Monday Conversation: Ryan Villopoto
Monday, May 2, 2011 | 9:30 AM
Alpinestars has been delivering performance of the highest level on the motocross tracks of the world for almost 50 years. Racing on Sunday and developing on Monday is a way of life at Alpinestars. Welcome to the Racer X Monday Conversation.
Tweet
Advertisement | Advertise with Us
Share
Comment
Email
Print
After fifteen races where just about everything that could happen, did happen, this year’s Monster Energy Supercross Championship may have come down to 20 laps in Salt Lake City. Ryan Villopoto came out on top, and now he controls the series with a nine-point lead heading into the series’ finale this weekend in Las Vegas. After the race, we found him in his motorhome and asked him about what may turn out to be the most important race of the season.
Racer X Online: I’m going to say that as far as clutch rides go, that was the supercross equivalent to hitting a big three pointer late in the game. Obviously everything was on the line out there, and you knew this, and I’m sure the other riders knew this.
Ryan Villopoto: Yeah, I know, it was the most important win, for sure. Out of any of the wins so far, this was the one that was most critical, so now we can go into Vegas a little more relaxed. But we still need to finish good, and if a win presents itself, I’m going to take it.
The last few races things weren’t going as well…
Well, since Jacksonville, you know, it’s been kind of rocky, and I know people have been saying “What’s wrong” or whatever. The weekends haven’t been going that well for me, and it’s nice to turn things around with a win, just to show everyone again. People tend to forget, you know? Even with five wins, they forget that I’ve won five times. So it was good to get another win. It’s nice.
Villopoto got back on track at Salt Lake City.
Photo: Simon Cudby
After the race in Seattle, you said you wanted to get one more win before the year was up. You were not just backing in and getting points.
Well, that’s the easiest way to—our main goal is the win the championship, and the best way to do that is to minimize your mistakes on the bad weekends and winning races when you can. So if you can win the race, we’re going to try to win the race.
So for the races since Jacksonville up until now, were you really riding differently, or was it just circumstances, bad starts, whatever?
No, I mean, the riding, myself, I wasn’t riding very well. I took a blow not qualifying at Jacksonville, and going from a 27 or 26 point lead or whatever and losing all of that.
It makes an impact?
Yeah for sure. So then I’m building myself back up, believing that you can win and ride up there with those guys. It takes a little bit to get that back.
Take us through this race. Got a decent start, you were behind Brayton in fourth.
I got around Brayton, and then, I was thinking I can’t fall into a pace behind Chad. I had to put in a push to get around him. He’s a guy where you can get stuck in his lines or his pace. I was able to get around Chad. Obviously James knew what was going on, he heard the crowd, things like that. He went down, and then I saw him out of the corner of my eye when he went down the second time. So I knew after that I didn’t have to worry about James coming back anymore. It was just Chad.
Did this pass seal the championship for Villopoto?
Photo: Simon Cudby
After that, where you trying to manage the race up front, or was it an all out blitz?
No, it was managing it, because the track was pretty slick, and you would hit the lappers in clusters, so there was some cat and mouse, I’d pull away a hair, he’d catch up a little bit. It was tough.
Did the word clutch come to mind? Did you feel that these last few laps were more critical than maybe any others this year, or where you just riding?
I was just riding and trying to be consistent. I knew my fitness is the best of any of those, guys, I believe it is, so I was just trying to be consistent.
So in your mind, it was just a race.
Yeah, it was a race for sure, it was close, but I wasn’t just balls-out wide open. I was maintaining. I started jumping through the whoops, it was safer to go blitz, triple triple, I just did that and counted the laps down.
When you were up to second, where you going after James?
My main goal was Chad, because at that time he was the closest guy, points wise. Then if I got into second, at that time, I could try to put in a push to James. But I don’t want to push too hard, ride over my head and go down. That’s not really the goal, the goal was to get to Chad, then we work on James, and we see what happens.
Glory.
Photo: Simon Cudby
Share this article:
Did you like this article?
Check out THE COMEBACK KIDS
in our Latest issue of Racer X available now.
Absent from the supercross tour since 2008, the KTM Junior Supercross Challenge remains a favorite of fans nationwide. And now it’s back! Page 136.
Look for the verified symbol 
Impulse Studios
I like that RV and team came into Salt Lake with a very well thought out plan.
1. Get Chad
2. If opportunity presents, get James
3. Don't push to hard and go down
You can bet they will go into Vegas with a well thought out plan and understanding what scenarios to avoid.
Nice
holeshot!!!! great for villy man he deserves this championship!!!!!
GO RV!!!!
Weege--- You forgot to ask one question.
Question: Reed pretty much said he is going to ride "aggressive" which means like he has done in the past with James, will take you out whether you are in the lead and you are lapping him, letting him by so he can win while you take the title or just putting your bike on the stand since he cant beat you on the track mano e mano....what do you think about that?
Answer: Chad is sore loser, we all know that.....Have to catch me if you want to take me down.
we have learned a new word boys and girls... can you say clutch? you can used it may ways... clutch ride... lol
Not trying to bash RV cause he is very talented but 4 of his 6 wins were because James crashed while in 1st place....James is clearly the fastest, maybe not the most consistent but he is not going away! just sayin.
Keepitreal,
you are an idiot. RV set the fastest lap, so he was clearly the fastest, not JS.
JS has always folded when you put pressure on him, and he did again.
Not crashing is part of winning you dip. Woulda coulda shoulda.
JS 4th in the series...that sounds about right for the crashingest rider on the planet.
Yeah ok open class, one fast lap and now we should all bow down to RV. James passed RV at will all season, no one caught and passed James straight up when he didn't crash. I can sleep just fine without James winning the title, he's still the most amazing rider out there. Last year was a snooze without him. So keep running your mouth hater, your words just don't hurt and never will!!
GO RV!!!!!!! Congrats on a great race. One more.
You really have to be crazy to criticize any of these guys, they are all so freakin fast! They may have some personal issues or may not be good speaking in front of 40,000 fans (and network TV). But they are all super-talented, fearless, "kids" that do something that NONE of us can match.
RV and Bubba are obviously a step above Reed and Dungey. I notice when Reed gets passed by guys other than Bubba, he doesnt seem to step it up...Bubba passes Reed and Reed really goes after him (or tries) every time. RV passed Reed and kept it clean..RV should have knocked him down cause Reed if he gets the chance in Vegas will take him out...RV should team up with Bubba and have the 7 dog the 22 all day long.......Bubba needs a different bike or some new suspension....His front end bounces like a pogo stick....He goes into the turns and the bike barley compresses and his front end washes out. Seems a few of his crashes this year have been a result of him being bucked off the bike...he looked good and wasnt "riding over his head" in my opinion but he went down again,.....He just doesnt gel with that Yamaha ....
@ Keepitreal:
Stewart is fast and he MIGHT be around for a while, those 2 things and $4.75 will get you a venti mocha at Starbucks....not a Championship.
Here's a fact: James Stewart is not going to win a Supercross Championship this year due to the fact that he was NOT the best rider over the course of a Supercross Season.
@ Ryan Villopoto - You are a WINNER ole' son....do work!
I think it is pretty simple what happened. JS7 lost Alden to RV and when he did RV dropped 12lbs and got a free pass at everything JS7 had been doing. Sure there are always the fluke guys like Lechien or Marty Tripes that don't train much but at this level even being a tiny bit off isn't going to work.
Time to get serious again Bubba. Drop the TV show, hire a real trainer, go back to racing outdoors (in a sport that requires timing first and foremost is it realistic to expect to be able to take off 7 months of the year and still win? I think we've had that question answered- NO), and get serious again.
@ Keepitreal
You need a reality check there buddy, RV was the FASTEST and set that time coming through the pack, go check the lap times and see for yourself, Like I said before..., RV was going to blow right by JS anyway , JS seen him coming and that put pressure on JS to push harder = Stewart on the ground. History doesn’t lie and does repeat itself all to often. That’s the facts.
Jairtime suks
I love how easy it is to get rednecks fired up!!!!!!
Glad he is going to win it, baring somthing very bad at the last race anyway. I picked RV to win it last Nov and Hoped he did because he is my fav guy . I said before the season started that JS is the only one who can run with or beat RV head to head. Sure others will get some wins but for all out speed its JS and RV IMO. Now RV needs to take the outdoor's as well. again I think JS is the only one who can run with or beat RV outdoors too. IF JS wins next weekend RV only needs a 7th or 8th right??
You line JS and RV up with no one else James will win 9 out of 10 times, he's the one with all the hardware and really doesn't need to add anymore to seal his place in history. So please hate on by all means! Shows your level of maturity!
@Metal Moto Head RV pushed his front wheel in the heat race, it happens when you are going that fast.
@rg807 JS did not lose Aldon, He fired him.
Keep it real, I guess you haven't been watching the same series I have because RV has passed JS way more times than JS has passed him, I have watched RV pass JS four times when JS wasnt on the ground (once was vegas in09) and six times when he was. RV has had the fastest lap in the race three times different times when JS was in the same race. There are three riders that have straight up beat JS throughout this season and the proof is in the point standings, this cannot be argued by a rational person. Next year there will be four because Carnard will be back, this can be argued, but we will see won't we. I like JS a lot but he is making way to many mistakes and not rising to the level of the compition, I hope he will man up and get serious and race the mans series in the outdoors,I knoe he can but doubt he will.
That's why RV keeps winning when Stewart is in front of him no keepitreal? He rides JUST under his ceiling while Stewart breaks through the roof most of the time and crashes. He and the team let the race come to him. Even if James had won RV would have increased his points lead by 1. You don't win championships riding over your head. You throw them away while leading.
I will throw out this bet.......................Stewie wins Vegas!!!! any takers?
RV2 rode like a bad ass in SL. Even though he didn't get the start in the main it was a convincing victory. I love the photo above of CR getting pushed high! RV2 the 2011 SX CHAMP!
Like I said, I love firing rednecks up!!!! You people are nuts! When RV gets 42 Supercross wins and a perfect 24-0 MX season....you can say all you want.
bubba sets up his bike real stiff he likes it that way so he can crush it .it has bit him back from being so stiff .but he wont change it much it just his style of attack
How many times can you spell "were" wrong?
I can't spell very good , We have seen JS and RV line up together all year and JS hasn't beat RV 9 out of ten so why would someone say that. Dude JS has gone down all by himself all year!! No one has taken him out, he has taken many others out all year. This is fact, what else can be said. Others have had bad luck that wasn't directly their fault, CR, RD, RV and they are all still ahead of JS. I have not seen one time this year that JS has gone down that wasn't his fault, including Reeds block pass early in the season (which was set up by CR)
David Langford you better hit the rewind button because RV did not pass JS one time this season straight up when neither of them fell. I would like to know what series you were watching, I have them all DVR'ed and the only race RV even came close to straight up passing James was LA I believe, and when he ran it in on James, James picked up the pace and eventually washed the front end out, like they both have done all season.
When RV has entered 7 SX seasons we will silly !
Oh yeah David and as for the 09 season, James was protecting the title and let RV go by. Get your facts straight
There are practice racers and real racers, guess which one RV is?
Well if you are hinting that James is a practice racer...he sure has a lot of hardware for a practice racer!!!
I will get you the list of times, and they have all been in the first lap, and Vegas and seatle of 09 RV passed him in both of those races when JS did NOT go down. But the fact remains a pass is still a pass it doesn't matter if a rider is down or not it still count's at the finish and the rider that stays up the most is the best rider, Just like in boxing you can't when from the floor, You would laugh at the boxing fan that says my guy could beat your guy straight up if he wasnt on the floor.... DUHHH !!!!
FACT: The only thing 'real' that we know about keepinitreal is that he is a JS7 nutgobbler. Well, that, and that JS7, while being an amazing rider, WILL NOT win the championship again this year. FACT: He has nobody to blame but himself.
Please tell me whose fault it is that JS is in 4th !!!!! I think I have my facts straight, the reason is that THIS year there are three better racers out there that ARE ahead of JS, I think you are the one that is a sore redneck,the facts are killing you. Dude its ok, hopefully JS will get his act together and do better in the future.
PS. I am not a redneck
HAHAHAHAHHA You rednecks love swingin on that redheads bag I guess!! It's so easy!!!
I am well aware of the fact that JS' season has been self inflicted and he manned up and stated all of that after the race!! I sleep just fine at night, it's only racing!
Maybe the reason that we have not seen RV pass a vertical JS is because JS knows what pace he has to pun to keep RV behind him and cannot run that pace without crashing.
Chad Reed may not win the championship this year, but neither will James Stewart. Chad Reed will however claim another second, which is still better than the fourth that James Stewart will claim. So Chad Reed has beaten James Stewart straight up in 2011. There you go folks you heard it here first. Chad Reed has beaten James Stewart straight up. Go Chad Reed and may you now take a championship over James Stewart in the coming seasons!!!!!!
Now when the Announcers are pimping for JS they will have to say he is the fastest man to hit the planet.
When is JS going to learn that it only matters who takes the checkered flag? How many more times is he going to crash & throw it away while leading a race? Just follow the guy in front of you James until lap 19 & pass them for the win! Ride around in second place @ about 80% of your talent until lap 19.
Championships don't lie. And this year's Championship will be no exception. ;)
keepinitreal.......since you're a diehard and are having a pissing match trying to justify JS7's shortcomings, how many 450 titles has he won out of the 13 (including 2011 SX)he has been eligible for since 2005? And before you give the laundry list of excuses (injuries and too cool to race outdoors) let me say that doesn't mean sh*t, noone fault but his.
ummmm isn't that what I said???
Wake up David Langford!! Wake up!! I do want a list of when RV actually caught and passed JS while they were both up on two wheels....lets hear 'em!! ANd did you really say that STewart has not risen to the level of his competition this year?? Please tell me you were having a delusional moment cuz that is the dumbest thing your dumb butt could have said!! Was he at their level a couple weeks ago with a 14 second lead, or the week after when led every lap!! D-bafgs like you are quiet the last couple races when he wins and is closing in on this thing, then he makes a mistake and you guys come crawling out of your caves again!! All these guys have had great moments this year and horrible moments this year. Nobody stuck it to anybody and nobody can be called dominant...nobody!! You are an idiot David!!
You gotta hang your hat on something don't you "just sayin"?? If you feel better saying that skippy beat him straight up well go right ahead......but it is meaningless!! CHad Reed will never claim a title while James Stewart is in the running.....never has and never will. Keep dreamin' buddy!!
BILLC you started the season with JS, then switched to RV. why not just wait to the last race and then pick your winner.
@just sayin - 2nd place is the first loser!! HAHAHAHAHA!! It has been a crazy series.However, James beat himself like usual, not Chad beating James "straight up"....just look at the win column and how many times James stomped Reed on the track....RV and James are the top dogs and Reed can not beat them unless they crash out on their own or he takes them out.....Reed will not win Vegas and he will pull out of the nationals cause he knows he doenst have a chance outdoors as he quit last year....Reed is REtirED
Reeds chances are slim as RV can prety much start dead last and work up to 6th place and cruise at Vegas if he needs too... Usually once the gate drops in vegas, there are only a few guys out there "racing" since most folks just want the night to be over and head outdoors.....I predict a JS7 and CR22 race for the lead with someone hitting the deck for ol' times sake.....RV will cruise in 3rd or 4th with Dungey and watch the drama unfold in front of them.....
WOW, then James is the third loser! This is great. Chad had a rough start at the beginning of the season but has pulled through. By the way there is still Vegas and still a chance that Chad could win the championship, and it would be a win over James in a season that James attended every race. HA HA egg on the faces of Chad haters everywhere. No matter how you insult Chad Reed is still beating James Stewart in the Championship. Ryan is the man because he is beating everyone but there is always a straight up debate with Chad and James and this year Chad Reed beat James Stewart STRAIGHT UP!!!! oh ya
"Bubba needs a different bike or some new suspension....His front end bounces like a pogo stick....He goes into the turns and the bike barley compresses and his front end washes out. Seems a few of his crashes this year have been a result of him being bucked off the bike...he looked good and wasnt "riding over his head" in my opinion but he went down again,.....He just doesnt gel with that Yamaha ...."
It seems to be the suspension setup of the future...RC4 always crticized JS7 for running it that way and KW14 eluded to trying the setup next year...It allows them to scrub harder and stay lower and faster in the air...Washing out the front end seems to be the negative result.
JS needs to drop the "bubba" name tag. He couldnt beat Ricky and he cant beat RV. I think he probably has the most talent of any rider on two wheels "off road" but the money changed him. He's not a waste of talent like Patrana but he can never go back to the "no money" race with all your heart kid we used to know. I wish 259 would come to the races but he's long gone.
Wow, dude (just sayin) that is a stretch. It doesn't matter though, because no matter where they finish (Reed wont win the title) Reed has to go through the rest of his life knowing that he never took a title while James was out there, and he has to go through his life knowing that in 2009 he had an 18 point lead on Stewart and proceeded to get his as handed to him 7 straight races and Stewart took that #1 plate from him that year. That is all the satisfaction i need......OH YA!! OH YA!! OHHHHHHHHH YAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@just sayin - WOW down boy down HA!!!....your really into this huh. None of these guys care what place they get unless its 1st when it comes to the title, there is no title for 2nd 3rd or 4th place...so 2nd or 3rd or 4th doesnt mean anything other than your not the champion this year.....Reed did a great job and was his usual consistent self all year and luckily it paid off.He used to win multiple races and win the championship...but 1 win this year isnt going to cut it.. Finishing 2nd is worse than 4th since JS7 had to win and hope the others finished in ceratin places after his crazy season....RD and CR lucked out when RV and JS lost out at Jacksonville and they gobbled 20+ points on both of them....so thats not really beating them straight up....but go ahead and kid yourself..Reed faced reality Saturday....he knows he can not beat these guys ...he needs them to beat themselves via crashing out....champions race when the gate drops....what Reed needs warm up laps now to get going???
Ricky is the G.O.A.T.
@ya right. no Sir, I picked RV way back when. After the per season show where everyong Picked RD except Stanton I even said there all crazy. I may have said JS is the fastest guy but I picked Rv to win the title.
The bottom line is RV and JS were the dominat ridders hands down, Reed 1 win, RD 1 win, RD and Reed are not at the same level as RV and JS, sure they "can" win but there not going to come from behind and beat Rv or JS unless they crash. Sure there are exceptions to this Reed had a few very good races but most of the time it's not going to happen.
keep n it real, I think you could take Sorby's job as Stewarts man friend. Stewart went 24 and 0 outdoors while remarkable, he did do it against nobody. No RC, RV, RD, CR or any of the strong lites contingent now in or headed to the big class. It would not happen today. Let's see where RV's # stack up in 4 years when he hits the age Stewart was when he compiled all these numbers. Let it go, there are new sherriff's in town.
js is out of the championship. i hope he rides the outdoors though, cause he keeps it interesting. i don't give a s$#@ if he ever wins another heat, moto or main but he does entertain. he has terrific crashes and somehow manages to keep coming back. i hope he stays in the sport just to keep everyone from getting complacent. i wish he would ride a yellow or orange bike though, he's making Yamaha look bad.
I believe JS7's biggest issue is that he has lost his mental edge. If he would lose the win or crash philosophy and try to apply some smart racing as RV2 does he could be a serious threat again. Otherwise, I think he will continue to spiral down. Dude has amazing speed when he's on. Side note, if people are not falling all over JS, that does not make them a hater. Congrats to RV on a great season.
@keepitreal, you answered your own question. You say Stewie is the fastest because he sets the fastest lap. then when someone says RV2 set the fastest lap, you say, "Sure one fast lap and lets all bow down to RV." You contradicted yourself. Stewie fell down trying to go to fast to beat RV. Nobody caught Styewie and passed him straight up?? Where were you all season, he was passed alot, its why he is in FOURTH place. He isnt the fastest or he would have won. The fastest guy finishes first, its that simple. If the roles were reversed, you would be agreeing with me. A guy comes back from what could be a career ending injury, bust his tail, rides with agression but clean. And gets cut down after winning a title because some guy is a die-hard for another rider.
Say what you want, but fastest is measured by the time from the gate drop to the checkered flag. When you win (by definition) you were the fastest person competing. The fastest man is always the winner - that is why we hold races, rather than award points based upon lap times or award championships because someone is a crowd favorite. To the victor goes all of the kudos, no matter what some pimply faced internet bigman says. Great Job RV!
I have to take BILLC's side on this one, (unreal huh!!) He said he wanted RV to win at the start of the season. One of the few things we agreed on. And I love how the Stewietards call anyone who doesnt like Stewie or is a fan of any other rider "REDNECKS" it really shows me what kind of guy the name caller is. Right Brotha!!??
The fastest person won't always win the race! James is a sprinter! Too bad as a sprinter he can't keep focused for a whole season. For one lap 90% of the time he is the fastest! Got news! SX is not a one lap race! If it was even Mike Allesi would have a win! It's real smart pushing yourself hard enough to crash all the time. RV deserves this title! Really sick of hearing "Stewart handed it to him" In 5 days it will be over and we can go outside where we can see RV push JS into crashing some more! Will he show?????
@George119, it isnt the bike or the suspension, he sets it up that way himself. You can set up any bike to run that way..
@David Langford - Most sane people wouldn't consider starting dead last being "passed" by twenty riders. Villopoto did not pass Stewart at Seattle '09.
In Vegas he made a mistake that allowed RV to go by, but he wouldn't have put up a fight anyway. Ryan admitted this.
Villopoto sure hasn't been dominant these last several rounds, but if he finishes strong he'll be extremely deserving.
Stewart is obviously the dominant man on the track in 2011--San Diego was really the only weak ride from him--but dominance can look a lot like stupidity when you crash while leading on 4 different occasions. (Well, technically Chad was leading when they collided at Atlanta).
Racist brothers like to put labels on people who support light skinned people like Villopoto. I'll put my IQ up against any of you who would call me names like redneck. It's "cool" these days to do name calling on light skinned people with names like redneck, and believe me, I'd love to call you exactly what you are. Unfortunately, the abuse only goes one way. Still, you Stewart suckers can suck snot through a biological straw, nomesane. Yo momma do.
RV KILLED IT !!!
Don't worry Jairtime, Stewart's next stop is junkytown. 'Specially wit dat crowd he be hangin wit.
A new sheriff in town PLEASEEEE!! He only beat Reed by half a second, you people are all experts! Have fun swinging on RV's bag!
bd200 does it really matter that James didn't win it? He has 9 combined national titles to his name so what gives you the right to say anything?
This has been one of the most entertaining seasons of all time so no complaints here. Congrats RV you were my pick because I wanted to see someone new win the Championship. JS7 needs to figure out his suspension for the outdoors. His stiff settings isn't going to work, just like last year. None the less I can't wait for the outdoors should be epic racing forsure. Oh and CR if your reading this try to keep it clean at vegas, none of that intentional going out of your way to take someone off the track sh$%.
Facts are Facts...4 out of 6 of RV's wins James fell down! Enough said, keep telling yourselves that James is done! I bet you all said the same thing about McGrath in 97! James had a bad year, I'm not making excuses for him and neither did he. He admitted defeat on national television!
Whoops, Just sayin JS did not go down in Seattle n 09 and RV won. To me a straight up win is the guy that wins the race, the only buts we can put in there are a mechanical or someone else taking you out. Any mistake you make is part of the race, fair ?? Same rules apply to everyone, and that being said JS is clearly the fourth most dominate rider in SX this year. I have trouble seeing it any other way. In Vegas RV hunted down JS passed him and left him, fact, was JS being conservative- I think so, but that doesn't change the results and never will.
I still race and we all have off days, and tracks that suit our style more than others, but the average of the last 16 races tells the true story doesn't it ??
It's clear JS would be deadly if he could balance speed and talant with mistake free racing. I really hope he does better in the future, but the competition keeps coming in waves with no end in sight. I feel next year will be even tougher.
You know I understand that a lot of fans have a favorite rider and all but as a fan and participant of this awesome sport I have been thankful to witness this season and have found myself cheering for different guys at different times ( Although I am fast becoming a Canard fan ) there are so many good different story lines this season and these very talented guys have given us a lot to be excited about, I respect them all. I seen a video of James Stewart after the Utah race it was clear he was upset but he gave credit to villopoto and said he tried his best. What else is their to say ? I gurantee he and most any of those 20 guys in the main event can ride a dirt bike better that any of us on the message boards criticizing them ever could in our best days..
David Langford, if your expert analysis helps you sleep better at night, then just go with it man! Geez I hope RV has you on his payroll. I bet the guy has a sore sack from you swingin on it!
Yes facts are facts! And in every race that RV finished ahead of JS, he beat him straight up. The fact that JS fell in more races than he didn't is fact. I do not and have not said JS is done, I only wish him less mistakes and to stop hurting himself and others. I flat out love watching him ride, its just a fact that this year so far, he is the fourth best SX rider out there.
I am actually more of a Barcia/ Carnard fan, but really like almost all the riders, It was cool I got to sponser and pit Sean Hackly last year at the nationals he is a really cool dude and we spent some good time driving the country and meeting a lot of the other riders. I really do like JS also and don't want him hurt. I have a private track that several practice on occasionally, Damn I love this sport !
As if people still argue over the straight up crap. That's just a way to justify your favorite rider not winning because he can't keep it on two wheels. The first to the checkers wins and the points standings don't lie. If JS7 can't go that speed without crashing he needs to slow down. Or........he could keep riding over his head and crashing his brains out like he's done his whole career. JS7 fans always discredit anyone that beats him with some sort of excuse when the fact of the matter is he got beat. It's going to be a long summer for the JS7 lovers and RV haters where RV really shines.
So let me get this straight ... if Stewart falls down, whoever wins doesn't really win? Clearly, you don't have to be a genius to be a SX fan.
Stewart at 25 - 3 "big bike" AMA championships
RC at 25 - 10 "big bike" AMA championships
Hmmm.
@bd200 (and maybe Langford)
I know that calling Stewart's fans hypocrites is your favorite argument, and it's not always a bad one. But Stewart has BEEN the fastest for years; he's the fastest until proven otherwise, and Villopoto has not proven otherwise.
Someone on Vurb recently mentioned the tortoise and the hare, arguing that even though the tortoise won the race, he's not any faster for it. It's in the story itself: SLOW and steady.
If I race Stewart and he proceeds to lap me 30 times in 20 laps but crashes in the last corner of the last lap, failing to finish, am I the faster rider when I cross the line TWO HOURS LATER?? No. I'm not. And I wouldn't brag to everyone that I beat James Stewart straight-up.
Does Jeff Stanton get less credit for being champion because Bradshaw might have had more speed? Are we really referring to RV as a tortoise? I was at Budds Creek in '07 ... that boy's NO tortoise. Fastest, smastest.
sef154......pull your head out of your a**. None of that matters, JS goes the fastest in practice and was "disadvantaged" as a child racing all over the US.
@Retardcross
I can only speak for myself, not other Stewart fans. For me, not admitting that another rider is faster when he beats Stewart is not discrediting the rider. There are other ways to give credit, like praising his consistency. You're the ones acting like being the fastest is the only real measure of a racer's worth. You must believe it if you keep arguing against something so concrete (Stewart's speed).
I didn't say Villopoto was a tortoise. It was an example to show that the fastest doesn't always win, as RV has said himself multiple times this year while explaining why he wasn't catching Stewart. Is it a big deal that he's not the fastest? No. He's winning, so stop crying about it.
Thanks BD200 for putting aside your dislike of me to tell the truth!! good on you!!
Don't take my sarcastic posts too seriously, I'm not crying about anything. The results have fallen just how they should have for this season regarding who's on top of the box. RV finally keeping it together for a full big bike season, Stewart doing what he's always done and taking himself out of contention (only in the past he ends up injured and sitting out). And I don't think anyone should be surprised by where Reed is, he's only proven himself to be the most consistent title threat besides RC this decade.
Yeah, the "crying" comment was generally aimed at anyone arguing.
If nothing else, I can't fugging believe Stewart hasn't seriously hurt himself this year.
Again, Stewart was consistent enough in '09 to beat the most consistent SX racer of all time (and defending champ), on the same bike he's on now. I don't think he's ever finished another championship above Reed, has he? '09 was the pinnacle of Stewart's 450 career, but there was only one contender (and he didn't do outdoors). Hopefully it won't stay the pinnacle.
It's real easy to settle this. Just change James' AKA to "Fastest most Inconsistant man on the Planet". This will never change either. He is who he is. He's not Mcgrath. He's not Carmichael. He's James Stewart and his game is win or tumble. It's the reason he's so spectacular to watch. One minute your going "Man look at him go!" then the next "OH Owe, ah that had to hurt!" It's going to really suck when he hangs up his boots. On another note, since this is an RV article, the guy is seriously brainy. When it comes to seeing the outcome of races, he's got it down to a science. I'm sure a lot of the guys are as smart as him but nobody can apply it any better. I can only see him getting progressively more dominate.
I agree with Whoops_Blitzer and have said pretty much what he said before. The fastest guy does not always win. But if I had to bet on what guy would be the fatest on any track any day i put my money on JS everytime. it does not mean I love him, it does not mean he is the smartest or has the most titles or wins it just means he is not scared to push the limit. Some times he looks unhuman some times he goes to the hospital but he goes for it.
Anyone who says JS is the 4th best rider out there this year is an idiot!!!!!!!!! I just love it how you roaches come out of hiding every time Stewart has a bad night. It's amazing, none of this shit talk was going on when he was winning the last two EASILY...didn't hear a word from most of you who are posting now!! That sef dude finally crusted himself off and spoke up with his biased words of wisdom..oh and that honky, white bread POS cracker Jairtime still has his case of the mouth "runs" and still needs his ass kicked......you people all pretty much suck really. You bag on the one guy who makes anything exciting out there, but for most of you mouths the truth is that "you cant live with JS and you cant live without him"!!!! Did you see the look of relief on RV's face after the race?? The guy has been scared crapless of Stewart lately, James is still the man and i guarantee he will still prove that when he is on...NOBODY CAN TOUCH HIM!!
@Whoops_Blitzer I think the pinnacle of Stewart's 450 career may have been 06, I think he rode his best then, At that time it looked like MC's record of 72 could one day fall. He rode great that year, look great and did not crash as much either, or as bad. Just a though.
Whoops Blitzer (love the name).....Stewart smoked Reed outdoors on a few occasions on 125 and 250 ...so bad Reed pulled the SX only gig because Stewart really showed him how to ride a bike....He alos beat Reed twice in SX as they are both 2x Champs going after title #3
In Vegas, Reed will be looking around for RV so he can take him out since he cant win races this year, but JS7 will oblige us all and take Reed down and send him packing back to Oz, James can still get second, so he'll do it for "the points" right Reed?.....RV will get a mid pack start...let the race mellow out the first few laps....see where Reed is and move up accordingly and become the 2011 SX CHAMPION...go RV!!!
2 seconds a lap faster at Daytona says it all for me -- RV gets this title by being a wus and waiting for opportunities -- I liked the old RV that was balls on like james and Ricky (and ricky will tell you he was on the edge always pushing -- not waiting for someone to make a mistake) Bottom line -- take james out -- boring series -- kid has skills whether you like him or not and all these posts show how he gets this sport fired up -- hell last year he was out and everyone still bashed him all season long. And I am pulling for RV since the opener.
If someone passes me and gets way ahead and crashes out the last lap and I pass them and win YES I have beaten them STRAIGHT UP in any race I have been in or been to. This is called racing as I know it here in the USA, I have never heard of any other way to call a race, for those of you that struggle with this concept maybe you should be a fan of some other sport (fantasy something ?)
NEWSFLASH !!!!! this is the way SX and MX is scored. This is the sport I am a fan of and race in.
I say with the backing of the AMA and every race team out there including James Stewart that JS is the fourth most dominate racer in the 2011 SX series, if you think that makes me an idiot, I pity you.
I have been to Stewarts house three of my friends have stayed with him and road with him for weeks,I am friends with his Dad, I have been a fan of his and still am.
He is incredible on a bike and has been the fastest on the track many many times.
He has rarely been the fastest at MX, that would be RC. I have said in almost every post I really hope he quits hitting the ground, the brain and body can only take so much. I call him extremly lucky to really be alive, and DO NOT WANT HIM HURT. He is great for this sport. I feel on top of what I just said- he has hurt too many people including himself, he needs to change and get focus and control or he could be a quad next week or month or seriously hurt someone else.
I have been hoping he would mature and become more consistant as he got older, he hasn't. He has the heart and drive of a champion, theres just not the complete package or focus. It's fun to watch but rather meaningless in the scope of things to do the fastest lap then wreck and finish10th or 4th or whatever. I personally would rather see him win and go on to represent us in MX of nations, but guys it's not happening....sorry I call it like it is. IN SX he is in 4th------- NUFF SAID
Crashingest man on the planet - Now I'd like to Ralph Shaheen say that a billion times during the broadcast. It is the truth. Or you can try landing on the most people on the planet title but that's a bit of a mouth full.
Being the fastest does not mean being the best. Stewart is faster then anyone but that's because he rides out of control which is why he has crashed so many times this year.
This year RV2 has been the smartest rider out there which is why he should be crowned #1 this year and is what has made him the "Best" rider of 2011.
I'm sick of people saying Bubba is the best, he is not the best, if he was he would be in contention for #1 this year and he is not.
What is the point of being the fastest rider in Supercross if you can't finish a race?
Right, I definitely meant that Reed's beaten Stewart in every SX championship except '09. Both are considered Supercross specialists, so they match up well when they're on their respective games.
I have Bar to Bar 2006, and the racing was pretty good. I didn't realize James had tied Chad for second. I guess that could've been his best year. It's just that in '09 Reed was likely better than ever, and Stewart didn't just tie him, he beat him AFTER not finishing at A1. Either way...
David Langford, in my above scenario, I would tell people I won if they asked. But I literally would be making excuses FOR the man who (almost) waxed the floor with me; he wouldn't even need to open his mouth to defend himself.
You may think that winning in that manner makes you the better rider. Fine, if you're being honest with yourself. This is how I'm honest with myself. The "beaten straight-up" argument is used do defend someone's speed. I would say I beat him, but that's all.
David Langford, ok now name dropping proves your point! Oh how i ever doubted you and your infinite wisdom. Let us all bow down to King Langford, he knows everything that is supercross and we shall never speak our minds....By the way still waiting on that list of the six races you claim that RV caught and passed JS for wins! Shouldn't you be off preparing for Vegas since you obviously are so important in this industry.
I was thinking after i watched the race that o i bet the bubba supporters will cry fowl. sure enough, "so and so won cause stewart went down". EVERY TIME that is said after he loses. WHAT MAKES HIM BETTER than all the riders? He has 2 whole championships like Reed. Sure he can lay a blink of the eye faster time now, not the 5 seconds he did in 125 days, but hes another rider. not a god. Mcgrath and Carmichael are our current sx gods. Im tired of hearing and seeing special treatment of stewart, both in media and sport. they all but their helmets on, but not all take them off on the podium. its call RACING.
Whoops blitzer, if Stewie was the fastest for years, he would have been winning titles for years. And he hasnt. It seems alot of guys like to call those lites regional titles real titles. If that was the case, RC would have more than 15. Stewie wasnt faster than RC, and he is faster than the current riders sometimes. And other times he IS NOT. If Stewie falls down, its his fault for riding above his head. Stewies first win this year was a result of RV falling down, but "Keepinitreal" or whatever he calls himself, wont admit that. If Stewie was faster, he would have the title. He doesnt, he couldnt beat RC for the title, and he wont beat the current red-head either. Or for that matter, Reed or Dungey. The Stewietards are hating it.
@Trendkiller, Reed pulled the supercross only move when he was on 450's against RC and Stewie was still on the 125/250 class/ It had nothing to do with Stewie.
"keepinitreal" EVERY race RV won this year, he beat your guy Stewie "straight up" They started at the same time, ran the same size bike, and raced the same track. RV beat him and everyone else to the finish, its as straight up as it gets. You are hating it too!!
I couldnt help myself, I read these posts and think to my self that the lack of education and capacity to mentaly grasp the fact that JS7 is not the the fastest man on the planet dosent really exist, but, I am wrong! bd200 could not have said it better! Stewart threads the needle every lap, the other riders (smart ones) ride the track to its potential, thus making them a BETTER rider.
JS7 is talented, fast, a past champion, one hell of a handsome man with that million dollar smile but If you re-read above I said nothing about being smart!
Being the fastest rider means absolutely nothing if you can't keep the rubber side down for the 20 laps that make up a supercross main event. I'll tell you right now, I'm a Villopoto fan but you can't deny that he knows how to manage races and championships. That's why he's winning right now. He may not be able to lay down the fastest lap or win every weekend (he didn't even qualify for a main one weekend) but he does excellent damage control, which is where Stewart and the others seem to be deficient.
Speed or intelligence alone aren't enough to win championships. You need a combination of the two and apparently Villopoto has the best balance of the two this SX season, followed by Reed who flat out beats everybody in consistency. I wouldn't be surprised if he ended up taking the championship away from RV.
As long as we have this much talent racing I do not think that JS7 will ever win another title. The only time he has ever won titles is when he has had only one strong competitor. If there were more than two no title. Whats going to happen next year when we have RV, RD, TC, CP, CR, all compeating, sorry JS7 fans don't see it happing.
keepinit real, First I am not "KING" to you and never want to be , I am simply a fairly unbiased fan who loves the sport.
Second I said I have seen RV beat JS four times when JS has not fallen, 2 in 09 and twice this year, Now RV has beaten JS 8 times just this year ( finished ahead of) CR is beating JS this year, RD is beating JS this year, and they have all been fair straight up races. I don't know this any better than you or anyone else, millions know it.
I am not any more important than you, don't get your feelings hurt dude this is a great forum that we can all share our opionions and root for our favorite riders. I am glad you are a fan and you are probably a cool dude. We all get our feelings involved and sorry if I came across as know it all. If you race you could probably kick my ass, but I would probably go down trying to win!
I hope you are important to this industry, all us fans are.
Last go to ama supercross.com and look up the stats,I just did to make sure I knew what I was talking about, I couldn't figure out how to post them here, but I am sure as I was at the races and did record them. Hey my favorite coverage is the Bar to Bar dvds they produce for each SX season you should get them if you havent already. If you ride and live in texas maybe we could ride together sometime.
It dissapoints me when we get so mad at each other we start calling each other names, also when guys on here say some rider sucks, believe me I have rode the tracks and every pro out there can kick my ass. Best I have ever finished a series is second in a open class (full moon series) in 2008
RV has not won the championship yet, anything can still happen, hopefully he wont make any stupid mistakes and let Reed or worse Dungey win it.
JS still the fastest on any given race, however this year he made the most mistakes and thats it. Now we all should hope that JS races the outdoors or RV will kill everyone else.
And to all the haters you should thank JS because hes the main reason this championship was as good as it was. I think the only way to beat it next year would be to drop CBS.
You are all getting me wrong, James absolutely threw this season away, he took 100 percent of the blame, I am simply saying that he is FAST and amazing to watch. He will never be the GOAT, his M.O has never changed...Win or Crash and he's ok with that! Every rider through history has had their own persona! James is an amazing SX racer and I feel in my opinion if he did not crash, he has the edge over the competition. Not taking anything away from anyone else....They would all smoke us. But you can't deny that James has led the most main event laps in 2011, he has been up front MORE than anyone else but he through it away! It happens, won't be the first or last time. Look at Hanny! Look at Pourcel! Look at Villopoto!
@keepinitwhateveryoucallyourself, I never said Stewie isnt fast. He is, but he did lose and not crash. But it doesnt matter, Every top 5 guy can ride as fast as Stewie, then crash like Stewie. They choose to not crash. You are saying "IF" alot. RV would have sewn up this title in Jacksonville if he had qualified and not crashed. We can what if it too death. As it stands right now, Stewie is in 4th place. He is very fast, but not the best this year. RV went down to give Stewie his first win this year. You dont mention that. RV blew everyone out in INDY. I sat there in the stadium and watched it. NO crash from Stewie. RV coasted the last lap waving at the crowd, or he wins by over 5 seconds easy. Stewie didnt "throw" anything away, he got beat period!!
BD I also was in Indy, James was in 20th place and only lost by 2 seconds to RV. You are the one stuck on this not me.
20th place after the first turn that is!!
I'm sorry but crashing with a huge lead is throwing it away, those are James' words not mine.
i like the idea of "fastest man to hit the planet"
How is a race defined, a start and a finish. They all start at the same time and only one finishes firs, RV has done it more times then JS7 this year. Is RV supposed to stop and wait if Stewart falls, NO! If stewart over rides the track and falls this does not make him fast it makes him not smart! Like RC said "you win youre championship on your bad days" Stewart put in a hell of an effort but to no avail, the proof is in the points... end of story!
Hey Rick Melon - You are clearly an RV fan. Fair enough. That's your deal. He's a good rider for sure. But can you not even be gracious when he wins though? Your failed attempt at humour and hating on Chad was pathetic really. Wasn't funny, witty or even close to anything factual. Outright Fail.
Are you really that much of a small minded loser?
Oh and Open Class - Really? Calling someone an idiot straight up when they where just giving their opinion - I'm not a JS7 fan but c'mon man stop the hate on him. Where's your holier than thou, almighty preaching now? Yep thought so, you are just another hating d-bag all along pretending to be something you clearly aren't. Probably racist too.
You and Melon should get a room and work out your demons together!
Stewy 'Stewied' himself once again while leading it comfortably. Over the bars again? Seriously? Who can explain the pull when he gets too far over the front end. It started way back on a 125 in Vegas. Its like he expects to dive over the bars even before the crash happens. Fastest man on the planet doesnt always win unfortunately.
Villy is starting to bring it back together & I'm glad. Reed got his arse handed to him & he had no reply. Even with allmighty Honda loading him up with trick parts. I'm thinking 'stick a fork in this one' & bring on the Great Outdoors!
P.S. Stewy & Reed should man-up & race outdoors too! Bring it!
@kkepinitreal, that is crap. I still have the INDY race recorded. Stewie was NEVER in 20th place, that is crap. He rounded the first turn in 7th place. Quit making excuses, he got beat by RV straight up. So the only way to beat yiour boy
straight up" is for Stewie to get a hole shot and run him down?? Who made this rule up. If that is the case Stewie hasnt beat RV straight up either. Its all excuses with the Stewtards. He got beat, by 3 riders this year. RV Reed and Dungey.
@puremoto -Yes I am an RV fan and more importantly a fan of moto. Sorry my attempt at humor ruffled your Reed feathers....I am just saying what a lot of folks are thinking after Reed makes a comment like he did. He took James out in Atlanta "for points" when he was 20 something points behind, so I wouldnt put it past him to take RV out, he is a pussee...he always makes an excuse on why he lost rather than simply saying he got beat.... He doesnt like to "ping pong" in the start....Took him a few laps to get warmed up....bla bla....Its supercross...the race starts when the gate drops.....I dont take anything away from Chad as far as talent goes, the guy is an amazing rider and his results speak for themself...however I have been in the sport long before Reed came around and have never seen someone cry so much about why he lost or complain about the track conditions etc.....its the same for everyone dude.....he just wants things "his way" and thinks he should be treated like the King.....he is not the king...
bd200 you should go take a valium or something, your head may explode hearing the truth!! Funny cause I had industry seating for INDY and in the interview post race with Erin Bates he say the film and said "oh i guess I was in last place" Watch it over and shut your mouth! RV has dominated nothing to this point on a 450. Hell Reed damn near chased him down this weekend!
Bd200 if the other guys are so damn fast then why is it that only JS and RV have multiple wins? You in your infinite wisdom surely saw how James has passed them all at will this year! The funny part is I don't care about any of it at this point, it's just fun watching you get all bent out of shape! May you are making bd200 underwear so you can be on RV's nuts ALL DAY!!
Easy there! hanging on his nuts is my thing (note the screen name), keepinitreal, this is not what you do. You act like you know the sport yet you praise one man and say he is the best, but the best dont crash as much as the 4th best does and did! I raced and understand what it takes, sure im a has been or never was but at least I and aparentaly the majority of the board understands that the Fastest man on the planet is no more that, it is clearly RV.
keep swingin ballswinger, It ain't over yet, RV2 still has one more main to qualify for!!
........and JS has one more main to crash his brains out in. Smart*ss lol.
Im swinging on the sak of a champion! although last time I was doing this we his the finish line poles!!
@Rick Melon...... OK! We get it. You don't like Reed. And that is why your view therefore is subjective rather than objective. There is a big difference. One eye becomes blurry whilst the other see's only what it wants to see. Happens to the best of us at times but doesn't change the fact that a subjective view will always be skewed one way. I am not enough of a Reed fan to have that skewed view. I just love good bar banging racing and respect his journey. I do feel the need, however, to comment occasionally when I see biased, illogical and emotional hating that is completely devoid of facts. Goes for JS7 too - Way too many outright haters that he really doesn't deserve
You choose to completely dismiss Reed's quotes where he fully accepts his situation and responsibility for it - and then go on to interpret a simple matter of fact, very open interview about the race into........"whiner". Can't you see that you wouldn't have the objective ability to view it any differently?
I'm not even going to credit your "pussee" and "take out" comments with a separate response. Just refer to my paragraph 1.
Oh - and reading these boards shows a general consensus that is quite Pro-Reed, with lots of people that respect his recent maturity and open style of saying it straight. WAY more than a few years ago.
It must ruffle YOUR feathers that no matter what, Chad Reed is one of the all time greatest riders in our sport who no doubt will gain legendary status as the years pass - right up there with JO'/RJ/DB/JW/BG/RL/JS/JMB/JM/RC/JS etc Maybe your boy RV will get there too one day - and good luck to him in that quest.
Does anybody think it was funny that he thanked Pro Circuit on the podium. I had a little chuckle.
I think James Stewart's wrist is still causing him some problems, which leads to less control as fatigue wears on it over the course of the race. I think this might explain the rash of crashes this year. He needs to understand that and not try to dominate every race. RV is using his mind and body. JS needs less body, and more mind to compensate for his damaged wrist.