Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki's Christophe Pourcel (Photo: Kawasaki Racing)

As the 250 Class lined up on the gate for the final moto from Millville, a hot button of conversation was Pourcel’s dramatic contrast in performance from Moto 1 to Moto 2. While it has been seen as a strategic approach to his championship quest, the suggestion that it could be a byproduct of his endless battle with the lingering effects of his devastating crash in 2007 or simply an inability to move up through what is a very talented field of riders was intriguing.

As the gates dropped, Pourcel once again found himself mired deep down the top 10. Early on, he managed to only move up one position. Then, the rain came. While virtually every rider on the track was caught off guard by the heavy downpour that lasted for nearly half of the final moto, it was Pourcel who struggled most noticeably. After ditching his goggles, the Frenchman fell back three positions to 10th, posting the third worst moto finish of his career and his worst overall result when completing both motos in fifth.

What was most alarming about Pourcel’s performance was that he fell back, something that no one has seen in the season-and-a-half that he’s been competing in the U.S. While it can be attributed to the unexpected rain and sloppy conditions that followed, when added to his other second moto efforts it could be a cause for concern. As of now, Pourcel’s first moto average sits at an astonishing 1.42, but his second moto average of 4.4 results is a potential loss of seven points a race depending on how his competitors fair.

Trey Canard and Dean Wilson are the two hottest riders in the 250 Class right now. Both have laid it all on the line at each round this season and been surging in the championship standings as of late. They have the belief that they have the speed necessary to beat Pourcel and after last weekend’s performance, are certainly on the attack.

While there is no reason for panic over at the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki stable as the Frenchman’s lead is still at a significant 32 points, with 10 motos still remaining and an already unpredictable season taking shape, anything can happen. More importantly, Pourcel's competitors are fully aware of this and with his aura of invincibility significantly eroded, they believe they can make it happen.