Rockstar Energy Racing's Davi Millsaps (Photo: Suzuki Racing)

There’s been a lot of discussion about the red flag/yellow flag situation late in the race that ultimately led to Villopoto’s winning pass on Stewart. The fact that Villopoto was docked earlier in the main event for that very infraction only added to the intrigue. However, it was clear that Villopoto was the class of the field. He overcame a three-position penalty at the red flag restart with relative ease, and was all over Stewart when that turning point occurred. There’s obviously no way to know how things would have played out had Villopoto simply waited to pass Stewart, but he did what he needed to do in that situation by immediately pulling away from the field, suggesting that the pass was going to happen eventually.

This is an exciting time for any fan of the sport right as the biggest names are all hitting their stride and performing at their peak. As if the racing wasn’t unpredictable enough already, it’s only going to reach new levels from here on out. The championship looked like it could be somewhat anticlimactic with how things were taking shape, but that's not the case any longer.

Coming into the Eastern Regional Championship for the 250SX Class, I would not have given stellar odds to any rider other than Dean Wilson in winning the title. Based solely on racing resumes, Wilson had a huge advantage over his fellow competitors as only one of them had ever even won a main event. However, through three rounds a new challenger has emerged in Wil Hahn. The veteran rider has had an up and down career to say the least, but he’s definitely found a home at GEICO Honda and is making the most of his opportunity this season.

For two weeks now, Hahn has gone toe-to-toe with Wilson and beaten him to the checkered flag. Wilson has rode exceptionally in both races but simply wasn’t able to seal the deal. Now, he’s lost possession of the red plate and has less victories than his new rival. I’d guarantee that St. Louis isn’t sitting well with Wilson and now we head to what is one of his favorite tracks in Daytona. Hahn’s confidence is higher than it’s ever been and Wilson needs to make a statement on Saturday night to show that he’s still the rider to beat in this championship.

They always say that winning the first one is the hardest and once you do, the rest come easy. Hahn is proving that right now, but he’s got a motivated challenger on his heels. I didn’t expect this championship to be as exciting as it's been thus far, but it'll be interesting to watch play out.

The wild and unpredictable Daytona looms large, with a SX/MX hybrid track that always tests the riders' ability and mental toughness. Daytona is a war unto itself and it's no doubt one of the most anticipated races for fans and perhaps one of the most tension-filled rounds for the riders. The way each respective championship is shaping up, it has the makings on an(other) epic night.