10 Things To Watch For: San Diego
Friday, February 18, 2011 | 12:15 PM
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PrintThis weekend the 2011 Monster Energy Supercross tour heads west back to California for the seventh round of Monster Engery Supercross. The 450 race and 250 race will air LIVE on SPEED on Saturday at 10:30 pm (EST), and you can count on the Racer X Online team to lead the way in live updates, Twitter reports, and videos. Here are 10 things to watch for in San Diego.
1. Back to the West Coast: Did all of that Barcia/Wilson battling make you forget the west wasn’t done yet? The team trucks have just completed their big loop from Southern California to Houston and back to SoCal again, which brings the West Lites back into the game. It also presents the last weekend in California for many of the riders who live and train in Texas, Florida or Georgia. Not only will the tour swing east after this one, many of the riders will, as well. So for the teams, these are the last few days to get easy access to testing—with the riders, team trucks, race shop and test tracks all working out of the same area code.
2. Hanny's Hand: Remember, the Western Lites boys have only had one weekend off, and when we last left them, points leader Josh Hansen was hurting big time with a broken hand. Sure, he won the Anaheim 2 race, but sometimes adrenaline takes over for a few hours, and reality sets in the next day. Hanny had breakfast with our man (and his) Eric Johnson this morning and said the hand is not even close to 100 percent, but he’s going to tough it out and hang on with whatever he has. This could be interesting.
Hansen's not 100%, but he is going to give it a go anyways.
Photo: Simon Cudby
3. The Opportunists: So let’s theorize that Broken Handy is going to be in survival mode, just searching for a top five or so. Who can take advantage? It starts with his teammate Broc Tickle, who sits just eight points back. If Tickle wins and Hansen finishes fifth, Broc makes up nine points and takes over the series’ lead with just three rounds to go. And there’s plenty of talent to get between them, like surging rookies Eli Tomac and Ken “fresh off seventh on a 350” Roczen. You’ve got Cole Seely looking to bounce back from a few tough weeks, Rockstar Suzuki peeps Morias and Davalos, Kyle Cunningham and plenty of others who can mix it up. And Broc could be a favorite this weekend, since he usually shines in sloppy conditions. Have you seen the weather forecast for San Diego on Saturday?
4. The Weather Forecast for San Diego: Weather.com says there is a 70 percent chance of rain on Saturday. (Click HERE to view weather report.) What could this mean? Check out yesterday’s Bench Racing Ammo for a scouting report.
5. RV Show: Ryan Villopoto is back in the points lead after a podium finish in Houston. But when he last battled with series’ rival James Stewart, Stewart got the edge on him in Anaheim. So the question remains—did Stewart edge ahead on speed in general, or was it just a really good one-night show for JS7? Villopoto’s confidence never wavers, and no doubt he’ll be ready to challenge for the win this weekend.
Will Villopoto still hold the point's lead after San Diego?
Photo: Simon Cudby
6.California Series: We mentioned how this is the last round in the Golden State. Who will end up being the most impressive rider in California this season? And thanks to Stewart’s swoon in Houston, Villopoto is the series leader, but we did some math on points in just the Cali races. Check out the data:
Cali Series Points Now w/ Phoenix and Houston
1.Stewart=92 1, Villopoto= 132
2.Villopoto=90 2. Stewart=123
3..Reed=72 3.Canard= 112
4.Canard=67 4. Reed= 105
5.Dungey=63 5. Dungey=101
6.Windham=57 6.Short= 80
7.Metcalfe=54 7. Metcalfe= 80
8.Short=50 8. Brayton= 65
9.Brayton=42 9 Millsaps= 62
10.Millsaps=34 10. Windham= 61
7. Reed and Dungey Re-fire: Chad Reed looked to be turning a corner with back-to-back podiums in Oakland and Anaheim. His Houston result was wasted in that big first turn crash. So if Chad really is back to his old podium-resident self, he needs to get back up there this time. But with Villopoto and Stewart fighting for real estate on the box, too, there’s just not enough room up there for everyone. What about the champ, Ryan Dungey? He’s still motivated to get a W—so he’s not going to be happy with a fourth.
8. Canard! And let’s not forget the man who won last week’s race, Trey Canard. Seriously, Trey was already going fast, and now he’s got a confidence boost. All the contenders are still in this—enjoy these days.
Button is set to embark on a courageous journey across the country this weekend.
Photo: Simon Cudby
9. KW’s Back: “That was close” applies for Kevin Windham in two ways. He was on the verge of getting a big win in Houston by leading most of the way, but then he dodged a major bullet by surviving a big crash without a major injury. It’s great that K-Dub is going to at least make it to the show. And if it starts to rain, here we go!
10. Jimmy Button: The factory Yamaha rider left San Diego in an ambulance 10 years ago, with a high probability that he would never walk again. He overcame incredible odds, and is now trying to do it again by embarking on a remarkable journey—a bicycle ride from San Diego to Daytona. It starts this weekend. Support the cause for spinal cord research and learn more about Jimmy’s amazing story at www.milesformiraclestoday.com
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Check out CAUGHT OUTSIDE
in our Latest issue of Racer X available now.
One of the most successful—and controversial—team managers of all time, Larry Brooks is looking to return to the races. Page 146.
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70% chance of rain? so we pretty much assured we're gonna get a mudder... Depending on Windham's injuries i think we can expect him in the top 5! I think Villopoto is going to take it again this week, he knows all about rain and riding mud. Definitely be interested to see how Hanny handles the broken hand, everyone knows his reputation. He's showing a different side of himself this year if he finishes top 3 with a broken hand i'll believe it is a different Hanny we're seeing! Should be a fun race and good to watch this week. I'm not sure it can top the Lites battle last week in Houston, but this is Supercross and it just gets crazier every week!
mxsxplanet.com
Coolest thing so far this year is that its a toss up each week.....Obviously if JS7 avoids falling he is a shoe in for top 3....same with RV2......The rest of the guys are a little less predictible as RD has started up front and gone backwards with no exuse other than just getting beat and Reed and Canard have had average nights with no crashes ending up in the 5 th 6th place area while the top guys were lapping up to 9th place......If its muddy, I see the top points guys JS7, RV, CR and TC playing it rather safe and salvaging points on a risky track and maybe just maybe, RD will get a win, although it wont mean much if the other players are on cruise........
I hate mud races, Hate seeing the best guys in the world paddeling there way around a track pluse would hate to see any of the contenders dnf because of something dumb because of the mud.
When I was not as good I loved mud races because anything can happen.... But when I could win my class I hated mud races ... because anything could happen LOL
I guess the good thing is despite a 70% chance of rain, it doesnt seem like it will be too heavy of a down poor, but what do I know........some of the tracks this year could of used some dampness in the dirt...
Go Jimmy Go!
SPAM BOARD
Directions: Pleese yous improoper Inglish 2 leaf ur dumba$$ precipitation of realty below.
11. Lots more racing on TV because it's on Speed live this weekend. No crappy CBS version of the Supercross coverage. YAA-Freaking- HOO!
I can't believe people wouldn't take the time to use proper english, I get so mad, I have nothing to add or anything worthwhile to write, but I'm mad, and people will read what I say so I might as well try to be a dumbass to kids trying to have a good time. hell yeah I'm an idiot.
what's the Weege got against Mudflaps? Davi finished forth and everyone doesn't pay attention. I guess that's what happens when your team manager says you make excuses every week and don't try.
Piggybacking off of reese's post. I realize that the coverage on CBS is done in order to reach a wider viewing audience. That being said, the coverage is absolutely horrible. Hallelujah to SPEED covering this one live. When is CBS going to realize they are doing an injustice to the knowledgable viewers.
Wonder how Stewart's traction control will be in the wet?
i wonder why CBS shows the entire first heat even when they are boring runaways like last week (maybe cuz it was the only time RD golden boy won), then they blast through the highlites of the second heat and thats it....why not show both or maybe just equal highlites from both heats....do people really care to watch Nick Wey with and RC car?
pretty sure Button got hurt in 2000.
Mud is part of racing- if it happens
Stewart did it again, he may be the fastest when he are one the wheels but who was father of the first turn pile up and then AGAIN jumped on another rider when he was charging and let his brain in the first corner.
He may be the fastest but he just holding it down, how many stupid (accidents) moves should they let him do before it is going really bad???
Chad 13 & Redbeard65:
I'm *****ing about the SX coverage SHOWN ON CBS, not on *****ing about CBS. I don't blame CBS.
CBS & CBS Sports has nothing to do with the content and direction of the SX programs shown on thier network. The Speed & CBS Supercross programs are produced by the same outfit. Feld Motor Sports is buying the time from CBS and the shows are delivered to CBS. Probably because its NETWORK TV the CBS shows are all about Supercross advertisor product placement within the show, at the expense of showing more actual racing.
I dont disagree reese, I would rather have what they provide on CBS than no coverage at all, but if they are going for "new" viewers, they should stick with the racing action and less down time. commercials are commercials but I have friends who are not into racing and when the races are on they will watch, but as soon as they go to the "party in the pits" or "nick wey with an RC car".....they lose interest really quick...I can sit through it cause I am a true fan...maybe they need downtime so Emig and Ralph can keep changing in and out of their SPEED shirts into the CBS shirts......
I got this weird feeling Cunningham is going to make the podium this weekend, it's weird. Oh well, if he does he's earned it. After K-Dubs crash last weekend my season is ruined anyways, he had it, and every season his wins make my season. Like LaRocco's last years, always like to see the oldest suprise the youngest. Only things for certain hasnt changed since pre-season, ton of talent in the 450 class, they are riding with respect for each other, and the fans are guaranteed some of the best racing in the last decade (more than 2 way battles).
I agree 2old. When was the last time we had all manufacturers (except KTM???) represented with a rider / bike capable of winning races. We've already had 3 of the "big five" in the winners circle. 2 more to go..........or Pourcel could show up on a TM or Husky and slither his way to the podium........or not.
the Dunge will make it to the top,,its his...oh yea 1 other detail,,HELLO..ITS NOT GONNA RAIN.
Has any rider won the title and not gotten a win the entire next season?? It may happen if RV2 and Stewie keep it going . He had a big chance and didnt get it. what are the chances that Stewie and RV will get into trouble again at the same race, at the same time?? He better pick it up and get more aggresive.
CBS = Cannot Broadcast Supercross
Raggin on RD bd200?? Sounds like what I have said. Either way he is still over 30points out. Will need a LOT of good luck to have any shot at it.
PS I don't think it's happen in the big class just the lites.
I think RC won the title one year and sat out the next year when he had his knee surgery? so no wins for hin that year..... But other than that, i think the defending champ has come out and won within the first few rounds....almost halfway through and no wins for the Dunge....it will happen eventually I am sure, he is a great rider..but after last week, its obvious he is going to need some more luck when the top guys have bad luck...but I dont see him beating them head to head....
Well, I guess it was ragging, but he may not get a single win a year after winning a title. I didnt think he would win the title this year anyway. But I wopuld have picked him to win a race or two. Stewie has been known to crash and through away a race or two. And Dungey has ran with RV before but not anymore except one time for a portion of the race. And REDBEARD, If a guy doesnt line up at all, does that even count?? He never even attempted a race that year, then went 24-0 outdoors and won the title again in supercross the next year.
Dude called Stewey "FATHER OF FIRST TURN PILE UPS"... thats a good one
CBS or Speed can't show both heats,because then we would'nt have time for the little Ramp Robot promo.Just because freakstyle is done on a dirtbike does'nt mean it appeals to the MX/SX viewer give them there own show and but it on after Bubbles World then they could advertise it as the Dumb and Dumber hour.
Man Millsaps gets no respect or recognition for his performance last week . Im rooting for the underdog this week go DM#18