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Davey Coombs’ normal weekly column, Racerhead, has been hijacked this week by the staff, as he is in the middle of a 12-hour drive home from Loretta Lynn’s, where he spent the better part of a week picking up kids in very hot, very muggy temperatures that are common at the Loretta Lynn’s Amateur MX Nationals.

For those of you who haven’t seen them, check out the videos and photo updates from Loretta’s posted on this site throughout the week, including the latest here.

What it's all about...
Photo: Simon Cudby

But since I wasn’t at Loretta’s, I’m going to turn it over right away to DC, who did send in a bit of info from his iPad on the road (no, he wasn’t driving):

The place was packed to the gills with riders – 1406 is the full capacity for the 34 classes – and there was huge industry presence. All of the OEMs had massive areas with new models and fun activities, plus Fox Racing, Red Bull, Oakley, DC Shoes, Answer, Volcom, the new ARMA Energy SNX, Asterisk... The list goes on and on.

We had a bunch of past champs on hand, too: Ricky Carmichael, Jeff Emig, Ryan Villopoto, Timmy Ferry, Buddy Antunez, Dean Wilson, and Kevin Windham's coming tonight. It was lots of fun, and while the weather was hot, the people were very cool – and there were more golf carts than you could ever count! And more pretty girls – sisters and moms – than you will see anywhere this side of the Anaheim pits.

Great times in Tennessee!

Jeff Emig is not wearing proper toe protection...
Photo: Simon Cudby

Okay, so without further ado, here is Jason Weigandt, who basically went directly from the X Games to Loretta’s to announce all week. His baby may have doubled in size since the last time he was home:

There are two things you can count on at the AMA Amateur National at Loretta Lynn Ranch: it's gonna be hot, and then it's gonna rain. And that's what happened as predicted this week, except the heat was even hotter than usual. How hot? The heat index reached 111 on Wednesday, which is apparently a record for this area of the country on that date. Anyone who has ever sweated it out down here knows it takes one heck of a heat wave to break records, and yet, there it was, melting everyone down.

The good news is the weather didn't result in any major ill effects, as most of the work-a-day riders in the vet classes knew to back it down when needed. Even Doug Dubach, probably the most experienced rider anywhere, had to cruise through the last few laps of a first-moto 40 Plus battle with Kevin Walker due to overheating. So what we saw were more riders pacing themselves, and more riders getting doused with more water after the motos were done. But really, even record heat isn't much higher than the crazy temps we always have here anyway.

Jason Anderson is going fast...
Photo: Simon Cudby

A few riders have caught fire in the heat. Kawasaki riders Jason Anderson (in the A classes) and Justin Bogle (in the B classes) are yet to lose a moto through Friday afternoon. Anderson is the subject of a lot of rumors as where he will be riding next, and when. He could have graduated from the amateur ranks a year ago but chose to go another year to adjust from his old KTMs to his new green machines. Could that result in a big ride for next year, ala Dean Wilson last year?

Kawasaki has a big hitter in the Supermini ranks with Adam Cianciarulo, but he's had a tough time this week. He crashed while leading a moto and took second, had some terrible starts that resulted in a fifth and an eighth, and in that eighth-place moto, he was apparently accidentally riding a with an 85cc engine inside his Supermini, which is supposed to be a 112. They put the wrong engine in, according to AC. Then, in a muddy moto this morning, he was up to second place and then ran into more troubles when his bike stalled.

Red Bull Honda's Cooper Webb isn't looking to hear about Adam Cianciarulo; he's out to win, and he leads both Supermini classes with solid scores of two moto wins, a second and a third. Good starts or bad, muddy or dry, Webb has been strong. Suzuki riders Jace Owen and Dakota Alix have been battling him close, though.

Cooper Webb on a JGR-prepared Red Bull Honda CRF150R.
Photo: Simon Cudby

A notch below that, Chris Alldredge just wrapped the first 85cc title with a 1-1-1 sweep of the 85 (12-14) Stock class. The mod title will be decided tomorrow. Alexander Frye won the second (12-14) Mod moto this morning, in the mud.

Yeah, the mud. The heavens unleashed late in the day yesterday, which led to postponement of the last few motos. Then it rained again late last night, which pushed today's motos back from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. You can always count on heat, and rain.

The program is back on schedule now and things look good. New England Vet Keith S. Johnson just won the first title, 35 Plus, with 1-1-2 scores over Kevin Walker. Walker is holding 1-1 scores in 40 Plus, looking to hold back Dubach and Mike Treadwell tomorrow for his record 14th championship at the ranch.

Other names going fast? Too many to list. Check out daily updates here for info. I got to go back to announcing now, see ya.

Okay, thanks Weege.

Nevermind; back to Weege:

I'm back with more! Thanks to Wes Kain, Rodney Tomblin and Kevin Kelly for helping with the announcing duties. Suzuki is definitely pumped on their A riders, as Gannon Audette and Ian Trettle have been battling for titles as well (there are four A classes, 250 and 450 Pro Sport, and 250 A and 450 A). And while B rider Jeremy Martin is out of the title hunt after tough first motos, he came back with an amazing performance yesterday by winning the Schoolboy 2 moto at 1 p.m., and then coming back to win the 250 B Mod moto at 2 p.m. That's two moto wins in one hour in extreme heat! Jeremy's parents are the owners of the Spring Creek track in Millville, Minnesota, and his little bro Alex is, of course, a top privateer in the pro ranks.

Some fast numbers there...
Photo: Simon Cudby

Of course, Loretta's features much more than just racing, and there's been plenty of fun off the track, too. Kawasaki held a fun Traxxas RC car exhibition on Wednesday night, with Ryan Villopoto driving against their minicycle stars such as Thomas Covington and Mark Worth. RV also returned to the racetrack to ride the 2011 KX450F, alongside Dean Wilson on a 2011 KX250F. And then Ricky Carmichael came to ride the RM-Z250 and RM-Z450, but unfortunately not at the same time – just for a few laps each. The Lorettaspalooza dance party was a hit with the teen crowd on Tuesday night, and FMF Karaoke provided the fun on Thursday. There's always something to see and do here, and speaking of that, it's time to get back to announcing this stuff. Probably gonna have to make a top-end change in the old voice box, but otherwise we're feeling good.

Thanks again, Weege.

Here’s Ping:

The Surfercross is ramping up again. With the US Open of Surfing winding down in Huntington Beach this week and a break in the national motocross schedule it is the perfect time to get the very best from each sport together to share disciplines. Toyota and Muscle Milk are big supporters of the event and with their help it is one of the best competitions of the year for a lot of surfers and riders. I haven’t seen the official entry list yet but I know Josh Grant and Justin Brayton will be there. Tarah Gieger is competing and she might be one of the best picks this year. She is crazy fast on a bike but where will really shine is in the water. She grew up surfing on the mean sets of Puerto Rico and, from what she tells me, she gets her slash on. I think I heard her say something about being better than 90% of the people in the lineup? Is that right, Tarah? Either way, she will be a good pull so my advice is, even if you have to cheat: draw her name. Plus, she looks better in a bikini than Josh Hansen.

Tarah Gieger may be a ringer at Surfercross.
Photo: Steve Cox

Speaking of Josh Hansen, he is the latest victim of vicious defaming on Twitter. When did that place become the spot to talk trash? His TV girlfriend, Stephanie Pratt, dumped him when she found out he was talking to Hugh Hefner’s old girlfriend, Holly Madison. You remember Holly, right? She was Hugh’s "main" girlfriend and star of the "Girls Next Door" series. Anyway, Pratt lit Josh up pretty good and then wished him well as he, ahem, slept his way into Hollywood. Ouch.

James Stewart is out in California testing still. The man who used to be called the "Fastest man on the planet" still looks pretty good on a bike. Though lately he has been taking some heat for being the fastest man not racing bikes anymore. I wish I were going to be at Unadilla because I see a pretty great race shaping up in New York. James was reportedly displeased with one of the titles on the latest Racer X that had a picture of Ryan Dungey and the words "The new fastest man on the planet?" under it. I guess he took offense to the posed question and I think that alone is going to be enough to spur on a great race between the two. Add in Ben Townley, who is still looking for his first moto win and really likes the next two venues, then Josh Grant, Andrew Short, Kevin Windham (loves Unadilla) and the rest of the contenders, and it’s shaping up to be an epic weekend.

I won’t be making it to the next three rounds of the series. I started a paramedic program and will be buried in textbooks for the next seven months. Yep, back to college. Hey, will someone call Jody and let him know he was finally right?

And now my (Cox’s) turn:

Since Racerhead last week, I went and shot the Best Whip, Best Trick and Step-Up competitions at the X Games on Friday, and then did the same for Speed & Style on Sunday, all at the Staples Center. It’s funny, because I think the Step-Up competition is definitely the most straight-forward competition, as it isn’t judged; you either make the height or you don’t. But I think that it’s probably the least fun moto event of the entire week. If we could just get Ronnie Renner to jump it every time, with those cool whips over the bar, then it would be more fun, but watching guys just launch into the sky and then come back down is kind of boring anymore.

Jarryd McNeil was killing it in Best Whip.
Photo: Steve Cox

But Best Whip? Great competition – if it was judged by real judges on location. I get the idea of getting the home viewers involved, but Josh Hansen was pissed (probably rightfully so) about the camera angles he kept getting on his whips. He and Josh Grant both threw some very sick whips, but they weren’t in the same zip code as the top two guys – Todd Potter and newcomer from Australia Jarryd McNeil. So while the two may have competed for a bronze, there’s really nothing to be mad about because they wouldn’t have won, regardless of camera angles. But they were both upside-down at times – especially JG. They just couldn’t match up to the guys who jump for a living. It’s respectable.

And Best Trick was won by a guy with a great story in Cam Sinclair, who nearly died at an event a couple years ago. He pulled the double-flip, which definitely took a LOT of balls, but Travis Pastrana did that in his victory lap during the regular Freestyle competition the day before at the Coliseum. It seems like once a trick is part of any sort of full run, it shouldn’t win Best Trick. And I think Sinclair agrees, since he said afterward that he had another, bigger trick ready to go if he needed it – because he expected that he would need it. He gets to save it until next year. But in my opinion, both second and third could’ve won, and it would’ve been harder to argue. Robbie Maddison’s body varial to side-saddle landing was smooth and really cool – although he did pull that trick without the side-saddle landing at the Freestyle comps (and then crashed doing it later). Japanese freestyler Takayuki Higashino could’ve won it with his very, very gnarly double-grab backflip, and that would’ve been legit.

But it’s easy to wonder if the judges were influenced by Sinclair’s story, and you couldn’t blame them if they were. Sinclair is a bad dude.

Cam Sinclair's very ballsy trick... But was it the "Best Trick"?
Photo: Steve Cox

To see photo galleries from the X Games, click here (for Thursday) and here (for Friday and Sunday), and for wallpapers from the event, click here.

Oh, and that Pastrana guy won Speed & Style after having a horrible day doing the joke of this year’s X Games – Rally. People getting lost and DQ’d, cars breaking... Who thinks like me and thinks that they should just go with off-road truck racing with some really big, really sick jumps? I mean, Brian Deegan (silver medal in Rally) is already racing the trucks, as is Carey Hart, Ox Kargola, Jeremy "Twitch" Stenberg, etc., and you can’t tell me Travis or any of the rest of the stars of Rally couldn’t learn to drive a truck pretty quickly...

Let’s see it, X Games! The trucks are excitement. The Rally this year was... Well, not.

And speaking of those trucks, I was out at Glen Helen today shooting some of the guys. They will be racing tomorrow and Sunday at Glen Helen, including McGrath, Wardy, RJ, Ricky James, and all of the rest of the guys I already mentioned. Go check it out if you’re bored and want to get sunburned while watching people smash into each other in off-road trucks. Sounds like fun to me!

And finally, I just wanted to point out that in Racerhead #26 on June 25th, we (I) pointed out how weird it was that Youthstream announced its 2011 schedule with a handful of TBAs in it (races without a venue), and where a couple races took place after the Motocross des Nations, and where the promoter was expecting teams to pay to race overseas a whole lot, including twice in the USA (probably consecutively and not close to one another, but no word as to how the teams were supposed to get from the west coast to the east coast, as the US teams would likely be busy), once in Brazil, and it was to kick off in Australia. Some people didn’t like that I pointed it out, apparently, as I was mentioned (not by name) in a press release that came out later that day, but lo and behold, a press release came out last Saturday that said that the teams met with Youthstream, probably with the same concerns as I pointed out, and Youthstream backed off. Cooler heads prevailed. Good job, Youthstream! Now, there will be one US GP (at Glen Helen), one race in Brazil, and the Australia race is off. Also, there was no mention if the series would still start after the US Supercross series ends (in May), but it did say that there will still be 15 rounds, and that the MXdN will be held after the final round now – in its proper place. Will they still be able to squeeze 15 rounds in that short of a period of time, with the MXdN still at the end, and coming to the USA and going to Brazil? Well, we know how hectic the US Nationals schedule normally is, and it is only 12 rounds, all on the same continent, and starts after SX, too...

Just sayin’...

Max Anstie is joining his fellow Brit Tommy Searle in the GPs next year. They'll be back.
Photo: Steve Cox

And that leads me into my final bit, which is that I’m bummed to hear that Tommy Searle and Max Anstie are heading back to Europe to race for the CLS Kawasaki team. Their results have been pretty hit and miss so far in the USA, as racing here is a lot different than it is in Europe, but I believe both of them have what it takes to make it here; but perhaps it will be better for them to go over there and get some confidence back before making another run at racing in the USA. And believe me, they both want to, and both will very likely be back.

There were rumors, though, that the Pro Circuit team was going to hire Searle to race Supercross here, then send him to Europe to race for CLS (which Pro Circuit sponsors), but I can’t reiterate this enough to those who start and/or believe these rumors: The US manufacturers don’t want to spend money paying a guy to race in Europe. This is just true. It’s not impossible for KTM to do it, as they are based in Europe and it could be good for a rider on their bikes, but when it comes to Kawasaki Motors Corp., USA; American Honda Motor Co.; Yamaha Motor Corp., USA; and American Suzuki Motor Corp.; you’ll notice some key words in there. I italicized them for you. That’s where they care about selling motorcycles, so that’s where they spend their budget to race. Period. If a GP team wants to bring over a rider to race in SX (like Zach Osborne may do next year), that’s one thing, but don’t expect the US teams to foot the bill to split the schedule and send riders to Europe or Brazil to race when they can be racing here in the USA – presumably resulting in better bike sales here in the USA, where it matters.

I'll shut up now. Time for some other stuff:

How cool is it when the owner of a motocross-oriented company not only allows a motocross track to be built on his property, but actually jumps on a dozer and builds it himself? Racer X Publisher Scott Wallenberg witnessed one of the first riding sessions held at WPS headquarters in Boise today. National Sales Mgr. Doug Riipinen and Fly Racing's Pete Treadwell ripped off a few hot laps for the lens of Allen Picard on the track built by WPS president Craig Shoemaker.

Craig Shoemaker makes a track instead.
Photo: Allen Picard

Tyrelle Cranmore sent us this:

We have a local track in Montana that could use support from the motocross community. They are about to be shut down if we can’t get more support. Please, if you could post this link and help draw a little attention, anything would help. Thank you.

And check this out: Merge Racing’s Michael Holigan is forming a team for the 2011 Indy 500:

Thanks for reading Racerhead. See you at the races.

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The Conversation

MXTrader.net wrote: 11:09pm August 6, 2010

Great week for MX!!

mxb2 wrote: 12:05am August 7, 2010

Wonder why cooper webb is wearing a older model thor helmet?

StephenB. wrote: 12:32am August 7, 2010

Tommy is quoted as saying there's a SX possibility for West coast. “I’m very excited and happy about this opportunity to join Team CLS Kawasaki and Pro Circuit... They offered me the possibility to race the US Supercross on the West Coast and then compete again in the MX2 World Championship next year...” CLS Kawasaki is sponsored by Pro Circuit over in Europe. By no means does that mean Mitch will pay Tommy's way but he will already have the bike and a mechanic. The only thing missing is a semi. The CLS Kawi's over in Europe are US Kawi's for the most part. Even their gear is the same most weekends. I could see CLS paying some of the bill and PC paying the other (his semi to race out of and a team to travel with). Let them go to Europe and prove themselves again and I bet they're both riding for Mitch full time in America in a few years. If the GP's do this scheduling right and make it possible to race both series I bet we will begin to see a lot more European riders AND teams venturing over here in the coming years. Exposure in a brand new U.S. market for some of these European teams/riders is a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Without this Pro Circuit/CLS merger from this season I'm willing to bet neither Anstie or Searle would have signed with them. I'm almost positive. Having the name Pro Circuit attached to something is a big deal in the MX2 class no matter what country you're racing in. It's almost like mentioning an open seat at Ferrari in F1. Where do I sign?

super_fro_daddy wrote: 2:20am August 7, 2010

Anstie is still young, I've been impressed with Searle, he seems a bit like Rattray, always has correct body positioning, good lines, doesn't really do anything "flashy" other than go pretty damn fast on a dirt bike! You really have to keep an eye out for them on the track, but I enjoy watching that style as well.

dgizzy wrote: 2:50am August 7, 2010

That sucks. This is where its at. For Tommy it was probably easy bcoz most guyz that beat him are already here or coming here 2011. So its gonna be btw Tommy, Roczen and Anstie. Im sure if they'd ask Rattray he'd tell them to stay here. USA is just much better.

bdub761 wrote: 3:03am August 7, 2010

Can any1 tell me what team Matt Moss will be on next year he deserves another year over there to show his true abbilities..

sef154 wrote: 10:26am August 7, 2010

I thought Bowyer shut you down in the thread for "Rev Up," StephenB. Still pontificating?

sef154 wrote: 10:27am August 7, 2010

And hey, who's the cute kid (with the red nail polish) in the last pic? Captions, people!

BKR wrote: 10:27am August 7, 2010

So Stewart is pissed off that a RacerX photo had a caption under Dungey saying "The new fastest man on the planet?"....? Imagine being pissed off about that, but then making it known to people in the industry. This is why he is disliked. Give YOURSELF a title and get pissed off if anyone takes it at face value. It's hard to be the fastest man on the planet in a FlugTug contraption! If Dungey proves to be faster, I guess Stewart will have nothing to be pissed off about, moniker-wise anyway. Unless James has trademarked this title, he has no business getting pissed as it is what it says it is. Unless he has trademarked it.....nope, just checked.

sef154 wrote: 10:28am August 7, 2010

Is everybody ready for Una-f'in'-dilla?

BKR wrote: 10:31am August 7, 2010

Hmmm, after checking the trademark status of the "fastest man" title I came across this. James Stewart's JSE/James Stewart Entertainment trademark was abandoned on April 10, 2010. What's up with that?

McMoto wrote: 10:58am August 7, 2010

Sef, Could U give a shout out for me at Dilla? "The other side SUCKS" I wish I could be there!

BillC wrote: 12:04pm August 7, 2010

I AM JOANSIN for the DILLA!! putting new tires on my bike monday night, Long over due. Been trying to get them for 2 weeks!!! My Bro and I have been talking about this for weeks, Fun ride up and some GREAT racing. Can't wait to see what JS has got. Just hoping it is dry so there is good racing. Would love to see RD holeshot and JS in 2nd or 3rd and see what happens.My guess is if JS is 100% he will win it.Then the real fun will start on here LOL. BKR I really think you are becoming obsessed with JS, LOL. If he sweeps the last 8 moto's what would u say??

BillC wrote: 12:05pm August 7, 2010

PS SEF154 your to old for her!! LOL...Down boy..down..LOL

StephenB. wrote: 12:11pm August 7, 2010

I don't really care if someone has an opinion different than that of mine. If they want to say something it doesn't bother me. It's their own personal opinion. Why should I be offended by it? Must have done something right to get an editor for a large MX publication to respond to me. I might have some strong opinions that break the mold at times but at the end of the day it's just that... an opinion. I'm not sleeping with your wife, I'm posting ramblings on a MX website. Don't waste your time getting mad over something I say. If I ever see ya at the track I'd be the first person to share a beer and talk a little moto. Whether or not you agree is up to you. If you want to argue without putting me on "blast" it's fine. A little friendly banter back and forth never hurt anyone. Still don't know what you don;t agree with... just that you felt the need to boost your ego by trying to bring mine down. Didn't work though. Try something else.

DickCole wrote: 12:56pm August 7, 2010

I was actually disappointed to see Andy Bowyer comment on your post. I was actually just hoping no one from RacerX read any of the crap some of you people post here. I hope they don't feel the need to dumb down the content for us. Andy if you read this just know, the day my magazine shows up at my door and it is writen in crayon for guys like SteveB to better understand it, I'm gonna be pissed. But until then just know not all of us are complete jack asses

BKR wrote: 12:59pm August 7, 2010

haha BillC, I'm not obsessed!!!! ....okay, maybe just a little. If Stewart comes out and wins all 8 motos, I will be astonished, I will be impressed, and I will have been way wrong. If Stewart comes out and wins 4 motos, all of the above. If he leads and crashes? That is kinda what I think will happen more than once. I really don't know what to expect, but I didn't like the disrespect to Dungey concerning Stewart's return. We will see though. Ohhhh, what if it is hot and gross out at Unadilla and Southwick? If it rains at Unadilla we might see K-Dub looking good. Last time Stewart ran at 'Dilla, it rained and Cody Cooper was all over him. What will you say if Stewart comes out and doesn't win a moto? I wonder this: if this was RV winning and Stewart was coming back, would the same sentiment exist about JS winning? I'll put a healthy RV against a healthy Stewart outdoors anyday. Honestly, RV might be the fastest man on the planet once he is healthy and back up to race speed.

tomdobbs wrote: 1:06pm August 7, 2010

Damn, Michael Holligan sure likes to waste his money.

BKR wrote: 1:18pm August 7, 2010

StephenB, you had some pretty harsh words about NASCAR and you do realize Andy's brother is NASCAR driver Clint Bowyer, right? I'm not sure who your post above is directed at, Sef154, Andy Bowyer, or everyone in general? However,the sport of MX is going to need to to take the business model of NASCAR teams and use it, much as JGR is. That is going to be the future of the sport, as far as teams go. Then there will be more team positions available and more money for racers. A "disgrace of a motorsport"? You may not like it, but NASCAR is no joke. Not with the ratings it gets, not with the sponsorship money it has, really nothing about it is a joke. They are about as serious as it gets over there.

sef154 wrote: 2:32pm August 7, 2010

Not sure what your confusion is, BKR. I get sick of some of StephenB's ramblings, and I was more than a little amused by Andy's response. I have no problem with people stating opinions, StephenB, but if you try to use words like "I think," or "my opinion is" once in a while instead of sounding like a know-it-all, it comes across a lot better. BillC, my daughter is older than that girl; the facts are a) I like kids (especially when they haven't been completely spoiled) and b) I don't like pics of people who've obviously accomplished something good with no captions! McMoto40, consider it done. I'm just counting on BillC being on the other side when I shout it. (Just kidding, Bill.) UNA-F#&%IN'-DILLA!!!

sef154 wrote: 2:35pm August 7, 2010

BTW, I thought it was Ralph Sheheen (my favorite announcer ... NOT!) who coined the "fastest man on the planet" term.

BKR wrote: 3:01pm August 7, 2010

haha Sef. Google "fastest man on the planet" and see what comes up. That really must piss JS7 off. Here's a thought as we talk smack leading up to Unadilla....if Dungey wins the 450 title ("if" so I don't jinx him) he'll have just one less big bike title than James and only two less titles overall....at 20.

carlsbad wrote: 5:01pm August 7, 2010

"Fastest man on the planet" (FMOTP) is an unofficial title, self annointed for someone who lacks the quiver of real titles "slower" men have garnered in the same time span of pro career. Time and the history of the sport will be the judges on whom the FMOTP really is. The months of Jan - July 2010 have RD#5 stamped on them as I see it from my backyard. Besides, he'll never be the "king" or the "goat" so he's got to claim some niche title right?

sef154 wrote: 5:49pm August 7, 2010

Having watched Usain Bolt run, BKR, I can't argue with the Google results.

BKR wrote: 6:08pm August 7, 2010

Check this: http://motocross.transworld.net/1000080563/videos/outdoor-testing-with-james-stewart-video/#idc-cover Any fan can appreciate it. From May 2009. You can see how much faster he is compared to these newer vids. OK, BillC, upgrade me to a lot obsessed!!!

StephenB. wrote: 6:11pm August 7, 2010

I had harsh words against the governing body of NASCAR. The drivers and teams within deserve a much more fair race to be had. Amazing drivers and amazing teams. When was the last time you saw a driver just completely dominate the field by 3/4 of a lap or so and almost lap everyone? It's been years. Why? They would rather keep the racing entertaining instead of keeping it fair. Sure everyone operates under those rules but if you have (mathmatically) won the champipnship with ten rounds to go you deserve the championship plain and simple. That is not possible with today's NASCAR though. They have taken race craft out of the equation and left it down a a large portion of luck. While Johnson has won the past 4 years in a row (proving the Chase does absolutely nothing but make it a "spectacle" for 10 rounds) it is still run by money and not by foundations of the sport. Driving a tin top around Infenion, The Glen or Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is no small feat. Heal toe braking and the such. I've been driving race simulators for years and have yet to perfect that (mainly due to my open wheel and sports car preference) with no clutch for braking and shifting. I fear these cheap gimmick rules are introduced to further make sponsors happy... but that takes away from the outright racing. Which is why I watch in the first place. I want to see a driver have "one of those days" he only has once a year but when he wins due to catching the leader to caution it takes the taste out of my mouth.

BKR wrote: 6:23pm August 7, 2010

StephenB, I didn't know you were so knowledgeable about NASCAR by your original post. You called it a joke, which is far different from criticizing the sanctioning body. Most MX fans criticize the AMA at times but make it clear they love the sport. I stand corrected.

StephenB. wrote: 6:23pm August 7, 2010

Clint is a hell of a driver. Everyone on that starting grid is. I never said a negative word about the drivers or teams never got to read Andy's post either. Oh well. Money has turned it in to a "let's try and please everyone" mentality though. Chase for the Cup, Lucky Dog, random yellow's to bunch the field back up... it's all for the "show" as they so call it. I call it manipulating the results. They're the big dog in America. They had some problems with ratings years back. That was one reason for the Chase if I do recall. To "spice" things up a bit. Same for the lucky dog (it's not fair my driver is a lap down, I have no reason to watch since he has no chance to win) and the yellow's. To me NASCAR died on that day and I haven't watched since. My full focus has turned to MX and F1 mainly. MX for the pure simplicity of it all. The bikes are all so comparable now that at the end of the day you know without a doubt that the winner earned it. Whether it be by luck or just having "one of those days." You know once that gate drops there will be nothing involved to skew the results. F1 for its professionalism and race craft. I can watch someone try and make ONE pass on a driver for an hour and a half and be amazed by it. No passing has to occur for me. The defense is just as good as the over take in a pure racing standpoint. I can only watch the 3 road races in NASCAR now because of how marvelled I still am at seeing the top guys throw those bricks with tires around a road course.

StephenB. wrote: 7:23pm August 7, 2010

Do I state anything as fact? Did I say it's a fact that NASCAR is a joke? I said it's a joke to me. That is my opinion. I then gave examples of why I see it as a joke. Not one of those examples included a driver or team but only the governing body. When you refer to hating the AMA we all know you mean the organisation and not the sport of motocross. The same can be said about NASCAR. It means just NASCAR as a company. The drivers are apart of the Nationwide series and whatever the cup series is named these days. I never called either series in to question. It's the internet. It's a website. Until you know it's fact things should ALWAYS be seen as opinion on the web. That's why we have accounts and not just postings under "anonymous". So that our PERSONAL voice can be heard. From now on if you'd like you can just see my name and not read my posts. No one makes you dissect what I type but yourself.

ElsinoreRacer wrote: 8:15pm August 7, 2010

StephenB, a lot of folks agree with you, but it's just not worth the trouble. It's like arguing with Harley guys. To prefer Show over Go (form over function, style over substance, etc) is not a crime; it's a preference. Not mine, but that's fine. But then they insist they have made no choice, that "it" is really the best of both worlds. Then you have to figure out if they are in denial or ignorant. In the end, what's the difference?

fancypants wrote: 9:27pm August 7, 2010

Elsinore, well put bud! StephenB hit a cord with Boyer....Probably not the first time right? IMO, StephenB has made some intresting comments that most would agree with. It's just that some took it for more than what it was worth....BKR's on a roll!! or trolling for a comment from "Whatever"!!!! love it!!! This will be a long week for sure no?

techbob wrote: 9:55pm August 7, 2010

I also think NASCAR is a joke.

mrb186 wrote: 10:12pm August 7, 2010

Wow - Wonder if this Jason Anderson is related to Rafael Nadal

sef154 wrote: 10:27pm August 7, 2010

I enjoy just about every type of two-wheeled competition: MotoGP, WSB, AMA SBK, GNCC, WORCS, ISDE, Dakar, flat track, speedway ... even trials. (MX, obviously, is my favorite.) Add those other two wheels, and I just lose all interest (regardless of rules). Can't explain it, other than to say riding a bike is more exciting than driving a car -- especially from a spectator's viewpoint ... IMO.

sef154 wrote: 10:39pm August 7, 2010

Now, as for StephenB, I've read his arguments on many a subject (don't even get me going on his superior tone regarding GP riders). What rubs me the wrong way is that he often sounds as if he's lecturing us "uninformed" knaves - as if his is the definitive word on a subject. That doesn't sit well even if you happen to be right (which he not always is). That's why I enjoyed seeing Bowyer take him to task in "Rev Up." NASCAR is barely on my radar, but I don't begrudge those fans. And hey, if RC (or anybody else) crossing over makes MX bigger and better, all the power to them.

StephenB. wrote: 11:21pm August 7, 2010

The GP's seem more polished to me. A better working business model of how a MX series should be run. But a lot of that can contribute to higher attendance (maybe 10,000 more?) due to the lack of a strong Supercross series in Europe. This whole "international flair" thing that Speed is doing now didn't start until after the USGP. Go watch Freestone and Hangtown... nowhere to be found. It might be a coincidence but no one can argue that making a series "international" brings in a lot of international fans. I know I watch the GP's and root for Osborne. He's been resurrecting his career over there and it's been a blast to watch. For the past few years the racing over there has been better on a week to week basis. It's been a little better here this year but of course all of this is my opinion. There's a reason I look forward to the des Nations every year. I watch both series week in and week out and I only get one chance to see who stacks up where. If you don't watch the GP's on a regular basis you really have no ground to stand on when it comes to arguing opinions about which is better. Don't know if you watch them or not. You never seem to talk about them like you do. Just utter distaste compared to our series. I love both. Once you learn their names and numbers they're really just another group of guys trying to go fast on a dirt bike. It doesn't matter what country they're from or what language they speak.

whatever wrote: 11:55pm August 7, 2010

Sorry BKR, but you are simply no longer allowed to say anything to me in regards to a supposed James Stewart obsession!!!! Nothing......ever again!!!!! An obsession with somebody is not reserved only for those with a positive opinion of that person. It is equally deserving of those with an obsessive negative opinion, and you, big fella, have far surpassed me in the past several weeks on the "i just cant quit talking about James Stewart" meter!!!! Seriously though, i thank you, because in my humble opinion it really lessens the credibility of all the s h i t you have talked about me and my "fanaticism" in the past. Too damn funny....get some help would you??? And by the way, i believe that you are incorrect about him dubbing himself the "FMOthePlanet".......i m pretty sure that was Mr. Shaheen!!! It feels good to have no expectations about what his results will be, it really does, im just gonna enjoy the racing and let it be what it will be...good or bad!!! Man, i worry about what the hell you will do though if by some chance he does do really well....i think you will need to go under 24 hour supervision!!!!

FroLives wrote: 12:45am August 8, 2010

That was an awesome shot of Fro Daddy. Flip Flops on dirt...that seems like nails on a chalk board to me...FRO RULES, Go Deano 108 (The Flying Squirrel) and GO DUNGEY!!!

joemotocross589 wrote: 6:26am August 8, 2010

Can we like,..never hear of freestyle jumpy bikes anymore?. Folks finally see'n the BORING" in it, I must be quick I thought it was stupid from the begining.

BillC wrote: 8:57am August 8, 2010

Well BKR U are Obsessed!!! LOL...... and one of us will be astonished, If he does not win at least a few I will be and if he kicks butt u will be. I will bet on him winning a few, I could see him winning 5 or 6 and would not be shocked to see a sweep although I don't think it will happen. SEF what ever side I am on will be the best, Look for me I will have on my SEF154 SUX'S shirt!! LOL jokein, If you want I will look for ya and buy ya a beer.

BillC wrote: 9:06am August 8, 2010

OH yeah BKR, IF RV was out there I would not think JS wouild come back and kill him, Sorry but RD still has something to prove to me, I don't mean that in a bad way at all, I think some of it comes from RD just waring down people insead of blowing by them Like RC, RV and JS have always done. It just makes me wonder if he is that fast or not. But believe me if he can handle JS I will give him props. I just need to see it with my own eyes. JS proved to me he could run with RC and RV showed me the same, It's no fault of RD's the other guys have been hurt but thats what makes me still question it. May not be fair to RD but I just like to see things before I believe. Now if JS comes back and kills RD what will the "others" say?? Either way I live for this and CAN'T wait to see how the last 8 moto's go.

BKR wrote: 11:15am August 8, 2010

BillC, I couldn't agree more with your final assessment here. I think it is completely reasonable to question if RD is the real deal with no RV or JS out there, but we have seen RD run with both in SX....and I think RD is better outdoors than at SX. However the next 8 motos play out, I think we are in for a great show. I just hope Mr. Stewart decides he needs to be out there defending(earning?) his FMOTP title in 2011.

StephenB. wrote: 11:19am August 8, 2010

I agree Bill. Before I can say someone is the best they must beat the best. He's beat everyone but Stewart and no I don't count Phoenix.

BKR wrote: 11:28am August 8, 2010

Whatever, all I'll say is whoever dubbed James FMOTP, James is the one who adopted it. I didn't just read that Ralph Shaheen is pissed because RacerX put a caption of "The new FMOTP?" under a Dungey pic. I like the fact that you think my current posts lessen my credibility as that would mean I once had great credibility in your eyes, and now it is only lessened. I can always hang my hat on that. If Stewart sweeps though, I'll be happy for him. I won't need any supervision or 24 hour suicide watch. I'll be happy because I know he will have had to work hard for it and earn it. I will also know it will be hard for him to sit out the nationals next year again after such a feat. Not to mention we will just have seen some awesome racing. I'm sorry to see that you aren't allowing me to do something here anymore though. Bummer.

Langston_fan wrote: 12:36pm August 8, 2010

StephenB I totally share your enthusiasm for the sport, as I too watch both series week in week out. The des nations is without a doubt the most important race of the year. Comparing the two championships is difficult, but one can most certainly feel the same desire, level of talent and competition in both. I only wish they made the des nations races each 5 minutes longer. It would be a good compromise between the two different formats. Taking 10 minutes off totally changes the strategy and pace one rides. As you know with GPs, nothing much happens until the last 10 minutes. I cant help but wonder what is going through Tony's mind when Desalle, de Dycker or Phillipearts pass Cairolli pass him in those first laps (when they pass him).....probably.."u'll be seeing me before the end of this one". GP tracks are rougher....but i personally prefer the layout of the national tracks. They showcase the sport better than GP tracks. They almost look like computer game dream tracks...like that section on washougal where RD did his passing..that big step up..the long left hander which CP was railing beautifly and the two jumps afterwards into the forest..where Canard had the flick going. GP tabletops are big...but..dont allow for the aerial acrobatics that national tracks do. One thing I must insist though is that the nationals need a REAL sandtrack. Carmichael would have never beaten Everts at Lommel...never! :p

whatever wrote: 1:37pm August 8, 2010

Nice try dude!!! Anyway...........do you REALLY think that James Stewart is "pissed" off....like steaming mad and throwing a fit because of the Ryan Dungey caption??? REALLY??? Im sure Mr. Pingree is stirring the pot a little bit there. It could just as easily be that it was a light-hearted statement that was made, and you know what im talking about. I really cant see that it would cause a major disturbance in anyones life..........except yours of course. How long does it take for you to get the knots out of your shorts after such a traumatic experience????

whatever wrote: 1:41pm August 8, 2010

.....and no, your attacks have never had any credibility with me, so much for that!!!

ElsinoreRacer wrote: 2:09pm August 8, 2010

whatever, what is the deal with that bike in your icon/picture? Project bike? Late 70's mini-cycle of some kind? Maybe with a full-sized tank. Just curious. I have 9 late 70s early 80s MXers in the garage so maybe we have the same disease.

sef154 wrote: 3:43pm August 8, 2010

Not sure MXdN is "without a doubt the most important race of the year." Would someone in Dungey's shoes trade either of his '10 championships (we have to be hypothetical; he hasn't won outdoors YET) for that win last year in Italy? (I know; he doesn't have to choose, but again, being hypothetical.) I think MXdN is a great race that means different things to different people. Was Dungey really superior to Reed or Cairoli last year? Was RV better than RC (Budds '07)? A series (and a career) is where greatness can truly be earned, not so much in a one-off race. As for race length, I could swear there's only five minutes difference between GP and AMA ... and in AMA, that last 10 minutes of the race don't often mean a lot. Different style of racing. But no matter the style, first to the checkers wins.

McMoto wrote: 4:03pm August 8, 2010

Now when you guys are driving back Rt. 8 from Dilla to Binghamton, make sure you stop and get some of that roadside chicken the church people sell. They still do that? The next 5 miles of road would be nothing but chicken bones all over the road! Wave to all the locals sitting on thier lawn chairs watching you drive by. Hope you all going have a great time, I never missed one of the 1 st 20 years of Dilla, now I've been in Colorado for almost the last 20. I miss the "Screw U".

StephenB. wrote: 4:42pm August 8, 2010

We are not talking about a series here sef. Of course the series championship is more important. That's why you're employed by the team. No other race has the allure of the des Nations though if you ask me. It's invite only and it's an invite essentially from your country labeling you as their best. Sending the troops off to do battle. It's Anaheim 1, Hangtown and Bulgaria all rolled in to one race. The excitement that goes through me before that first gate drops is something I only get to experience once a year. I could only imagine what a series would equate to. I too fear the mighty sands of Lommel would have been too much for Carmichael as well Langston. Namur on the other hand would have been a wet dream for Carmichael. Only men win at Namur and Lommel. Namur for bravery and speed and Lommel for it's 40 minutes of hell.

bd200 wrote: 10:44pm August 8, 2010

StephenB. you say the GP's is how MX should be run?? What!!. youthstream is out to make as much money as they can period. It is a ripoff to the riders. It cost a ton to race, and no purse money. It is terrible if you are a rider. I disagree wholeheartidly on that one, period.Elsinoreracer, wwhats with the argueing with Harley rideres comment. Whats wrong with riding a great American made motocycle?? I love them myself. I have owned almost a dozen streetbikes in my 41 years. Every Japanese model there is. And my favorite has been the Harley. Not that I have had any problems out of many(my worst one was a Kawi). I really love cruising on the Harley. So what? I cant understand why you would argue with someone about something so silly. Its there preference. I'm not on a track, I am cruising the roads around my home and beyond. My Harley has never let me down. It runs great, it beautiful. Very well built, and American made. Go USA..

whatever wrote: 11:22pm August 8, 2010

"Elsinore", that is a 1971 Yamaha JT-1 Mini-Enduro ( 60 cc) . My dad bought that brand new for my older brothers and i and we all learned on it. I believe that those mini-enduros were the first bike ever made for kids that actually looked like a big guys bike....pretty damn cool back in the day!! Still are cool actually!! The one in the picture is the one my dad bought new, but in reference to the "disease", just outside that picture are 5 more "project" mini enduros i picked up......god knows why. They made them for 2 years i believe, 71-72, JT-1 and JT-2, different configurations....an "MX" version....a version with a headlight and tail light. Three colors...Red ( they called it Desert Orange for some reason)....yellow, and Mandarin Orange ( more of a true orange). Learned how to use a clutch on that thing, 4 speed...."one down-three up, son"..haha. Look em up, maybe you will end up with one!!! I'll never get rid of that one and i hesitate to restore it like new and lose all of it's battle scars from 3 boys learning how to ride. I guess that is why i picked up the others (all 3 colors and configurations by the way). Sorry for the long history there, i got a little bit carried away. That was fun to write about though, thanks for asking!!

StephenB. wrote: 2:44am August 9, 2010

200, do you really think KTM and de Carli would be racing in Europe and not here in the USA if our series is as good as you claim it to be? If it was merely down to which was cheaper to enter why would they NOT be here? How about Factory Yamaha. Yea, that's right. The USA no longer has a Factory Yamaha team but they kept their Factory Yamaha team in Europe. How does that work if our series is so much better? Even Mitch is supporting a team in Europe. A lot of that extra money goes back to the teams competing in the entire championship series with dedicated TV time, live timing and scoring, dedicated pit wash stalls, live race feeds in each pit stall, interviews and PR stuff with each rider/team at certain points of the season and during key points in each race, elaborate podium celebrations and so on. You may not like it but they apparently do. Ease off the caffeine pills and just accept that things can be done successfully other ways besides your own. The F1 business model is working very well for them right now. It's what happens when a riders/drivers union , promoter (Youthstream) and motorcycle organisation (FIM/UEM) come together. They try and make it fair for all sides so that each can grow equally and benefit from one another, not just themselves. Not to say Youthstream isn't making money off of it... but the whole point of starting a business is to make money is it not? You don't become successful with pennies in your pocket. It takes money to make money.

BillC wrote: 6:27am August 9, 2010

LMFAO BD200... U say this.. "I cant understand why you would argue with someone about something so silly"... A true Classic... Who was it aruguing about "TRUCKS" like a 10 year old last week??... Funny stuff. PS I am no fan of HD's either.

bd200 wrote: 10:06am August 9, 2010

BILLC, go jump in a lake, you are like a bit@hy old woman. You start more crap than anypone on here. It has nothing to do with you. so stay the hell out of it. You love to start crap because your old gray-headed as# is safe behind a computer. I never mentioned your nam,e, so stay out of it. Go work on a sled ans mind your own business before that nosey nose of yours gets in the way of someones fist.

sef154 wrote: 10:26am August 9, 2010

It's true that a series and an individual race are different, and MXdN is truly a great race. But with so much that can happen to affect that one race, I'm saying maybe it doesn't prove what some would like to think it does. Look what happened to Byrner last year. Race over for Australia. Or for that matter Cairoli, or Reed. Then you have something like Stewart stalling his bike two years ago, and people saying, "Ooh, Seb Pourcel gave him everything he could handle." Yea, for a couple of laps. Don't get me wrong; I love MXdN. But as I've said before, put the top 10 Yanks against the top ten from any other country ... no contest.

sef154 wrote: 10:32am August 9, 2010

McMoto40, I head North out of 'dilla to the Thruway. One of my regrets about the ride is that I can't stop at Burger World on Rt.20 on the way home; they closed a few years back. Bummer. Six days to go. UNA-F#&%IN'-DILLA!!!

sef154 wrote: 10:32am August 9, 2010

While I respect your enjoyment of Harleys, bd200, I don't like them either. Before you respond, I'm already thinking about jumping in a lake today.

BillC wrote: 10:43am August 9, 2010

BD200 you are the BIGGEST hypocrite I have EVER seen on ANY web site, YOU stick your NOSE into stuff ALL the time SO DON'T EVER tell me what I can coment on. This forumm is OPEN to ALL to coment on ANY post on here so get off your high horse. Also nice to see you still CAN'T control your self, YOU need to threaten me??? WOW you are a tough guy. GROW UP little man.

bryanc wrote: 12:08pm August 9, 2010

BillC, I have to agree with you... BD200 thinks he knows everything!

bd200 wrote: 1:55pm August 9, 2010

That sO.K, sef. I dont care who likes what really. Just BILLC calls me out on something that has nothing to do with him. I might join a conversation, but I dont direct it towards anyone with the intent to start an arguement like BillC. does. And talking on this forum is fine. Elsinore made the comment about arguing with Harley guys in person. Who cares really. But BillC. just throws his 2 cents in to start arguements period. He is an idiot. And a coward, he would be the first little Bit@h running scared if he was toe to toe. So you grow up BillC. and quit starting the crap, that is the most childish.

StephenB. wrote: 2:26pm August 9, 2010

^^^says the man who's speech ended with a tirade of 7th grade insults. You called him a coward on the internet man... all that did was take you down a peg in my book.

BillC wrote: 2:47pm August 9, 2010

Your on a Roll today bd200. He does not even see how his own post is contradiction (yet again). He tells me he wants to beat me up then says I am hiding or running. Dude you are out of control and its not just me saying it.

McMoto wrote: 4:38pm August 9, 2010

Its funny how these Comment posts can go on for days (4th). I guess that is the how slow (besides Loretta's) that the Moto scene has been. JONESIN' for Dilla! I was just checkin back in to see if anyone remembered the "road of chicken bones". Sef, I remember Burger World, did a Dilla to Royal Mt. run once YEARS back.

BillC wrote: 4:57pm August 9, 2010

I don't remember the chicken bone road, I do rememeber all the people sittin on the porches and lawans wavin, We would give stickers and stuff to the kids when we drove by. Good times. Can't wait!!! On the bike at 5:30am meet the crue at 6:00 and off to the Dilla!!!

sef154 wrote: 5:05pm August 9, 2010

McMoto40, I was just at Royal a few weeks ago to help a friend at Wednesday night "Supercross" (more like shorter mx, under the lights). The place hasn't changed much. I turned many a moto there in years past. Five more days to 'dilla!!!

McMoto wrote: 6:38pm August 9, 2010

Sef, I only rode Royal Mt. twice, Last time was 89' or 90' (?) John Gurga (spl?) pretty much schooled us. He was an older ex pro from my time that was a local Honda dealer Service Manager I think. Fun to race under the chair lifts. BillC, Rt 8 south to Binghamton in the late 70' on would have a section in one of those towns, (with all the people watchers) that sold bagged chicken right on the road. For the next 5 miles or so everyone would chuck the eaten off bones out the windows and they were EVERYWHERE. Sorry, but I seem to always remember weird crap. Too many years campin' on the HILL!