by Steve Cox
5 Minutes with... Mike Alessi
Wednesday, September 1, 2010 | 9:00 AM
Share
Comment
Email
PrintJagermeister/FMF KTM’s Mike Alessi has struggled more this year than he probably has ever in his career. However, before Southwick, he tested some with his team on his KTM 350 SX/F and found some new stuff, and it showed. Alessi went 3-4 for second overall on the day.
Mike Alessi: Exactly. Even in life, it applies. When you start pushing so hard and trying to recover from a bad weekend, it’s like anything, when you start trying harder you’re actually going backward. I feel like that was kind of what happened. Halfway through the season, I started realizing that things aren’t going the right way at all, and I think I just continued down that path. I kind of struggled with bike setup going down the wrong road thinking maybe this setting was better. Ultimately, though, I woke up Sunday morning after Unadilla and I just thought to myself, "13-13?!" I mean, that’s the worst I’ve ever done – 13th place. I woke up that morning and said I need to go for a run just to kind of clear my head and find myself again. I feel like halfway through the season, I kind of lost Mike Alessi there. It was tough for me, because I kept trying so hard and working so hard and I was actually doing worse every weekend. I started off winning [the second moto at Hangtown], then I went to a third-place guy, then I went to a fifth-place guy, then to an eighth-place guy, then to a tenth-place guy, and then finally I hit rock bottom at 13th. I realized what happened. "Who am I? What’s going on?" I think I finally hit that spot where I lost myself. The last two weeks, I’ve been working hard, training hard, running on the beach [in Florida]; doing whatever it took – swimming, road biking. Finally, it paid off this weekend. It feels really good. My team has really stuck behind me and they’re working hard. It really hasn’t been a great season, to say the least – it’s been pretty disappointing. I feel like this is a good way to turn around and possibly end the season strong and keep the momentum going. It feels good.
I know, for example, Jake Weimer last year at High Point started both motos in second place and he finished the day with no points. That was his breaking point where he’s like, "What’s going on with me?" There was a weekend off after that, and he literally did nothing for two weeks. He didn’t ride, he didn’t do anything. He played with his RC cars and then won the next race at Colorado.
For some people, it’s different. They have to take it out some way.
Mike Alessi climbed through the pack for a podium finish in the first moto, and overall.
Photo: Steve Cox
It’s about interrupting the pattern...
Exactly, something to interrupt it. To kind of stop that and bring you back to realizing what’s going on. "Why is this happening? Who am I?" Like you said with Weimer, you kind of lose yourself. "I started second both motos and ended the weekend with no points. What happened? Why is that?" You get so frustrated then you try harder and you actually go backward, I think. That’s what happened. I really say thank you again to my team. It’s been tough and Friday we practically stayed almost until dark at some track about an hour away and got some good settings. I was pretty dang happy and left there thinking, "It’s probably going to be a good weekend." They stuck it out until nearly dark and I was happy that we did that. I’m sure they’re happy, too, now that we did that and the weekend is over. It’s good. We’re going to go home and keep working hard and keep training hard and go to Steel City and do the same thing – try to be on the podium and try to get some good starts. I got some good starts today. The first moto, I started about tenth and worked my way up to fourth. Luckily, I got a break with [Brett] Metcalfe running out of gas, so I got third. It was good finally moving forward and charging through the pack and passing people. It’s a first for me, really. The second moto, I started about fifth or sixth and passed two guys real quick. I got aggressive and passed them real quick to get into fourth. I pretty much just maintained that all the way to the finish. I was right there in third for a while and I think it was [Ben] Townley right in front of me. I was battling with him for a few laps, then [Kevin] Windham. Right at the end, [Matt] Goerke got by me and I got the pit board saying "second overall" so I just stayed right there with two laps to go and brought it home in second. It feels great.
This isn’t normally your track. I think you do well in sand, but you haven’t been dominant here before or won anything here before, even though you live in the sandy high desert...
The desert is sand, but it’s more like powder sand. This is real sand here. Nothing like Lommel in Belgium. It feels good, and that’s really all I can say. I’m just proud that all that hard work I did the last two weeks in Florida paid off. I’m looking forward actually to getting back there and seeing what the success has done to keep driving and push harder and keep digging.
What is the overall thing you learned, in case this were to come up again in your career?
You know what? It’s something that you have to find within yourself in your heart and your soul; take a step back and ask, "Hey, what’s going on?" and figure it out for yourself. People can always tell you this and tell you that. They think they know the best thing for you, but at the end of the day, they don’t know you. They don’t know your body, only you do. I think that it comes from within and knowing what has to change because somebody can tell you, "You have to run this many miles or you have to run this many laps."
They say in this sport it’s 90-percent mental and 10-percent physical. I think that is a huge part of it, and I’m a strong believer that if you tell your mind you’re going to do good and you put yourself through that pain and the training, it’s going to pay off.
It’s probably more than 90-percent if you think about it this way: All of you guys at your level are great riders. You’re all very, very fast and in the end the difference is all in your heads.
You don’t end up top 40 at a National weekend by accident. You have to have skill, you have to have a little bit of luck, and you have to have a great machine. Also, you have to have a great mind. There are a lot of riders out there who wish they could be top 40. Unfortunately, they can’t because there can only be 40 riders. To be on the top step and be on the podium is a huge accomplishment in itself. I can’t thank the fans enough for sticking behind me this season and being there for me. I got a really warm welcome on the podium when they said my name and the fans were definitely really excited and happy to see me up there and cheering for me, so thanks again to the fans.
You’ve always been a great starter, but had trouble coming through the pack. Do you think it’s possible that having to pass guys this year is making you a more complete racer?
The way I’m looking at it, this season is more of a learning season. I’m not used to passing, so for me it’s like I’m in unchartered waters. Maybe next year it’ll happen and I’ll be able to just slice right through them. For me, I’m happy getting a holeshot and pulling one or two tearoffs in the race. That’s what [Ryan] Dungey is practically doing this season. He’s riding good and I want to congratulate him on his championship. He’s worked hard and you can tell he’s put some hard work in. Winning the Supercross and Motocross championship in the rookie year is no easy feat. It’s never been done.
Rookie or not, very few racers have done it.
Yeah, so congratulations to him on his success.
Share this article:
Did you like this article?
Check out LAST NIGHT
in our Latest issue of Racer X available now.
Ryan Villopoto may have locked up his 450SX title a week early, but the 2013 Monster Energy Supercross Championship finale still had drama and excitement to spare. Page 124.
Look for the verified symbol 
Impulse Studios
I bet they put a 450cc in for the sand, just called it testing.
"I’m happy getting a holeshot and pulling one or two tearoffs in the race. That’s what [Ryan] Dungey is practically doing this season." Not really, Mike. He's getting decent starts, but he's passing people. (Right, BillC?) He even hunted you down there one moto WITHOUT goggles. Oh, and Cox, "It’s about interrupting the pattern..."? Giving us a little Tony Robbins, there?
It's pretty cool of him to congratulate Dungey. usuallly he's all about himself, maybe this season has humbled him a little....hopefully.
"I just want to thank all my fans..." Huh, I didn't know Mike Allessi had any fans? I think it's funny, he had one decent race and he's talking as though he's going to get second next weekend. I mean, maybe he will, but he was over-hyped to death at the beginning of this year and look at him now! The last thing I'd be doing if I was him is talking like he's now going to finish on the podium every weekend for the rest of the season.
The Fact is Mike's a punk, Allways was and Allways will be, No Character at all.
I dont think Mikes a punk really. His Dad has givien him alot of his bad reputation. He has always been real cool to any fans I have ever seen aproach him. He made a bad move at Hangtown early in the season, but it is what it is I guess. I think what turns off alot of people is the guy is kinda Cy and a little arrogant. Alot of that comes from his Dad telling him and anyone else who will listen how great he is. And this season may humble him a whole lot. And almost not getting a ride may have alot to do with it also. He may not have a ride in 1 or 2 more seasons if he doesnt start landing on the podium more often. There are some real fast young guys coming up to take some rides.
It is interesting to see that all but one comment here points out what a jerk the guy is. His dad is the same. After this round with KTM is over I wonder who will pick them up?
I was at HighPoint the race he won his first National. I remember the post-race interview by the track announcer. One, he wouldn't shut up. Talked superfast and got in every line and catchphrase he had ever been coached to say in one unbelievably long (won't he have to breath some day?) sentence/monograph. But the thing I wont forget was, " now that I have won a race I am a SUPERSTAR of motocross. I always wanted to be a superstar like x and x, and now I AM A SUPERSTAR too!! I guess guys will be looking out for me now that I am a superstar." It was very uncomfortable to listen to. This was not long after the "hype" thing and standing there on the side of the hill, listening to this, a lot of folks looked over at other guys they didn't even know and said "Oh no" to each other. Was pretty comical and uncomfortable at the same time. The announcer finished with a "lets end this with another big cheer for our 1st place finisher Mike Alessi" and the crowd kinda cheer-moaned-groaned with very mixed enthusiasm. Anybody else there and remember the "I'm a SUPERSTAR" interview?
Tony is a jerk .. Thats ben proven many times.. A little of his "jerkyness" has rubbed of on Mike.. To bad for Mike.. If KTM lets him go,, I think Kawasaki is the only team his dad hasnt p!ssed off yet..
Ya Ya Sef, Just not as fast as i want him to LOL ;). Mike sounds like he is growing up. Hope to see someone else up fron... BKR Maybe i was right its mike and not the 350... Maybe...Come on BKR... what do ya think??
Mike used to be an arrogant guy and I used to dislike his ways so much but something one has to recognize that the guy is a hard worker and has big heart. Besides I don't see too many guys feeling capable of placing a 350cc bike on top of the 450's at this crazy fast level of competition adding to that such kind of crashes and injuries he's been through. For those things I feel respect for this guy which seems to be growing up both personal and professionaly. By the way I think he still has some fan base and there is nothing wrong with him giving thanks to all the fans in general, anybody placing some challenge up front now is welcome on the 450 class. I really hope Meety or Alessi or Short win at least one more race this season, there are many riders capable of doing so. Good job Mike and keep trying hard.
If KTM let's him go why would anyone pick him up? There are alot of better riders out there without a ride next year. Tony is going to have to get himself a box van to tote the boys around in next year. Time to start sharing the double beds at Motel 6 with little brother. Awwww man, peanut butter and jelly for dinner again?
How can he say its a "learning season" i'm so sick of people saying that. Really?? if its a learning season ride for free maybe? hard to beleive KTM is paying him to learn when he's been pro for how long? come on really?
ElsinoreRacer never saw that one LOL.
Caleb even RD said he learned a lot this year, You should never stop learning.
BillC,, thats true,, but RD is winning,, Mike is not.. Theres a BIG difference..
Two words: Team Husqvarna.
Even K-Dub says he's still learning. That's something that should never stop - for ANYBODY.
geesh whats with all the hate. I think he is a good dude and a great racer and i wish him and his ktm to have more success. I know a couple of people that said they treated thier kid really well as a fan when nobody was looking cut him some slack
I've always said if Mike stayed at Makita, he probably would have a red plate by now. Im not sure who he is riding for next yr but that KTM might be going to Pourcel if his Honda deal falls through. RV is staying Green, he took a pay cut and his only way to make more would be perfomance based.So you know he is going to be an animal 2011. I heard Reedy isnt going to Kawi anymore. Does that mean monster isnt going to sponsor Kawi? Will be interesting to See where Reedy ends up. If he doesnt retire he would probably have his own team. He needs to decide quick so he can get time on the bike b4 A1.
He's on an all new bike, and he's having his worst year ever as a pro, and he's 4th in the standings with 2 rounds left. Not bad. I've always liked watching him ride, a great talent on a dirt bike. Hope he finishes strong and can continue on w/KTM.
The interview was nice..... But, I bet Tony rips him a new one for not mentioning Him. Mike needs to remember that he is a top pro BECAUSE of Tony.. If he lost his KTM deal, NOBODY would pick him up.... Too much drama!!!! His best days are behind him.... (Suzuki).
Find himself ? Wow !!!
Mike Alessi is a great rider. All pro riders have gone through this at some point in there career. Mcgrath had the same thing happen to him when he went to Suzuki. GO MIKE!!!
Comparing Alessi to McGrath? Ummmm ... ok.
I've got four words, "it's not the bike". For KTM to Podium in the Sand of Southwick speaks volumes about the kind of power the 350 is making. Come on KTM, Let's get serious about operating a real first rate effort.
i just think mike needs to be on a bike with more cc's throw him on the 450, he did a great job campaigning the 350 but when he was on suzuki he woulda won the championship easily if it werent for mr stewart.....i know he doesnt want to admit it but he just needs to be on a 450...and dont let his dad get involved in his business anymore, hes a big boy now....i used to hate the kid im his age, so ive watched him all throughout his amateur and pro career...hes humbled alot and isnt the Cy,dilusional mike alessi.....or tony alessi jr. i should say
I've always been torn with Mike. Sometimes (usually) I can't stand the guy, but then there's other times. I'd like to like the guy... if only he'd give me a reason to!
Cox said it perfect in the first sentence. MIKE ALESSI has burried himself. And he wont get out. He's too ignorant and his daddy wont let him be a man. Therefore hes always gonna be the Whiney guy making a million and one excuses. I love seeing him outside the top ten, he diserves it
Motoxfan54, Mcgrath could have won the supercross title at the last round on his Suzuki if he didnt get a flat tire at the last race. That is a big difference than what Alessi is going through with this KTM. The 350 KTM makes a hair under 47 horsepower stock. I am sure they squeeze some more out of it. The 250 KTM makes 38 horsepower and the 450 makes 54 horses. That is alot of difference for a 200 pound motorcycle.And it makes most of its strongest horsepower above 10,000 rpm's. The n450's peak horsepower is at 8200 rpm. The 350 is at 12,200 rpm's for its peak horsepower. So you have alot different riding style for the 350. Maybe it just doesnt match the way Alessi rides. The 350 weighs in at 237 pounds without gas on the showroom floor. The lightest they can weigh is 220 pounds I think. So there is no advantage to racing the 350 in the 450 class at all.Except it has less power.
Humility, the RM-Z450, and a full AMA SX/MX season, perhaps three good things for Mike Alessi IMHO. (with the Rockstar Energy Suzuki team of Bill Keefe next year? or with the Suzuki first team for some peanuts?) sorry for my bad Englsih
Kawi is not going to pick up him because RV and Alessi would not get along like they dont right now and u know there not gonna deal with that drama. The only teams that would pick him up are teams that wanna be noticed. Mike will never win a championship EVER.. his career was done when he crashed at redbud few years ago and yes he is still his typical Cy self just cant see it because hes never on the podium anymore
I'm not a big Alessi fan but I personally think he's got a good enough skill set and conditioning to win in this class. It's the bike plain and simple. I don't care how "nimble" the 350 is, it just can't keep up with the 450's. They're giving up 25% of displacement and that equals torque and horsepower. I don't know what they were thinking...Mike's a stud if nothing else. He doesn't need a lighter bike to manhandle. I say give him a 450 and THEN judge him on his riding skill if he doesn't win. Just my 2 cents.
yamalink, dont be hatin on the Hastervarna! MX Cat had huge success on that team!
there's no replacement for displacement!!! Mike is a hardcore racer, and nothing wrong with his attitude! He's one of the best racers in the world. He can podium!! YOU cry babys are just jealous!!! LOL
Ummmmmmm, I love Canada but canadianmxfan--- Except for the no replacement for displacement comment, nope on everything else you just posted.
At least we agree on 1 thing JDubya! I am curious as to why Mike Alessi is not a hardcore racer and why he would not be considered a top racer in this time? It is no easy feat to make the podium! In my opinion he needs all the attitude he can get, even if he is big headed, cause he is racing against the best in the known universe!
bd200, that is what i've been saying all along about the 350. It has the weight of a 450 and the power of a 350. Now I'll answer BillC. He got good starts BOTH motos. Very short start straight and he had the inside gate. I don't know what Alessi is talking about as far as a 10th place start moto one, he was 6th after the 1st lap. Maybe people crashed 1st lap? Anyway, he was 6th after lap 1. Then Townley CRASHED and he was 5th. He eventually passed Regal and was 4th. Metcalfe ran out of gas....3rd. If he had gotten his 13th place start on a longer straight, he would not be sniffing around the top 5. Moto 2 he was 4th first lap, eventually passed Windham and then got PASSED by Goerke, for a 4th place finish. If you look back at Alessi's season you will see he basically finishes where he starts, unless he goes backwards. He is now enjoying some sort of false epiphany after Southwick that will be ruined at Steel City when he gets bad starts again. I don't think it's all the bike either BillC. Mike just isn't as good as he thinks he is. But watch whoever is on the 350 next year and how their starts kill them.
Oh and I forgot to include this. I was told preseason that Alessi would holeshot on a moped, that the 350 would not have ANY change on his ability to do so. Well?????
I was at the opening ceremonies for the "Believe the Hype" world tour. All his crew running around with these obnoxious tee shirts and attitudes.Things never really panned out the way they thought it would. He was ill advised to return too early last year with his knee injury and now he is a shell of what he once was. Can he turn it around? Maybe. But for now there are 20+ other guys I would hire ahead of him if it were my decision. He sat out the entire SX season to prepare for the outdoors. If he was gonna ever win another overall it should have happened already. The new blood coming up is gonna chew him up and spit him out all over the track. Not a hater, just telling it as I see it.
I will say that if he hasn't been a thorn in KTM's backside I would probably keep him around one more year and throw him on the 450. With the time he has had on the KTM he might still be an asset to the further development of their bikes if he doesn't cost them too much.
mike is a very very good rider and i am a huge fan but he needs to get on a 450 and pull some holeshots and show people how fast he really is
Funny u say this bd200 :"Mcgrath could have won the supercross title at the last round on his Suzuki if he didnt get a flat tire at the last race" But YET you say CP's bike blowing had NOTHING to do with RD winning that title!! Hmmmmmmmmmm There is a word for that....Hy______ fill in the blanks
That's YOUR interpretation, BillC. I don't think anybody has said CP's DNF had NOTHING to do with the championship, but rather many of us have argued against those who seem to think it's virtually the ONLY factor. And the point here is that McGrath switched bikes at the last minute prior to the season and was still there to the end. Alessi had months on this bike - even riding in Europe with it - and has NEVER been a factor after one moto win at Hangtown. Therefore, a comparison between the two is BS. That's MY interpretation.
Would like to see the new 450 make an appearance before the season ends. A little more hp ought to do the trick. If DeCoster goes to KTM like I'm hearing, Mike would be wise to tell Tony to back off / stay away. Suzuki is phenomonally incompetent for losing the Man. KTM should add an experienced / established SX rider to fast track the SX development and in this economy / contract season, one should be easy to find. Add in some energy drink $$$ and they will be up and running, talk about ready to race!
So now what happens to Mikey now that DeCoster is in charge at KTM? Might need to start sending out resumes right now.
Well Sef every time it is talked about all bd says is RD beat him at this race and this race bla bla bla, and you both always bring up the 2nd moto at southwick and BD HAS said 1 moto does not win a title so I don't know how else to interpert it.