Redux: Los Angeles
Friday, January 28, 2011 | 2:05 PM
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PrintWelcome to ReduX. And welcome to another fantastic round three!
Last week we reviewed the recent history of, specifically, the third round of Monster Energy Supercross, and the stats showed that round three is almost always a barn burner. The right aspects are there: too early in the year for anyone’s confidence to be shot, but deep enough into the season for everyone to have worked out their nerves. Battling hard at Anaheim 1 leads to instant arm pump. But by round three, people are feeling racy.
And they believe they can win. Believe it in their heart and soul, with conviction. Say it, Ryan Dungey, James Stewart or Ryan Villopoto: “I can win this race and I should win this race.” Stewart, seriously pretty much did tell me that after the race. Check out my piece with him HERE.
Point is, to the fans this was an amazing/awesome/superb battle, and I say right here, right now we just coin the term “round three theory” and throw it out there whenever the stars are aligning for a good race. Round Three Theory doesn’t even have to be reserved for an actual round three, but just for anytime that circumstances create more than two riders who truly, completely, believe they can and should win and you can think of no evidence to counter that. You then you have the blueprint of a great race, and hence are utilizing Round Three Theory in anticipation of it.
The blueprint was there heading into the first-ever supercross at Dodger Stadium. Stewart and Villopoto could each lay claim to “fastest guy” over the first two races, but Ryan Dungey was making some progress and promising to get to their pace. Trey Canard had proven to be a player, too.
Been awhile since we've seen these two battle. Stewart passed Dunge twice. Just sayin.
Photo: Simon Cudby
The race was awesome. Dungey led early, Stewart battled past, Dungey and Canard kept Stewart in sight (yup) until Villopoto came blasting through, even catching Stewart and trying for a pass. Then Villopoto and Dungey tangled, Stewart got a small gap, then crashed, and Villopoto took the lead and took off. Stewart mounted a crazy late-race charge, pulling off an insane pass on The Dunge and even reeling in Villo. Good stuff all around. Oh man this was a good one. Fans pumped. Industry pumped. Everyone was pumped. Super pumped.
Until I went down to the podium. Yeah, Monster Energy Kawasaki’s crew was all fired up, Villopoto’s mechanic Mike Williamson rode the bike back to the pits and gave anyone remotely close to his intended path a huge high five. Villopoto himself was all smiles. And I think Team Manager Mike Fisher was seen visiting every other team truck and just shaking people’s hands and basically congratulating the world on being round. He was pumped on everything.
But then you had Stewart and Dungey. Not pumped.
Dungey was much more emotional than his normally robotic self. He didn’t look flustered or frustrated or, as Jim Holley says, flustrated. He looked like he had just seen some dude making out with his chick, and he was so fired up to both A) kick the dude’s ass and B) enjoy getting to play the field himself next week because he’s now officially single.
That was the kind of look Dungey had. Mad, and yet with great anticipation for the future. Did he think it was a great race? Yeah maybe, but he didn’t win it so who cares?
Stewart was even worse. Just straight-up pissed that he lost. Not in a sore loser way, but in a, “I can’t believe I forgot to turn the oven off and burned this house down” way. He knew it was his fault, but he won’t do it again.
Everyone wants to win and thinks they can, but this guy did.
Photo: Simon Cudby
But would Stewart have really won that race? I doubt it, since Villopoto sliced and diced his way through traffic and closed to James’ wheel. This was by far the most complete SX win ever for RV, because he did it without a good start, and battled his way past everyone. And, most importantly, he expected to battle his way past everyone. Like I said, the guy believes, with conviction, in his heart, that he’s supposed to win every darned race. So even if he starts in the back, even if he has to catch Stewart or Dungey, it’s like he just says “okay, I’ll do that” and he does. How many riders have ever gone to the gate thinking “If Stewart gets a lead on me I’ll just reel him in?” I count one and a half (RC all of the time and Reed some of the time). Villopoto is into some rare air.
And James wasn’t pulling away from Dungey or Canard much, either. That was just a bizarre sight to see, James Stewart, in the lead, but just not pulling away. Yeah, he didn’t pull away from Chad Reed at the beginning of 2009, but James’ bike didn’t look very good then. And he didn’t always gap Carmichael, but on the days when RC could hang with him, it looked like the ground was about to just scurry away from him in fear. He was pounding it that hard. This time Stewart and his pursuers all just looked fairly smooth.
Maybe James has backed it down a bit. He sure looks to have found extra speed at the end of the race…but you know what this whole thing really comes down to? All of this conjecture and wonder and talk about these guys? Ryan Villopoto does not care. Not one bit. The dude is fast and strong and expects to win and that’s about it. He has no strategy besides get a good start and haul ass, and if you don’t get a good start, haul more ass.
Canard is hauling. Weimer and Pourcel have to be wondering "What if?"
Photo: Simon Cudby
But this is still James Stewart, and he’ll always have the punchers’ chance. He could find even more speed over the next few weeks, just like he did a few rounds into 2009. Yes, some fans will say this is a James Stewart suck up, but when you’ve been faster than just about everyone you’ve raced since you were five years old, you earn the right to not be dead and buried just three races into a series. He also passed Dungey twice in the race.
Trey Canard should have been hurt in his heat race crash. We should have lost one of the contenders. Instead, Trey only had the wind knocked out of him, and once he got up, he was fine. “If that doesn’t make you believe in your faith, I don’t know what else will,” said Trey after the race. He also felt like he rode much, much better than he did last week in Phoenix. You know who said the same thing? Dungey. These guys believe.
Kevin Windham and Justin Brayton were up in the mix with that fast pack early, but they couldn’t quite hang with that pace. Brayton was fifth, one spot better than last week. He is on the verge, but is he on the verge in the same manner Andrew Short always was—always just needing that little bit more? We’ll see.
You may not have noticed that Brayton finished 5th, so here's a picture.
Photo: Simon Cudby
Wait, did I just refer to Short in a past tense?
The other rider who could get into this mix is Chad Reed, but Reed hasn’t been anywhere near the front early in the races. He told me he wasn’t happy with his bike in the whoops or how it felt entering corners, so he’s been testing at the Honda track (instead of Castillo Ranch) and hopes to be there soon. Without a good start, we can’t really rate Reed’s performance, yet. But the dude used to be able to get a podium from anywhere. Now the rest of the comp is just too good.
Onto the Lites. Back at Loretta Lynn’s in 2008, High School Musical star Corbin Bleu showed up to promote his upcoming motocross movie, called Freestyle. I’m not sure if that movie ever went to theaters, but I do know that Corbin’s agent told me, “You don’t need to say Corbin is from High School Musical, because by the time the stuff we’re working on hits, he’ll be leaving High School Musical way behind.”
Ah, agents. Anyway I got to bench-race with Corbin, and he told me he was cheering for his buddy Cole Seely, who he met filming the movie. But I never saw this Cole Seely guy. He was never up front.
If you had told me during that time period that Cole Seely was just two years away from winning a supercross, I’d have thought you were talking about another movie. But it has happened, for real!
It’s awesome when guys like Cole win. It proves you don’t need a bazillion amateur titles to succeed in this sport. It helps keep the racing unpredictable, and gives everyone else some hope.
Cunningham got taken down by Roczen last week. Roles reversed this time.
Photo: Simon Cudby
In the LA race, Seely grabbed the holeshot and Eli Tomac was right behind. Jim Holley was standing next to me, and we started announcing pretty much like we were still doing a Webcast. I said “Tomac finally has a start, he can win this” and Holley said, “Seely finally has a start, he can win this.” It was a battle to see which rider could settle down first, and Seely said by about lap five he had stopped freaking out, started putting in his laps, and brought it home. Tomac wasn’t quite as steady, but he was close. Ken Roczen, Martin Davalos and Kyle Cunningham could have won that race, too. Unfortunately Cunningham tried to make a move in a spot you could not, took Roczen down, and Davalos got collected.
Point is, five riders could have won that race. That’s what’s so exciting about round three.
Email me [email protected]
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Nice Jason ! Strategy get a good start and haul ass, and if you don’t get a good start, haul more ass. Pure Moto ! JS7 recurring nightmare........redheaded monsters ! I think we hear the conductor now, ALL ABOARD the RV bandwagon, next stop TGO ! RD, nine down and pissed ? Let it hang out #1 ! Did you use High School Musical and Mike Fisher in the same article ? D*** dude didnt think you had the stones , no mention of you know who. Thank you !
JimM
CarlsbadCa
All these guys are a rare breed and the 'Fastest Men on the Planet'. But, they all have to ride to the ragged edge of their ability for 20 minutes. One small mistake could mean a stuffed-up muffler or a broken body. It's gonna take a lot of skill and a little luck to finish this season on top. Hopefully, it'll be the Ryan's!! (Trey deserves it too!)
Good write Jason, it's been said thousands of times already and i think as the season goes on it will be said thousands of times more. This season seriously could turn out to be 1 of the best supercross seasons in the history of the sport. We have so many healthy riders who are fast and "know they can win" this year that the racing can only go one direction. That direction is pure Crazy! i'm so excited between races each week just to get to the next one. I can't believe the butterflies i had last week in LA when Metty jumped out on the holeshot, Stewart was mid pack, and VIllopoto was at that back, i knew i was in for something good! The guys did not disappoint, can't wait for Oakland!
MxSxPlanet.com
Fantastic write up Weege, thank you. Had me chuckling several times and full on laughing when you were describing RV's strategy.
Nice move last week Kyle Cunningham. Ruined it for yourself, Roczen and Davalos. The two of them should have come over and bit*h-slapped you afterwords for such a pus*y move. What the hell was that for? You crashed into Roczen the week before basically because you were following in the same line and got caught up in Roczen's yard sale. Dude, get a clue. It's one thing not to get pushed around on the track but if you don't know the difference between an accidental crash and getting 'punted', let someone else have your ride. Shi*ty, childish attitude, Bro. Grow up and let us know when you would like to be thought of as a man by riding clean; if you actually have the skills to do it.
@KG Don't know if I would say it that harshly, but I have to agree with you. I bet KC35 is mad at himself too. He does have what it takes to be up front and let his raging youth emotions take over. $hit happens on the track, and now he (KC35) paid twice for it twice. Lesson learned. I think he would have had a good showing at LA. Top 5 definately....maybe better!
Ooops cancel the last twice! twice twice?
Yeah, ride4ever, maybe it was a little harsh. Good point. KC35 could be a winner yet this season, but not racing like he did last week. I just want to see all of 'em race hard but fair. Easy enough to wad it up all by yourself out there without anyone's help. Like a lot of other readers I was on 'the gate' once too. Having another ACL repaired in 2 wks., so the idea of one guy loosing his cool and possibly taking out himself or anyone else just gets my Amsoil a little hot. The only kind of revenge that matters is beating the others to the checkered flag. Great article, Jason. Keep it up!
So Trey Canard thinks his god prevented him from being seriously injured as a reward for really, really worshipping him. I suppose when Villiopoto got injured last year the god didn't protect him because he did not worship him enough or maybe the god just doesn't like him enough to bother. What about Andrew McFarlane or all the other riders who have been seriously injured or killed. What was Canard's god doing then. He didn't bother protecting them because they did not worship him enough? Does Canard think he is special in the eyes of his god, a chosen one maybe?
I have seen interviews with Canard and he seems a nice enough guy, just not bright enough to realize the implications of his claims.
Good article Weege!! Glad to hear Dungey was mad, I like that. This is shaping up to be the best supercross season I have seen in a long time. Cant wait.
alfred, who are you to question anyones faith. If that is his beliefs, so be it. Any thing you say arent going to change that. So keep it to yourself. I would much rather see a young person be a Trey Canard follower than any steriod popping football player throwing gang signs on the sideline. What kind of world is it becoming when someone takes the time to type a blog to rip a guy for being a Christian?? Leave him and his beliefs alone, he sure isnt doing anything to hurt you. So why do you care??
Not coming at this from an atheist perspective or anything, but I have to agree with alfred regarding Canard's comment. He's entitled to be "god-fearing" (it is America, after all), but let's not get carried away. Anybody who believes that "God" (and I'll admit I have a different view than that of organized religion) selects certain people to reward and others to punish ... well, I just have to roll my eyes and shake my head.
... and Weege, great article, but I think you have to come up with another name rather than "Round Three Theory," for "anytime that circumstances create more than two riders who truly, completely, believe they can and should win and you can think of no evidence to counter that." We could (and hopefully will) have an entire season where that theory applies, but it would sound kind of dumb to keep calling it "Round Three Theory."
God bless us all!!!! LOL. I don't believe God plays favorites, I also don't believe Trey or any God-fearing Christian believes that either, Just thanking the almighty for keeping HIM safe, nothing more. Nice write up. Always a joy to read...
Who in the f*** are you to bring Andrew Mcfarlene into your weak every action has a equal and opposite reaction vitriol . Trying to connect the dots that one mans faith leaves another unprotected or even somehow causes tradegy puts your "brightness" into question and inspires my faith to stomp the bitterness from you.
JimM
CarlsbadCa
Sorry guys, I know this is not the platform but sometimes...........
bd200, I see comprehension is not your strong point. So let me reiterate; Trey's claim is insulting to the hundreds of thousands of people that suffer terrible injuries or die everyday, you know the ones that his god did not protect, the ones where it did not intervene and change the laws of physics to save them from injury or death, many of them of equal or of more faith than he, because it implies that he is somehow special in the eyes of his god, that they are lesser individuals in the eyes of this god, that they are not worthy of protection. He needs to explain why his god did not protect Villopoto or McFarlane.
I see that Trey did not "keep his religion to himself" so I won't keep my objections to myself. If you use your position in public to proselytize by making ridicules and insulting claims then be prepared to be ridiculed in public.
Professional sportspeople should not use their public position to proselytize.
That bit about "steroid popping football player throwing gang signs on the sideline" I have no idea what you are on about.
And if you think christianity or religion in general is harmless then I suggest you study some history.
Religion is harmless, people who try to force their belifs on others isnt harmless. It is people in the wrong who dont practice what is preched in the Christian religion. I just feel to attack a guy because of what he feels deep inside is wrong. And I dont think he was insulting anyone in any way. But if you interpet that different fine. But dont tell me I dont comprehend correctly jerk-off. Its not true. If thats what he feels, its fine for him. I dont see attacking a guy for it..
"Stewart was even worse. Just straight-up pissed that he lost. Not in a sore loser way, but in a, “I can’t believe I forgot to turn the oven off and burned this house down” way. He knew it was his fault, but he won’t do it again." Wanna bet?
Seriously endoman lol not way that wont ever happen again
I don't for a minute think that Trey meant disrespect to others, but his statement regarding his crash, “If that doesn’t make you believe in your faith, I don’t know what else will,” does insinuate that his "faith" somehow protected him. It doesn't work that way. And bd, I have to STRONGLY disagree with you that religion is harmless. It has been used to kill more people than any other "excuse." Spirituality is harmless. Religion is a segment of the populace creating "rules" for the rest of us under the guise of "god."
This really isn't the forum for this religion banter, But, If Trey Voicing what he did offended you, Get over it!! A majority of the populas on this globe is in one way or another, God fearing/worshiping, and again, the majority has to bow to the minority. GET OVER IT!!!!!
Look at your first sentence, bigtireguy; "This really isn't the forum for this religion banter." But there is Canard's quote, in black and white, right in the article. FYI, I'm not worked up about this at all. I just read alfred's comment and clearly saw his point, but then I read things like "who are you to question anyones faith?" or " What kind of world is it becoming when someone takes the time to type a blog to rip a guy for being a Christian?" when I don't think that's what he was doing at all. I guess the American belief that "everybody is entitled to their opinion" is BS when it comes to Christianity. I find it interesting that Christians are so used to being "in power" here in the U.S. that any effort to question or to establish equality for another religion is met with statements like, "the majority has to bow to the minority." Ask any non-Christian if they feel like anybody's "bowing for them” in this country? BTW, one of my beliefs is that if people acted more like Christ, we’d have a lot better world.
... that is to say, I'm not "anti-Christ." But I'll never credit him for having better luck than someone else, either.
I have met and talked to Trey Canard several times and he is about as "Christ-like" as it gets. He is one of the nicest, and most wise young adults I've ever met. He's definately made a difference for the good in mine and many others lives....
I don't argue that, RBotts. I like the kid. But I definitely see alfred's point regarding the comments. Sometimes it's a bit much.
Sef, I believe we are on the same page, sans Trey voicing his gratitude. I agree we all would be better if we acted better, or "more Christ-like". I believe I didn't clearify my comment about the "majority bowing to the minority". I am just sick and tired of the Politically correctness BS going on in this day and age.... Thats all. The student suspended for wearing a shirt with the American flag on it on Cinco De Mayo, because it offends the Mexican students..... Thats what I was referring too. PC is out of control... This country was founded on the belief of God. But, if you dont believe in God, it offends you to hear that... Thats all.
@bigtireguy - I'm definitely not the political correctness police. There is a difference, though, between suspending a student and voicing an opinion on a comment. I think we're starting to beat this into the ground. I'd rather see less bashing in general out here and more simple moto appreciation. Like I said, I like Canard. But I'd rather make my feeble attempt to live a little like Christ than to talk about him every time you turn around. That's all.
I agree Sef. That was a great race last night huh? Be safe Brother, I'll see you on another post! Smile