10 Things We Learned At Unadilla
Wednesday, August 17, 2011 | 10:35 AM
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In this article…
Riders
- Ryan Villopoto
- Justin Brayton
- Trey Canard
- Ryan Dungey
- Chad Reed
- Josh Grant
- Eli Tomac
- Justin Barcia
- Tyla Rattray
- Dean Wilson
- Jake Weimer
- Brett Metcalfe
- Blake Baggett
Races
10. Someone got a face lift: And it’s the Unadilla track. The course sported some fresh dirt and two new towers. The overall vibe of this old track, which has racing roots all the way back to the earliest days of American Motocross back in the late 1960s, is really stepping up. The most historic track on the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Schedule is changing with the times.
9. Tomac’s Back: After winning his first-ever pro motocross race at last year’s Hangtown season opener, the world has been waiting for Eli Tomac to back that up with another win. He was strong in supercross but has struggled outdoors so far. His second-place finish in the second 250 moto, where he kept Dean Wilson honest for much of the race, was an encouraging sign.
8. Baggett Can’t Do It Every Time: Blake Baggett has shown crazy speed most of the year, as five overall wins through the first eight races will attest. But he didn’t quite have the magic at Unadilla. A few small crashes and a bad start in the second moto hurt him, but if El Chupacbra had his typical attack in him, that might not have mattered. With three rounds to go, he’ll need all that speed in every round to catch Dean Wilson in the standings.
7. Rattray Is Not Immune: Expectations were that Tyla Rattray would be Mr. Consistency during this year’s 250 Championship run. He’s been pretty darned solid so far, but a second moto crash at Unadilla led to his undoing. Said Rattray: “It was hard to pull in because I knew it was pretty much going to cost me the championship, but I didn’t feel like I was good enough to keep going. I hit my head pretty good, but I’m doing better. All I can do now is go back out there in the final three races, do what I can to win, and get as many points as possible to give myself a chance. I won’t give up until the end.”
Tyla Rattray became an unlikely Unadilla victim.
Andrew Fredrickson photo
6. Motocross Can Still Get Crazy: It’s late in the year, and everyone has to be worn down from a long season. But there were some awesome motos to watch at Unadilla, such as a four-way 450 battle for fifth in moto two, where Justin Brayton, Chad Reed, Jake Weimer and Brett Metcalfe all had crashes. The second 250 moto also hosted about a seven-rider pack dueling for podium spots. Nine rounds in, and surely everyone is feeling the grind. But that’s not stopping these riders from giving it everything they have on the track.
5. Mind Bogle-ing: In our "10 Things to Watch for at Loretta Lynn's" a couple weeks back, we wondered if Justin Bogle would live up to the hype. We said, "Here's how the next few weeks should play out for the soon-to-be GEICO Powersports Honda factory rider. Win all six motos in Tennessee, collect the AMA Horizon Award, then head to Unadilla and finish in the top ten. No pressure, Justin."
Well, unfortunately, the pressure did get to him -- he only won four of six motos at Loretta's. Okay, that’s not a disaster. All kidding aside, his 6-6 this past weekend was pretty impressive for the rookie.
Justin Bogle lived up to the hype. And more.
Andrew Fredrickson
4. Barcia Barcia Barcia!: As one Justin B moves into the GEICO Honda 250 Team, one moves up—Justin Bogle is in and Justin Barcia is now riding the American Honda Racing 450 in place of the injured Trey Canard and Josh Grant. And what a ride he put in! Barcia is the first rider this year to show the ability to really mix it up with the Ryan’s and Reed, and he very nearly took second overall from Dungey.
3. This One’s Gonna’ Leave a Mark: It’s clear now, unfortunately, that Chad Reed’s big crash at Millville had a bigger impact that it first looked. Yes, he rode (and walked) away from that crash without a major injury. He limped through Washougal, understandably. But he couldn’t deliver a podium at Unadilla, and admitted he’s just gun shy after that big crash.
Reed needs the early season vibes again.
Andrew Fredrickson
2. Wilson Can Win: Here’s how you get your long-overdue first overall win of the season: win both motos in a romp. All that consistency (and those points) that Dean Wilson has been banking this year is starting to look like a really good investment now. A full moto lead in the standings with three rounds remaining? An unpredictable chase just found a clear-cut advantage.
1. Welcome to the Future: Ryan Villopoto has been struggling to close the deal in the second motos this year, and credit began to go to Ryan Dungey’s fitness. Turns out maybe RV needed different equipment. With the new 2012 KX450F underneath him, RV was able to ride stronger, later, and suddenly there may not be a fitness issue after all. His teammate Jake Weimer looked a lot better, too. Could the new bike be all RV needs to get this title?
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Good read, very well done. Its great to hear Reed man-up and say he was gun shy. I think his remark on TV was "I guess I'm being a pus$y or whatever" . I thought it was cool for him to say that and not make some kind of excuse like alot of haters say he does. But that crash would make alot of guys gun shy.
And great ride by Bogle, he was pumped I am sure, lets hope he can run that pace the rest of the year. And pick it up for the future. We need some fast young guys coming up in that class.
BrrrraaaappppPPPP!
Chad reed jumping out of a building would scare the shit out of nearly anyone. I hope he still enjoys the racing. Great Year for a rookie team!!!!
New blood at the end of a season make could make the vets in the class step it up a little. Weimer needed the new bike. Bummer the 2011 bike had so many problems. I wonder if Yamaha will make some big changes for 2012???????
Kudos to Reed for manning up! I wish if I was gunshy, I could finish 4th in the premier class. Three to go and I bet he will be back up on the podium very shortly. Loving the Barcia addition to the class. He goes great at Southwick. Honda has to keep him in the MX class next year
You could just feel that Tomac was going to rise to the occasion for Gieco when Matthes called out the team for allowing JB17 to move to the top class. Not so much because Eli was on fire, but because the universe was going to make Matthes eat his words. He may not have won, but a podium against a stacked PC team is a great achievement; even if most of ‘em took soil samples.
A "thank you" going out to Reed for saying outloud that a bad crash can affect (effect?) him. I crashed my brains out on my bicycle Sunday and took a trip to the doc Monday. Surely I'll be thinking differently when I get half way down that hill again ....
You missed one:
WE LEARNED THAT DUNGEY AND BAGGETT ARE BIG TIME CRY BABIES !!!!!!!
According to the The Daily Star newspaper, 28,000 plus fans attended Unadilla! Wow!
Here is the article
http://thedailystar.com/localsports/x1626824447/Cruise-control-Villopoto-sweeps-450s
#11 We learned everybody is hyper-sensitive about new talent moving up.
#12 Suzuki had better red-label a 2012 RM-Z over to Dungey so he can match RV's KX-F
I can see why Reed is a little gun shy. I got crooked going over a LITTLE jump and bounced off the track and racked myself on the seat a few weeks ago. Ever since I'm terrified of that section of track. Hard to get it out of your head, let alone when its a HUGE get off like he had. Get betta brudda...
Fingers crosssed Blake has an on-day at MXoN. As for Reed... I hereby unofficially bequeef (did I spell that word correctly or did I use one of junior high's most awesome words in a round about way?) speak for all the "didn't used to be a 22 fan, but am now" armchair racers: he doesn't need to win the Outdoor 1 plate to keep the title of Baddest MoFo in the World.
Man, I am not taking anything away from Reeds riding ability and a good crash will always make you think twice....However this new "honest abe" or " is what it is" attitude from Reed seems to be an act sometimes..Since he started racing SX and MX, he would always piss and moan about anything....He woud never "man up" and just be honest....now all the sudden he is and all the new band wagon Reed fands eat it up....He is a team owner and "acting" like he should.....Will the real Reed please stand up..!!!
#11: rivalry between two or more persons or groups for an object desired in common, usually resulting in a victor and a loser but not necessarily involving the destruction of the latter.
Anyone who competes has to at one time or another experience people who have no sense of respect. Dungey and Villopoto both had to tolerate Jason Lawrence. Once you get past the pettiness of a complete jackass, then you don't ever want to put up with it again. Here's hoping that Bogle and Barcia learn to respect their competition, as opposed to simply imposing their will on 39 other riders without regard to consequences.
"Barcia is the first rider this year to show the ability to really mix it up with the Ryan’s'..... He did not mix anything with RV, RV went by him like he was a lapper.
The 2012 RMZ only has BNG Carlsbad.
I don't think Barcia really deserves to be compared to J-Law....
Reeds fear comes with age, It gets everyone at some point.
CARLDBAD, MAKE IT A BLUE LABEL, THEY HAVE 2 WEEKS OFF, AND THAT ECONOMY AINT GETTING BETTER!
@teamhunter. It was the most people I have seen there sence the MXD in 87. Southwick will be packed for sure.
we learned Bam bam lets rv by, but doesn't like dunge. call them boys crybabies but they've done more in a rookie year than u do yer whole life loser. tell me herlings wont smoke them boys at southwick, we'll seee what rattray's got for him. dunge needs to stay yellow, he'll get the dough he wants. reed needs some confidence and he'll be up front again
What if CR22 would have got hurt, i mean like broken bone or two and not just sore ? Im not sayin it wasnt a huge get off but some really get hurt and come back as fast or faster.........ie RV2 from St Louis, TC41 from pratice crash. I dont get all the CR22 love.
What if CR22 would have got hurt, i mean like broken bone or two and not just sore ? Im not sayin it wasnt a huge get off but some really get hurt and come back as fast or faster.........ie RV2 from St Louis, TC41 from pratice crash. I dont get all the CR22 love.
Herlings might find himself humbled at Southwick. Another sand specialist came over a few years ago claiming to do well. Was it DeRuever? He got 3rd first moto and was lucky to finish in the top ten in the second. Just saying local knowlege goes a long way at Southwick much like it does at that track in Belgium. I think the 250 boys will give Herlings all he can handle. Herlings might finish 5th for the day.
Gogogo Undadilla!
@bkbkenny - Indeed., the 22 love train is funny to watch, losts of band wagon Reed fans this year........ RC knocked himself silly on many occasions and came back with no issuess, JS7 at Daytona in SX this year was a harder hit than Reeds and the next week in Jacksonville he got hauled off on a stretcher, but came back and won a week or two later.......I dont know if its an age thing or if Reed can just play the new "cool guy" role and ride off into the sunset and retire......But luckily, Reed was not hurt and I think right now some guys are just putting the hammer down and Reed cant hang at that pace....I knew it would happen sooner or later and it happened before Reed got hurt anyway..At Colorado, Reed got smoked by the Ryans and Reed has been 30+ seconds behind Poto on a few occasions this year when RV started up front with him.....Reed is a consistant SOB, no surprise there and when Reed gets a start and the other guys dont, he can make things happen...but aside from Milleville where 22 was obviously pushing it and crashed, he hasnt run with RV at all when RV is on.....
On that post that asked who should be the MX1 rider you figure it would be Dungey since it is an outdoor track and he is your current outdoor champion. Who do you think????
@organdoner you really believe JB "LET" RV by?? Dude you need to watch the passes again, First moto Rv just blitzed by on the far outside and in moto 2 he squared him up and went right by him, JB could not do a thing about it either time.
If RV win's the title he is the MX1 guy or its a slap in the face IMO.
Reed - I can't blame him for being a bit "off" after that crash... the older we get the more we consider our mortality.
Barcia - The kid is fast, and looked better on a 450 then he ever has on a 250 IMO.
Villopoto - man did he look fast... he looked like the RV we saw the first moto back in 2009...
Wilson - gotta give it up to the Scottish Flash after that race... he was the boss...
Tomac - finally we see the ET19 we'd hoped for.... I guess that "nearly won the titel in SX hangover" lasted a bit longer than he wanted...
jb let rv by? give me a break villo passed him like he wasnt even there he was SO MUCH FASTER than barcia, did you saw the race man? come on now
Good to see Reed being honest but people need to seriously quit talking about that damn crash. Yes, it was spectacular to watch but he had no serious injuries. RV2's ride at Red Bud to me was more inspiring. Or James getting pounded each week and coming back for more. The 22 LoveTrain is hilarious to watch.
I agree Kip.....Spectacular crash yes.....But he got up and got going in no time...I think Reed has finally figured the PR game out and he treats it like a game.He is playing off some of these folks and now knows not to spit his mouth off like he used too....look what happen to Dungey this week..lots of folks are saying Dungey lost points in their book with his whining...whether RD was right or not, it rubs folks the wrong way....and Reed rubbed alot of folks the wrong way ..but now bring on the 22 love train...too bad it finally gained speed his last year on the track...
I really like that Geico gear.
If RV is so much faster than Barcia then 1. Why was he behind him 2. Why did it take him 15 min to catch up to him?
I think alot of you folks are overlooking the mental aspect of a crash like Reed's-it is a mental thing he's facing now. Yes, lots of guys have had hard get offs; but, how many have had the time Reed did to contemtlate hittig the ground? The guys who get hurt have time to deal with what happened while recovering from their injury, Reed didn't, he was riding imediatly. It still might take him a few races to get right again.
It's all dungey and villo from now on ... bet VERY tough to call
Does anyone have a prediction?
Well?
sherpa, is RV faster than JB ?
RV won dilla and is gonna run away with it. RD gonna win some but RV has momentum.
REED, I hope you read these crazy postings! It's like this. Everyone grew to love ya when you came to the United States. Then, as the years went by..... you sorta started this, belly-aching and complaining routine that just flat burned everyone out, including myself.
Finally, you realized it's time to own up to your short comings. You did some growing as a Man,Father, Husband and Team owner. You then made a choice to proceed and make it happen without excuses.
Where you are today?? Everyone wants to see you "Chad Reed" win the title. My friends think I have lost my mind because I am pulling for you this year. It's been forever since I have wanted to see you win and I don't think I'm alone.
Now, I know I'm not the only fan wanting to see you take this Championship!!! You had a BIG crash but it's over! Your fine! You need to take this Damn title and put and exclamation point on it, PERIOD!!!
You had your BIG wreck, it's outta the way, and odds are, you won't have another big get off for a long, long time!
No excuses! Don't give up! Make it happen!!!
Big Fan again,
Jimmy
@sympathy Reed. Who said this is Reedy's last yr. He is just building up a team and is here to stay. He is ring a full season 2012. The funds and sponsors have rolled in now
@
sherpa.... Put down the crack pipe and step away!!!
To JD805. I,ll take that bet. If Herlings does ride Southwick he will win both races easily.
BillC.. Thats your answer to the two simple questions or even with your unbelievable knowledge in all things you just can't figure it out. Barcia is fast, so is Dungey. I, and many others, hope Dungey wins again so we don't have to listen to your bullshit. When Dungey won at RVs home track we didn't hear a word from you for two weeks.
@ david No RV is faster than Barcia but some people think that RV blew by him like a lapper. Barcia took the hole shot and opened a 5 sec lead in moto 1. To do that he must be fast just not as fast as either RV or RD
11. Ryan Dungey cannot get out of the main racing line and make a pass.
@Dgizzy - I know the Two Two "team" was here to stay...But wasnt there some chatter that Reed may not race 2012 and focus more on the team owner thing? He is racing the monster cup, but I didnt think the 2012 season was a sure thing for him yet....maybe it is and I missed something....Oh well, the more bikes and top guys the better the racing....another year of JS7, RV, REED, DUNGEY, CANARD and others will be awesome.... Any top 250 guys moving up to the 450 fo SX, besides Hansen?? (joke)....
@Sherpa, RV is alot faster than Barcia, he won Unadilla without too much trouble, but Barcia looked great. But even RV said that Washougasl may be in his home state, but he has barely ever raced the track, it is not a home track to him. He was traveling to amatuer races all over the country as a kid and never raced there. So no, Dungey didnt beat RV at his "home" track.
Well put BD200!
Sherpa - Barcia looked awesome, suprised me for sure...I figured top 5 racing with Weimer and Metty....But one thing is for sure....Barcia is not on the same pace as RV......Barcia pulled the holeshot while RV was in 6th in moto one....JB got a little lead while RV was blitzing past those guys....then RV quickly caught Barcia and passed him as soon as he was on his rear fender....he didnt follow him for more than one turn....your nuts.....same second moto...RV was gone !
@sherpa, YOU are FULL OF CRAP!!! I post after EVERY RACE, go look back and you will see I gave RD big Props for what he did at Milvile and in WA. You spout off like that and you are 100% wrong so stop lieing!! as for your question it was so dumb I could not believe it. RV took care of JB's 5 sec lead in less than 2 laps then put 15sec on him so I have no clue what the hell you were trying to prove with that question.
Go get em' Bill C .....Don't let these numbskulls get you fired up!! HAHAHA
Just about every post I put on here, I do to get a reaction from the shooting gallery of retards who obvioulsy know everything moto......Some folks go on smoke breaks or watch you tube videos at work.....me, in my line of work when I am printing arch drawings or running budget reports...I flip on over to Racer X and see whats new in the world of moto......These articles and the comments that follow are entertaining as well as informative.....reading the real news makes me want to puke.....Happy Birthday Elvis - Michelle Bauchman..... ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!!
GO RV !
Never trend Killer, I have so much fun on here it should be a crime!!
You're missing the point, dorks. It doesn't matter if Reed's new positive demeanor is genuine or "an act;" maturity doesn't mean you no longer get upset--it means you no longer show it. Attitude is everything when dealing with people.
I wouldn't consider myself a bandwagon Reed fan (only because I don't consider myself a fan to begin with), but he was out of the game and looking for an exit when he made the decision to start his team and I think it's pretty damn cool that he's come as far as he has in a year. He felt he had more to give to the sport and he was more than right.
I still feel like Reed could've out-Supercross'd the Ryans this year had he more prep time before A1 (and more luck with tuffblocks), but I don't think most folks were expecting him to put up a fight outdoors and he shocked the balls off us. Again, don't call me a fan, but he deserves a title as much as anyone this year and it would be (would've been) cool if his hard work payed off with a title in the twilight of his career, seeing as the newer talent is just getting faster.
Reed still comes off as a too-smug dandy on occasion, but now that he's commanding our respect, we're giving it to him.
(I really gotta stop writing these essays a day late when no one will see them.)
BillC is a creeper
so i guess by the comments of dungey baggett and reed being whiners or x - whiners that not one of you people who comment have nothing bad at all to say about your job or someone u work with & have never gone home & told your mum ,dad, girlfriend ,wife or boyfriend or husband that, i hate doing blah blah blah or so and so is a wanker because, the only friggin difference is YOU TWITS do it behind closed doors & not in front of the world media..... wake up to yourselves get a life & be happy that we can watch the greatest sport/ riders going at it....