We’re witnessing an improved version of 450MX fan favorite Aaron Plessinger during the opening stages of Pro Motocross this year, with an added sense of self-belief seemingly the wind in the sails of ‘The Cowboy.’ Of late, Plessinger has become a genuine threat in the premier category of SMX, knocking on the door of an elusive moto victory outdoors.

From the outside, it appeared that a shift in mindset occurred for Plessinger in the week leading up to the Daytona Supercross, with his seat at the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team coming under pressure following a slow start to this year’s Monster Energy Supercross Championship, which saw him positioned outside the top 10 overall during the series’ early stages.

Third place at Daytona marked a defining moment in his SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX) campaign, and since then, he has been a top-five mainstay, claiming a main event win at the Foxborough Supercross round, alongside a handful of podiums to see out the indoor season in sixth overall.

Entering Pro Motocross, the 29-year-old made a bold declaration during the press conference after finishing third place overall at Hangtown, indicating that he no longer wanted to be the next best guy, but battling with the leaders and fighting for the title. Usually a happy-go-lucky personality, this was about as serious as Plessinger gets, showing that he wholeheartedly believes in his place at the top of the sport.

Image: Octopi Media.

“I’ve entered the last four outdoor championships with an injury and it sucks,” explained Plessinger post-race. “This year I feel really good and so does the bike. I want to be a title contender, and I don’t want to be that third-place guy, like I have been during the last couple of years.

“I want to race with the best in the world and not sit there, watch, and let them have it. I’m proud of myself on my performance today, and it gives me new confidence being up there like that. It’s nice to see that I’m in the form that I need to be.”

This carried over to the third round this past Saturday in Colorado, where Plessinger made a late-race run at leader Jett Lawrence, executing a pass momentarily before the 2023 450MX champion struck back. Finishing the race in second position, this once again solidified his position at the front.

Belief is sometimes all it takes. It’s an interesting situation for AP to emerge from, because on paper, one could deduce that the lead rider under the orange tent is Chase Sexton, with an unspoken expectation coming with that arrangement. Chase will contend, and Aaron will provide good representation for the brand, somewhere in the three-to-seven range.

Image: Octopi Media.

Plessinger, in his own right, is an indoor and outdoor champion in the 250 class, but up until this stage in his career, he hasn’t been able to execute championship-level success in the 450 division. The thing is, not a lot of people have expected him to. 

Third place in the past has been a great result, although this is a mould that he is intent on breaking out of, which is intriguing to see, and represents a mindset shift. The KTM 450 SX-F FACTORY EDITION is a proven machine, same with the Baker’s Factory program, led by legendary trainer Aldon Baker. The rest is up to Aaron.

Speaking after Thunder Valley, Plessinger emphasized the importance of having a full Supercross season under his belt without injury, alongside being fully prepared for Pro Motocross come the Fox Raceway opener.

“I think a lot of this [upturn in form] stems from just being solid, and not having injuries throughout the year,” reflected Plessinger. “My body feels good, and feels like where it needs to be, and I think I need to be a little more patient, and one of these [moto wins] will come to me.

Image: Octopi Media.

“Overall, I think I am just getting better [as a rider] and gaining confidence. A couple of years ago, Jett came in and elevated what we are doing, and that’s made us grow as a class, and I think we’re going faster than ever. We’ve been going back during the week and raising the intensity, and I’m doing whatever I need to do.”

As for an elusive 450MX moto victory, Plessinger has come within minutes of delivering a career-first already this year, leading Hangtown’s first encounter until the second last lap, with a similar story in Colorado. This leads him to believe a breakthrough is close, due to arrive at any moment. On top of that, don’t count out an overall.

“I don’t think I need to change anything, it’s just a matter of time,” he added. “I just need a track that I’m gelling with, that allows me to be just that little bit better. Time is ticking, and I am ready for it whenever it does come.”