I agree he rides the big thumper like he's on a smoker. He's always looking for a different line than the traditional 4 poke berm. I wish he was on a smoker, but there is no denying he is just an amazingly talented rider.
I was at a race several years ago at Steel City. In the 1st moto he got a horrible start. It was amazing to watch him take completely different lines then the "traditional" lines around the track. When others were on the brakes, he was on the gas... He came from the back of the pack to 4th (I think). In the 2nd moto, he took the lead before the end of the 1st lap, and checked out.
He truly is an amazing talent. Plus from where I sit, (behind my computer) he seems as though he has not let success get the better of him. Yes he and his parents had a "parting" of the ways, but that happens as the kids try to spread their wings, and the parents try to "protect" them... It looks as though they've worked it out, and for the family I hope they did.