Open Mic: Thunder Valley
Wednesday, June 29, 2011 | 3:10 PM
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PrintRyan Villopoto Monster Energy Kawasaki 1-2 for Second Overall in 450 Class
The track was tough. It seemed like in years past there was more sand put it in, this year there was more hard clay. As the day went along the ruts dried out and they were super long so you had to pick good lines
I didn’t get a time in at all in the first practice, we thought it might have been electrical [problem with the bike]. I just had to do some laps in the second practice just to get a gate pick. When I came back they tore the bike completely apart, and it turned out it was electrical. Just a small problem.
Yeah that was the best second moto I’ve had this year. Ryan was riding really good, it kind of seemed like he was quicker on one side of the track than I was and I was quicker on the other. I made a mistake and he made up like two seconds right there. But I was happy because I felt so much better in this second moto than I have been at any other race this year.
"For me, I’m happy to be honest." -Chad Reed
Photo: Garth Milan
Chad Reed TwoTwo Motorsports Bel Ray Racing 3-3 for Third Overall in 450 Class.
For me, I’m happy to be honest. It’s a tough race track for me. I enjoy I I like it and I really like ruts, I just felt a little off. I threw down one fast lap in practice, but I just struggled to do that consistently in the races. I ripped a holeshot in the alttitude, and I think Hondas have ripped every start here since like ’09. Obviously my bike is fast enough, we just need someone good enough to ride it! I truly feel you learn more on the days when you get your ass kicked. When you’re winning, you don’t want to reinvent the wheel. Today I know there were improvements that we need to make, and I think we can make them. But I’m excited to get after it and try some things this week and come back to Red Bud.
I was the third place guy, those guys had a great pace going, and I wasn’t that comfortable going that fast in these ruts. That’s an area I have to work on. In practice they were soft and wet, and in the race they kind of dried up. I think I got caught off guard by that.
Dean Wilson Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki 2-2 for Second in 250 Class
My day was pretty good, first moto I suffered a little bit of arm pump and rode kind of tight. Second moto I worked my way past a few guys at the beginning. Blake just rode phenominal today, I felt good, but I need to maybe get a little bit faster, maybe start the race a little bit faster. But I can’t complain I have the points lead, and I’m pumped. I’m happy about that, and it looks good. I was actually eight points up going into the second moto at High Point, then I crashed when I was in the lead, that was my fault. I want to hold on to it now.
Eli Tomac GEICO Powersports Honda 3-3 for 3rd overall in 250 Class
I struggled with my starts. Being the home race seemed to fire me up a bit, I was excited to get out there for the first practice. But Phoenix Arizona is closer to my house than here so I’ve only been here a few times, just Loretta’s qualifiers and the national.
Jessica Patterson DNA Shred Stix Star Racing Yamaha 1-1 for first overall in WMX Class
It felt good for me. I had to work on some things, but I felt good coming in and it’s good to come out with a win. It was such a bummer that I lost so many point there in Texas, I have one goal now and that’s to get the points back. I’m putting that behind me and just trying to focus on doing what I did today, winning the motos, so I can make up as many points as possible.
Ashley Fiolek American Honda Racing 2-2 Second Overall in WMX Class
It went pretty good, not exactly what I planned. It was super rough. I got good starts and just rode my own race. Jessica rode good today. I’m excited to still have the red plate and I’m looking forward to Red Bud. The ruts were really, really gnarly, I was just trying to find the best ones I could, but it was tough all over the place on this track.
Tarah Gieger Lucas Oil Troy Lee Designs Honda 5-3 for Third Overall in WMX Class
Yeah in the first moto, I was in third, but I hit a haybale and ended up going down. I turned it around in the second moto. Vicki (Golden) went down on the last lap and handed me third overall. I started right behind Patterson but I bobbled a bit, and it was just so rough that anything could happen, so I just tried to stay safe. Maybe des Nations at Budds Creek may have been the last time I rode on a track this rough and rutted.
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"I was happy with the way I rode but I got horrible starts." - Nick Wey
Photo: BrownDogWilson
Ricky Dietrich, Valli Yamaha 450 class 8-17- 13th Overall
The weekend was mixed, it was up and down but honestly I’m stoked with how it went, I’m learning as I go. My first moto was by far the best one I had all year. Decent start, worked my way into the top ten. Got to eighth and was keeping the pace with the top five guys. I was putting pressure on Short to make a pass but I spoded out in a corner, lost time and he was gone. I almost got him in the end. I felt good, I was in the race and I left that moto thinking it was the best one I had all year.
Second moto, it didn’t go good, I ended up crashing on the first lap. Slid out in a corner and then five laps in I cartwheeled in the first turn. I looked up at the tower and saw Jimmy Perry looking down at me. It took me a few seconds to catch my breath, I caught a bar to my chest. Ripped my jersey open and everything. I got up and saw Weimer in front of me and we’re battling in the points so I kept pinning it and I ended up getting seventeeth.
Nick Wey, Valli Yamaha 450 class 13-11- 11th overall
I usually have a super hard time because of the altitude but this weekend was alright. I think with some better starts I could have been seventh or eighth. I was happy with the way I rode but I got horrible starts. I had a bunch of close calls out there for sure, the track was tough. I rode ok, I could have ridden better I suppose. Peace out.I have one goal now and that’s to get the points back
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holeshot!! Reed will get it back at Red Bud!!!
Reed won't get it back at Red Bud...hopefully this is the beginning of the end for him. More excuses from Skippy here......sorry CR, but the track and ruts dried up the same for everybody. Quit making excuses!!!
Thats right Reed, Honda's are the best !!! And they do need a rider good enough to ride it, but he is injured right now, so you'll have to do..HAHAHAHA!......So your not good enough to ride it, is that what your saying? If the Ryans bikes are not breaking down, they are not sick or crapping in their pants, its clear you will be running a distant 3rd the rest of the year......get used to it.....
The Dungavator will be taking it home at Red Bud
No, REED will NOT!
Reed has been the man during the 2nd motos to date, no doubt.....Sure, some luck with Dungey running out of fuel at Texas and a less than 100% RV untill High Point, but the past few weeks we have seen the CR22 get killed in moto 1 via RV and now a moto 2 where he was even further behind almost dropping to fourth....Was it a smart ride like he says just didnt want to run the pace, or he cant run the pace?...Usually Reed finds a way to stay with the leaders in that scenario, but not this week....RV and RD will always run that pace and RV is still getting better each week......Red Bud should be awesome....the Red plate could end up on the Green bike after this weekend........
ooooo my turn i wanna bash a rider that can school me with an XR-150 let me know how ... reply below
I just don't get excited about Womens Motocross. Sure they are good riders but its like watching WNBA. Just not interested.
Writing Reed off already? You guys are morons. Reed went 3-3, thats just fine. I do believe that means he handed 38 other riders their ass. Reed has never done well in Colorado and so far that 3rd overall was an improvement from his personal best. Reed is on another level this year in comparison to years past. I know this scares all you little pansies but face the facts,.... Reedy is Speedy and will most likley win this title!!
RV has been looking EXCELLENT in that 1st moto....3 in a row....He is getting things together it seems for the 2nd moto's and this week in CO. was obviously his best so far....I can/hope to see RV going 1-1 at Red Bud and possibly takeover the points lead if Reed flops around in 3rd or worse....The Ryans are in Reeds head....
My money is still on Reed for the title, and I was there in person. He was visibly just slightly off the pace, and backed it down to third. That's how to win championships. For example, consistent straight thirds would have won the supercross title this year!
@ no he won't- How can you say Reed made excuses when he said he got his ass kicked? Ryan Villopoto has made excuses almost every race this season except for Thunder Valley! Every race he says he had a bad start and then brings up the lappers when he knows everyone has to deal with them!
Ryan Villopoto is the biggest excuse baby in the sport!
Wes - could not agree more!
no he won't - seriously? Reed clearly puts it 100% on himself - and still you call it excuses. did you read what he said? (can you read...??)
I was happy to see RV/RD win and pts tighten (hope now RD gets them even tighter at RedBud). i would like to see a 3 way battle all the way to the end. Worried though that it will soon become a 2 way battle, though - and RD having a tough time hanging iwth RV (in pts) due to runnign out of gas...! Not that he's THAT far behind, but will be tough to make up when swapping wins with the guy ahead of you. I think RD will win more - but so will RV.
@ U Fags - I dont think anyone is writing Reed off.....But just last week, some folks (reed fans mostly) were writing the other guys off and when RV went 3-3, folks were saying he doesnt have it and all that jazz.....it's all just a see-saw battle between fans rooting for their guy when they have a good week, dont take it personal, although it is hard not too......For a couple weeks Reed was the man and all we heard was how he can take anyone on in Moto 2, even after a bad moto 1, if you can call 3rd "bad"... But this week he was pretty much blown off the track in both motos.....I have seen Reed race enough to know this past weekend isnt the end for him, not even close...but seeing RV and RD walk away from him reminded me of RC and JS7 doing the same a few years back.....
reed admitted he was slower this weekend and people bash on him for not coming up with excuses like rv. great people on here.
@ U Fags, I like addressing you that way since you chose it. No reason to start calling everybody names because we don't share your crush on " Speedy Reedy " Really, really, c'mon dude that just sounds gay.
Glad to hear you support your rider with that statement of confidence " He will most likely win the title " In most cases even a positively unsure statement like that one would be a safe bet, when it comes to a rider who has held the points lead for 1/2 a season. I however am confident he won't win the title. My reason is simple...He is the 3rd best rider outdoors and he has had the best luck of any of the top 3. That is becoming more apparent ever week and this weekend will be no different!
Please explain excuses:
It was hot
The ruts were big
The track was wet and slippery
Too one lined no place to pass
The sun was in my eyes
I pooped my pants
I had gas
The other guy was faster than me
I idea of a 300lb fat woman at the finish line gave me little incentive
So it seems whatever a guy says, its called an excuse? I plead the 5th and not saying anything so I won't incriminate myself! With all the spin doctors out there, why say anything at all.
@RDietrich Keep trying man,it shows... bash on rookie haters bash on....
I never comment on these things, just enjoy reading them. This time, I have to say something. I really can't see where Reed was making excuses other than, he just didn't ride those ruts very well. That, to me, is not an excuse. To me, there is notuing wrong with a guy saying, " today, I just didn't ride very well" which is basically what he said. I'd actually like to hear more riders say things like that on the podium rather than read off a list of sponsors. YOu know who needs some P.R. help in the worst way. Anyway, apparently, Reeds needs a little work on the hard-pack ruts according to him. Hey, half the battle is admitting you have a problem or somethign like that. As for his other comment about Honda needing someone that can ride the bike, well, that is just him being a little humerous I think. And for the record, I am a Dungey fan.
@n2motomx, well said!
Lets hear what the other 39 riders who didn't win have to say!!!!!!!!
i hope Racer X cancels this comment section soon... Its like most of you must be iliterate. I cant believe everyone cant just have a normal back and forth convo on here and bench race...
Could Ashley become the female Chad Reed and back into Championships* by being 2nd best.
n2Motox, you got it right... He didnt make one excuse, if anything said it was all rider error.
Funny @Holy Shit how you want the powers to shut the comments down, instead of you just not reading them. Socialist much?
@pizzacorner, why do you care?? You dont like the WMX anyway..
reed has always said it the way he see's it .. its not whining or complaining its called from his point of view... he doesnt just follow what he is expected to say by sponsors... the guy actually puts perspective into his speeches as to why he rode badly ( 3rd ) ... As for the rest of the racing it was quite boring in the top 5 ... i was amazed watching #1 finesse his way around the track in 2nd moto he reminds me of Everts smooth & calculated not flash, but fast & impressive non the less.. who needs to scrub, whip, flick etc over every tiny bump or jump to go fast it wastes energy & looks retarded anyway
@czmzrk....they have a 10 lb bag of all purpose flour in the Suzuki rig now, I think its gold nedal....he wont be beat for a while. Till the flour runs out anyway.
Cant get my hodaka avatar out for some reason?
really just a dig a CR22
I like Jessica P, if you follow the RacerX twitter_pro_riders list you see Jessica trains-eats-practices like a "male" pro-racer. I see nothing of the sort from any other female rider. I could be wrong, but that is what I see, and the results do add up.
Is Justin Barcia's middle name Stewart?
@Holy Shit : illiterate....two L's genius
@Reed haters: This is probably the first season that Reed has been a real class act, riding for the fun of it, speaking his mind and telling the truth, rarely does he make an "excuse".
@pizzacorner Socialism:
–noun
"A theory or system of social organization that advocates the vesting of the ownership and control of the means of production and distribution, of capital, land, etc., in the community as a whole"......the community as a whole, not a single entity like you are implying with your comment, high school must have been, or still may be, a rough place for you intellectually.
Reed had a Villipoto day at colorado. Thats all. He has been on it all year, The Ryan's get him in colorado, and people have him sucking it up the rest of the year... Funny Stuff. He has proved to many times, he is not going anywhere.
still a lot of racing left...
I think Reedy had a hard time with the elevation. He can handle the heat,but the thin air did him in. He'll do better at Red Bud.!!!
Reed is straight up. His sense of humor is impeccable. Why ya'll be haten? Nick Wey might prolly really actually win more than anybody gong sound
I'd like to think that the "Ryan's" can keep beating CR22 but I doubt it. Some people adjust to the higher elevations and some don't. It seemed like the Americans could handle it and the Euro's couldn't (look at Tyla). We'll see at Red Bud, but I think it will be back to a level playing field.
I never understand the bashing of any rider on these forums. Most of you morons couldn't even do a lap around any of these tracks. Just enjoy the races. The TV coverage for the nationals is the best its ever been. Root for your rider and shut the f @ ck up about the rest of them!
@pizzacorner-- I dont see where anyone(even Ashley) backs into any title at this level. Ashley has beaten JP for a title, and JP has beaten Ashley for a title. they are both at every race and they both run hard at every single round. If one doesnt win and the other does, thats it. No backing in for anything.
Same with Reed-- if a guy crashed out for the season, tough luck sucker. It doesnt mean a thing to go out and crash. Any title at this level in hard won and hard earned.
yeah, stop all the hate and love me! and no one's running away with this fella's. rd,rv,cr, all know each other's abilities and all are close and all can give it when they need to. they are the 3 and the battle continues! the other riders have they're moments but they cannot sustain the pace of the "monster3mxurz" kinda catchy?
@Ride111mph- your a fool these Ladies are haulin the mail and I'm sure your bench racing ass couldn't keep up with them through the first two turns.
You must feel pretty cool bashing on these Ladies, get a life!!
We ought to be happy to have Reed and all of these guys healthy this season and battling it doesn't happen very often.
There's a difference between bench racing and just being plain idiotic and that line gets crossed all the time here!
Real Motocross fans want to see battles, posers bash the guys that are doing the work.
Good Luck to EVERYONE this weekend, let's see the dirt fly
@Root- I agree with you shut up and enjoy!!!1