by Steve Dye
450 Words: Thunder Valley
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PrintAfter season after season where the winner seemed like a foregone conclusion before the races ever ran -- Ricky Carmichael, James Stewart, and last season, Ryan Dungey -- the 2011 outdoor campaign shapes up as the most incalculable contest since... well, since supercross ended, anyway.
Ryan Dungey won 19 of 24 motos and 10 of 12 overalls last season on his way to amassing a huge points lead and the championship. Many of those victories came late in the race, with Dungey starting good but not great, then picking off riders at the halfway point and riding away for the win. This year, that's not happening.
In that championship rookie debut, Dungey won several races from the back. In this season, with the added competition of Chad Reed and Ryan Villopoto, both healthy, Dungey might have to win from the front.
It looks like a three horse race already.
Photo: Garth Milan
In the first moto at the round five Thunder Valley national, Dungey was the last of the three riders to displace early leader Christian Craig and by far the last of two riders to pass Reed. Reed took the first shot at Craig but came out on the wrong end of a bumping match, and Villopoto went by both. Dungey quickly followed Reed's more successful second attempt to get around Craig -- but was unable to make the next pass, this time on Reed, until after the halfway point in the race. By then, Villopoto was already gone. Dungey again settled for second, his sixth time in that position out of nine tries.
But Dungey had another chance left in the day, and he made the most of it by again hounding Reed in the opening laps, but this time with a much quicker result. From the third lap of the tenth moto of the this season, Dungey looked a lot like he did last season, when he also went 2-1 at Lakewood to take the overall. What a difference a year can make even with the same scores: Dungey won both his second moto and first overall by round two last season, but in this campaign it would take the defending champion five races to accomplish same.
With Reed and Villopoto in the mix, Dungey has to get out front early -- at least with the lead pack -- to have a chance to win. And what a lead pack it is.
Reed had won every second moto of the season coming into round five, but had to settle for third on a track that is not exactly his favorite venue. Villopoto has won every first moto since Mt. Morris, and he kept that streak alive with another runaway ride in Lakewood.
Reed will tell you that Thunder Valley is not his favorite track; he went 3-7 in his championship year of 2009 and 10-7 last year. So if his off-day thus far this season is a 3-3 for third, he'll probably take that. Reed retains the series lead and the red plate, and while both Dungey and Villopoto gain points on Reedy, neither gained maximum points. By splitting the 1-2 scores, the damage to Reed's points lead was minimized.
Now it's Villopoto -- who beat Dungey to the punch with his overall win at Mt. Morris -- who is still looking for his first second moto victory. Since that first moto at round three RV has looked almost unbeatable in the opening race of the day, with three near runaway wins in a row. If not for a stall (at Budds Creek) and a fall (at Lakewood) Villopoto would have won all three of those first motos by wide margins. In the second moto, well, he's still swinging.
So what's the scorecard? Reed has three overall wins, half of all moto wins with five, and 223 points. Villopoto has one overall win, the three moto wins, and is just eight back with 215 points. Dungey has his first overall of the season, his second moto win, and is still 21 points out of the lead.
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See, that gas thing I got so bent outta shape on, now seems like a lil bit bigger deal to some ehh? Still think he woulda scored points in moto 2 at freestone on a Hodaka, w/ desert tank.
I think red buds ski jump, should have the name changed to Alessi's leap.
Hoping RYAN'S Split again and pick up 7 more pts ea. on Reed. If not, let them go 1-1 and 2-2. Then the voices can start creeping into Chad's helmet! If they hang it out and push him, he will break!
I hoipe RV goes 1-1 at Red Bud, and I think Reed will be fine mentally if Rv does. He is a verteran, and he is in a much better place in his life than he was ever before. He wont break, this isnt Stewie we are talking about. Reed is a little more mature than that. RV going 1-1 will be great, and if I can get Bagget to do the same, then Fiolek to go 1-1 also, the day will be perfect for me. I got it last year, hoping this years Red Bud is the same..
I liked how Craig held off and then bumped on Reed, not relinquishing that top spot easy. Was good to see another rider (who has probably watched Reeds career passing fellow riders) join the 450 class and treat Reed the way he deserves.
Also seeing the Dunge catch Reed, go down, catch and pass him in that 1st moto was very telling.
Couldn't tell by TV coverage but some people on here were saying Windham closed on Reed at the end of moto 2.
I would have to agree with bd200, I have never seen CR break he only keeps hammering it out and is in the top 3. IF you do believe that CR will break you must have him confused with his darker skinned competitor.
"And as the series reaches the halfway point at RedBud, each rider is still looking for that elusive 1-1 moto score."
Did Reed not go 1-1 at Freestone?
It is so much fun to watch these three guys battle each other every week, with some of the most amazing racing technique of all time. Whats also really cool is the respect they seem to have for each other. It was very sportsman like the way Villopoto stopped to congratulate Dungey after moto 2.
Lest not forget, this 3 way battle will have a wrench thrown in it soon.
And although a championship is out of reach, Canard can and will podium and may even win before this is over.
He will be a huge points factor between these three.
Why do I have this feeling RD1 will go 1-1 at Red Bud ? I agree with the above statement that RV2 comming by to congraulate RD1 was a class move, kids fast and acts like a gentleman , nice to see today. In my view our sport needs more of that type of representation by our elite riders, and less of the self promotion other riders seem to seek.
Also I think Reed or RV may have some poor results shortly. It seems to be the nature of the sport. Which will really tighten up the points race!
I can't read "incalculable" without thinking of Michael Scott.
On a more moto-related note, if RV and 22 weren't in this thing and it was just Dungey out there again, he'd have a GREAT shot at going 24-0. Everything has improved since '10 (except losing Roger). His starts are excellent (he almost never got the holeshot last year), he's faster than ever, fitness is still there, Metcalfe can no longer hang, Grant's out, Alessi's off his game, Short's not holeshotting, Windham's still Windham, etc. Oh, and he wouldn't have to push all the way to the line, so maybe his fuel wouldn't have "boiled."
Good thing he has some competition this year...even more when Trey comes back.
@MXDarren... Yes Reed went 1-1 at Freestone!
Canard returning is going to be real bad for Reed. Give Canard 2 warm up races and he will be taking many points from Reed. Next year he will be in the mix for a title
Gee, everyone writing off Reed already! I'll admit that move that Reed tried on Craig just didn't pan out. I was even more surprised that Craig showed he wasn't going to get muscled around. It was great to see Christian out there in front again. I wonder how long it will take for him to put all the pieces together. By Pala Reed is going to be in a rest home for old motocrossers. I'm sure he will bounce back. It will be great to see the Duck come back. I hope he eases into things so he doesn't end up like Grant. Trey does have a small history of getting hurt.
@need125 - But she has such luxurious hair!
Normally I'd agree that Tomac should be the one to win, but Barcia's been putting himself in position with his great starts. If he gets a big lead out front, the only guy who can chase him down is Baggett. Tyla did it once, but it was really hot out :(
Tomac just doesn't have it yet. (I say all this having not yet watched Saturday's 2nd 250 moto.)
@bd200, asking Santa for gift early this year! Besides JP$ had been training with Ryno. She might have learned a thing or two about taking down her opponents.
any woed on Allessi? Didn't look good for him from what they showed - did he bump the brain bucket again?
How about Grant as well, they commented that he did further damage to the knee - did he tare the ACL again - strained it - ???
Whats the dill-io?
RD is Very good but Sorry I don't see him passing RV.. He can beat him if he starts in front of him but I don't see him passing RV,He has a hard time passing slower guys let alone RV. He never did in SX this year either. I still say RV is the champ in the end. Like I said last week RV has that "burst" speed that the other guys don't have, RC had it, JS has it and RV too. Thats why when Guys say the "one fast lap don't mean crap" I disagree. Because that is the speed that makes passing easy. When you have the one lap thats 2secs better your gone!!
Anyone see that Reed was no where to be seen after moto 1?? Where did he go? Was he pissed and did not want to talk??
I don't see Trey jumping right in an running this pase, He may but I would be very surprised if he does. My guess unless he get the holeshot he will not see much of the top 3 till late in the year. When is he back?? He is riding already so maybe in a few weeks?
Bill C - I asked that same question as well....Did it just not air on TV or was Reed having a pitty party cause he got smoked in Moto 1? I didnt see him on the podium while they were interviewing Dungey or RV....but he could have been...Just strange they didnt interview him.... When Bates interviewed him befreo moto 2, he had that old Reed smirk on his face....he knew he had no excuses.....
F&%# Craig, his dad was a real dick!
Looks like Tony Alessi's universe caught up to JGrant. Can't say i'm not happy about that, he got what he deserved (JGrant). Even funnier his little brother put it to him.
There goes that bd guy taking a jab at stewart for absolutely no reason.....what a idiot!! Keep licking RV's jewels buddy!!
I've heard that Tony Alessi comment several times now and I think that's not real professional. Yet another reason for him to shut it. Every Father loves their kid(s) but, he should step back & shut it. We don't need a West Coast "Big James". I realize that this is what they've been doing for like, forever but, step back & shut it!
@Carlsbad, I'm sure if some DICK took your son out after all the work he put in to come back not to mention, You wouldn't step back either.
I will predct that Dungey will go 1 1 at Red Bud and 1 1 again at Spring Creek.
Who agrees and/or disagrees?
@ "bd" sucks, absolutely no reason? There are a lot of people that don't like / respect or are a fan of JS. The "absolutely no reason" you speak of has happened throughout his career. I like #800 but, I'm not blind to the mistakes he's made in his career and to say #800 is disliked "for no reason" is pure hogwash. I understand we minimize our chosen riders faults, that's to be expected. Don't try to go the "poor innocent James" route thought because nobody buys it. Besides, "bd" only spoke of what we've all seen and used it as reference. I hesitate to use the term "calling a spade, a spade" because there are people waiting to use the race card as leverage to legitimize their claims because we all know an ignorant persons best defense to their argument, is to claim racism. JS is acting a clown, nobody knows (or cares) what color a clown is under the clown paint.
Jim pomeroy, and Tommy Croft rode Hodakas.
@ jimmy, You're right. I would do all those things but, I'm a dumbazz. Risking my kid's career is not a problem to a dumbazz. I would showcase myself in the worst possible light and every concerned party would know it and want nothing to do with my kid who, is the one I was trying to help / protect in the first place. See how "Minicycle Dad" can throw a wrench in the works without meaning to? I respect T.A. but, time has come (and gone, for a while now) to step back.
@Carlsbad, I agree with you 100%. But Mike say's he needs his help, thats why he pays him to be there. I'm not a Dad so I can't really say anything.
Reed did a victory lap after getting pole position in practice..........once Villopoto and Dungey got around him in the races they gapped him fairly easily. That had to be a bit demoralizing for 22.
@carlsbad - The issue is that James Stewart is currently the punchline to every other joke, and he's not even around to defend himself. He took the summer off, presumably to take care of his legal problems and to build his team. His name gets dragged through the mud even when he's sitting quietly on the sidelines.
He was beaten thoroughly in SX. Uncomfortable with the bike outdoors and seeing a very real chance of being beaten again, he took himself out of competition early, instead of waiting until three rounds in to do it and making himself look even worse.
All that said, no shit he's going to be brought up on the boards. He's the most popular rider--good or bad--in the sport and will be until he retires. I've certainly learned to accept that.
BillC,
I agree with you that RV2 is fast as hell. But he was right on RD1 rear fender and RD1 pulled up to 5 seconds on him in the second moto. I would like you hear your thinking on that outcome.
I am not sure RV2 is fully recovered from his injury. I remember during the Supercross season he said it stiill hurt to walk. And the Supercross motos are much shorter than the outdoors. What do you think? By all accounts RV2 should be crushing everyone but that is not the case.
@BillC - Dungey passed Villopoto in their heat race at Daytona and was pulled away until his cases broke. It was only a heat race, but he passed him none the less.
That Daytona heat race was awesome! Too bad it ended early for Big D. Stewart's heat race was kick-ass, too. Where was Reed? I don't remember if he was heat 1 or 2, but I remember he was off the pace.
Also, DUNGENOUS Crab? Why the change in spelling? I can find Dungness in the dictionary, at least. (I'm assuming this is the same dude.)
believe the hype
@ Jimmy, I heard that as well and it concerns me. MA is at a point in his career (and the economy) that he has to tread lightly and perform above expectations to remain relevant to his potential employers. Roger Decoster has a decision to make at the end of this season (actually, as we speak / type). I believe Roczen is already wrapped up (and salary earmarked), Short has a two-year contract and Alessi is on the last year of his contract. Does he keep Alessi (who commands less money but is a legit MX contender) or go after Dungey who is a free agent come September (approximately). We know RD1 would run to RD Original if the money was there but, is it? That's a big question mark and a lot of shuffling depends on that answer. without Red Bull intervening, I don't think it will happen. Long story short, how does T.A. help or hurt the equasion? I think RD Original would just as soon shed himself of Tony (as he has said in interviews) and Mike would serve himself well to keep that in mind. OR Honda steps up to the plate on Dungey and it's a moot point........I don't see Dungey staying yellow unless he can't get another deal. Suzuki is on the decline, and those able will abandon ship A.S.A.P.
Never been a betting man over sports (very popular in Europe) I now wouldnt mind having a go at it. Bd200 your first comment inspired me to say that. Saying your day would be perfect if RV, Fiolek, and Bagget all went 1-1 sounds a lot like someone with money on the results. Do people do it over MX in the states?? With a 3 horse race like this...I think betting would be definitely fun. Like I had one with a Belgium friend that Windham would get one SX win. Man...I came close until he threw it away. He will definitely get an outdoor podium before the end of this season! I cannot believe RV will go 1-1 at the next race simply because at this stage in the championship the other 2 simply will not allow him. Last season a sick reed and a new townley kept Dungey honest, so Im led to believe that no one will pull any serious gaps. It should be tight racing (on what is IMO the best mx track in the world) and given that...the Dunge will go 3-3. Maybe Reed and RV swapping wins and seconds....I expect close/slightly aggressive passing and racing.
everbody just forgets how good James is and more importantly he is always positive. If he doesn't crash he wins. Mcgrath, Reed, LaRocco... these guys were sx only as well. RC would still go 24 and 0.
Reed was very humble after both motos, maybe they didn't play it on tv after the 1st one, but he said the same thing after them both-"these guys are hauling the mail and I just couldn't run their pace". I'm not a Reed fan but was impressed with his attitude. It was weird to see him get beat by over a minute in the 2nd moto, Dungey was on it, Rv not too far behind, I don't think he's back to where he was before his injury. I'm hoping some of you are right and Dungey turns this into a streak and brings Suzuki another plate.
@langstonfan--do people here bet on sports?? Holy cow do they ecer. Las Vegas makes a fortune from sports betting, its huge. But no, I dont have money to risk losing on a bet, I have kids. That should explain it.
@ to the "bdsuks" coward. You said I was "taking a jab at Stewie" well so what?? I see you didnt have a problem about the guy I responded too who was "taking a jab" at Reed. So it sounds like you are just a Stewtard, so I will never mind you..
Another great racing weekend, man those ruts looked horrible. Glad to see RD get one under his belt, he has been in contention at every race. Heres my take on a few things...
1. Dungey needs to be more aggressive at the beginning of the motos. It seems like it takes him at least 5 - 10 minutes to get into his full pace, especially getting aggressive and making passes.
2. I feel bad for Shorty, who it seems is contracted to ride the 350. Although a bit stiffer competition this year, he goes from podium contention to just inside top ten.
3. It would be cool to see Durham get a chance to ride an extra Geico bibe (Whartons) but I can see why it also shouldnt happen, becasue he is doing well for his current sponsors.
4. I would like to see RD go 1-1 at a few races or RV and CR too DNF a moto and get these points back closer. That mechanical DNF RD had is really going to hurt him.
5. With all of the RV domination talk before the season started, RD doesn't run out of gas at Freestone 5 rounds in he is the points leader. And I say this becasue so many people gave him no respect for what he acomplished last year, and said he had no chance this year. Take out the chain derailment in SX and he might have even wont that series. He might not have been the fastest, but he was by far the most consistant.
6. Good to see Reed hauling outdoors, he has really impressed me this year. Hopefully when Canard comes back he can get up to speed quickly. Hell, maybe we'll even see a focused JS7 at a few rounds.
Well, just my opinion, then again, what do I know...
@Carlsbad I hope Suzuki isn't on a decline. It would be nice to see kawasaki hit a wall (worked for them for years, idiot company.) I hope Dungey goes to Honda, He deserves it!
bd200 why you get mad when I say Anything about Shorty then??
No decline for Suzuki's 250 team.........they never got to the top of the hill because their bikes were too slow.
Suzuki still has a great 450 but Dungey and Goose are jumping ship next year. Betcha Stewart is going to be the Zuki poster boy next year.
@JB37, I think RV is getting stronger every week, first moto he passed RD and put 10 sec on him. I naver said RD was not fast but the first moto's show that RV is faster and I jusy feel he will soon be just as strong in moto 2. maybe not but I think so.
.@HotStuff I remember that, I don't remember RD passing him but youir probly right, either way it was a heat race and everyone knows RV saves his best for the mains. Either way Its not like i think RV is way better than RD, he is not. I feel RV is faster and better but RD is very close and will win some for sure.
@Jimmy.... Honda is the most arrogant CO ever IMO, They also don't stand behind the riders either, MC, Henry, RC to name a few. And to deal with them form a dealers level I could tell ya some storys. I have hated the CO for a long time and will never give them any of my $$$$.
BillC has apoint about the contract gaffes from Honda with MC & RC, as for Henry, he was injured and they cut bait on him, pretty straightforward. Honda leads the way in contract negotiation between manufacturers & talent unfortunately, it has become very cutthroat and in contractor terms, they pay "piecework" instead of full time hiring, with bonus-heavy deals over "front loaded" contracts (which is why RC bailed).
Suzuki is definitely on hard times financially. They scrapped their "can't lose" ATV racing team to budgetary constraints having signed their last champ (Josh Creamer) to a "bonus only" contract and letting the previous 2-time champ (Dustin Wimmer) go after his contract was up. I also heard the could not pay RD1 his bonuses from his record setting 450 rookie season. It's a shame 'cause their bikes are pretty darned good for a change. Losing DeCoster was a sure sign of incompetence at the corporate level, as well.
hope one of these guys can take reeds lead away from him, and put him in his place
hope one of these guys can take reeds lead away from him, and put him in his place
I didnt get mad when you said anything about Shorty BillC. I just disagreed when you said he didnt deserve to be on the Des Nations team, because you thopught Stewie should have been on it. And you have taken every oppurtunity to take shots at Shorty ever since. And I think Short did a great job at the Des Nations too. Especially in the last moto when he beat Cairoli too. Awesome.
I agree with you on Honda totally crapping on thier riders. they dump them real quik. Two of the best riders we may ever see got dumped on by them. RC and MC. I bet they feel real stupid too for it.
All is not what it seems.People have too much time on their hands,instead of speculating why don't you go out to a race,oh I forgot you're doing 30 min motos tomorrow getting yourself in shape for you're 2012 debut,bad mouthing people over you're own observations make you look like and idiot,why not roll up and have a convo with Reed,or Tony Alessi,or anybody,believe it or not they will give you the time of day
bd200 good on you! Wasting money on betting is...well a pure waste!