10 Things We Saw at Hangtown
Wednesday, May 25, 2011 | 7:15 PM
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Print10. The Rough Stuff: No chance to slowly break back into outdoor mode here, folks. This race was classic outdoor rough, with massive chop, ruts, holes, and bumps. Most riders considered this the roughest Hangtown ever, and by the end of the day, everyone was probably left wishing for something different, as in bike set up changes and changes to their training program. Rough tracks are rough enough. It’s even rougher when it’s this bad at round one!
9. Dungey the Defender: Took a long time for Ryan Dungey to get into victory lane with the number-one plate in supercross. It took only 30 minutes and two laps for him to do it in Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross. The Dunge owned moto one, and while Chad Reed outlasted him in moto two, it looks like a more ambitious start than last year at Hangtown, or his slower charge out of the gate in supercross.
After a less than satisfying SX season, Rattray is ready to contend outdoors.
Photo: Simon Cudby
8. RV = EZ: Lots of predictions about Ryan Villopoto absolutely killing it at Hangtown. He has a supercross title under his belt, and he’s always been even better outdoors. And reports from the pre-season test tracks were nothing but positive. But that just didn’t materialize in Hangtown. Villopoto was under the weather and seemingly a little underprepared for his first motocross race in about two years. He took it easy, took his points, and will surley unleash the real stuff later.
7. Just 15 Minutes: GEICO can save you a whole bunch on car insurance in just a few ticks of the watch, and for a similar amount of time, GEICO Honda 250 riders Justin Barcia and Eli Tomac were looking good. Tomac led moto one, Barcia led moto two.
6. Deano and Ratters: Not quite the indoor season that Dean Wilson and Tyla Rattray wanted, but at Hangtown they immediately showed they’re genuine threats for this motocross title. Just like last year.
Windham is filling in quite nicely for Honda.
Photo: Simon Cudby
5. Marvin Can Pass: Two-time MX2 World Champ Marvin Musquin is here. Can he win? Not sure yet, but it does seem likely based on his amazing second moto ride, where he came from last to sixth. That’s 34 passes!
4. Ride Like the Windham: About that Honda replacement rider: Kevin Windham is still really fast! He had less time than anyone to prepare for this race after taking a digger at the supercross final two weeks ago, and only hopped on his outdoor bike for the first time on Thursday. But he ran the pace with the title favorites—Reed, Dungey and Villopoto—early in both motos. The fans (and Kevin himself) had one heck of a good time.
3. The Return of Chad the Champ: The 2010 Chad Reed won Hangtown, yeah, but the 2010 Chad Reed is gone. This is the 2011 Chad Reed, and he’s better than the 2010 Chad Reed, and says he feels like the 2009 Chad Reed. And that Chad Reed won this title. Reed says he’s not the kind of guy who can just pin it when he’s not comfortable outdoors. But he’s feeling comfortable now. And he’s pinning it.
Photo: Simon Cudby
2. Meet Blake Baggett! You may not have noticed this kid too much during his rookie pro season last year. He was fast, but a bunch of mechanical problems jacked his results, and then he crashed out of round four and ended his season. He’s back this year with Monster Pro Circuit Kawasaki, so his bikes don’t break, and his speed is even better. Like, really, really better. Watch out for this kid.
1. Look at all the People: Massive, massive crowd at Hangtown. A good 22,000 or so. And they had great weather and great racing. Look for more of this all summer long.
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Biggest thing or thing that makes me the most stoked... 22,000+ people showed up to watch an outdoor race - RIGHT ON!
The Return of Chad the Champ
How about a top 10 list of things we did NOT see at Hangtown. 1- #7,2- #7,3- #7,4- #7,5- #7,6- #7,8- #7,9- #7 and10- #7
@True Moto Fan
You forgot the 54 of Jason Lawrence. Everyone knew Stewart wasn't showing, he announced it almost a week before. Lawrence was supposed to be up until the day of before it was announced he had gone MIA for 3 weeks.
Something else we didn't see at Hangtown--J-Law. This really disappoints me because I have seen this kid ride many times and he is so talented yet so misguided. He put together his own team last year which looked to be very professional, has tons of talent, and can't focus on the big picture. Hey J-Law---your burning your own lottery ticket.
Yea, Where is my bong hit buddy?
True Moto Fan....Fake cops don't race outdoors....They talk to a judge
@Mr. Comedian, What are you a stupid cop? Have you ever been arrested before? Everyone has forgot about that already why don't you.
What's Stewarts excuse? Too scared of gettin roosted by speedy reedy? haha lol i'd also like to see what J-Law's thinking these days ay...
Hey Jimmy, Actually nobody has forgotten about "that".
@Erkel. Is this something you like to sit and think about? And yes, most people have moved on.
The track was brutal and do believe everyone had set ups a little off, i was so stoked to see the new and old talent this year and felt sorry for them at the same time........ first time at hangtown was 1979 and i still race, i am slower at 39 but the respect for all these guys,&(gals) is HUGE! I myself except supercross and the 49 second lap times, but I am glad it's over....enjoy the season :)
Its real funny how all this people are obsessed with JS, even if he's not around, he's always in their mind....
@ Jimmy--I could care less about Stewart. He doesn't race MX therefore he doesn't exist but to say everyone has forgot or moved on pertaining to his little lapse of judgment is a bit presumptuous at best.
man if stewart dosn't come strong next year he is done for sure, supercross was an upside down season for him but if he screws it up next year i don't think that is gonna be the fastest man on the planet on a dirt bike but something else for sure, i really thought that he would step it up in nationals but i think that was one more mistake for him this year
Then why do you keep talking about him? I have several people here that would like to know. He will always be part of our sport.
Right now, with the exception of a couple of injuries, the Outdoor Nationals has all the "real" racers contending.
Once we get the injured guys back, we will wnat for nothing, NOTHING!
Deep talent and good racing for position back to tenth and 15th place. oh yeah.
@ Jimmy For sure he is going to be a part of the sport and a role model for many young riders but its sad to see a rider like that to have a really bad season and in my opinion he is showing weakness and not the true spirit of the champ like Reed is doing
@ Jimmy For sure he is going to be a part of the sport and a role model for many young riders but its sad to see a rider like that to have a really bad season and in my opinion he is showing weakness and not the true spirit of the champ like Reed is doing
I agree with you Alex, I do think more pro's have been arrested that we don't know about.....some with worse charges. Kids+bank=trouble.
@Jimmy---Why wouldn't people talk about Stewart? He is the poster boy for Yamaha. He is the self proclaimed Fastest Man on the Planet. He has a weekly "reality" show on TV. You don't become invisible to the public with all that going on. Please.
Ofcourse Jim, i hope he come's back and show people what he's made of and don't ''quit'' as he did now in the outdoors
@ Erkel-Of course we all talk about him, he's talking about how you trash on him. Did you know Erkel was his nickname at the last supercross?
22000, shit wait for pala, that place is going to be a party i promiss you that.
Yea I'm sure Erkel was a nickname Stewart embraced. An I don't trash on him, I staet the facts. It only seems that way to the Fantards who don't want anyone to say anything negative about # 7. Sorry but I am nothing but objective if if not prove it.
5 riders didn't even start the second moto!
J-Stew, J-Law. Whats the difference.
im still gonna go with Musquin or bagget for title
Kudos to everyone who helped put a great Hangtown on this year!
What an awesome day of outdoor motocross for sure. Great to see the big crowds!
Who the hell is J-Law ??? I'm glad Stewpurd stayed home to make false reality tv=that way we dont have to worry about him doin something stupid and taking out one of the "big 4". This way the true fan gets to watch some mud,sweat,and gears!
The Crowd at RED BUD is always Big... this year it will be HUGE!
10 things you saw at Hangtown .... If this article is attempting to say that this season could be wide open in both classes, I agree.
From the JS official website:
"Everyone witnessed the way I struggled during the Supercross series this year and while I’d like to race this weekend, we just aren’t ready. I hope fans will understand. The decision has been very hard to make, but we won’t race till we’re ready.
- James"
So in translation, i didn't race because I didn't think I could win. for a guy with a total pay check bigger than the rest of the top 4 combined, that's not a very good explanation. I think there are bigger issues in play behind the scenes.
Too bad J-Law didn't show up!!! C'mon man go race!!!
Great racing at Hangtown!!
Had 2 surprises this weekend,
first Villopotto not being able to go with CR and RD
second Musquin coming from behind in moto 2, didn't knew he was able to do it
Great racing!!! Let's go to Freestone!!!
Its a big deal for 22,000 to show up at Hangtown?? While that is a good crowd, they have over 40,000 every single year at Red Bud. If that is the case, why do they insist on having so many races out West?? It looks like its hard to get the fans to come out. Indy has over 60,000 every year at the supercross. It looks as thought the Mid-West has more moto fans than out west, so quit taking all the races out there. St.Louis has over 60,000 at thier supercross also. I say add another race on the east side of the Mississippi, the fans support them here.
He busted to shit from crashing his brainz out all year.
Crazyballs needz to get healed, then we see fmop leaving treadmarks on jerseys and seatcovers again.
Till' that day comes, I'd like to thank the man above for allowing his photons to bounce off the royal fmop and giving me a working set of eyeballs in order to view said bounced photons.
RRRREDDDDDDDDDDDDD BUUUUUUUUUDDDDDD!
P.S BRING PONTIAC SX BACK!
AAAHHHHHH 75% of the comments have nothing to do with the motorcycle racing. People using different names to say the same old tired stuff because they are to ignorant to form a take on the actual topic. I also can't believe i'm dumb enough to waste my time on here thinking i can hear from other racers and motorcyclists bench racing and sharing some camaraderie (it means friendship for the 75%). mostly talk about people WHO AREN"T F'ING RACING or doing anything that concerns you. Go back to the play station ask your mom to bring you more cheesy puffs Cartman.It really doesn't much matter but damn,that s*#t is old. I know theres a few of you left that actually like all the racers (maybe some more than others) and love the races , to you i mean no offense. we'll all know when rv2 is back up to speed, from the blown up haybales.
JS7 is not a good role model. He breaks the law, whines and makes excuses when he doesn't win, always blames some reason other than riding over his abilities when he crashes and has a really poor attitude. Our sport is better off without him on the track.
bd200, the answer is simple. More bikes sold here (in the west, specifically CA.) than out there. Also, the factories are here. until they all move to wherever east of the Mississippi, it will remain here. No amount of political wrangling, breath holding or foot stomping will change it. Favorable weather, no union mobsters running the stadiums (which translates to more profits), logistics, long-standing relationships and tradition all play a part as well.
My money's on things standing pat for awhile until the economy improves or, something else brings about change.
I do see a chance for growth at Syracuse but, putting up with organized labor is like dealing with the mob...............oh yeah, nevermind.
Its pretty obvious guys like Carlsbad is too biased in a political sense to argue this constructivly. He sees ALL Union Labor as mobsters, (turn off The Classic Movie Channel) and thinks the moto world revolves around SoCal. For one, the arenas in St'Louis and Indianapolis BOTH use Union Labor, the cost is no higher there than anywhere. That just means you come into that city, you hire local help, that doesnt cost any more than bringing in thier own help and paying a travel bonus. Favorable weather means nothing for the summer Nationals, it doesnt snow anywhere past June 1st. And logistics?? HUH?? They travel all over the country now, how would that play into anything?? And the weather would easily be better in the Carolinas in May than in Salt Lake City..
Haha, 22,000! That place looked empty around most of the track on t.v. I guess I'm just spoiled by Red Bud!
If I was James Stewart I probably wouldn't race either, #1 - I don't need the money, #2 - I don't need to listen to all the critics & people asking me why I didn't win. Ya he had a bad supercross season, so why continue into the outdoors the same way? I think it was a good decision on his part, he's not on his game right now, if he was, we know what would happen, who goes 24 - 0 for the season besides RC, so give the guy a break, he'll be back when he's ready. I guess thats why everybody likes talking about JS cause he is one of the fastest guys on the planet, if not the fastest when he's on his game. Don't worry about him, u can worry when he comes back, enjoy the racing thats is goin on now! Lets focus on the future, not the past!
WOW another JS thread!!! PLEASE STOP!!!
.As for the Unions, Carlsbad does have a point. The cost would go up a LOT because of the union labor that MUST be used. U can't argue that fact.
This JS stuff reminds me of the Howard Stern movie, The avarge Stern fan listens for 1:43 a day.... The avarge Stern hater listens for 2:17 per day!!! Go figure.
@Carlsbad is too biased,
Like paying them union dues, do ya?
So, hurricanes are ravaging the center states and southeast and you think logisically it's no different to head east eh? It is cheaper (meaning more profit) to keep the trucks closer to home (i.e. Southern California, where I think (?) the moto universe revolves around) and save on fuel, permits, wear & tear, flight bookings (I can go on like this for awhile), etc. So in your estimation, logistically it's the same to fly to the Moon as it is to fly to Mars? I think you have a better chance of flying out Uranus.
I have a CDL and have driven our (auto) race teams transporters cross country in the past and I'd rather drive through snow than a hurricane so please, take a look at the weather channel before you make your case.
Also, it's funny (to me) you used the word "constructivly". Unions tradionally pay MORE for LESS work and in unions the more you make the less you do (see, I do know a little about organized labor) so, how in the HECK can you profess to know anything about "constructivly" ????(maybe give wiktionary a shot on that one, bud).
Your arguments are too weak for admin. You must be labor...............next time try being informed instead of just opinionated.
When all you do with your life is race profesionally then any statement that says "just not ready" is an excuse for being lazy. 80 racers lined up for two classes and "got ready". I wouldn't classify that kid as a role model by any standard. I appreciate his talent but not his business or career decisions.
I'm not going to get into a debate on politics, but my "Union Dues only add up to one hour pay a month. Pretty good for the 4 years of proper training and schooling that my Union paid to train me to do my job the right way and professionally. I would rather have a trained pro doing a job for me than some guy off the street trying to learn while screwing my job up. And I dont see any high rise buildings being built costing anymore than a non-union building. But it is what it is.Just my two cents. And CARLSBAD, I do alot more work than the non-union guys I have seen on the job. Because I am trained to do my job. We have gotten awarded a ton of work that was originally given to non-union, because they couldnt get it done. They didnt have the guys who could do it. I have been involved in the construction industry for over 20 years, I have worked both union and non-union. And I have seen total idiots last on non-union jobs, and they cant do nothing right. And the quality of work is shamefull. Because they havent been trained properly. Our company prides itself on quality of work, and meeting deadlines. Just like the school we finished that the non-union contractor who got the job couldnt do--make thier deadlines. They gave the job to us, and we finished ahead of schedule. Its what we do here. Work hard and get the job done right.
I dont agree that the cost would go up either. The Unions here get all the high rise buildings in the city not just because they are Union. Its all in the cheapest bid. We can do more with less men, because of the training. In the Ironworkers, we set iron on buildings with only 5 guys. One Foreman, two "hook-on men" and two connectors. Then we will have bolt-up gangs behind them. Then guys laying deck. Its all it takes. We get alot of work that arent Union shop jobs, because we bid cheaper. Think of the money the non-union company owners make off thier guys paying them dirt wages. its sad to me.
The more pay for less work arguement is wrong to me, because if I dont do my job, I get fired, real quick. If I cry to my union hall, they will tell me to get more work done. My foreman is a union Ironworker too. If I get lazy, I'm down the road.
I dont have a problem if a guy chooses to work non-union. I have worked side by side on jobs with non -union guys. We got along fine, and even shared equipment, we are all trying to make a living. I just would rather work for more money, BETTER TRAINING, and safer working conditions. And the non-union guys asked me about our benefits, because they had NONE. No retirement, pension, annuity, nothing.
so to summarize the boards: i now have a headache. going back to just watching races- FU
bd200 thats great for you, There are good and bad everything and I would beat there are way more bad union guys than not, Just look at how the states and towns are run!! The State and the town's that are union around here are a JOKE, They do almost nothing all day, Last sumer in front of my dads house the Union town guys put in about 250 feet of drain pipe, Took them a MONTH, My dad saw them get there at 10:30, start the machines let them run but NEVER move them then take a 2 hr lunch and they would be gone by 2:00. Thats the Union people I see WAY to much of. I know a lot of guys who would have had that job done in 2 or 3 days with 2 or 3 guys not 5 like the town. I could tell you a 100 storys just like that one.
. Here is another one from another industry, Last year I bought 180,000 pounds of steel. One of the CO's I use to get it from went Union 2 years ago, There price went up for the steel and the deliveris stink now. They ue to be right there on priceing and they would do what ever they could on deliveries. NOW... Forget it, The price went up and they get it here when it gets here. The sales Guy even told me its bad, Guys wont work OT...Its bad. Now all the CO's I buy from get the steel from the same two mills because there the only ones that make this grade of steel so what does that tell ya??
.Now like I said I know there are some good union's and Union people but I would bet the bad is about 75%... maybe more. Unions had there place 70 years ago but IMO there time has come and gone and now do more harm than good.
Ten things I noticed at Hangtown...
10 - Yeah, of course Windham is fast...duh... I would be only slightly shocked to see him with the title after all these years...
9 - Dean Wilson is very fast... Blake Baggett might be even faster.
8 - RD5 looks very scary... if not for some 2nd moto bobbles he sweeps
7 - Reed is a crafty vet, and obviously has the speed to win it all.
6 - Barcia was not ready for the rough stuff... but he's still the fastest 250 rider right now.
5 - Musquin has some skills... if he gets the starts dialed he could be trouble
4 - Pourcel looked totally over matched by his competition and his bike.
3 - A red #41 was missing from the pack.
2 - A blue #7 was missing from the pack.
1 - That really hot chick with the yellow top.
REDDDD BUDDD!!! Thats where the fans are!
Hey bd200, I apologize for venting, I'm just sick of clowns espousing their wisdom on not a whole lot as if it were the end all be all of the day.
I did my apprenticeship for plumbing in the union before I went out on my own and I've seen good & bad on both sides. You're right, it does come down to craftmanship but, that can only sometimes be trained, most of the time the person in question either has it or they don't and all the training in the world won't make a pear a pineapple.
Union Ironworkers have a lock on the trade around here and they are a different breed......'nuff said.
I agree with BillC as well, I've had problems with unions in the trades and suppliers and it's a problem.
This is RXI and not the union sounding board so, I'm gonna get of my soapbox and talk Moto next time. Sorry for the rant.
Can you talk about MX, don't write a book about topics not related or go on facebook or something, ur givin me a headache now
I'm reading some of this tripe and while I regret walking away from the moto scene 15 years ago, I'm maybe thinking it was good I did if all the ghetto rap crap has fouled MX too. J Stew, J Law, G Dungee, Stupanda, etc. And not racing a national mx because of what? Your thong twisted your ding dong? And Prairie City was "rough"? Shove my head in deep do-do.....Plymouth was rough, Marysville is rough, Carnegie, Helvetia, Live Oak were rough. We need Bob Hannah to return. And Rex Staten. Good God I hate gettin' old. Do you hate gettin' soft?
No problem Carlsbad, I have seen alot of guys take advantage of the Union backing, especially Boilermakers and Pipe fitters, its embarressing to me. There are good and bad. Everywhere you go, at least we can debate without stupid arguements going, OK who do you have for Saturday. I think Dungey may have this one, I would love to go with RV, but if he has been sick for a few weeks, he wont be 100% yet. And the 250 class its hard not to pick Bagget, he was strong at Hangtown.
@BILLC, I cant believe the guys wont work overtime, especially with people losing thier jobs, I know guys who havent worked in a year. But public Unions are so much different than construction unions, they cant get fired, but we here sure can. But my wife cant fire a few lazy employees she has, and they arent union were she works. Its a dumb company policy.
I'd like to see Short do well but, the whole 350 thing.....(which I'm not gonna touch).
I'd like to see Reed win another one but, if it stays cool(er) maybe, if it's hot, not so much.....Dungey sounds like a pretty safe bet.
250's I'm gonna go out on a limb and go with Musquin (which is obviously a stretch). The whole PC team (except Tickle) looks like any one of them could go on a tear. I like Barcia a lot but, the wrist is a question for me. Tomac could open it up at anytime and I would really like to see him pull the title off but, I think the consistency isn't quite there yet.
Its true bd, Go figure!! Its sucks for the CO also because they don't have the work or the money to do a 2nd shift right now but 40hr is not cutting it.
. My bro just asked me 15mins ago and I said I am picking RD this weekend because I feel the same about RV, Still not going to be 100%.
. In the lites I said one of the PC boys!! I am not a Barcia fan so I hope not him, Never like his somewhat punk attitude and then when i saw him kick a guy after a crash on inside moto show on fule It really turned me off more.
@Carlsbad... No ofence but Short could be on a 550 and I still would say he aint going to win!! LOL... the top 3 of RV, RD and Reed seem to be at another level, I know its only one race in but RD spanked Short bad everytime last year so I don't see him beating RD now let alown RV and Reed at the same time.. and Even K-Dub for that matter.
@Carlsbad one more thing I told my bro I think Tomac might be a little guy shy after last year in TX.
Bill, that's exactly my reasoning as to why E.T. could do well. Under his dad's tutelage, I totally see him making strengths out of his weaknesses. Tomacs (the SR. anyway) don't wither under pressure.
I do hope you typo'd and meant "Gun shy". If he's "guy shy" I probably don't wanna know what happened in TX last year.
Yeah I hear you Bill BUT, I will look like the the smartest S.O.B. ever if Short can wind his little 350 up and outwind everyone for a win......right???.......or not.
CHAD "The Thunder from Down Under" !!!! Dont write off Metcalfe just yet either. Would be great to see K Dub win the title though. Only time will tell. If Bubba does not ride at least a few Nationals his credibility is gone.
@Carlsbad LMFAO!! Yes GUN shy.... Well I hope he is guy shy too and likes the ladies!!
You will be an S.O.B. in my book no matter how shorty does!!! LOL ;-)
Im thinkin' Carlsbad is a real moto-type. He saw that typo and handled it like a set of wet whoops on the freeway. Didnt even miss his braking point. Well done...