It is exactly like that. That Is where my confidence is too. I am just having fun and keeping it light. The training has been fun. The racing has been fun and if I could just keep it off the ground, get good starts continuously, and just keep running up with the top guys, I still think I can be in the championship hunt when it comes to Salt Lake.  

THIS SERIES HAS BEEN DIFFERENT FROM THE STANDPOINT OF ALL THE OPEN-AIR STADIUMS.  ALMOST EVERY RACE HAS BEEN ALTERED OR AFFECTED BY RAIN, AND MUD. I agree with you. But I am one that you know if we had all open stadium in Supercross grounds, I would be fine with it. It’s just one of those things that you must plan it out. Nature happens, and everybody must deal with it this year. It has been hectic with all the rain. But I like open-air stadiums. They give a different feel; when you can look at the sunset going down over the stadium, it is a pretty cool sight. As I said, all rounds should be in an open-air stadium.  I think a lot of people would disagree with me but that is my thought on the situation.  (Laugh).

Aaron Plessinger has shown tremendous speed this season and has the potential to get more wins this season.

YOU HAVE ALWAYS BEEN PRETTY POPULAR, BUT THIS YEAR SEEMS LIKE ARE NEXT-LEVEL POPULAR. CAN YOU FEEL THAT? Yes, I can feel it. I don’t know what has happened in the last year or so, but there has been a huge growth in the fan base. It could not happen at a better time because I am riding well, and feeling good, it is just all coming together at the perfect time, and these fans have really shown up in the last rounds that we have had. It has been awesome. Every time I go out and do opening ceremonies, it gives me chills. It is just crazy how much these fans can cheer for one person. It is very, very cool and I appreciate it so much.

 YOU HAD THE RED PLATE FOR A COUPLE OF ROUNDS. DID YOU RACE ANY DIFFERENTLY WHEN YOU WERE THE POINTS LEADER? I don’t think I rode differently. Obviously, the Red Plate brings some weight to you, but overall, I think a lot of people overthink it and ride way differently when they do have it. It is like a hundred pounds have been added to their shoulders but for me, it is just another color plate.  If you go out there and do what you need to do and ride like I know how to ride, it is just a little bit easier. For myself, it is a confidence booster, because you did not get there by accident if you have that red plate. It is earned and tough to get in this 450 class, and the fact that I had it for two rounds is cool to me. I used it as a confidence booster to solidify that I have been doing the right work and that I am in the right direction. Hopefully, things can shake out my way and I can get back out there and be in this points chase.  

Bad luck with having a big crash in Daytona has hindered Aaron’s positioning in the points.

WE HAD THE TRIPLE CROWN FORMAT RECENTLY; IS THAT FORMAT SOMETHING YOU ENJOY? They are not bad, but I just do not like them that much. I have raced them and I have been at home watching during the event, so it is tough. I don’t like them, but I don’t hate them. It is a change-up and different. It might be cool for the fans but as for racers, especially on a soft track like Indy, it is difficult to do much track prep in between the races. There are a lot more laps being put down on the track by a lot more people. It is just a little different. If they were asking me if they were going to get rid of them or not, I would vote, maybe get rid of them.  (Laugh).

Looking ahead, Aaron has not given up this season and is still a fan favorite to grab more wins.

YOU MENTIONED THERE ARE STILL SOME RACES LEFT, AND YOU MAY BE ABLE TO GET BACK UP IN THE POINTS. CAN YOU STILL DO THIS? I believe 100 percent that I can get back up there and challenge these guys. It just takes consistency. Consistency is going to be my friend these next couple of rounds and if I can just get off to a good start, click off some good laps, stay up front, and keep those podium finishes coming, yeah, I think I can catch these guys and move up in the points.  But it is not going to be easy. I just must take it one step at a time, one race at a time, and push my hardest. I am capable of it, but it is not going to be easy. 

2024 SEATTLE SUPERCROSS // FULL COVERAGE