Going for the W: Dean Wilson
Thursday, June 23, 2011 | 9:40 AM
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PrintMonster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Dean Wilson sits four points out of the lead right now in the 250 class and by all accounts, he’s been riding well and almost anyone (except for his teammate Tyla Rattray, who is leading!) would love to switch spots with Wilson.
So why is Wilson so frustrated right now?
Because the Scottish-born, Canadian-raised, American-living Wilson has been so far, winless in the 2011 nationals, but has also been about as close as one guy can be to getting wins. Wilson, second in the 250 East SX series this year, came into the outdoors as one of “the guys” and really, after seeing him go 1-1 last year at the last round at Pala, California- why wouldn’t he be one of the favorites for this seasons motocross title?
At Hangtown a very fast Wilson won the first moto and in the second, with teammate Blake Baggett all over him he tipped over. The next round, in Texas, Wilson again won the first moto, but in the second moto, he went down and while trying to make a pass on Justin Barcia for the lead.
After four rounds Wilson sits a mere four points back of teammate Tyla Rattray.
Photo: Simon Cudby
Next week at High Point, Wilson ended up second the first time around and in the slop of the second moto, he grabbed the lead early and was looking good when, are you ready for this? He slid out and was forced to come from the back.
Budds Creek? Yep, another first moto win for the friendly Wilson but he couldn’t get the start in the second race and spent the 30 minute plus 2 laps chasing everyone down.
It’s got to be frustration galaore for Wilson. Three firsts and a second in four first motos this year, but no overall wins. He must be ready to kick some puppies and steal some kids lunch money right?
“I am a bit frustrated actually,” Wilson told me as he was driving back from Milestone yesterday afternoon “But I’m not changing anything right now. Doing the same program and just really need to work on my starts.”
But Dean, your starts were good at Texas and High Point but you crashed.
“Yeah I know,” he laughs. “Honestly I know I pushed it a bit at Texas, I’ve learned from that. At High Point, that was tough man. I was actually seven points up after winning the first moto and had I won, I would have some breathing room but what can you do?”
Can Wilson capture his first overall of the season at Thunder Valley?
Photo: Simon Cudby
I spoke with Wilson’s mechanic Paul Perebjinos about the season and Perebjinos admitted that Wilson was very frustrated after Budds Creek, he knew that it was his race to lose. “But at the same time, Rattray is riding well,” Paul’s quick to point out.
When I asked Paul what Dean has to do to start getting some more wins, he didn’t really hesitate when he said, “He has to stop falling!”
He continues, “The only thing that I’m bummed at is that Freestone (Texas) is his track, he rides really good there and that was a chance. And at the end of the summer, Southwick is where Rattray is really good. You have to take advantage when it’s your track.”
The saving point is that after you read about all the mistakes that Wilson has made so far this year, he’s won a bunch of motos and only sits four points back right now. So if he can get on a roll and find that speed that won him Pala last year, he’ll be sitting pretty for this title.
I pointed this out to Dean and he agreed somewhat but it still seemed to irk him that in his opinion, he’d left some W’s out there.
When I told Wilson this column was “Going for the W”, he quickly pointed out that is exactly what he’s going to do from now on. “That’s it! I’ve got to go for the W!” said the almost always happy Wilson.
It wouldn’t be a stretch to think that this winless streak is going to end soon.
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Holeshot, Just tuck in the jersey Dean!
Here is a guy I wouldnt mind seeing get the title. Him of maybe Barcia. Not a guy who is making a career out of this 250 class. I know I am beating this too death, but I hate to see that. A guy who has been racing pro at the top level running this class for 6 years, taking a ride from a young talented guy who could really do something. Dean seems like a good kid and is extremely fast, hope he goes 1-1 next race.
Ya know Matthes, you can stop with the "Candian raised" shit any time now. He has said in interviews multiple times that he was BORN AND RAISED in Scotland..sheesh give it up already!
I ain't deans dad, but I think he left scotland at a young age (7 my guess) raced and lived in canada till he did well at lorettas...then split for pro circuit shop in cali. I usually dont know what I'm talking about though.
and its "canadian" from a american immagrant to canada.
@ Baddad250r. I guess it depends on your definition of raised. Personally I think if you spent nearly all of your developmental years racing motocross based out of a country it counts as 'raised'. Believe me I'm no fan of Matthes however he is correct. There are valid political reasons that leave Dean in a situation where it is better to call Scotland home and that's just how it is. However not to mention the country where he cut his motocross teeth would be a bit of an injustice. Canada is very proud of Dean, we're glad he grew up racing here and we understand he is in an awkward situation not of his making, when it comes to calling one particular place home.
I think there is a clear bottom line on Deans nationality, he has indeed said he was raised in Scotland and learned his craft there, i think he was older than you said he left Scotland though, maybe 9? Anyway, why would you or anyone try to tell Dean where he was raised or what nationality he is when he has clearly and precisely laid it all out for us?
Not to argue with Wilson, but when he first came on the scene he was "the kid from Canada." I never even heard the Scottish part 'til later. He was younger than nine when he came there, and think about it. When it came to sports, were years 0-7 more "formative" than 8 and up for you? I doubt it.
As for Rattray, you might want to tell your argument to Steve Lamson - one of the all-time great 125 riders. Take MOST of the guys in the 450 class now and put them on a 250 ... they ain't winnin' a title. That said, win or lose, I would hope Tyla goes 450 next year.
Sounds like Dean-O needs to get Obama's people on this birth certificate issue. Who knows where he's from? Wherever is most beneficial to him would be my guess. Riding for Scotland, G.B. & Canada in the MXdN makes him look like a ringer / poacher though.
I think Ratters' age has nothing to do with his 250F eligibility. He was in MX2 for years because he'd be blazing fast, leading the points, get injured and lose that season. It happened approximately three times so, that adds up. He was supposed to be the MX2 favorite even before Townley took that title.
Also, the guy is big / heavy. That doesn't usually help a 250F racer so, for whatever it's worth, the give & take of racing the 250F class is about equaled out in my view. I do think he'd be impressive on a 450, though. Enough strength & stamina to hold it open for 30 + 2.
U da man Deano!! Get er done, this title is deans for the taking. Come then end of the season Dean will have this thing on lock!!
He´s a good kid, but kid is the operative word. Ratters has bags more experience and when asked what he has to do he said, get podiums. Wilson is looking for wins which will result in a few more crashes. Why doesn´t he listen to the ex world champion and learn?
scottish born, canadian raised, california based. shut up with all this crap. Dean looks to me like he was born on a PC kawi 250 and quickly moved thru the ranks. Dean will be the champion. Tyla will have more overalls , dean will have more wins.
I am writing this as I am deanos cousin over here in scotland and I just want to let everyone know he was born and raised in scotland left at 9 to canada. he came from canada to california so everybody thought he was canadian. when they didnt know his real background. i dont know how many times he has to explain his situaiton its ridiculous like him for who he is not where hes from. and for CARLSBAD he rode for canada once and now hes part of GB he didnt ride for 3 teams. so you sound of a bit of a poacher for ur wrong information. now that is cleared go kick some ass deano!
I saw Dean ride in Edmonton in 2009. He destroyed the competition. There were even rumours that he was going to race the 450's, but that didn't work out.. 4 moto's is a lot. I believe that day his qualifying times on a 250 were faster than the 450 guys.! As above, he turned PRO riding in Canada, but like all of us Canucks, we venture down south for 8 months out of the year to train. I know he handed Barcia an ass kicking at Loretta's
It seems like Wilson is the new old Chad Reed. Hes fast, quick to always have an answer for how he would win every race, irrational thought like when he talks about why he doesnt get an easy win, or how Barcia riding is dangerous, and his bad starts that were consitenly top 5. This all reminds me of Reed, who was a huge pain in the ass, and I guess listening to all of the complaining now is rubbing me the wrong way this season. But he does ride very fast, and smooth for the most part.
First off I am Canadian and more than Happy Dean is Proud to say He is Scotland He was born there and lived there for the first 8 to 9 years of his life! I personally know Dean and His Family and he is no Ringer or Poacher just a great Kid who's Family gave every thing they could and then some to get him to this point! Now like the those of Us who care they get to sit back watch and enjoy where his talents take him! I don't think He'll hang around the 250 class as long as some! Look out 450 Riders another Scotish Kid is coming to get Yah!
Barcia, Barcia, Barcia
Kids overrated.
I am calling Rattray for the championship
Deano second
Baggett third, Tickle a distant 10th as he does seem pretty useless at nationals.
Go get em Deano!!! The flying squirrel rules! I was at Glen Helen yesterday and saw Bagget and Tickle destroying the place. Meanwhile I was over on the REM track (94 RM 125) hacking through the sand and off-cambers. NO FUN AT ALL! Anyone else struggle with REM track??? Anyway, I was hoping to see Deano but no dice. I always miss him by a day at Milestone.
Go 15!!!
@sef154--When Deam was called the kid from Canada, that was the media, not him. He never referred to himself that way. Dean himself says--" I am from Scotland" that should be the end of it.