Observations: Indianapolis
Wednesday, March 16, 2011 | 9:45 AM
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So here we were at the round ten of the AMA Supercross series, and things were getting hot and heavy in the series. We all saw the stat in last week’s Bench Racing Ammo which says that only twice in recent history has the points leader leaving Daytona lost the series. And one of those times would be when Damon Bradshaw lost the ’92 title to Jeff Stanton after leading the points heading into the final round…sigh. I will now punch myself in the nuts over and over.
Will Villopoto make if four in a row at Jacksonville?
Photo: Matt Pavelek
So knowing this, the 23-point lead that Ryan Villopoto had on James Stewart was pretty sweet for RV. Just a quick comment on Ryan: we all knew that he was going to be good this year, many people close to him were telling me how fast he was before the season, but I have to think he has surprised many with his speed. He’s in great shape for sure and he’s riding great. Even a long time guy on another team told me they knew Ryan would be good, but they didn’t think he would be able to avoid making mistakes like he has.
Indianapolis is a cool city, I’ve been there a bunch over the years for the SX and the annual dealer show. I’ve spent a week in the city here and there and it’s definitely underrated. Myself and Jason Weigandt were going downtown on Friday night for dinner (now that I’m back at RXI, we can talk about this kind of stuff instead of hiding our relationship and feeling shame when I was at TWMX) and we were talking about how there were so many bars and restaurants in the downtown core. They were all within walking distance as well. And no matter what temperature it is outside, the places are always packed. A real cool, underrated city methinks.
Oh by the way, I’m typing this on my new Mac book Pro that I purchased after being a PC guy my whole life. It’s weird and strange and so far, I’m not sure if I like it. Please excuse any mistakes (aside from the normal ones that I usually make) because I would blame it on the new keyboard, word doc font, page set-up, sharp edges on the sides of the Mac and my stress in trying to get used to this new way of life.
Beautiful downtown Indianapolis.
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson
The tracks at the old RCA Dome were generally pretty soft and rutted and many years, the track’s condition was the bigger challenge than the speed of the other racers. It used to break down bad and make just clearing the jumps a challenge. The last couple of years, the dirt has been harder, even a little dusty at times and it was very unlike Indy that we all know and (some of us) love. Well in 2011, the track was back to the way it was in the old days--rutty and technical. Not very many riders made it through the night without having a close call and almost eating poop. As far as the track design, it was pretty challenging and had some jump rhythms that only the top guys were doing. I like this, I like to be able to see the really, really fast dudes do something that the really fast dudes cannot. That section was a triple/triple after the second triple that was busted out first by Ivan Tedesco. That would prove to be the highlight of IT9’s night as he crashed out early on while up near the front.
Kawasaki’s Villopoto won his season leading fifth race of the year by grabbing the lead early from Chad Reed and then checking out for a solid twenty laps. RV told me afterwards that he had a few close calls but I never saw them, he looked to have mastered the Indy track in every which way. I wrote earlier about the difference between RV this year and last is his physical conditioning and the maturity he’s riding with. Look, we all know that I hang out at the Kawasaki truck the most, those guys on the team are my friends, I worked with some of them in the trenches and I like them all so take this “observation” for what’s it worth: I’ve never seen a team or rider be so angry about being 26 points up in the supercross championship. They aren’t happy about everyone talking about these “gifts.” Rightfully so from their point, but that’s part of the game. You have to expect this sort of stuff. Especially when your rider rides around the top two guys laying on the ground on the nineteenth lap and then the next week a rider is two seconds faster than everyone but corkscrews himself into the ground.
Stewart has now lost five in a row.
Photo: Matt Pavelek
RV’s for sure got a chip on his shoulder but along with that chip is 26 points on his competition, five wins and a check that will still cash if he’s able to hold onto this series lead to the end. He’s been the best rider week in and week out and if anyone says differently they are high or drunk. Or maybe both.
In my opinion something was up with James Stewart this weekend, maybe it was not riding this week because of the Daytona crash, or the atmosphere around the team since the personal changes a few weeks ago, but he was fortunate to have gotten second. There were a couple of almost huge crashes early on in the main and he was struggling with the on/off tabletop sections that he normally does better than anyone else. James has always reminded me of a cat out on the track, he springs around and clears obstacles better than anyone else out there. This week he was plowing into tabletops, getting sideways off jumps and really, to me, he salvaged a second. In talking to riders that were behind him, and managers that were in the tower, there wasn’t anyone who was not amazed that James didn’t crash hard again. Like I said, he was a little fortunate to get second in my mind. For the first time in his career, James has lost five races in a row and if he’s going to win this series, it’s going to be a great comeback, no doubt about it.
By the way, Stewie’s old team manager Larry Brooks is still out on “family time” and there has been no comment whatsoever by either Stewart or Brooks to tell us what is really going on. Imagine if the Hendrick Motorsports crew chief for Jeff Gordon suddenly stopped showing up at the races and boss Rick Hendrick wouldn’t tell anyone what happened to him? Can you see how frustrating it is to be a member of the media that wants to provide the fans that buy the tickets all the news inside and out of the sport that we all love?
Will Dungey be able to get his first win at Jacksonville?
Photo: Matt Pavelek
Ryan Dungey rode better this week than at any other point in the season. His team manager Mike Webb told me last week that he thought Daytona was Ryan’s best ride of the year but I thought that as good of a ride as that was, Indy was even better. Dungey and Trey Canard jostled for position early, which left Trey with a stalled CRF450 and a lot of rage. From there Dungey caught Reed in third and was all over him for that spot but Reed used his veteran guile to hold off the Dunge. At one point, coming off the second triple, Reed looked over and saw Dungey on him and quickly hit the brakes. He then drove to the inside and anticipated Dungey’s move perfectly and kept his spot. I was thinking that if Stewie had done the exact same thing in Atlanta a few weeks back, he would’ve came away with the win instead of leaving the door open a sliver for Reed to come in and clean him out.
Anyways, Dungey would go on to hit Reed’s rear wheel and go down. At that point the top four were so far ahead he was able to catch up and get right back on Reed in a gutsy and determined ride but Reed was able to thwart every move Dungey tried on him. After the race we saw a visibly angry Dungey for the first time in a while, there wasn’t much happiness with him. The season is over halfway through and Ryan has yet to win a race, he knows what the critics and some fans were saying about his title last year. I’m sure he wanted to shut them up but it’s not happening this year for Ryan although like I said, this was his best ride of the year in my eyes.
Reed wasn’t himself this weekend, I don’t know what the deal was but he was struggling for sure. I know a lot of riders would love to struggle and get a third but he was worked at the end of the night and was hanging on using all of his skills. His lap times reflected his inconsistency, one time he was in the 52’s, then he cut a second and a half off the next lap but then right after that, he back in the 52’s. He was trying to put down one lap at a time and regroup to fight off the Dunge and at times it was working, at times it wasn’t.
Sipes has come a long way for his moment. Now he's got it.
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson
There weren’t too many people in the pits that weren’t happy for Star Racing’s Ryan Sipes to win his first career 250 SX main event. The Kentucky native is a veteran in the class and someone that is a good guy who tries hard and has never had too much of a chance to be “the guy”. Sipes has been great this year no doubt about it and even though he needed a crash by early leader Blake Bagett to get into the lead, I really think he would’ve found a way around the 57 because he was pressuring Blake pretty bad. Sipes’ first career win makes him a player in this title chase--as he’s only twelve back right now. Funny last year when I was at Pro Circuit hanging out, Ryan came in looking for owner Mitch Payton and wouldn’t you know it, it was right around contract time for him. I’m sure he wasn’t there to see about picking up a pipe and I’m not sure if he ever did get a meeting with Payton but I know that he would be a good addition to any team.
What’s up with Dean Wilson? The Scottish/Canadian/American was many people’s pick for the title this year and after winning his first career race in Atlanta he certainly seemed poised to do just that. But then it’s been bad starts and crashes the last couple of races. Dean’s doing the typical young rider thing where he’s pressing out there on the track because the leaders are taking off and he needs to get to the front. That typically leads to more mistakes made and then you end up with an eighth and a sixth the last two weeks. From a few points from the lead to now 16 points down with only five races to go isn’t good. He’s got to get better starts to turn this around and I don’t mean the main events, it starts in the heats which then gives you the best gate picks for the main and increases your chances for a good finish by quite a bit.
Is Wilson out of the championship hunt after two bad rounds?
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson
Justin Barcia was all over Sipes the last lap but didn’t do anything dumb to force something that wasn’t there, although I was sort of cringing thinking he was going to do something like that out there. Bam-Bam is riding with some jacked up bones in his wrist and trying to gut this thing out using his speed and, for maybe the first time in his career, his smarts. I heard that six-time national and supercross champion Jeff Stanton is now going to be working with Barcia which doesn’t surprise me because, by the way, his mom Lorraine was grilling me at Bercy about Tim Ferry and the effect he had on Trey Canard.
Let’s take a look at the race results shall we?
AMA Supercross Lites Class East:
1. Ryan Sipes Yam
2. Justin Barcia Hon- I can see it now, Stanton standing there watching Barcia ride and wondering how in the hell he’s going to fix this?
3. Blake Baggett Kaw- Nice recovery from a pretty bad crash.
4. Malcolm Stewart Suz- I’ve got Mookie Fever and after his best ride of the season, I’d say my temperature is running around 139 degrees. He’s one to watch, next stop for him is a podium this weekend. You heard it here first, suckers.
5. Matt Lemoine Kaw- Lemoine’s best finish of the year on a privateer Kawasaki.
6. Dean Wilson Kaw
7. Blake Wharton Hon- I didn’t really notice Blake all that much and that’s a bit of a problem because that’s a bunch of rides where you don’t notice him this year. He’s got to get up and into that mix up front.
8. PJ Larsen KTM- PJ did what he had to do but he collected Lance Vincent and Sean Lipanovich in his wake in the LCQ. I’m ok with the block passing but moving over in the air and clipping Lipanovich’s front wheel was nasty.
9. Alex Martin Hon- The little Ewok warrior has quietly been having a pretty good year on the Eleven-10 Mods Honda machine. He’s tenth in the points after his best race of the season and passed fellow privateer Lance Vincent in the points with this ride.
10. Les Smith Hon
11. Gannon Audette Yam- I know it’s his first year but we now see that the Yamaha machine under Gannon is pretty good, so I think expecting a little better performances out of him isn’t asking for much is it?
12. Bradley Ripple Hon
13. Taylor Futrell Hon
14. Ricky Renner KTM
15. Michael Akaydin Kaw
16. Nico Izzi Hon- Without a doubt, Izzi has been the fastest guy in the class who has done absolutely nothing so far this year. Nico needed a bounce back year to get himself back into the discussion for rides on the bigger teams. His 15-DNQ-17-16 scores this year isn’t going to help. Neither is his hosting an afterparty this weekend in Jacksonville.
17. Tyler Sjoberg Kaw
18. Jason Anderson Suz
19. Shawn Rife Hon- Rife hasn’t been able to do anything since the first round on a privateer Honda. I thought he’d be better, to be honest.
20. Hunter Hewitt Suz
Seely scored a ninth in his Supercross class debut.
Photo: Matt Pavelek
AMA Supercross Class:
1. Ryan Villopoto Kaw
2. James Stewart Yam
3. Chad Reed Hon
4. Ryan Dungey Suz
5. Justin Brayton Yam- Brayton is back after a couple of good rides the last two races. He was strong the entire main and yeah sure, the top four were pretty far in front of him but he beat everyone else!
6. Trey Canard Hon- Canard got into with Dungey after the race and then went over to apologize to Ryan for his actions. Then he told me that he was really happy about seeing a clean truck this weekend.
7. Kevin Windham Hon- Another quiet seventh this weekend for KW. He hasn’t been able to break into the lead pack for a few races but I imagine after his horrendous crash at Houston, he may just like it back away from that edge that he was on.
8. Nick Wey Yam- Wey finally broke into the top ten with a good ride. He credits it to some suspension changes he made on the machine. Let’s hope we keep seeing him up there like this. Here’s a post-race Pulpcast with him http://www.pulpmx.com/podcasts/pulpcasts-indianapolis
9. Cole Seely Hon- Seely did pretty well on the Honda ride for a first timer. Nothing about him really stands out but he’s a smooth rider who doesn’t make a lot of mistakes.
10. Mike Alessi KTM
11. Davi Millsaps Yam- Bummer for Davi as he stalled his bike on the last lap and Alessi got by him which, judging by these guys’ history with each other, probably made Millsaps really stoked on life.
12. Matt Boni Kaw- That’s two twelfths in a row for Boni who is trying to get back to his old form that won him privateer of the year a couple of years ago on a Honda.
13. Michael Byrne Suz- This was Byrne’s best finish of the year as well and he’s slowly getting back into the groove. The comp (get it?) is deeper this year than it’s ever been and Byrne has missed two out of the last three years of SX.
14. Fabien Izoird Kaw- I sometimes wonder what Fabien is thinking when he’s just standing there in the Kawi truck watching his team and this chubby journalist go back and forth about Tim Ferry, eating, RV yelling and screaming about people saying he’s lucky and some stories about me being a mechanic with Big B being my truck driver. Is he just sitting there and trying to catch every third word in English wondering how this is a factory team?
15. Matt Goerke Kaw
16. Tye Simmonds KTM-I finally saw what Tye Simmonds looked like this weekend. Up until now, I had no clue what a Tye Simmonds was. I have to say I’m wondering what they feed those kids in Australia because Tye is 19 and a monster. He’s a big kid with a five o’clock shadow! Someone check his birth certificate, please…
17. Robert Kiniry Suz- Good to see BK in the mix and he made it in through the LCQ by battling Matt Georke who he will be seeing a whole bunch this summer up in Canada as those two go at it up in my motherland. Bobby’s good people.
18. Chris Blose Kaw- Blose fell about .4 seconds after his teammate Tedesco did and tweaked his already tender ankle.
19. Ivan Tedesco Kaw- Yeah! Tedesco seemed to be breaking through when he did that one section first and then got a start in the main but it all went to poop when he slid out on some plywood that was showing through. Bad night for the Hart and Huntington crew, for sure.
20. Andrew Short KTM- Shorty didn’t get very far in the main when his throttle position sensor went out on the KTM 350. He didn’t make it a lap and said that on the parade lap it was acting up. He lost his cushion that he had on seventh in the points with this DNF.
A few notes about the night that was in Indianapolis:
-Andrew Short is going to be testing some outdoors this coming week on a KTM 350 and 450 in Southern California. His teammate Mike Alessi will also get that chance and I think both guys will end up on the carbureted, bigger machine for outdoors.
- JGR truck driver Tim Dixon made a fantastic queso dip that was a direct copy of the one that Chili’s restaurant makes. Trust me I know as I’ve probably devoured more Chili’s queso than any other human on the planet.
-Not to be outdone, the Kawasaki guys got chicken wings and fries somehow delivered to their truck before the night show. Very good stuff although when I got there, Weege was just finishing his meal and everything was cold.
-I don’t think I’ve ever seen Stewie that mad on a podium before. He used the words “pissed off” and was not happy one bit. I think he’s going to come out at his “home” race this weekend swinging.
Stewart was not happy with his second place finish in Indy.
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson
- One long time observer in the pits thinks that James suspension set-up isn’t right, it’s still too stiff in the front and too soft in the rear. This person does suspension for one of the factory teams and knows some things.
- Look for Kawasaki’s Jake Weimer to make his debut at St Louis if all goes to plan. Jake is back riding and getting ready to start getting busy on supercross.
- In some USGP news, because Monster is now the primary sponsor for the GP series, look for both Villopoto (who rumors say has requested his amateur #615 for the race) and Weimer to race the Glen Helen event here in the beginning of May. Mike Alessi is also scheduled to race it but it looks like teammate Andrew Short won’t be there.
Thanks for reading, email me at [email protected] and I’ll do my best to get back to you to address your thoughts, concerns and praises.
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I never in my wildest dreams thought JS would lose 5 SX's in a row.. Crazy....
Stewart fires Aldon Baker because there is too much conditioning and not enough riding. Villopoto hires the fired-Baker to focus on conditioning because he can’t ride post surgery. We see a lean and very fit RV who has been hardly riding due to his injury and he is kicking butt on Stewart. Now that is funny. Can you say ironic?
Jon,, it is ironic, but JS's problem is not conditioning, its a lack of concentration. Also, RV has been riding since last summer..
That would be awesome if RV does the USGP. He will flat out destroy the competition.
mxmoto - agreed. However, I though RV was not cleared to ride until September. I recall him saying he only had a few months to ride before A1. His injury was mid-April last year and he spent 3 months just getting over the surgery froma brutal injury. That was why he was crediting Baker so much with his success. Again, very ironic.
…sigh. I will now punch myself in the nuts over and over.
can we get that on you tube !
or at least do it on the podcast...
just jokin' you...
did you wrench for DB in 92 ?
or is this a secret man crush coming out ?
...still waitin' to hear about that job I asked you to get me...
\\m//>_<\\m//
ifyouknowhatimsayin"
Stewart needs a new suspension guy. He has been fighting the bike all year. The reason he crashed in Daytona in my opinion the rear suspension is either to soft or the rebound is to fast or both. In either case it is set up wrong. If the casual observer can see this why can't his suspension guy? Yeah, I worked on some suspensions while racing but I am not at the factory level. It is obvious to me.
Dungey needs to be pissed he is being to nice. I believe in clean racing but some times you have to rub a little or commit to a block pass or 2. He is loosing the battle. He is getting it done to finish where he is in the points.
Ryan V has been picture perfect so far. He is winning the bad days and races. He had a chance to win it last year and took the one chance that cost him. This year he is much more calculated.
Reed is good but has a tendency to get over aggressive costing him in the end. His brake check on Dungey was a desperation move to stay in podium contention.
It has been a good show all year. The one mechanical hick up in Dungey's case has put him behind the eight ball. It is still racing and anything can happen. My hope is it goes down to the wire with everyone healthy. I would like to see 30 points covering the first 4 riders.
Jon,, I was thinking RV was thinking about riding the last couple of Nationals ? Oh well, no big deal.
I gotta wonder what it would feel like to finish 1st, 2nd or 3rd in a supercross and feee like you rode real bad. the level of talent tey have is amazing.
JonR290.. Smartest thing RV2 did was getting Aldon Baker to be his trainer. He is THE best in the business!! And yes.. Ironic that Stewie letting him go and see the results? Great for RV though!
Read in a french article regarding Baker.. Aldon will reveal the details, when the timing is right regarding the split between himself and stewie.
But you might have a point as I recall also reading another article where they interviewd Sorby and he diod mention along the lines that Stewie is somewhat old school and wants to ride a lot in his training regimen.
jim365.. Agree that the bike Stewie is on seems pretty nervous... But stewie is the one setting up the bike.. And they already have a new suspension guy.. Hired upon Stewie's request... Sergio is his name... And he seems to be a good fellow.
Stewie crashing can be interpreted in various way... But blame more on himself than anything else.
C'mon guys,, I'm pretty sure that Johnny O knows what he's doing as far as training goes.. IMO,, I think Johnny would be better trainer all around because he has experience in both training and riding..
I am not a Dungey fine for the most part but watching him this last weekend I'd say he deserved that 3rd place spot, but he never really fought hard enough for it. I would have like to see him be more aggressive with Reed - who was clearly not 100%... Dungey fought hard and should have just taking the spot away, I agree with him needing to be more aggressive. He's clearly getting down becuase of what everyone is saying and I mean who wouldn't right but either way Dungey needs to dig deep and just lay it out there. If he's really giving it his all every weekend he will get there. Right now I just feel like he is kind of scared of Reed and Stewart it's like he's affraid to put a move on them. He's not so passive when it comes to the guys he's raced before like Vilipotto or Canard, so I'm thinking he just needs to remove the box he has those other two on and get it done....
Funny how you give REED so much credit for holding of RD but said nothing about how RV and JS both went by REED like he was a back marker. Reed is great but some of the blaim falls on RD for not making the pass when he was clearly faster then Reed... IMO.
And anyone who thinks JS or anyone of these guys is not in shape is CRAZY!!!
Steve, It looks like the new Mac Pro has served you well, thanks for the article. Looking forward to many more.
At the beginning of the season it seemed like everyone's front end was washing out. Happened to Villipoto and Canard couple of times, and I think Dungey and Reed each had one. I thought it looked like suspension issues every time, which makes me believe these guys are setting up for a different part of the track (probably the whoops) and just trying to get away with that set-up in the corners. The bike can't be perfect everywhere.
I think Dungey will be alright. Maybe he'll get a win, maybe he won't, but one thing that he has on his side is a long career ahead of him. In a few years, Reed and Stewart will be gone and Dungey will be back to racing just his peers and we all know he's actually pretty good at that. I think James' suspension is just fine for how he rides. He needs it stiff to soak up all that speed he has into the backside of landings.
For one NikolaTesla they are racing on real dirt now..that helps...not that recycled trash they use out west....secondly with the speed the pros enter corners it is no wonder they do not wash out more. IMO
RC used to set his bike up for the turns (That is where you make the most time up) and just have to deal with the whoops. Stewat on the other hand (at least while he was on the KX) might as well have had a piece of solid aluminum for his fork.
But ANY set up can wash if you hit a rock or simply push too hard. IMO.
Killer season. SUPER HAPPY FOR SIPES he was stoked!
Chili’s sucks! Has got be the worst restaurant ever. I mean, how is it that every menu is sticky?
I was going to mention the way RC used to set his bike up. I don't think it's because these guys are pushing too hard just because it's happening to so many of them. I just think they all have their bikes set up for the whoops. Which is weird because the way these 450's wear down the whoops by the end of the night they are all riding the same rut where the whoops are almost nothing. Nobody really skims the whoops like they did on 2 strokes.
But Chili's and Applebees often have very loose waitresses. Sticky menus, yes. Easy ladies, definitely. Back to the racing: will RV race a 250F if his points lead is 30+ going into Vegas? I'd like to see him put Josh Hansen in the cheap seats.
Suspension set-up is super critical, but, at this level, these guys should be capable enough to handle the bike even if they're a few clicks off. Stewart crashed at Daytona because he screwed up, not because his suspension was set up wrong. He over-rode that section and it cost him. Otherwise, he was hauling butt, and setting fastest lap times, so that "badly set-up suspension" excuse is groundless. Also, like NikolaTesla wrote, the suspension can't be perfect in every section anyway. Watch the video; Stewart just screwed up. It happens. Everyone struggled at Daytona with suspension set-up. That was the big talk of the weekend since Daytona is such a different track. The other guys simply didn't screw up as significantly as Stewart.
By the way, Reed didn't brake-check Dungey at Indy; he just wasn't riding nearly 100% and went slower through the pre-finish line turn than Dungey, which RD wasn't expecting. Again, a simple mistake and error in judgment. It's racing; stuff happens & people screw up, even these guys we put on pedestals as the best of the best. Motorcycles are inherently crash-prone and humans often screw up. They aren't gods, they're men, and they mess up occasionally.
plain and simple, we need a finishing order opposite the points standings for the top 5. So heres to a cool order, TC, RD1, CR, JS, RV. Now you put RV a couple more back with KW in there and even have RD1 finally win one, then is gets real interesting. Bottom line, ANY good intense exciting racing with these guys will be good, right !! I'm going riding
Losing is a disease...
...as contagious as polio.
Losing is a disease...
...as contagious as syphilis.
Losing is a disease...
...as contagious as bubonic plague...
... attacking one...
... but infecting all.
But curable.
New movie Staring Ryan Villopoto as The "Natural"
JS7 needs a cure... He's got TB... I mean TV. Maybe a little less filming and being a superstar could keep him off the ground?
Dungey wanted Aldon Baker badly! AB is part of the reason RV has a 26 point lead. Winning is as much mental as physical. AB prepares both!
mxjoe99,, I think RD should be the "natural". He ha won alot more in the 450 class than RV has..
mxmofo, the O'Show definitely knows a thing or two about training. He was in that 2nd~generation (1980s) of factory riders that used scientific training methods to enhance their performance. He got 45th overall at the L.A. Marathon one year...let me tell you, that was a signal performance for an amateur runner. Because of John, James will continue to be a threat to RV for the championship, never fear. This is a good thing, because Ryan has proven that no one else other than JS can come close to his speed...it would be boring watching Villo check out every race. BTW, was it Villopoto who claimed Mike Alessi's psycho~fast FMF mini back in their NMA days and almost caused Tony to go apoplectic? The 'claiming rule' has caused more than a few controversies over the years, for sure. Is it still around in AMA moto?
Francisco,,, as far as I know it is,, but not for sure. I think the Nationals will be even more exciting than SX,,,, if JS rides the entire season. I do think we would be seeing some boring races in SX this year, but when JS keeps taking dirt samples, its making it more interesting.
Dungey did have a hell of a year! To be the best, You have to beat the best. Do you think if RV and JS were healthy he would have won? Every championship RV stayed healthy for he won except rookie sx lites. I'm not saying he would have won the 2009 sx title but, he did beat james and chad in two races to win Seattle and Vegas while they were in their prime. If something does happen to RV this year I'd like to see RD5 or TC41 win a c.ship.
This is just another weak article with no real depth.
Awesome reports by the ORXcrew (Weege and Mathis) this week, (are you guy's trying to keep up with Trick?, haha, good luck with that.) Great insider info, grittiest writer on the planet! be sure to wash them paws before snack time big fella.
But Matthes you need to fess up at some point about what you know the Family Time Flu; AKA: LBSDS (Larry Brooks' Sudden Departure Syndrome), credibility, Eh?
Just a bit about O'Mera or. I had breakfast with him in 88 (I think) life gets kinda blurry at 55 anyhooo, It was the morning after the Houson supercross he was more pumpped (lol) about getting back to CA to run a Marithon and getting back in time to race it.Can you imagine running a marithon the day after a suppercross? I do think the Suprercross tracks were harder then also? I was just tired from making it to the supercross and sleeping in the rental car so I could make it back for a race at Burleson TX in the morning, My Gfriend picked me up at the airport and then I went to the race. O'Show was flying back to run a marathon? I think he knows how to train!!!!!
To the guys who would like to see RD win this, Unless he starts laying the wood to these Guys it would be a SAD day to me to see him back into it because someone got hurt or there bike broke!! He has not shown he can beat these guys so for you to hope RV does bad so RD can get in it seems odd to me. RV put in the work and has proven to be one of the two fastest guys out there and I would hate to see someone who can't beat these guys win it by default.
@ (Steve)Matthes
Serious question:
Did anyone at (S.M.) Yamaha make it a priority to have James Stewart checked out by a Brain Injury Specialist after the Daytona 'yardsale' ..., as a health and precautionary measure for his and everyone else's safety?
As you alluded to, he was looking a bit 'sketchy' on some sections of the Indy track (obstacles he could usually do with his eyes closed) and was lucky not to take a few soil samples home to Florida...
Irresponsible Team Management if they did not..., just a thought.
Welker, I have known John since his Al Baker Suzuki 100 days at Indian Dunes...he was not always the fastest guy out there (Ward, Myerscough, Schmitz, Whelchel, Locey, Denis, et al all could smoke him on sheer talent), but no one was more determined. The win on the white Mugen Honda at the Mid~Ohio 125 USGP (snif) propelled him to factory stardom...he never looked back from there. If you ever went to Hondaland with O'Mara, I used to live in the same neighborhood as John did in Simi Valley...you probably saw me knuckling it on the XR track I had in my back yard. John, David Bailey, Jeff Stanton and Jim Felt as they went by used to honk as me and my friends battled it out...good times. Believe it or not, I learned how to corner a lot better on my RM250 and CR500 because of the XR....try it some time, it's harder to get injured on a mini when riding on the edge (especially when you're 6'5'...lol).
no one is talking about it so i will--the latest episode of Bubba's world pretty much let everyone know where Aldon Baker and Larry Brook went to.... they were waiting for the episode to play on TV. LB is OUT san manuel & JSE
If any of these guys were not in shape, it would have come out in Indy with a huge crash. But one thing I saw at the race that wasnt on TV. (I DVRed the race) was after they crossed the finish line, all the top guys were laying on thier handlebars, panting for breath. It was a tough race. I honestly dont know if the AMA or NMA still has the "claiming" rule. Anybody have that answer??
If these guys are NOT in shape,,, I would think it would come out at Daytona, not Indy.
Nobody in their right mind would say these guys are not in shape. However, they are not training to win the local +40 Vet class race. They are among the fastest guys on the planet. The difference from 1st to 5th is sometimes 3/10ths of a second a lap. There is no question seat time, training, and diet all paly into getting tenths of a second gains. I will defer to RV's actual words wherein he thanked Baker and his training for that additional speed this season, not to mention a leaner and even more fit Villopoto.
I agree with Mofo...Daytona!!! But BD200 is right, REED was laying on his bars after the rece But I think something else was up there. RV did look a little tired as well though.
Izzi hosting a wigger rap party! hahaha Tools are for work, not to hang out with! At the rate his moto career is going, maybe this is the better path for him!
Best column on the net. Thanks Matthes.
Stewart vs. Villopoto, supercross and outdoors, win % since moving up to the 450 class.
Stewart has won 56 races out of a possible 162, which is 35% ( * if you were to include the 'summer of 2009', it would be 174 and 32%). He has won the title, in 3 of a possible 11 series, which is 27%. ( * or 3 of 12 which is 25%)
Villopoto has won 15 races out of a possible 58, which is 26%. IF..... he wins this supercross title, he will have won the title, in 1 of a possible 5 series, which is 20%. (otherwise it's 0%)
I have it listed as' with' and 'without' the 2009 'summer off '. It wasn't missed due to an injury, so I am not sure if it should be included or not. Let the people decide.
So, this includes everything. 29 races per year are accounted for, for both riders.
I wish i could do one for carmichael, but it is absolutely impossible. When carmichael's 82% win percentage was determined, they did not include the 2004 sx season, where he sat out with knee surgery. So, does that mean that he 'lost' a title? The 82%, was for the races he 'competed in'. If stewart and villopoto have 'lost' titles due to injury, then so has carmichael.
Also, the previous analysis that i did, of their 125/lites win %, only included the times that they actually raced. villopoto did not miss any races, and stewart missed 4 races at the start of '03 outdoors (which i did not count). In that analysis, it was stewart with an 83% win %, and villopoto with a 52% win %.
@ Trick, Championships where the rider did not even line up for one race should not count. So Carmichael in 04' is out, you can't lose a title defense if you don't enter yourself in competition. If you want a true win percentage it should be based on number of times they line up at the gate. Stewart and Villipoto lost titles due to injury because they were injured in the midst of a title chase. You also shouldn't count last years outdoors for Stewart, except for Unadilla. He was not even trying to get a title so that can't count. Interesting analysis but I would throw out any races that a rider intentionally sat out.
mxmofo "I never in my wildest dreams thought JS would lose 5 SX's in a row.." Crazy....
I agree... he never lost 5 in a row, even against r/c and reed (when he was on a good bike). And a 7 race win streak is something he has done before, so dont count it out.
Hey Yamalink....it has nothing to do with Chilis or Applebees...when women are as wide as they are tall.....the're generally loose
Nikola, i think that would just open up the door, for people to say that stewart is hurt all the time, and only wins when he doesn't crash himself out. one of the things that makes ricky the GOAT, is that he never missed any series due to injury, besides 2004 sx. Maybe i will do both, since they both have meaning, just a different meaning.
Kermit Eugene .... listen up... I was there....maybe 50 feet away...Reeds rear tire locked dude.... brake check plain and simple
Francisco Bulshito....JonnyO was well known to be an over trainer....OVER TRAINING is worse than undertraining...it creates bad decision making
Matthes....for the first time in a long time....i reluctantly have to agree with everything you wrote....well done
...I thot it DID come out at Daytona. There was fading by top 10 guys out there for pete's sake.
And if I were to hire a trainer, it would not be some old school guy who seems to train an mx'er as he would a marathon runner---the two disciplines are not even close. (IF the "bubba show" is/was accurate).
Reminds me of the same dumba$$ hs football coaches that still believe in 2-a-days, not to mention doing them during a game week. Extremely ignorant. ---And then they wonder why they have injuries. WTH???
Ryan Huges would be a much better choice, for my $$$.
Hey Steve congrats on the new Mac. You just bought the KTM of computers.
Nice write as well thanks.
The Claiming rule was strong-armed away by the manufacturers. This goes all the way back to John Roeder claiming Marty Tripes' works Honda. This was (and still is) a good idea. If the claiming price reflected what the bikes are worth ($25K +/- ???) you would see a whole lot more even playing field but, when the promoters & sanctioning bodies fold to the manufacturers demands, the same old, same old is the result. Also, Matthes, if the superstar who thinks he doesn't need the media or the fans doesn't squeak when you squeeze, don't mention his name anymore, period. Both of these cases are examples of the tail wagging the dog which, is wrong if you didn't otherwise already know. Even if ALL the factory teams didn't show up at a race or, some superstar jacka** of a racer didn't show up to a race, there would still be a race, I promise you. They need us far more than we need them.
Am I smoking crack, or did the GOAT do more than his share of brake-checking? And he's considered the GOAT. Hmmmm.
@comedian: "Francisco Bulshito" ?!?
you are the single most un-funny comedian i have ever heard.
carlsbad, that was mickey boone, claiming marty smith's works honda, in 1975.
or, did it happen once befoe that, ?.
trick....you tryin to heckle me? try to keep up dude your slow....point wasn't the typeo
Concerning Dungey's SX title last year, the "best" may not have been there, but you have to be in it to win it. And to Dungey's defense, Reed would have never won his SX titles had Carmichael or Stewart been there for those respective seasons, and Stewart would not have a 450 MX title had Carmichael not retired.
So, if Dungey isn't "worthy" of his title, because the "best" weren't there, then Stewart and Reed are guilty of the same thing.
and brake checking is not a dirty move, any more than a block pass. If you are following him that close into a turn, you may be brake checked.
Trick, it is true what you said about Stewart. In his career he has been winning or crashing. I don't think that is such a bad thing, it means he's always giving everything he's got, and it makes for incredible entertainment. You either see a guy ride a motocross bike to it's absolute limit, or you see a crazy wreck. I'm never hoping for the wreck, but when he retires if anyone makes a highlight reel of Bubba's career, it's going to include some of the greatest wipeouts in MX history.
trick...agreed...brake checking is not a dirty move... its a move of despiration...if you have to brake check to keep someone behind you....you are slower....and my point was that it happened.... not that i thought it was dirty
Thanks nikola, that is ALL that i have been trying to say, all along !
Why do some people on here, have to twist it all around, and make it into a negative thing ?
racing would be a lot more boring without him imo.
if he was slower, then what is the faster guy doin in the same line ? see my point ? if you get brake checked, you were asking for it anyways.
True trick....Dungey's still learning...thats why he was so frustrated post race....but Kermit was saying that it wasn't a brake check ....and as a live observer...im setting the record straight...brake check it was
Here is some stats that matter. 10 races 4 winners
1 rv has 5 = 50%
2 JS has 3 = 30%
3 CR22 has 1 = 10%
4 TC has 1 = 10%
5 RD has 0 = 0%
I never said RD didn't deserve the titles he won last year. What I said was to be the best you have to beat the best. The best were down and out in 2010. In 5-10 years most people will see his name in the records and won't know or care. He made a ton of money and has the #1 plate and that is what matters for last year!!! This year he will be lucky to win a sx or national. I hope i'm wrong! I like RD5... This is the best SX series in a long time and we are all lucky to see it. It is far from over and with tracks like Seattle and salt lake all rutted even on a dry day. These tracks are the most demanding and the worst soil of the season. 26 points or not... "nothing is over"
This is the first series JS7,Rd5,CR22, TC41 and RV2 have all been healthy in so, at the end of the series the winner gets all bragging rights and the stats don't mean squat! Place your bets!
my money is on Villomoto...and im a Dungey fan....Stewart is the fastest...but the worst split second decsion maker...Villomoto has been the smartest all year...excellent speed and great vision
here is a great photo recap of 2004 outdoors.
://www.motorcycle-usa.com/630/Motorcycle-Photo-Gallery/2004-AMA-MX.aspx
It chronicles ricky's first ride on a 450 4-stroke, his second perfect 24 - 0 season, mikey 800's debut ride at milville, then mikey 800 delivering the hype and justifying those nasty t-shirts (for one race at least !). Then stewart breaking one of r/c's 125 outdoor records.
here is a funny ad.. ://www.sunglassescenter.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=253:oakley-motorcross-ryan-dungey-wins-ninth-straight-450-victory&catid=42:oakley-news-blog&Itemid=127
we have gone mainstream people !
Even though dungey has not established himself as the best guy, now that everybody else is back, he still has the distinction, of being one of the only riders to ever break one of mcgrath's records, he also was the first rider to ever win indoors and outdoors in a rookie season. He also broke one of r/c's records. I dont think he will be forgotten so easily. And, I still say 'the best is yet to come' from him
Brake check for sure, I was there also and they showed it on the track monitors from another angle. TV didn't look bad but in person he almost stopped. With that said I have no problem with brake checking but not right before the finish jump, that was a shitty place and you don't try to take out the front wheel brake checking unless the last lap maybe. Reed did a perfect job of it on the last lap though before the rhythm section. The reason RV past Reed so fast on the first lap was because Reed blew the rhythm section but I'm sure he would of past him soon after that anyway. RD is learning so much this year I think he will be great in years to come. Look at Carnard, not championship material this year but wait, he will be great also. Ok roast me.
Trick, M. Boone was '75 (you are correct and in my opinion, cost Marty Smith the '76 title). John Roeder (a Maico Privateer) claimed M. Tripes' Honda RC250 in '78. That incident was the last (factory)bike claimed. The factory teams rallied together & squashed the AMA rule, ensuring the MX community would suffer unto money and politics the same as the rest of the world. Here we are 33 years later and the same old "business as usual" B.S. is still going on. You would think the AMA was a government entity, as ineffectual & broken as they are (regarding off-highway vehicles anyway).
stats are great! Who has them this year? RV2 that's who! I only wish CP377 and Weimer were healthy. So here is a question, Where would they be in the series points?
Here is what I think
1 rv2
2 CP377
3 js7
4 Weimer
5 CR22
6 rd5
7 TC41
Don't need any feedback, Place your top 7. This should be fun...
how can you possibly think that cp377 could be any where near the front when he doesn't even train or do anything to prepare for racing, thats why he failed to win both outdoor titles when was the favorite for some odd reason. i would be very surprised if he would even be in the top 10 in points, (maby because hes French)
im fairly sure that johnny o used to help RC but introduced RC to Aldon Baker before the 2001 season started.... i think the training side is a mindset you need that need to have that allows you to enjoy & punish yourself for the greater good so long as you dont over do the punishing bit & I think RC & RV have that maybe cause they are redheads...
I dont see Weimer being in the "top" group.....He will have his moments, but I see him being the second group finishing in the 5 thru 10 spots with Tedescoe, Hahn , Short... Albeit a great rider, I have never really seen anything too special from him...but thats just me, we'll see. Hope he is healthy cause that was a knarly break.....I broke my arm very similar his, just closer to the wrist...not fun!!
motoman.. Not that I am a fan of CP.. Because of his accident in 07'.. He can not train like a RV, or RD etc... That is what he says, and is also shows on how he walks..
And.. In all honnesty... I think the training regimen done by US riders is just on a far more superior level than what you find in Europe.
Nevertheless... I must admit, the french SOB has loads of talent.. But in a french typical way... They seem not to use their God given talent to the fullest... So far.. Only 1 rider stands from the country where they eat frog legs... Who will ever forget the 91 season...
I really don't care either way for CP. The guy pretty much dominated everything when he was here. The only reason he lost the 2 outdoor c.ships is because of bad breaks and dnfs. He got beat by rd5 and tc41 in the outdoors. The guy is so smooth on a sx track. He has talent and would be by far the smoothest man in the series. He rides a 450 better then a 250 and I would had loved to see him in the series. Here is a question.. in 1991 JMB finished #1 in 250, 500 and sx. What did he do on the small bike in 1990? crashed out of the series at washougal ending his year.. In 90 he did ride the 250 sx series and won some races. Don't bet against the french in SX. A lot of wins went their way in past years. How Many times did you see JMB, Pichon or cp377 on the floor in a stadium?
TC41 and RD5 couldn't beat him in the sx lites. Hey Trick, How about some CP377 stats for the last 2 years?
Brake checking is stupid. A faster guy has caught you so slam on the brakes and go SLOWER. It works if you get the guy to fall, but so would kicking at him in the straights when he pulls along side. One is dirty and one is not? Keep slamming on the brakes and you'll have more guys catching up to you as well. Hint: go faster and stop worrying about brake checking. Get that guy in front of you and stop worrying about the guy behind if you belong ahead of him.
I don't care what anybody says the most interesting story of this SX season is the emergence of Mookie as a top 5 guy and podiums are next. Finally a Stewart doing more with less rather than less with more.....GOOO MOOOKIE!!!!
I think that baby Stewie ran great at Indy, but "Mookie" c'mon, that is worse than "Bubba" , it sounds real gay, sorry..