For most of this summer’s 250 title chase, there’s been way too much focus on what Dean Wilson has not been doing—winning races. But the constant, “When will he get his first overall win?” talk has overshadowed what the Scot has done right. He’s been very, very, consistent. In fact, he’s been about as consistent as any rider in the recent history of his class.

Through 18 motos in 2011, Wilson has only finished off the podium twice. In the second moto at High Point, he crashed while leading on the first lap and went back to last. In the first moto at Washougal, he suffered a bad start and could only work his way to fifth after crashing while challenging Justin Barcia for fourth place. Otherwise, Dean has been in the top three in the other 16 motos this year—and he only appears to be getting stronger based on his 1-1 overall win over the weekend at Unadilla. What if Dean finishes the year out with 22 podiums in 24 motos? Here’s how he matches up with recent championship runs.

Wilson has only finished off the podium in two motos this season.
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson

Dean Wilson, 2011, finished off the podium in two motos.

In 2010, 250 MX Champion Trey Canard finished off the podium in ten motos.

In 2009, 250 MX Champion Ryan Dungey finished off the podium in seven motos.

In 2008, Lites MX Champion Ryan Villopoto finished off the podium in three motos.

In 2007, Lites MX Champion Ryan Villopoto finished off the podium in just one moto.

In 2006, Lites MX Champion Ryan Villopoto off the podium in six motos.

So while the talk has been on Dean’s lack of overall wins (until this weekend), his season has been one of the best in recent memory in terms of consistency. And if he keeps this pace up, we won’t just call him consistent at the end of the year, we will call him a champion.