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PrintMonster Energy Supercross finally gets a break. With fifteen-straight weekends of racing in the rearview mirror, the riders and teams have just completed the longest grind of the season. Another off-weekend, at least for those not competing in the USGP at Glen Helen, is coming in three weeks, and the summer’s Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship features a few built-in rest stops along the way. Fifteen-straight weeks in the most grueling sport imaginable is a major accomplishment, and a break should be welcome.
Reed sits six points back of RV with two rounds to go.
Photo: Garth Milan
And in most years, Easter break is welcome. But this season is different in so many ways. With four riders separated by just nine points in the Supercross class points battle, it will be awfully hard to relax during the off weekend (and the Lites West riders aren’t in a much better position, since there are just nine points separating the top three in that division, as well).
Then there’s the dubious honor of having to go testing for the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship. Testing is always tedious and rarely fun, but at least switching into outdoor mode can serve as a welcome break from a supercross tour gone wrong. But this year, four riders can claim this is an indoor season gone right, and with the championship within reach, it’s going to be pretty difficult to put any sort of focus on motocross. Throw in Trey Canard’s plight from last week—a broken femur while testing for motocross—and the fear factor joins the focus factor. Do you really want to go outdoor testing if you’re Villopoto, Dungey, Reed or Stewart right now?
Dungey sits seven points back of RV with two to go.
Photo: Garth Milan
Really, do you even want a weekend off at all? With just two races left and each of the four remaining contenders seemingly healthy, this off weekend only provides time for pressure to build and other chores (motocross) to mount. And when you’re deep inside the title fight of your life, how much of a break can an off-weekend really provide? Sure, the riders can skip the trip to the airport this weekend, but you know they’ll still want to keep training and riding for supercross to make absolutely certain they bring their best to Salt Lake City and Las Vegas.
In any other year, week sixteen would provide a welcome break. But right now, it’s just an interruption. Take a break? Maybe next year.
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WOW........Holeshot!!!!!!!
Final 4 prediction in the championship, and this is just what I think, but not what I want:
1. Dungey: he will play it smart, but not win another main
2. Reed: he will get nailed by Stewart
3. Villopoto: he will crash out of one of the 2 final rounds
4. Stewart: finishes out of the points after a run-in with Reed
this weekend will be very boring
They should have kept going then give them 2 weeks off before the Nats start. I would Bet they would rather have it that way too.
Prediction: (all in fun, please!!!)
1. Dungey: he will play it smart, but not win another main, and might luck into the title by way of others misfortune or bad decisions
2. Reed: will let stewart go at salt lake, but try a lawn dart move at vegas...
3. Villopoto: he will crash out of one of the 2 final rounds
4. Stewart: will win the last two and still not win the title...(by maybe 1 or 2 pts)
wouldn't it be cool if we had a winner takes all scenario for all 4 riders going into vegas...if that was the case, money would be on 7...
playridr A lot would need to happen like you said for RD to win it IMO, He needs to make up 7 points on RV and that should be hard unless like you say RV goes down pretty bad.Its funny after the whole season it is coming down to starts!! I think if JS stays off the ground he wins the last 2, he has been a stap ahead of the others the last 2 weeks. I still hope RV pulls it off but with out starts he could be in trouble.
halfe316 if JS wins the last 2 he will probley win it, RV would need a 2nd and a 3rd to beat JS by one point!! So for him to win the last 2 and lose it by 1 or 2 RV would need to go 2-2 and RV would win it by 3. If Reed goes 2-2 JS wins by 3, If RD goes 2-2 JS wins by 4, I think RV and JS have the best shot at the title.
This weekend off is gonna suck for us fans too........You know, as superstitious as racers are, with TC41 having his "accident" last week, that event will be playing "REAL LOUDLY" in the heads of RD1, RV2, CR22, and Stewie7.......
With 2 rounds left it is RV2's to lose...........Stewie7 sure looked good in the ruts of Seattle!!!! man, that was one type of track I hated to race on, DEEP RUTS. You have to be so precise, my helmets off to all the racers in Seattle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Small children could get lost in those ruts......
WooooooHooooooo.........can't wait for the outdoor season to start!!!!!!!!! Its gonna be as exciting, if not more, than the indoors are/were.
RacerX...........great pieces you are doing on the 40 days of motocross!!!!!!!! Man, these bring back so many memories, names, places and events. I started racing in 1971 on a Suzuki TC 90 in the 100 class, in Texas. I finally stopped racing after spending 1 year as a novice pro in 1978 on a Maico Magnum 400. I qualified for the 1977 National Amatuer Finals at Lake Sugar Tree, Va (David Bailey's Track) by winning the Area qualifier for Tx, La, Ok, Mo, Ak, Ms, and then went to Red Bud for the Regional qualifier and got a 7th overall. Man those were good times and good racing................
HERE is the MILLION dollar question!! If at the last race JS is in the lead, Reed in in 2nd and RV is in 3rd and needs 2nd to win the title would REED let RV by so JS does not win it??
HOW GREAT WOULD IT BE IF REED WON IT ALL!!!!!
BILLC...we know Reed is a betting man...so i wouldn't put it past him(not judging, just sayin)..RV's bonus for wining the title could cover the $ from 2nd to 3rd at vegas...
how EPIC would the message boards get then?
vital might meltdown
BillC,
now that! is an interesting question. If letting RV by meant changing Reeds own overall standing I would say likely not. If it was for 3rd in the series instead of 4th.
Now if there was no impact to Reeds overall standings - hmmmmm
Could he do it with out it looking like he is? maybe a bobble here or there? Take just a little off the speed in areas it is not noticeable?
Or does he just go for the best possible position in the race?
Great question!
Heres a prediction, Dungey gets left behind!!!!!!!, and Stewie, Poto, and Reed, do some real bar banging.
Dungey should be testing outdoors, he sucks.
the ama would step in on something like that, just like all the alessi stunts.
The q of reed pulling over so JS didnt win, i think if it were reversed I would bet JS would pull over so reed wouldnt win. I could see them both doing it if the opportunity was there...
Reed is a racer and wants to win. I don't see him pulling over for anyone.
The first turns of the next 2 mains are going to decide this, if anybody goes down they can kiss it goodbye, also if anybody starts behind any of the top 4 they can again kiss it goodbye, a first turn pile up with all 4 top riders would be the only thing crazier that could happen this season
Stewart will crash out in the next 2 rounds mark my words! RV will coast in for the championship and Reed will buckle like always in Vegas. Dungey will....say the same podium speech again but not win. He got lucky last year and this year proves it!
Think it will be interesting to see if any of the top four will come to Salt Lake to train and acclimate for the altitude with things being this close.
This will be my 31st year going to Hangtown and I feel bad they don't get a break in the schedule before outdoors start...I can't wait to hear these bikes get out of third gear though....woooohooooo....As for the championship (supercross) what if Dungey pulls this off,? Crazy! Big fan of RV2... 22 has grown on me, JS7 loved him since he was on 80's.....
Lets see if Bill the tool starts another fight on this page.. I bet he does, all he needs is someone to disagree with him. Face to face, he is probably too much of a coward to say anything to someones face. Coward..
face to face none of us would say anything...thats why we duke it out and talk trash on the comments section from our desks. should be some great racing ahead of us
Have not been to a Vegas race in quite a few years......06' I think was the last year I attended. I didnt plan on it this year cause the venue kind of sucks, the racing is usually boring since the champ has been crowned and watching it live in HD would be just as good...But my buddy who lives in Vegas called me up the other day and now I will be there....should be a great night and with Reed claiming he'll take guys out to win and 3 other guys willing to do the same, it shoudl be epic.
SLC - 1-Stew, 2-RV, 3-RD
Vegas - 1-RV , 2-Stew, 3-Reed
Champ - VILLOMOTO!!
How can any of you say that Dungey sucks. Isn't he right in this thing. These are the four fastest guys in the world here folks.
@ golfyoda my first full sized bike was a Suzuki Tc 90. I think it was a Ts 90, I'm not sure? Those were the days!
Just a thought here?? What if Weimer can run pace with these guys and give RV2 a liitle interference if you will, don't see any of the other BIG 3 running in Salt lake with a reigning lites champion on their team!! Just more to think about in what is going to be the longest 2 1/2 weeks ever.
Seems far fetched that either Reed or Stewart would pull over in a race (or let someone by for that matter).
A four way battle at Vegas would be the ultimate.
GREAT SEASON BUT I AM PULLIN FOR TWO TWO MOTOSPORTS BEEN A REED FAN FOR ALONG TIME NOT TAKING ANYTHING AWAY FROM THE OTHER RIDERS THIS HAS BEEN A GREAT SEASON BUT HAVE TO GO FOR CR22 HE HAS COME ALONG WAY SINCE STARTING THIS TEAM 2 MONTHS BEFORE A1.. LAST TWO RACES SHOULD BE EPIC!!! WE WILL ALL BE TALKING ABOUT THIS SEASON FOR MANY MANY YEARS!!!
I concur, I dont think Bubba or Reed would let someone by to keep the other from winning the title....Im sure they have the "let the chips fall where they may" and what happens, happens....What is in the back of my mind still is that Bubba still owe's Reed for taking them out at Atlanta, so Reed will need some rear view mirrors the next 2 races cause Bubba is right in there.....Bubba can beat Reed and pass him clean and ride away....Reed will have to take Bubba out to beat him....
For somone who has a BS name and no avtar to call me a Coward really shows how IMMATURE and under developed your brain is. Go have mommy change your diaper.
Just a few years ago in Vegas, Dungey actually ran down RV in the late stages of the race (Lites class). Shocked the hell out of me because I thought RV was unbeatable back then. I'm goin, so I'll let ya'll know what happens!!
Wiemer....really? I didnt figure him in the top 5 even if he wasn't injured.....I think he will/would be battling with Milsaps, Tedescoe and Co.....AKA, the second 5 ....I dont see him running with the top guys
Although Sven, Weimer could be involved with some team tactic's as you hinted at now that I think about it....I am not a fan of that "tactic" but it is what it is....but I dont think Weimer will be up front and will only cause "interference" when he is getting lapped....which could be a big deal.....I dont understand why he comes back with 2 races to go though anyway...why not sit it out and prepare for outdoors....so RV support may be the goal here.
I have a feeling we are going to have one more Stewart-Reed incident. I think Dungey is going to finally hang it out in SLC because Stewart will likely clean house in Vegas. Stewart has been very strong in Vegas. SLC is a bit higher altitude and Dungey is clearly the most fit of everyone, though he does ride conservatively.
come on... pull over ?
If any of them did that & then JS7 goes down the last corner. They handed the AMA SUPERCROSS TITLE OVER!
NO ONE IS LETTING ANYBODY BY.
Man, I wish I could be as bad as Ryan Dungey! 4 championships, I wish I had that!
JonR290 - I race roadbikes (cycling) and I ride MX - Cardiovascular fitness is not all that is required in mx - if that was the case Dungey would be dominating - possibly. What that kid needs is some balls - i.e pul lthe trigger and make passes NOW- it is so frustrating watching villo and stewart knife through the pack while he gets held up - consistently.
Anyway - all of these guys have displayed the ability to ride 20 laps strong - Just my opinion...
Dunge didn't look that strong swapping out and going down in the whoops last week did he?
The What - I also race road bikes. In fact, have been to France and trained in the Alps for a summer. I also race 20+ events per year in the Vet A class, including races at Millville (Spring Creek). I raced against Dungey when he was a B rider and we had double gate drops.
Since you have accused me of not having your level of knowledge, perhaps you can educate us all based upon your allegedly superior expertise.
AfanofStewie, what position is Dungey ion the standings again?? I wish I was that bad..
JonR290 You don't think the others are in shape?? Alden has RV in shape I would bet on that, Even if RD was in better shape I think there all in good enough shape to run the whole race with out slowing down. If the race was 1 hr long then we might know who was in the best shape.
Texas Racer the question would only come into play if Reed was out of it, Even if JS went down Reed still would not have won it RV would have.
shit....all these dudes are in amazing shape and none seem to have any issues going a full 20 laps.... I did notice in Toronto on the podium that the Dunge was sweatin' balls like never before....he looked a little on the edge and out of his comfort zone in that one....but he pulled it off...
Funny no one mentions RV going down in the whoops or Reed crashing his brains out.
Melon..............but he didn't cry on the podium. :)
I'm not saying that he will definitely be able to do it again these last two races, but it is quite obvious what Stewarts strategy was in Seattle. He got a decent start and blazed several 52 second laps during the first 5 going for that old MC tactic of getting out front early and pulling a lead. That is what it will take for him to win this title because he knows that doing that lowers the chances of something "happening" if he stays around and bangs bars with those guys. There is no more hanging back and playing it smart anymore, they all need wins in order to pull it off, and to a certain degree, they all have targets on their backs!! Oh moto gods, please give them all good starts and let them TRULY race it out these last two!!! WE win as fans that way, regardless of who wins the race!!
I would have to say that RV2 is in as good as shape as anyone on the track.Otherwise, Aldon Baker would not work with him. I think Dungey has had the most success at Vegas, and RV2 beat Stewie there in RV's roolie season, when Reed and Stewie got together. But RV passed Stewie and checked out. But Dungey kills at Vegas, RV has his work cut out for him. He better win or get at worst a 2nd, or he is in trouble..
Here's how it's going down. Stewart will holeshot, and the rest of the boys will let him. As Stewart is braking for the turn, they will hold the throttle WFO and mow him down. The ensuing yard sale will be of epic proportions. As they get up one by one, Stewart gets back on his Yamaha and takes off, checking his clutch lever, kicking his footpeg to get a rock out of the pivot, then enters the next turn at half speed. Two of the "big four" come up behind him with whiskey throttles a-blazing and do a textbook double T-bone. One of the "big four" riders have worked their way through most of the pack by the time they all get up. The other two get up and finally Stewart gets up.
Stewart waits for the leader to come around so he can act like he's in the lead when he's actually a lap down, a la Daytona. The leader is getting close as the other two of the "big four" slow down so they can get lapped. They encircle Stewart like a bunch of cops trapping somebody during a car chase. The two lappers do a textbook double T-bone on Stewart again. They get up and go. His dad comes out windmilling.
Obama spots this hard-to-miss windmill and makes a call. Al Gore shows up and connects high tension electrical cables between Mr. Stewart and an electrical power station and harnesses the electrical potential of Stewart's windmill action, powering a small city.
James finishes 4th in the series. Villopoto wins, Dungey 2nd, Reed 3rd. The top three are given a hero's welcome. Stewart is banished to prison for impersonating a cop, and is seen picking up gum wrappers next to the interstate in an orange jump suit.
I do believe all the top four guys have the endurance to do 20 strong laps.
However for these next two races it is going to require them to push the envelope more than ever. To some point yes they will need to ride out of their comfort zone. I think JS and Reed can do that, however I think the Ryan's do not like riding beyond their levels. Yes, they can charge through the pack to get up to the front, but after that I don't think they are comfortable letting it all hang out.
Yes JS & Reed may ball up, lawn dart, whatever. What I am saying they will do whatever it takes to win this championship. And yes that means taking each other out if they have to. I just don't think the Ryan's can handle that type of riding.
Can't wait, may your favorite rider win.
The next SX race will be another Stewie victory. The only question is in regards to who will finish second.
reed or dungey will win the title,,,villo will choke
@TWK101......
The TC 90 was the dual range (8 speed, 4 low, 4 high) The TS 90 was the 5 speed......
TWK 101 My first motorcylce was the Suzuki TC 90 Trail Blazer had a dual range 4 speed tranny and high mounted frt fender while the TS 90 Honcho had a 5 speed and came with a low frt fender. lol case any one was wondering
Thats funny all us starting on same bike ..next I had the 73 TS 125 Duster, any one else
Based on their most recent performances I would say that drive and momentum favor the riders in the reverse order of their current point standings.
JS
RD
CR
RV
It may actually tighten up for Vegas. I wouldn't be surprised to see the two front runners slow down in a game of cat and mouse to let 3rd and 4th catch up and have a 4 man battle for the win...
JS7 is the new champ , Jairtime is no longer a Fan Of Supercross , or Mx. And we no longer have to deal with this Moron and his long winded comments that He thinks are witty . Not funny never has been , We all know what you are trying to imply. Sad Little Man you are !
Yo MOMMA DO!
Whatever - Is that really you? That could quite possibly be the most objective, well rounded post you've done!!! Good stuff.
All of these 4 deserve it for different reasons and each can still win it. I'm personally going for the old underdog Reedy. Wouldn't it be funny to re-read some of the "expert" posts on here from the start of the season when a LOT of people had completely written Reed off. Now that's hilarious!!!
The real winners are the Fans , Because they are going to take this outdoors , unless Reed gets scared
Still Chuckling. Thanks.
@Puremoto, That is so true!! a lot of people only had JS7 and RV2 battling for the title, RD1 and CR22 have really made it interesting huh? And @Whatever really did nail it with his last post! I agree, who ever wins it all, we the fans, are the real winners!!
Hey Snoppdog - Yep.... right.... he's scared......Ever read his achievment list? There's nothing "scared" about that.
What have you ever achieved other than coming up with that brilliant gangsta style name for your 15 seconds of posting fame. What, was "25 cent" taken?
@bigtireguy - Damn straight. Interesting is an understatement!
Wouldn't it be great to see an Atlanta type race for the title in Vegas! (Well maybe where they stay upright to the line :) )
Stewart just passed Reed no problem and took off last race. JS could have cleaned him out but didn't. You think he is saving a takeout of something?
Villopoto is the only racer in the field who has a history of crashing out of championships when in a tight points battle, and yes those demons are fresh. All stewart does is win multiple championships on every size bike in every series championship there is, and do it perfectly. Chad Reed is lucky he didn't break his neck is seattle. Stewart and windham were the only riders to not crash all day on the ruttiest track of the year. The thing is, people who want to hate will hate on. In their mind JS has never matured. He immatured his way into becoming a multi-time champion. People are just tired of seeing one guy dominate year after year so when JS slips a little people are quick to go overboard on the hate because he has been so good for so long.
The suzuki factory team riders pulled over in the AMA 125 nats in 1990 so Guy Cooper could win the title. No penalty. Jean-Michel Bayle didn't want to pass Damon Bradshaw during the 1992 SX final in LA (although he eventually did) because he didn't want Stanton to win. No penalty. Mike Brown pulled over to let Jesseman by at the 2001 final at Steel City to give RC the overall to become the winningest rider (at that time) in the 125 class. No penalty. The AMA would have a hard time proving Reed did anything on purpose if he chose to slow down (which I dont think he would) unless it was something very blatant. I believe this title is either Reed's or Stewart's
SXFAN I disagree with you 100%, RV can hang it out with the best of them, RD not so much but RV no ?? in my mind.
The people on here that say Dungey sux obviously have no idea what it takes to finish on the podium at an AMA supercross. he has done that more consistently than anyone else this year, NO he has not won a bunch of races like last year but to say he sux is just ridiculous. I dont think he will win the title either but he has had a great year in his second season with the big boys and he is definately one of the big boys now.
Hey Drew , My Opinion is Reed Is Scared of the outdoors with all the talent that will show up this year , MY Opinion, No need to put me down , Vet A rider ,2nd last year in the standings . All on a 144 YZ . Is that enough achievment for Ya
SXFAN.. Where have you been last year?? RV2 is not afraid at all to ride hard... And RV2 has the raw speed!!!! Trust me... He's in a ideal position... My only fear is Reed.. He's the dirtiest of the bunch and is easily crying when things do not go his way... After the race he was yelling at RV & his mechanic for the last effort pass RV made... And then being a hypocrite on the box... Man.. Hope RV2 cleans him out the next race.. But knowing RV.. He will just pass him and check out...
I think KDub and Weimer are going to make these last 2 races interesting. Also, Alessi will get up front at least at Vegas. KDub has re-ignited and he and Weimer have nothing to lose. Remember Weimer last year in Vegas ! 2 spoilers I think !
All you had some good posts but yeah I give whatever the prize that was a good one. I like all of hese what if things???? What if Winham would have got a sign from Honda saying "Let Chad back by" That would have lit the boards up!!!!!
I hope whatever happens, I get to see it and be witness to one of the most epic SX seasons in it's 30+ year history. My prediction is, it will come down to the wire.
Didierlotsyeng Where did you see Reed yelling at RV?? I would love to see that, If its true Reed just lost a lot of Respect from me!!
I had the Suzuki TC 50 Trailhopper. My first bike ever, unless you count my 'Ruttman Ugly' Mini-bike with a 3.5 horse briggs & stratton, and a clutch brake.
Which one was the suzuki "goucho", anyone remember, was that the 125?
If Dungy hadn`t thrown a chain he would be leading the points.......
right bonocross.... but RD got a bad start and hit TC and thru his chain, it is what it is. They ALL have "what if's" this year.
@Snoopdog - A 144! - Wow - isn't that a kids bike!?
What, are you SCARED of a real man's bike or something?
Hahaha - Lighten up, I'm just messing with you. Congrats on the 2nd. Keep on roosting. Peace. And didn't you even get just a little laugh out of the '25 cent' comment. C'mon wher'es your SOH! :)
Your opinion is all yours and that's fine - but to suggest that one of the hardest competitors of the modern era, and the 2009 450 Champ, is scared of riding outdoors because of the same guys he's been banging bars all year would suggest that view is a little skewed maybe?
Maybe more like worried , Not a lot of competition last year outdoors on the big bikes. I own a crf 450 , but made a bet with some friends that I could finish the season on my 144 , I did , and holeshot quite a few Motos , BRAAPPP
SnoopDog - Nice one!! That's funny. Would love to have seen the faces on the guys you holeshot on that thing.
Ok - Fair enough. Either way It's gonna be good to watch it all unfold.
Cheers & Happy Easter,
BRAAAAPPP!!
There are no "what ifs." Stewie will win the last two races.
WFO_UFO - I loved those little Suzuki 50's, my little sister had the MT50 Trailhopper in the early '80's, not sure if it is the same model you had or not. I think I rode that thing more than she did.