This is a great interview, was really heartened by it. To be honest, although I was all for the 250 project, I really didn't see it as having much of a chance in competing against the factory 450 thumpers due to the huge power disparity. Too much of one, for the nimbleness and better handling of the lighter 250 to overcome, especially on tracks deliberately designed to favor those 4stroke piles of fecal material.
These days, usually, when one sees engine mods or hop ups being done on 2stroke motors in magazines, it's more than likely to be to smooth out and broaden the powerband. Actual increases in power are usually minute, and sometimes they even lose a bit in max hp. I guess due to that, I had it in mind that such would be the approach of Project 250, and against the big factory thumpers, that's a recipe for defeat. You need the power to match the thumpers at least, in acceleration, and a rider who can handle it. The KTM 150SX, for instance, can actually out accelerate the 250 thumpers, even if only by a hair. I do remember reading that one of RC's factory 250s a few years back was producing about 56 hp, but the trend seemed to be moving away from that. KTM's SX 250 is detuned somewhat from the 2003 (I believe) model which scared the sissy-boy testers (boo hoo). Sheesh! They still have the most powerful stock 250, but it used to be even hotter. Anyhow, I let out a whoop when I saw the approach Project 250 is taking with their bike and that they are not pulling any punches in the power department. They're not satisfied with the pantywaist approach of merely a "broader, smoother" powerband. BRAVO!!!! Not against a broad and smooth powerband in a 2stroke, but if it's at the expense of power, forget it. Better to have the power, and a rider who knows how to put it to use. Seems Project 250 indeed has that in spades. Great job, guys!
