by Andy Bowyer
One Industries Rev Up: Budds Creek
Friday, June 17, 2011 | 12:20 PM
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Hello, everyone, and welcome to the Rev Up. Sorry I’m late, but before I get into the business, I beg your forgiveness to honor this disclaimer, I had a bad day yesterday. Do any of you have bad days? What exactly constitutes a bad day? It’s relative on a very wide scale. What was weird is when I got on the Internet and scoped the social network; I noticed friends from all over the country also had flat-tire-crap days of their own. Apparently it was a full moon yesterday. It was. Now, I am no astrology worshiping jelly head, but the moon does affect ocean currents. Are we so smart and finely tuned to think that it doesn’t bother us as well? It has to. There is no other explanation as to how or why every single human I came in contact with yesterday was askew. I even sat down to write this column and when I did, nothing happened. I loathe bad days. But I know we all have them. It was a bad moon. A bad damn moon.
What’s crazy is today was amazing and everything was great.
The fans are always out in full force at High Point.
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson
Before we run to the hills of Budds Creek, I want to talk a little about how cool High Point was last weekend. It was my first outdoor national of 2011, but it was all I knew it would be. It’s funny how after the years you can virtually predict what will transpire, to a point. I told you RV Park was going to be a madman. Told you Durham was going to get them on their feet, and I reiterate that I claimed Blake Baggett was going to be a house of fire. It was funny how the weather and the day was almost identical to last year. It rained big on Friday, then was gorgeous Saturday morning, then dumped buckets at halftime. It was perfect. It was all I wanted it to be. I just sat there with my arms crossed and watched the fans literally run from fence line to fence line after the first drop of the gate.
Now, on to round four.
It’s hard to pick a venue on the schedule that isn’t special. But, Budds Creek is truly nostalgic. The 2007 MXoN was probably the single coolest moto event I ever attended. It was a mammoth classic that saw the perfect motocross day. But, on said day I saw a man ride a motocross bike with more aggression and speed than I ever had. Ever. Even more than Ricky. Ryan Villopoto kicked a damn mudhole in the world and I’ll never forget the sound his 250F made as he shifted gears around the sweeper before the finish line. It was the most rage-fueled cacophony ever. He was carrying the mail, son. He showed "them" why they will never beat us at this game.
Can Villopoto keep the streak alive at Budds Creek?
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson
Turn the page back a few and we all know what happened in 1995. I’m still calling that the gnarliest thing I’ve ever seen anyone walk away from. Doug Henry knows things no human wants to know. Then he broke both of his arms a couple years later at the same place. My man is still making all of us ask, “What’s stopping you?”
Ok, well, what’s current? In the 250 Class it is a bit of a pickle. The reining alpha make, “Bad” Blake Baggett (ahem, if you haven’t seen Crazy Heart you ain’t seen shit) smooth broke his humerus bone here last year and if you’ve ever done that (I have) well, it’s gnarly. Motocrossers are weird in returning to places where they’ve experienced the heavy. Maybe that bad day will deter #57 from dismantling those guys again? I doubt it. He’s doing the bull dance right now. Feeling the flow. Working it.
But something is about to get switched up with these guys. Justin Barcia is sick and might not be ready to throw on the real charge, but there are a couple guys that could put their boots on Saturday morning and be ready to be the man. Tyla Rattray might be ready to wear these kids out. There’s a reason he’s donning the red number plate this weekend.
Reed still holds the red plate.
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson
On to the big boys. Ho, ho. Now it’s getting interesting. But, I’m telling you, you better watch out for more fangs and talons from Number 2. Villopoto absolutely crushes Budds Creek. We could be on the cusp of seeing some straight ugly antics from RV Park. And not to go back to High Point, but I’m going back to High Point with respect to how nuts my man was going in the opening laps of Moto 1. There is a timing section on the far side of the track that guys double and triple through, but, oh no, Ryan was just leaving it taped WFO and using the whole section like whoops. With my own two eyes I saw him leave frame marks at the lip of the table top in the middle of the rhythm. You just don't do that stuff.
It could be bad. It probably is going to be pretty bad.
You can laugh or whatever but I’ll tell you who is going to finish second this weekend. Mike Alessi is. He rode extremely well last weekend in his return from going beyond thunder dome at Hangtown. It won’t take him long to get back to winning form. That’s right, winning form. He can still beat everyone. And he will. I’ve always been soft on #800. He’s a born winner, not just a racer. Mark my words, he’ll win this year.
Reed still looks strong. Dungey has to be ready to break out. There is a real storm brewing with these guys and it might be ready to unleash the fury. Kevin Windham can ride Budds Creek as well as anyone too. I can picture Kevin putting together one of those days when he just cruises around and makes the whole mess look like a child’s game. He can still create that scenario.
Budds Creek. Legend has it the man that shot Abraham Lincoln, John Wilkes Booth, tried to escape through the rolling green confines of the facility after he shot Abe. The venue is close to our nation’s capital and pretty much everything about Budds bleeds Red, White and Blue. It’s one of those special moto places. And it is going to be a great day for the 2011 Lucas Oil Outdoor National Championships.
In closing, I hope I didn’t space anyone out at the top of today’s column. I’m just a real person like all of you and bad days find me sometimes. I’ve earned bad days, but the ones that get me are the ones I wake up to with a clear head and take off ready to do it right...but it goes wrong. Was it the full moon? Do all things happen for a reason? Nobody can prove it otherwise. Best we can do is carry the weight, roll with the punches, and know that tomorrow is another day.
Alessi is back and proving he can contend.
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson
Well folks, now that I’m late, we only have one more day until the ultimate form of controlled chaos unfurls. It is such a great show. You just can’t compare the feeling and the rush of blood pressure you own when those boys fire off the gate. It screams 100 percent pure danger. But, those animals aren’t scared. They want more power out of their machines and are stretching their tendons for every possible reward of speed they can muster.
But beware. Back in the old days (circa late ‘70s) they used to flash a sign at the stadiums that read, “Hurricane Warning.” Folks, we’re stepping into Villopoto territory. I compare RV more to the Hurricane than anyone. Just pure aggression. He is going to ride a motorcycle very, very fast this weekend.
Let’s get ready to see the show, folks.
Thanks for reading, see you next week.
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first chupacabra
We're in sync on Mike Alessi. He's been thru a couple of bad years. Just watch him go ... and keep an eye on the points. :-)
well now i am pumped
Monkey out of my butt prediction: Alessi podiums and may even get his 3rd o/a big bike victory this weekend. He has two o/a to his credit, right?
I am with you Andy, RV is a VERY BAD DUDE!! I said on monday this race could be ugly for the rest. I was there to see RV in 07 and I to this day am still in shock!! NEVER seen anyone go that fast and not make a big mistake, He put over a min on the best in the world that day!!
Alessi, Reed, Poto, Millsaps,Dungey all swapping plastic parts for the lead up to the finsih line. The race where everybody is holding their breath? 5 riders wide all the way to the end! That would be a cool fathers day gift, that would leave years of bench racing. And you guys all know bench racing last forever. Anyways Happy Fathers Day to all yor racers and riders. Don't let your kids smoke you this weekend.
@MXDARREN- your one bad dude!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hearing Weig try to slide a chupacobra comment in the broadcast will almost be as exciting as the race.
I sure hope RV doesn't pull a JS and ride so hard he grenades.
Anyone else think that RV looks like a leprachan with those wiskers? That's why no one will catch him. He's afraid everyone is after his lucky charms.
Tell it about Alessi son !
Dirt
07 MXDN....I was there. I saw what RV did. I was amazed. Now he's back and he'll be playin for blood.
damn, everyone of those fans brought a chair.. wtf?
anyways, nice write up!
Geat year of racing!
So glad to be alive and watching these guys and getting my own racing done and pinning it home to watch!
Great article. I found it interesting that you used the term "controlled chaos", because I remember that in 2004 there was an article in Racer X about Budds Creek, named "Controlled Chaos".
Personally I think race pace "peaked" in 2007, between RC and James pushing each other and Villopoto's stupid speed on a 250f. We are now getting back to the level of multiple truly fast guys battling at the front and not scattered throughout the pack. You better get a top 5 start or you likely won't see the leaders.
Love the live coverage on Fuel.... RV is a pretty smart rider who knows his limits....he may back it down a notch from his infamous ride in 07 as he wont need to go that fast....but, he is on the 450 and looking good so who knows....healthy day for all I hope and a we just may see the dominating 1-1 we been looking for from RV...but its a new year and starts are crucial....
I am an RV fan but Dungey HAS to win one soon....he's been close alot. hoping for 2 great motos. Go Barcia and Durham...
Hey all firts I need to refer you to my post in the previous "10 things" then yes I have been having a bad day but it is today, almost hit a little mexican kid that ran out in front of me then was heading to my next stop running errands and the guy in front of me got hit by a red light runner yes I told the cops what happened then I decided to go get me some beer and get home hope all is safe now!????? Yes this is Friday in Plano TX and everyone drive like an advanced idiot. I saw Ashley Fiolek post that she thought Dallas drivers were nuts ,yes they are.
so for tomm lets see if Mr Reed has it in his tank to do it again? Can RV2 continue his winning ways there? Oh it might be a new winnner to upset the title chase? Ok as I said befre where is Hannah when we need him?
Lets race!!!!! PS Andy good article!
I was at Budds in '07 for the MXoN (which also happend to be my 40th birthday) and Villipoto and the rest of Team USA gave me the best birthday present I have ever recieved. What a great day that was. Wish I was going to be there to see "Poto Moto" put it to the 450 field like he did on that beautiful fall day back in '07.
Gettin' ready for an RV whoopin' this weekend. I hope so, he needs to start a roll. But lets not forget who got second in that first moto at the Des Nations in 2007 behind RV. It was Reed, yes, RC crashed in the first turn in a big pile up, after giving his gate pick to RV to help him out. RC got tangled in a first turn crash, and RV took off, and Reed got 2nd, and RC got a close 3rd. Reed can ride at this track too, look for him to have a good weekend.
Awesome read, Andy!!
Poto beat the World on a 250 in the loamy hills of Budds. Incredible effort on his part to gap the field the way he did and I expect him up there but the 800 is coming on strong. Gonna be a good season and supposedly, Stewart is racing so things may be even crazier.
GO RV!....check this cool little moto tribute out...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWyV4A5lV3Q
I'm a Poto fan , have been since he was getting beat by alessi on 65cc's. Why do people think alessi has a chance? never believed the hype, been waiting since 03. He's just a puss and tony's even worse. Poto's gonna keep on trucking n winning. But i'm thinking Dungey and Reed still have moto wins under their belts also. Dungey's had 3 dnf's this year, shorty's probably had 5. If Poto's has a mechanical Dnf (which we all kow happens to the best of em'),,, This Title fight is gonna be gnarlier than Supercross. I'm waiting for someone else besides Poto, reed, and dungey to step up. Tommy hahn is more than capable of winning washougal. Kyle Regal was my call for a spoiler. Once he gets his wrist good he'll be up front with the big 3. Durham needs a factory bike, quick
@Welker- you might had a bad day!!!!!!! Hope it gets better! But ya where is Hannah when you need him! Who will be the next Hannah. I thought that was going to be Jlaws spot, but I guess not. Was Hannah a trash talker, arrogant, fast,not sylish, and a one man wrecking ball on the track? Sure was and thats what is cool about him. Not afraid to speak his mind and stand up to his words. If he said he was going to take you out, it's what he did. But like he said, "if I goin beat you, then I goin beat you. I dont care what it takes" 1 bad mofo!
This race should be a sick one!
Is it Dungeys turn to bag the Budd?
http://www.MotoStarGlobal.com
It could be Dungeys turn! Ryan is too nice of a guy period! Time for him to get ugly and throw it down. He has the speed and endurance, just needs to get aggressive. I don't think I ever seen him ride on the edge. He has great control, but its time for him to unleash his inner beast inside. I still think he can and will win one, its just when.
Andy Bowyer get off RV2's wang....sounds like he has you wrapped around his finger for only winning one moto this season.... pretty sad.... you only write one small sentence about CR22 who has 4 moto wins out of 6 and is the red plate holder.... hmmmm
Get ready to see a green Villociraptor bringing it on!! Should be a good one.
Richard petty said never go faster than what it takes to win. Watch Alessi????
I really think Alessi can come back and take the title. It's definitely going to take some luck on his side and mistakes from other riders, but it's not impossible...cough cough.....Canard...emm. Go Alessi!!!!!
@CZ I'm hip , gas the g-d zuki up.....get fkn ugly and win ryan.
andy bower kicks ass! thanks for a great rev up! my favorite line from crusty demons. "now thats fired up!" thanks for getting us fired up with class andy! next time your having a bad day just try to be calm like jack johnson :)