Racer X Notebook: Hangtown
Monday, May 23, 2011 | 1:40 PM
Matrix Concepts is based in Valencia, California founded in 2009 and is used by the top MX/Off-road race teams in the world and offers a complete range of track/garage necessities that include personalized off road motorcycle Stands, Loading Ramps, Tie Downs, Tool Boxes, Utility cans and Worx Mats.
Tweet
Advertisement | Advertise with Us
Share
Comment
Email
Print- The Hangtown track was much, much rougher than anyone can ever remember it. Rain during the week made the track soft, and in addition, the Dirt Diggers crew trucked in plenty of rice hulls, which are byproducts of all the rice production in the area, and act similar to laying sand or sawdust on the track. Early in the practice sessions, riders commented on how the layer of rice hulls on top of the track made traction deceptive, as you could easily dig underneath the soft stuff into the harder, more slippery base. Things mixed in more as the day went on, and the bumps got bigger and the ruts got deeper.
The fans came out in droves for the opening round of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship from Hangtown.
Photo: Simon Cudby
- The track was smoother and faster in the first practice sessions, and that’s when Mike Alessi unleashed his Red Bull KTM 450 SX-F and landed a 2:05.1 lap—the only 2:05 anyone would reach all day. Chad Reed was second fastest in that session with a 2:06.0. The track slowed significantly from there. In the next session, Ryan Villopoto was fastest, but his best time was merely a 2:09, and in the motos, times were deep into the 2:16-2:20 mark.
- Alessi’s day—and championship hopes—came to an end when he crashed early in the second practice. He appeared to have cross-rutted on a jump, and decided to bail off the bike, tuck and roll. He came down on his head and was knocked unconscious. In addition, Mike had already suffered a concussion two weeks ago at the Las Vegas Supercross. He was, however, safe to race coming into Hangtown. Mike’s father Tony explained that Mike was free of all concussion effects by Thursday after Vegas, and then still sat out the USGP last weekend as a precaution. “It was hard to give up a shot at $100,000,” said Tony of the bounty offered up to any U.S. rider if he were to win the USGP. “But you’re rolling the dice on your whole season if you go out and knock yourself out again there.” Unfortunately, Mike’s crash at Hangtown had the same effect.
- Technically, Kevin Windham is riding on Josh Grant’s American Honda Racing CRF450R, and Trey Canard’s bike is there on display. Chad Reed’s TwoTwo Motorsports Bel-Ray racing Honda is very much a factory bike underneath, as well, with Reed of course running some products from his sponsors (such as a Pro Circuit exhaust, while the factory bikes use Yoshimura). Reed also receives Red Rider rewards contingency money.
- Unfortunately both Reed and Windham suffered a small mechanical problem with their bikes in the first moto, traced to a special new airboot. A different airboot was used for the second moto, and they had no problems.
- Andrew Short had mechanical troubles on his Red Bull KTM 350 in the second moto, and he didn’t finish. Short seems snakebit by bad luck each year early in the season, as mechanical troubles put him back in points last season when he was riding Hondas, as well.
- Even worse luck for DNA Shred Stix/Star Racing’s Ryan Sipes, who crashed in the first turn of the first 250 moto and injured his wrist. He failed to score any points on the day and will now have to go in for further evaluation.
- Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki swept the podium in the 250 class, but their new Lites West SX Champion Broc Tickle had a bad day. He crashed in the first moto and sliced his elbow open badly enough to require stitches. After thirteenth in moto one, he gutted out a solid seventh in moto two.
- Christophe Pourcel looked fast on his Motoconcepts Yamaha 450, taking fourth overall in qualifying and even passing Ryan Villopoto early in the first moto. He went backwards from there, with reports that his fork settings were off, leading to problems on the rough track. He finished seventh. He was way, way back off the start in moto two and fought back to eleventh, giving him eighth overall.
- Muscle Milk/Toyota Yamaha JGR’s Justin Brayton missed the race with an ankle injury suffered at the Las Vegas supercross. At first it was though the injury wasn’t too bad, but Brayton tried to ride during the week and could not. The team hopes he will be back in a few weeks.
- With Ryan Morais out after hip surgery, the Rockstar Suzuki team now has Hunter Hewitt, who rode for the team last year, back under the tent. Also, Nick Paluzzi is on as the replacement rider for Ian Trettel.
Hunter Hewitt is back under the Rockstar Suzuki tent for the outdoor season replacing Ryan Morais.
Photo: Simon Cudby
- Where’s J-Law? Apparently, no one still knows for sure, even though his Suzuki City bike was prepped and went through tech inspection, Lawrence simply never showed up at the race. Then Josh Hansen sent out a tweet about going riding with Lawrence for fun at a track in Southern California. No one knows what this means for Lawrence as far as racing going forward.
Did you like this article?
Check out CAUGHT OUTSIDE
in our Latest issue of Racer X available now.
One of the most successful—and controversial—team managers of all time, Larry Brooks is looking to return to the races. Page 146.
Look for the verified symbol 
Impulse Studios
J-Law just didn't show up? Why does anybody bother with him anymore?
And no I will not proclaim "holeshot". Message board "holeshots" are for those that don't have dirt bikes.
comeon j-law your getting another chance at your racing career dont throw it away again
Wait, so now Reed is not a privateer????... HA HA HA!!.... He never was....
Yes, he "was" a privateer. Just because your a millionaire doesn't mean your factory. And any privateer that got Reed's results in SX would automatically start receiving factory support. If he rode around in 7 or 8th (which is still factory level), you can bet Honda would not be talking to him.
"And no I will not proclaim "holeshot". Message board "holeshots" are for those that don't have dirt bikes."
...and have too much time on their hands.
How sick was Bagget knocking off his quickest laps at the end of his first moto? I cant seem to find them now, but if what I was watching is accurate, his times were faster than almost everyone at the beginning of the 2nd 450 moto, when the track should have been the same as it was for Blake. Very very impressive.
I cannot believe J-Law's "handlers" are not getting this kid to realize his window of opportunity is quickly closing. Even the "taker" type acquaintences / people around him have to realize this. What gives J-Law? Time to (re) re-asses your life and get back on track.
This kid competed with (and beat) the likes of Dungey & Villopoto, there is talent there, do we have to beg for you to come out and race?
Also, I'd steer clear of 'lil Hanny during the MX season (SX season is a different story).
If this kid had any sense, he'd beg Ryno to take him back, get a sound program & start racing himself back into shape and out of obscurity......and drop whoever he has "helping" him like a hot rock.
If you're not in one of the factory big rigs you are a privateer. Why does it matter anyway? What about all the Team Green riders? Are they not still privateers? Support comes to those that perform and Reed is doing what he needs to do to get full support from Honda. Nobody wanted anything to do with Reed including his longtime clothing sponsor Thor. How does he look now? I'm not even a Reed fan but how can you not respect what he is doing and pull for the guy?
Hansen and Lawrence are some real d bags
I thought their was a banner at Hangtown that had a picture of JLaw that said don't let this guy in. That would be funny if he got kicked out.
Awesome 3 way 450 battle at hangtown. That was fun to watch.Congrats reed. J-law and hansen?,wow thats a power duo there. Dont let the cops know.
second 450 moto was one of the best ever -- how 'bout Kevin Rookstool? Good on ya, man!
J-Law, Something might have happend beyond his control? As for Reed, being a factory rider, he wants to keep things the same. NO PRESSURE. He is getting top notch suspention though. Fun is key word for Reedy. Sorry for my spelling and Dungy will be champ because he will be their every weekend.
Can we one day STOP talking about POS J-Law?? PLESE!!! STOP wasting ink on this TOOL!!!
@Carlsbad when did he beat RV??
Definitely respect Reed, but he was not a privateer. Some need to stop trying to make his second in SX points look better than it is (if that’s possible). Is a HRC transmission part that keeps you from hitting a false neutral available to any privateer with the money? Does any rider who uses Pro Circuit engine and suspension components get consultations from Mitch Payton in the pits? How about a team manager, big rig driver, and multiple mechanics? Chad was not on the level of machine, or program, as Bruce Rutherford, Tommy Weeck, Weston Peick, Les Smith, or Ronnie Goodwin.
Plain and simple, it matters because it's disrespectful to over shadow those privateers who struggle so hard for the spot light, and then Reed comes through and out budgets them.
Like Reed’s pit board said, he’s a bad dude. He can seriously haul and is no slouch, but he wouldn’t ride a privateer’s bike in a championship. Congrats to CR for getting support to field a team to mirror that of the “factory-like” teams in the pits, and prove on the track against the best out there that Honda missed the call.
2009 daytona:450 Supercross Results
1. Chad Reed SUZ
2. Jason Lawrence YAM
3. Davi Millsaps HON
4. Mike Alessi SUZ
5. K Windham HON
6. R Villopoto KAW
7. James Stewart YAM
2009 Daytona = FLUKE, Jlaw will never beat JS, RV,KW, again and that was rare back then, RV beat him routinly when he was racing and we all know this, Jlaw was good but became famous for his stupid antics more than for his riding.
I wish i could fluke like that
Me To!!!!!!!
Right!? Fluke or not, he made it happen.
Not long ago, during the SX season, these comments were riddled with "when the flag drops, where they finish is all that matters". Cant have it both ways. JLaw may be a bum now. But that team he made just to enter races had 18 other riders finish behind him. I think he may have had the holeshot as well but faded as the race went on and let Reed by to stay out of the Champ battle. He's has his moments.
I heard that lil Hanny and J-Law both were arrested this weekend in Orlando......by James Stewart...they're being held without bond by Big James.....until they give up information about how Mookie can stay on two wheels
Who cares what the definition of a Privateer is anyways? Reed isn’t out there telling everyone he is a Privateer, the media is pushing that agenda. Privateers have never gotten respect anyway, that’s not because of Reed. I’ve know Privateers whose rich Daddy could afford a semi and mechanics and Privateers that slept in the back of their pickups. There are not different levels of being a Privateer. You are either a Factory rider or a Privateer. I still don’t understand why it matters.
Pro Circuit sweeps the podium. Incredible. Mitch Payton's ability to set up bikes and spot talent is beyond compare in the 250 class. Guys are average, work for him and then win races/titles. They leave him and once again finish average.
My mechanic (the guy I bring my bikes to at the end of the season to replace all the internal stuff I busted or wore out because by season end I am too lazy to do it myself) worked at PC for 3 years. Said pretty tight ship and lots of tricks/knowledge. He said Payton is a no-nonsense machine.
Mookie Has a shoulder handicap , and seems a little big for the 250s, Seems like he runs out of energy , but has some serious natural ability .. WILSON 2011
Where is Blake Wharton?
@BillC, Bill I'm not putting your boy RV down, I'm just saying it's a shame about that kid you don't want to talk about.
Who cares whether he did or didn't, RV has a shiny new Championship, a factory Kawie and your undying love, that should be enough for nearly anybody.
In case you weren't aware, I was just having a little fun at your expense, no hard feelings.
Wharton is having shoulder surgery, both shoulders.
Wharton has a shoulder injury....Jimmy Decotis is filling in for him but is also hurt "dislocated elbow at Seattle I think? Decotis will be back in few more rounds
Kilroy, Blake Wharton had shoulder surgery a few weeks ago, hes done for the year
Kilroy, Blake Wharton had shoulder surgery a few weeks ago, hes done for the year
Go Blake Baggett! But what happened to Hunter Hewitt out there? It said he was out after only a few minutes in! And does anyone know when Wharton will be back?
Great racing this weekend!! Can't wait for Canard, Grant and Alessi to come back, and for Pourcel and Weimer to get up to speed!! Man, I love this stuff!!
Screw supercross and those 50 second lap times.
Lets see what some of differences in Factory vs Privateer: Factory, 1st class air travel, company credit card,rental car ,suite loddging, semi transport,loaded with back up parts galor, AC @ resting lounge, free quality food ,suspension specialist,engine specialist,team boss,video people,auto graphing sessions,clean gear , someones task,not sure who,insurance,pretty pit tootsies hanging around, good smiling techniques for the cameras,best professional advice,oh and maybe 10 to 100 times more money at the end of the year with sponsor and factory pay. I'm sure I missed some other perks. PRIVATEER None of the above..............
J-Flaw at Daytona 2009..... he cut the track at the start. BIG time. Everyone else was on the ground. Wasn't the only time.
Check at about 3:13, see who cuts the course: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfyOzYT1f5A&feature=related
Was a putz, is a putz.
@ElsinoreRacer. Good job on the facts my man. Totally forgot about that pileup at Daytona that year and Lawrence cutting the track. Not that my opinion of Lawrence has changed, nice job on accuracy and posting the web link!
YES FLUKE, or rather CHEAT ? cutting the track and going from 15th to second with all the top riders down or stopped, caused by JS, I call that either cheating or a fluke, nuff said
Earl Rempfer..
Reed said it himself... He's not getting the full support of Honda.
Even though the bike is practically 100% Honda factory... Exempt the pipe.. Believe it to be PC... Honda is not giving Reed any bonus's or a salary.
Reed has bet again on himself through a Insurance firm.
I understand your post, where for the nationals... Reed seems to be a privateer who has more than the average privateer...
However... You compare Reed to a RV for example's sake... RV enjoys all the stuff you wrote... And he gets a salary combined with bonus's...
Reed has the sponsors to support his efforts for the entire duration of the nationals... But earnings is minimal.. Unless Reed gets the amount of races wins or the championship, which ensures the insurance company to pay him the big $$.
I think Reed showed that by investing big.. And ensuring the results are there... He gets more support than the average privateer.
Now whether this is fair.. Leave it up to you to judge.
I think Reed's doing an outstanding job.. And bear in mind.. Am not a fan of him.. But I respect his sheer determination to be riding the nationals... Unlike some other riders..
I really miss him, no.... not like that.
Where,s Hill anyways?
So one race proves J-law is GREAT, RV went down in the first turn and J-Law cut the track in the first turn, but did not get DQ'ed like two guys did this year in Toronto for doing the same thing? Hell lots of people can beat someone at ONE race if enough things go there way but that in no way means there better then the other guy. Man some peopel take things to literally.
@Carlsbad, No problem at all, Well atleast I don't love JS anymore in your mind LOL
Reed did say after the race that he was going to ride the wheels of this factory Honda, So I think the debate is OVER.
What happened to Hunter Hewitt in Hangtown?