Racer X Notebook: Atlanta
Monday, February 28, 2011 | 10:20 AM
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At the last few races, riders have been commenting that the tracks have been tight and made for difficult passing. At first glance, the Atlanta track looked like it could cure all of that, with a layout featuring a long start straight, and long rhythm lanes separated by a few 180 turns—the typical football field layout that most riders like. It didn’t work out, though, as the rhythm lanes didn’t offer up much variation. The soil was slick, too. That’s actually a credit to the track crew, since Atlanta’s red clay used to be sticky and rutted, but the crew has figured out how to combat that.
But passing was difficult on this track. But once again, you can’t argue with the excitement of the race.
-- The big story coming into the event was the rumored dismissal of Larry Brooks as Team Manager of Team San Manuel Red Bull Yamaha. Brooks actually started the team as a co-owner back in 2007, but rumors persist that James Stewart has bought into the team himself. When asked about Brooks’ status, Stewart said only, “Larry is taking some family time. He’s not here this week.” He also said the no changes are planned in Brooks’ absence, the team will continue to function as it is currently assembled. Surely more news will come of this, but by the end of the night the Brooks situation was overshadowed by the Stewart/Reed main event battle.
Can Metcalfe sneak into the top-five before season's end?
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson
-- Kevin Windham was back in action in Atlanta despite a rough few weeks. He crashed out of the Houston SX while leading two weeks ago, and then crashed in his heat race and suffered a mechanical failure in last weeks San Diego main event. Before the Atlanta night show, he joked that he was, “battered and bruised but still 150 percent.” His Atlanta main event was relatively drama free, although he did stall and lose ground at one point, en route to an eighth place finish.
-- Rockstar Makita Suzuki’s Brett Metcalfe had scored five eighth-place finishes in seven races coming into Atlanta. And eighth is not where he wants to be. Metty put in a solid week of testing with the Showa suspension gang. “I just want to make the bike more comfortable and more consistent,” he said. “We also worked on the engine so I can be more consistent with my starts.” Metty also said he had planned on turning it up during the second half of his rookie 450 SX season.
It looked good early in the night, as he started behind Chad Reed in his heat race and hung onto his rear wheel. Then Metcalfe crashed in the whoops, sending him to the LCQ. He battled Michael Byrne there for the final transfer spot in a battle of Australia, but with the last gate pick in the main event, he got a terrible start and finished tenth.
-- While Metty and Nick Wey prevailed in the SX LCQ, it ended up being a bad race for Team BTO Sports BBMX.com. The team’s two riders, Byrne and Jason Thomas, took third and fourth, the top spots to not make the main.
Is TwoTwo Motorsports looking at Pourcel for outdoors?
Photo: Matt Pavelek
-- Josh Grant is out with a torn ACL over at American Honda Racing. He suffered the injury in a crash with Jeff Alessi in Phoenix. Team Manager Erik Kehoe says the team is looking for a replacement rider for JG, and it will be one of the riders on the GEICO Honda or Lucas Oil Troy Lee Honda Lites teams. “We want to showcase our partnership with those teams, and give the younger riders on those teams something to shoot for,” explained Kehoe. “It really helps those guys to see the progression, to see where this can lead them in our system. We hope to have an announcement on who it will be by Daytona, and maybe get him racing by Indy.”
-- Chad Reed’s TwoTwo Motorsports Bel-Ray Racing outfit has been linked with signing Christophe Pourcel for the AMA Motocross tour. Reed’s agent, Stephen Astephen, admitted that they have looked at Pourcel, but the team is budgeted around one rider, not two, so they would have to pull some strings to make it happen. Astephen also confirmed that Reed and the team will definitely be racing next season. They have long-term plans, including running the operation once Reed is finished racing himself.
Balbi is filling in for the injured Kyle Chisholm.
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson
-- Brazilian veteran Antonio Balbi got a shot with the Motoconcepts Yamaha team as a replacement for the injured Kyle Chisholm. Chisholm suffered a lung contusion in a crash in Houston, and finally got released from the hospital a few days ago. He’s not cleared to fly yet, though, so he had to drive back to his Florida home. Balbi, meanwhile, did his job, putting his YZ450F into the main event and finishing 19th
- Austin Stroupe did not race again for Valli Motorsports Rockstar Yamaha, suffering from an ankle injury.
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How about RD running over Metty's head?? WTF.... Take out or Not I don't care but I really don't see how Reed could think that move was going to turn out good anyway. Reed only lost 2 points but JS lost 7. Is it just me or does RD look a little shell shocked?? He rode VERY good but was still loseing a little time to the top 3. He was right on RV at one point but in the end was over 4sec back. RV was a tick off also, was good to see him have a little luck after the last 3 weeks of bad luck though. Can't wait for this weekend to see them on a bigger track. My Guess RV and JS will shine.Maybe the more outdoor style track will get RD rollin?? What is the weather going to be like?? That could change everything.
Fun race to watch really had me on the edge of my seat. As far as CR22 goes though that was not a block pass, that was a flat out block. If you watch the video you can clearly see he could not have turned that bike and sqaured off that corner. JS7's pass had no contact from him and it was coincidental that regal was there. I was never a CR22 fan, I think he is a cry baby and some what a dirty rider, now this only reiterates my thoughts. If the same "pass" would have been put on him by JS7 he would be crying and protesting like the little baby he is. Good to see JS7 is finally growing up and taking the high road. I hope CR22 remebers JS7 has a team mate that can take him out next time he passes Regal. I don't see JS7 retaliating though.
BillC... Could not agree more.. RD looked shocked not expecting the top 3 to be that fast knowing he gave it his best..
And even RV was a little suprised.. Not only by the unexpected win and stupid, stupid comment on being smart.. Bloody hell... Just say luck is always welcome.. No smartness involved here.. Idiot.
But he can also be worried if Reed starts to be as fast or faster then RV & JS...
Daytona forecast will be partially clouded but with only 10% chance for rain.. Looking at 75 degrees Fh average.. Should be dry.. Mud races are a pain.. We have enough of them over here in Europe...
What an awesome race !! I am actually bummed that RV won extending a points lead. Both Reed n js deserved a win this night.
Reeds pass was agressive but go ahead and look at your reply over and over and you WILL see js had an option, to let off, Reed put himself infront of js ON THE FINAL LAP! the contact actually came from js. Now go and review Hanny's passes, he PUNTS guys by taking their front wheel, Reed n JS dont do that.
But anyway, this is what we all want as fans and thats good exciting racing and we got it for sure and you can bet your butt Daytona is going to be also.
Man, I like the Dung but he should of at least hung with and passed RV but its clear he's a tic off these guys n Canard is in that group too.
this weeks rev up will be a couple words, "watch Atlanta again" hahaha
@Longrod: Yes we all know that JS7 ain't unfamiliar with using his team members to help his title chances i.e. Chisholm 2009. I'd like to quote Ayrton Senna: “When there’s a gap, you either commit yourself as a professional racing driver which is designed to win races, or you come second, or you come fifth. And I’m not designed to come third or fifth, I race to win – and if you no longer go for a gap that exists, you are no longer a racing driver.”
For little Hanny to take out someones front wheel doesnt little Hanny have to be in front of the wheeel to do that? So his tactics are fine also.
And Larson/ Stewart, Larson should have just let off. Same with Sipes and Wharton.
Maybe we can get riders to just stop sideways in the whoops and then the other guy can just shut off or hit him. Heck the mains can last 30+ minutes.
Just remember when red plastic is flying, 'its just a racing deal".
Its Monday, and I am still a bit pissed at what Reed did. It was round 9, not 17, making that move far too foolish. If I recall correctly, Reed stated that Stewart had a choice to stop or crash and Stewart made his choice. I saw JS7 entering and exiting that turn before Reed. Then Reed just went in for the t-bone; ridiculous. Reed had plenty of races left to prove himself, and that stunt was uncalled for. This is why I haven’t been a Reed fan since he left Suzuki. He knows he isn’t as good so he tries to take people out. Villi P is loving it though.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNE2MqzYAGY
This says it all, look up from that fender James...
Not quite that old K-Dub on DV move :-)
Ralf,
You're weird...
Bottom line....Stewart left the door open. He's raced Reed long enough to know on the final lap, anything goes. If you give him the room, he'll take it. Take the inside line, no problem. Stewart would have done the same in Reed's position, no doubt. Not condoning Reed's takeout move at all, but instead of pouting about it, Bubba should have raced to the end, he had 2nd wrapped up, but apparantly chose to screw around with Reed to the checkers. Unfortunately the TV coverage didn't show that.
Hey, where's Redbeard65?
Did he get a job?
My top 5 picks for Daytona...
1. Nick Wey
2. Mike Alessi
3. James Stewart
4. Ryan Villopoto
5. Chris Blose
It's nice to see Stewart on the receiving end of the way he treats the other riders for a change. Reed, you just moved up the ladder in the respect department. Now maybe that boy will think twice about stuffing you, and will keep it clean. If not, he might get 3rd in the series. Funny how he lost his head and gave up more points. Now you know how to beat him. Do it mentally. He's weak-minded.
Ralf, Hanny lines someone up and runs into them. Reed beat Stewart to that spot on the track and Stewart ran into him. I am not condoning the move by Reed just pointing out the difference.
@jairtime,
How was your time in jail? I'm sure you're mentally stronger now. No more sedatives or weak-mindedness in your life.
Glad you're back on your feet, buddy.
That race was just awesome! Regal did nothing wrong when he was getting lapped. He kept his line and stayed as far wide as possible. That's what you are supposed to do. James raced Chad as clean as possible. He could have cleaned Chad out a number of times, but didn't. Chad did not "block pass" James. It was a take out. It is going to be fun to watch what happens now that Stewart doesn't have to play nice with Chad. I can't wait for next week!
Bill you sound like a broken record with RD. Funny nothing about RV getting lucky, unbelievable man.
Garjan111,
Have you been drinking?
staci sorry to disappoint but you only got 2 out of 5 on that one...
@Preston5 - You miss me big guy? The Stewart & Reed fiasco is a game of ping pong...whether Reeds move was dirty or not, it was stupid in my opinion...if Stewart had shut off he still would have blown past him through the whoops. Theres no way that move would of ended up postive for Reed. He probabaly would have washed the front end out anyway from the looks of it...
RD - yes, kid was surprised and didnt even look happy for 2nd...there is some good racing going on and he isnt involved...hasnt been all year....so far when he has been up front at the start, he has gone backwards...7th in his Heat race??? He needs to improve on his passing skills.....
Larry Brooks being pushed out of HIS team is just flat RIDICULOUS. Whatever people think of him is inconsequential. He has made a (multi) championship winning team that has competed at the highest levels and that is what we all aspire to. YES, he couldn't have done it w/o the help of the riders but, at the end of the day, they are hired help, WELL COMPENSATED hired help. That is true of all his riders from McGrath to Stewart. I hope whomever is behind this gets butt warts.
Reeds block pass was a little desparate but, legal. Guess who else would have done the same had the tables been turned. Reed looked better than all in the whoops and as fast if not the fastest everywhere else. If not for traffic, he'd have been on the top step. Daytona is going to be interesting on so many levels, this season has definitely delivered on the excitement. It seems every one of the "top five" are getting their turn at the lead. Maybe not Dungey so much but, it ain't over yet.
All I have to say is if this was an 80's or 90's supercross JS would be put in the cheap seats by any one of those guys for leaving the inside that wide open. How in the world has supercross become a powder puff party. There would be less crashes like that if you just expected someone to black pass you. I miss the days of barbanging and brake checking and real battles with people that had passion and wanted to win.
Garjan111 YOU sound like a broken record too and its aparent you can't read either. I said in my post it was nice to see RV get some luck after the last 3 weeks. Maybe you missed that because you were in such a rush to bash me and now you look like a fool..... Unbelievable man.... not so much!!
mxer4life... Back in the 80's and 90's.. Two stroke made it possible to bang bars alot.. without any bad consequences.. I still ride a two stroke.. Not only because of my age.. But the 2 stroke is more forgiving if I make mistakes...
Redbeard65 I said that last year about RD not being that great at passing people I and I got slammed left and right but who was right?? Maybe all the guys were just jummping on the RD bandwaggon and I just looked at it like I saw it. Funny also how If all the Guys who were not there all last year were gone again RD would be #1 in points instead he is 5th. He is rode much better this week speed wise so maybe he is comin on finaly.
As it was happening, I was shouting "so stupid". But today looking at the event a few times and then comparing it to past conflicts such as RC and mcgrath (which they just showed on that legends show) and the k-dub punt of DV, I can say it IS just racing. James wasn't paying attention and left the door WIDE open. It's both their fault. And now they're further behind RV.
ya, I dont give credit to LB for the success of Reed and JS, I give credit to the millions of $ san manuel has to buy top riders. Hence, dump Reed to BUY James away from Kawi ................ of course Red Bull was a factor too with Kawi being Monster.
LB will definately missed ....................... haha
"james, arent you pissed at Reed, go kick his bike over, I support you 100%"
hahahaha
Acejas...Exaclty, it is just racing....dumb move, but definitly a part of racing. How does this compare to Stewart jumpng into the back of Thomas? People say Stewart doesnt care about other riders, so how is this not a worse example? This occurance was intentional....Stewart couldnt really avoid Thomas, but surely didnt do it on "purpose"...Like Reed said, he knew it was 50/50....they would make it out, or go down...they went down...just racing....So is GReed a careless rider too? Malcolm was and idiot for what happend with PJ last week most will agree, but somehow Reed is excempt from being an idiot? I think GReed will think twice before he tries that one again....0 for 2 so far with Stewart....last time he broke his hand, this time he got boo'd off the stage,,,,
I cannot and will not predict who will win this title, but Stewart will take the points lead back at some point!! Unless Reed continues to be Reed and carries on his obsession with James!!
LEFT THE DOOR OPEN??????????? REED BLOCKED THE ENTIRE TRACK.............HOW ABOUT BE FASTER WITH STEWIE, OR IS THAT EVEN POSSIBLE. GUESS NOT, THEY HALL HAVE TO CRASH STEWIE TO WIN............ WHAT A JOKE, THIS IS NOT RACING.
We all win my bruthas. We are breathing and witnessing the great conspiracy between 7 and 22. The riches and spoils of others are laid right before our very eyes.
It does seem likely that 7 will at some point win another 2 or 3 in a row. It'll get tight w/#2 at the end. Reed's interviews are good. We are lucky today. We are able to read this but our seat of the pants instincts may not really know it.
Reed's interviews are good. It appears that he has no plans to *****foot around in this series. Kudos and chops ol’son. I pay my cable bill because of 22. How will Dungey react to his next huge pay cut? Is his deal up next year?
Whatever, you are acting like the other haters now. Reeds "obsession with Stewie" That may be taking it too far.. I think the funniest thing I've seen besides haters going back and forth is the ripping on RV for saying he played it smart. Do you think he would have been better off riding over his head to try and catch the top[ 2?? I dont, maybe he didnt feel that comfortable on the track, who knows. Hewasnt at the top right at the start. And his laps were fairly close to the leaders, but you cant make up time that way. And he knew it, so I think he made sure he stayed ahead of RD and was planning on taking the points. then he got lucky. But guys ripping him for saying he played it smart is ignorant.
bd200,
I think most are just sayin that RV didnt win cuz he was smart, as you know he won cuz some luck and RV didnt acknowledge that.
But hey, lucky smart or whatever, he has a bigger lead now right !!!
Just so damm greatfull we get to watch live and bench race with the world minutes after a race, freakin awesome. Just gotta love this points race!!
There are guys on some threads saying hes a dumbas#, its funny really. but the same guy talks about how smart a ride Stewie rode at San Diego.. Its a riot!!
In my opinion, he IS obsessed with Stewart "bd".......has been for many years......right before the 2009 series he stated that he "just cant stand the guy at all"......now he talks this phony BS about hoping we are still cool with each other.......dont buy it JS, just go back to the attitude you had about it in '09....it worked in your favor then!! C'mon "bd" you know this is what makes it fun!!!
And i'll agree with you that nobody should be calling RV a "dumbass"......he took advantage of the circumstances, hardly makes him a "dumbass".......although he COULD have said that he had a little luck go his way too....cuz' he did!!
Hey when Metty ran out of gas at Southwick RD did not say I got lucky. He just said thats to bad what happen to metty. Don't here many say they got lucky because they all think they can always win thats why there were they are I guess.
Thanks bd200, I've posted that same comment more than once. RV2 was smart, RD was lucky. enough said.
Carry on haters....
whatever... The first interview RV gave.. he called it being smart.. I believe when he was on the box.. That was a stupid thing to say.. Nothing smart on what happened.. You can see.. RV was riding his hats off.. And it shows in the lap times... Knowing RV.. The good thing about the guy.. he rides 100% all the way! He later mentioend in other interviews, like with Holley etc.. He got lucky and will take luck anyday...
Put it this way.. RV is not the Dunge type of rider.. to ride consistently for points.. The guy has a attitude to win at any cost.. Like a Stewie.. Only difference.. he seems to learn from his mistakes quicker than the later one.
Only problem with a RV.. like so many other riders.. These are dumb ass kids.. Education level is pretty low (Let's face it.. It's true..).. Hell.. Even MC mentioned this..
So on the box talking to a Erin.. Saying he rode smart.. Is a f***ing joke...
Again.. I like RV.. He has the balls to win this championship.. Just be smarter when replying certain questions or making statements..
foodforthought.. Euh.. LB was the one who founded L&M.. And they needed a major sponsor.. San manuel stepped in.. Most personel he hired.. where people stemming from the days at KTM.. And before that Mcgrath racing and Chapparal.. People play big part.. Money was there to pay them.
San Manuel was a huge advantage for L&M back then.. And with the support of Yamaha.. He was able to give a decent salary to Reed back in 2007.. Reason why Reed is pissed at Brooks.. He was asking more.. And San manuel with the consent of yamaha.. Preferred more a rider which will meet their requirements marketing wise.. hence Stewart stepping in (Read what San manuel is all about and you will understand..).. A slap in the face for Reed.. James was getting way more $$ than what he was getting..
Why do you think Reed later on would change two manufacturers in two yrs? Ask Mike Fischer why kawa did not take the option on yr 2 of Reed..
LB will be missed.. Ha,ha
Hey didierlotsyeng. W.T.F. are you saying? it was never said that he could have caught and passed. what was said is that he got in the best position he could and by chance was able to get the WIN. If you can't agree that was smart then whatever , you clearly know more than anybody else on the planet.
All the best & lick my b@ll$....
Grawz137.. No thanks.. I am married.. Will pass on your suggestion.
Euh... RV is a racer.. And have been following him ever since he was dominating in the lites class... Trust me.. He was trying his best to catch up.. Check his lap times.
And as he saying being smart... It was and still is a stupid thing to say...
So where is your problem? Maybe you shud try licking your b***.. ha,ha
I think RV was smart, he knew he wasnt going to catch them unless he rode over his head, and thats not smart. He was smart and got the win with some luck. He had about 1 minute to prepare for his interview that you are talking about. He said what he felt. I would have liked to hear Stewie give an interview right away. I bet he would have had some choice words for Reed then.
Photos don't lie. JS7 is looking down, not ahead. Note the absence of roost at this point and CR22 is already cutting across his line but there is quite a bit of room between the two. CR22 was in the wrong place at the wrong time and JS7 was reading his front fender sticker. Intentional take out? No. Late block pass? Yep. Opinion: Contributory negligence but DAMN GOOD RACING!
https://home.comcast.net/~joshgoodale/ atlanta11/cr22js7.jpg
Doh! This one works:
https://home.comcast.net/~joshgoodale/atlanta11/cr22js7.jpg
bd200.. One way to look at it.. We can always agree to disagree... He,he..
True... It would have been interesting to know what Stewie would have said... Or what his old man would have yelled at him once in the motorhome..