Racer X Race Report: Steel City
Saturday, September 3, 2011 | 7:15 PM
Since 1968, Thor has maintained its position as a top motocross apparel brand. From trails, deserts, to the most famous racetracks in the world, Thor supports racing on the track and off with its sponsorship of race reports.
Tweet
Advertisement | Advertise with Us
Share
Comment
Email
PrintIt took a long time for all of this to finally unfold.
One could easily argue that this year's Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship has been the most competitive, dynamic and exciting in the history of the sport, and that long stretch of battles and drama culminated at the Steel City National in Delmont, Pennsylvania. For Dean Wilson, the Steel City run actually ended up as the culmination of a life long dream, as his 1-1 performance led to his clinching of the 2011 250 National Championship. In the 450 class, the race represented what the series had been building toward for years--a championship showdown between Ryan Villopoto and Ryan Dungey on 450s.
In the first 450 moto, run in hot and humid weather on the always tricky Steel City track, Villopoto grabbed the holeshot on his Monster Energy Kawasaki, but was quickly passed by Justin Barcia on a Honda. Barcia slowed Villopoto just a touch, allowing Dungey to knife past. He quickly got around Barcia, too, and Villopoto quickly followed him through. From there, the championship intensity pushed the Ryans far ahead of the field--nearly a full minute clear of anyone else. This is the new rivalry for supermacy at the top of this sport, and the duo made it clear why as they pushed the pace harder and harder every lap, making mistakes, overcoming them, and finding a way to push even faster.
RD lead 99 percent of moto 1. Then Villopoto pulled off a series-altering pass.
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson
Meanwhile, Dungey's Rockstar Makita Suzuki teammate Brett Metcalfe moved past Barcia into third, and Barcia led TwoTwo Motorsports Bel-Ray Racing's Chad Reed home. And the battle between the Ryans raged. All the way until the last lap, the last turn, when Villopoto went wide in a corner, gassed it hard, and pulled even with Dungey. Then Dungey bobbled slightly, allowing Villopoto to pull ahead and take the lead immediately before heading through the finish. Villopoto stole the lead in the last corner, and possibly closed the door on the championship.
Brett Metcalfe was third.
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson
Last corner pass... Boyakashaa.
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson
That pass changed everything. Dungey came within a few feet of closing to within five points of Villopoto, but instead fell 11 points back, while RV reestablished himself in a series where he, Dungey and Reed swapped momentum every week.
But Villopoto left no doubts in moto two. Dungey grabbed the holeshot, but Villopoto passed him on the first lap and took off from there. Dungey had made bike changes that he said did not work, and he crashed while trying to maintain the pace. Reed briefly slid past into second, but Dungey picked the pace back up to retake the spot. He would not, however, challenge Villopoto, who extended the lead to 14 points with the win, his third of the year. Dungey went 2-2 for second, and Metcalfe's 3-4 edged Reed's 5-3 for third. Barcia didn't finish the second moto after getting sick during the race.
"You had to ride the track as hard as you could without making mistakes, which was really tough," said Villopoto. "Getting a win in one of the motos was crucial heading into Pala I have a little breathing room which is nice, but I'm still going to have to go out there and race, just like everyone else. The last couple years haven't been the greatest, but it's nice to get in a full season. Now, we're almost done. Hopefully we have a good weekend at Pala, and wrap it up."
"It was a pretty tough and technical track, but good overall," said Dungey. "I just have to put the Suzuki up front next weekend. To go 1-1 would be great, but all I can ask for is the most from myself. It's a long series at 24 motos. Consistency is the key, and there is a lot of hard work that goes into it. You've got to make the most of your bad days and keep your head up. It's not over until it's over. You've got to have faith in that."
The 450 Podium.
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson
There were times when the 250 championship fight was just as dramatic and close as the 450 division's, until Dean Wilson finally grabbed his first overall win of the year a few weeks ago at Unadilla. Starting at that race, Wilson has gone to another level, and he delivered another 1-1 to score maximum points. Combined with tough races by his Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki teammates Tyla Rattray and Blake Baggett, and the title was his.
"This is the greatest day to me," said Wilson after an emotional championship ceremony. "I went to sleep when I was young dreaming about winning an outdoor championship. Now, it's a dream come true. I was feeling really good today. In the first moto, I got the holeshot, and in the second moto, I didn't get a good start, but I got lucky and found a hole that helped me pass a lot of people. It's just the greatest feeling. I went by the pits and saw on my pit board that I was the 2011 MX Champion, and it gave me goose bumps. I just went out there and rode the way I know how to. I actually didn't want to win it this weekend, because my parents aren't here to share it with me."
Unfortunately for Wilson, his parents were busy driving his motorhome from Reed's house in Florida to California so they can attend next weekend's race. Wilson didn't expect to wrap up the title early!
Wilson nailed two starts and then nailed another number-one plate to the Pro Circuit truck's door.
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson
Wilson's win came after overcoming an early challenge from a pair of GEICO Honda riders. In the first moto, rookie Justin Bogle challenged Wilson early before eventually losing the pace, and his teammate Eli Tomac took over second. In moto two, Tomac started right behind Wilson and actually took over the lead from him for several laps, but then Wilson came back to make the pass and hold on for the win. Tomac and Red Bull KTM's Marvin Musquin rounded out the podium, with Musquin getting good starts in both motos and going 3-3. Both Tomac and Musquin pointed to long-awaited good starts as a key reason for their improvements on the weekend.
As always, the 250 pack put on some great racing.
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson
Marvin Musquin grabbed his first U.S. podium with 3-3 finishes.
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson
Wilson credits Chad Reed for helping his championship run. After he trained at Reed's house in Florida, he seemed to relax, have fun, and start winning races.
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson
Eli Tomac rode his best race of the year, passing and leading Wilson for awhile before ending up second.
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson
As for Wilson's teammates, bad starts hurt them in each race, and Baggett also endured a crash early in moto two. They ended up fourth and sixth overall, with last weeks' first moto winner Gareth Swanepoel logging a quiet but silent ride in fifth.
The 250 podium
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson
Wilson joins a long line of Pro Circuit champions.
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson
JP$ handled the Women's class, but she still needs to make up a ton of points next weekend at Pala to keep her number-one plate.
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson
The Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship concludes next weekend, on Saturday, September 10, from Pala, Calif. Pala Raceway, located just outside San Diego, will host the 2011 season finale, beginning at 4 p.m. EST.
Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship
Steel City Motocross National
Steel City Raceway - Delmont, Pa.
September 3, 2011
Round 11 of 12
450 Class (Moto Finish)
1. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki (1-1)
2. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki (2-2)
3. Brett Metcalfe, Mannum, Australia, Suzuki (3-4)
4. Chad Reed, Kurri Kurri, Australia, Honda (5-3)
5. Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki (6-6)
6. Mike Alessi, Victorville, Calif., KTM (8-5)
7. Justin Brayton, Fort Dodge, Iowa, Yamaha (7-7)
8. Kyle Regal, Howell, Mich., Suzuki (9-8)
9. Nick Wey, Dewitt, Mich., Yamaha (11-10)
10. Michael Byrne, Rockhampton, Australia, Suzuki (13-9)
450 Class Championship Standings
1. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki - 481
2. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki - 467
3. Chad Reed, Kurri Kurri, Australia, Honda - 402
4. Brett Metcalfe, Mannum, Australia, Suzuki - 342
5. Mike Alessi, Victorville, Calif., KTM - 272
6. Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki - 251
7. Andrew Short, Colorado Springs, Colo., KTM - 196
8. Kevin Windham, Baton Rouge, La., Honda - 193
9. Justin Brayton, Fort Dodge, Iowa, Yamaha - 191
10. Davi Millsaps, Murrieta, Calif., Yamaha - 173
250 Class (Moto Finish) -
1. Dean Wilson, Glasgow, Scotland, Kawasaki (1-1)
2. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda (2-2)
3. Marvin Musquin, La Reole, France, KTM (3-3)
4. Tyla Rattray, Durban, South Africa, Kawasaki (4-4)
5. Gareth Swanepoel, Johannesburg, South Africa, Yamaha (7-6)
6. Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., Kawasaki (5-8)
7. Justin Bogle, Cushing, Okla., Honda (6-10)
8. Alex Martin, Millville, Minn., Honda (10-7)
9. Martin Davalos, Quito, Ecuador, Suzuki (11-9)
10. Malcolm Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Suzuki (8-14)
250 Class Championship Standings
1. Dean Wilson, Glasgow, Scotland, Kawasaki - 488
2. Tyla Rattray, Durban, South Africa, Kawasaki - 436
3. Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., Kawasaki - 427
4. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda - 290
5. Kyle Cunningham, Aledo, Texas, Yamaha - 283
6. Gareth Swanepoel, Johannesburg, South Africa, Yamaha - 270
7. Broc Tickle, Holly, Mich., Kawasaki - 236
8. Martin Davalos, Quito, Ecuador, Suzuki - 197
9. Alex Martin, Millville, Minn., Honda - 195
10. Darryn Durham, Butler, Pa., Honda - 181
WMX Class (Moto Finish) -
1. Jessica Patterson, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha (1-1)
2. Ashley Fiolek, St. Augustine, Fla., Honda (3-2)
3. Tarah Gieger, Aguadilla, Puerto Rico., Honda (2-3)
4. Mariana Balbi, Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Yamaha (5-4)
5. Jacqueline Strong, Cottonwood, Ariz., KTM (4-6)
6. Vicki Golden, El Cajon, Calif., Kawasaki (6-5)
7. Kasie Creson, Vallejo, Calif., Honda (8-7)
8. Sayaka Kaneshiro, Osaka, Japan, Suzuki (7-8)
9. Alexah Pearson, Sacramento, Calif., KTM (9-9)
10. Sarah Whitmore, Cheboygan, Mich., KTM (10-10)
WMX Class Standings
1. Ashley Fiolek, St. Augustine, Fla., Honda - 321
2. Jessica Patterson, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha - 299
3. Tarah Gieger, Aguadilla, Puerto Rico., Honda - 268
4. Jacqueline Strong, Cottonwood, Ariz., KTM - 195
5. Kasie Creson, Vallejo, Calif., Honda - 180
6. Vicki Golden, El Cajon, Calif., Kawasaki - 171
7. Marissa Markelon, Bridgeport, Conn., Yamaha - 168
8. Alexah Pearson, Sacramento, Calif., KTM - 161
9. Sayaka Kaneshiro, Osaka, Japan, Suzuki - 140
10. Lindsey Palmer, Albuquerque, N.M., Honda - 137
Did you like this article?
Check out CAUGHT OUTSIDE
in our Latest issue of Racer X available now.
One of the most successful—and controversial—team managers of all time, Larry Brooks is looking to return to the races. Page 146.
Look for the verified symbol 
Impulse Studios
Villo #1, Villo King, Villo Boss !!!
We all hate POP ups
What's "supermacy?" A large store in New York City?
What's with Dungey's and Tomac's effeminate stances on the podium with the right knee inward? Move that knee outward, and look like a man. Stand more like Villopoto, Metcalfe, Wilson and Musquin instead of looking like silly savages from San Francisco.
Well done RV2, another awesome ride. What's with RD getting edged by CR in sx and now edged out by RV2? in the outdoors. Sucks to be him at the mo but, He did have that almost unstoppable winning season when RV, CR and JS were out. Which is a lot more than most riders get.
lil'Stew to be a truck racer?!
so, RD is going to race his RM at des Nations. Thats a given.
There has never been a real question as to whether or not he should race MX1??
We need a story please about dudes who retain their title and still change teams. The Heartbreak Kid aka The Dungenator might still win and Villopoto might still lose. Maybe.
I am still not certain that Dungey is going anywhere especially if he wins the outdoors. The RMs and that team are great. The insider guys know more about future race team and bike development than we do though. Personal faith and pocket cash are important to some men.
Let us gaze into our crystal ball. RD wins BOTH his motos in France this year. RV scores a 1 and a 2 but wins his class. RD is the undisputed MXdN champ.
The mist is hazey in my Wal-Mart brand crystal ball but we are going to try and look further inside -
The 2012 supercross and outdoors title stay on RV's resume. Dungey is still Dungey and is still 2nd in both series. Thor makes some really black gear but RV signs with Shift because their new 2013 line up is ever blacker. I buy some. People still gripe about people whom they have never met.
Who races with the #1 plate at the 2012 des Nations? Don't forget that RD has won that overall for us 3 years in a row.
My crystal ball is broken - i know this because i am looking into my crystal ball.
Did our dream teams of Bailey, RJ, O'Mara, Ward, etc ever have this problem? Probably not because the class structure was different, but still... I can't remember this ever being an issue.
Weege, now that we know about the silly season Indian summer; life will be sort of different.
Once something has been said on tv it takes it like 400 years for it to go away.
Hopefully all the stewtards will take their stupidity and racism and get the phuk the out MX/SX. Let them try to explain to the truck world how somebody that this crashing all the time, takes out other drivers, fails to show up and compete, finishes forth in the championship standings, etc, is the "faster driver on the planet". Let see how the truck driving crowd accepts all of lil'Stew's whining, complaining, blaming, excuse making, etc. One can hear it now, they are "haters" and they are "hating on" lil"Stew.
Looking at the top 5 finisher in both classes, you could easily call this series a world championship. Lots of fast guys from all around the globe mixing it up with the US guys, giving this series a nice international flair. I llike it.
I hope Wilson gives only credit to himself for winning this title. That was a nice gesture by reed, but he was the champ before he got there. I hope it was Reed's idea to have Wilson's parents not be at this race, because that would have been a good idea to take the pressure off. Well done deano, seems surreal to me, you must be on some kind of high boy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Villo put down a race for the ages, a race that comes close to his amazing Des Nations rides when he was on a 250. Villo has shown that he is truly unbreakable. I think I may retire watching this sport now, I don't think anything else can top this day. The moto Dungey knew he had to win to give him a chance, and he had it, tasted it, and overjumped it. unbelievable.
I think it safe to say that Villopoto's first moto ride was pretty much every motocrossers dream race. Every condition for a perfect title match was set even before the perfect start to the race. Every fan knew, and wanted in some way, for Dungey to win both moto's today- he would only be down 2 points for a live event next week, all four moto's live!! There is nothing more anyone could ask for than for all that to be taken away by the greatest pass of all time. That's right, there is more than two goats in motocross now, and one is apparently a pass- The other didn't ask the King for his name.
the third goat is the Weege. If someone takes him out of the booth I'm going to go all Ryan Hughes on his ass.
"I'm going to go all Ryan Hughes on his ass."
funny
WOW neather WEEGE or EMIG have noticed that Dungey`s Leatt Brace came loose on the last Lap and that could have been the reason why he lost the first moto????????
NO ONE ELSE NOTICED????????????????
moron mike, how many euros into the top-10 in the first ama class the 450? ZERO!!!!
wilson a gp rider? nope, he never ride a gp, wilson an scottish? nope, he never ride in scotland, rattray and Swanepoel are europeans? nope, they are south africans, musquin? he's not into the top-10.
CP? he was outside the top-10 when he left the ama series!
how many world championships for ireland moron mike?
JEHL: Jealous European Hypocrites and Liars
wtg dino! RV2 was on it, rd1 wasn't. @ jairtime quit looking at mens legs, your cover is blown.
Are you guys serious why comment on the way somebody stands on the podium you probably can barely stand up in real life you stupid keyboard warrior get a life
Why would a Leatt brace stop you from twisting the throttle?
How many times have we heard Dungey say he made "wrong adjustments" for the second moto?
Why does Racerx kept deleting my post.I guess when you control the media and the actual racing you can do that.It's OK for Davey to throw out some BS rumor that Dungey got 5 million for a two year deal.Why would they pay that much for a guy thats going to be 2nd or 3rd rider.Just wait to SX starts and you'll see.
I will say it again, and apparently again and again... Coverage and accolades needs to be beyond 1st place and even the podium.
You have to spread the love for the sponsors and that has to go back to the battle for top 10 at least. These are the best motocross racers in the in the world (hence the rest coming here to compete) and top 10 is outstanding.
Erin is an idiot. Asks the Dunge at the start of the second moto how he is dealing with "the devastating last corner loss". Nice Erin, you trying to get in his head? just that stupid? or so desperate to try and show you have any value at all you are not thinking?
CP, oh please?
Stewart? He said it all when he created JSE (E= entertainment, not racer) He believes he is an entertainer. So who cares what he does as long as he quits running into the racers.
jairtime, hyper critical of the written word, a fashion-esta? something you would like to share :-) just kidding man.
MY prediction for the USA MXon Score:
MX1/MX2 = 1 - 2
MX2/MX3 = 1 - 7
MX1/MX3 = 1 - 10
USA score = 12 (+/- 2) for a 10 - 14
OK world, there is the number you have to beat.
To eurotrash Mike: notice how it takes "world champions" just to be competitive in our 450 feeder class.
We all know that last corner pass in the first 450 moto is not a pass RD5 would have made, he just does not have that type of riding in him.
@ German Mike.Pourcel won the second moto.Send him to Pala as well.But we know here in America that he is a bonafide Puss.He'll probably be here soon as well.Honda and Honda satilite teams as well as Suzuki need riders here.
funny how no one is talking about how RV couldn't pass all moto. Some just don't get it that it's just not that easy out there.
Yes I whatched the first motos on my puter "ALI SPORTS" and ilt was one great race. It was hard to tell but to me it looked like the lapped riders moved into Dungy's line instead of RV's but how could they know whare to go? It is all part of racing. I can feel Dungy's pain as I too have battled to the chekered flag and both won and lost in the last turn the pain of losing hurts the thrill of victory is unmatched. No matter both gave it everything they had it was a great race.
No its not over yet till the end of the moto's at Pala! Good luck to all!
RV is a BAD DUDE when he smells a title!! I am 2 fer 2 so far, Picked RV for the SX tiltle, Wilson for the Lites outdoors and RV for the 450 outdoors. RV thrives under presure and showed that once again yesterday.
Gota give RD props, RV smoked him in qualifing by almost 3 sec but he steped it up big time when it counted, That had to be crushing what happen to him... Loved that RV pulled it off but felt a little bad for RD.. What a moto. Remined me os the SX in Jacksonvile I think When JS was glued to RC for 19 laps then shot past with half a lap to go for the win.
Now on Wilson I am glad he was able to win it he rode great all season! Early in the year I was hoping Barcia could do it, then maybe Bagget! The 250's are a lot closer mached in times that the 450's so it is more cometitive i think.
If it could be changed ,I know this is different from evryone, But right now I would like to see Villo on the 125 ooops I mean 250's Dungy on the 450 and Barcia on the Open class. Years ago they did not really care which class they raced or what nbr. Heck what do I know Iv'e only been in this sport since 1972????
LETS RACE!!!!
@ BillC I asked you earier what you rode on the street could not find my post to see if you answered. I have a couple of harley's one with about 200K on the frame it is on its 2nd engine as a rocker bearing fell apart on the first engine at about 14K 1000 miles from hope LOL.
Living in the U.S.A.,somebody get me a cheeseburger,greatest country(and riders)in the world.
To KICK JEHL ASS, let's talk about it in 2012...Musquin beguin to show his speed, Rockzen, freshly world champ, is comming and showed you already he can win in SX and he gonna smoke badly Wilson and Baggett at the Nations. Last noise is that Dungey has been contacted by Honda and could not join KTM...Pourcel could ride the orange bike, he showed today he is the faster Euro at this time and I hope see him at the Nations against RyanS, it's still time to change the team !
Tommy Weeck who did 6th in moto1 at Washougal was racing in Germany this week end, not in the GP class but in the Europeen class. He did 6th and 21st (crash) with a lap time 2 sec slower than the winner who is himself 5 sec slower than Rockzen...all that to say to stop thinking that the faster kids are in US, when you come to Europe you don't do miracle also. In the 2009 Nations if Paulin doesn't crash in his 2nd moto after he has won the first (MX1) team France would have won...In 2 weeks, England, Australia, Germany and France gonna be really strong and USA will have around 8 hours jet lag to handle (like Reed and Metcalfe for Australia)...USA is still favorite but...By the way if France is out I will cheers at USA, I don't want anybody else than France to beat them !
I thought you were all mx fans but many of you seems more like 10 year old popstar idols. I am from Sweden and we have not had a great mx rider for a couple of decades. I was in mxdn at matterly basin and enjoyed Stefan Everts beating the americans. I was att budds creek watching Villopoto destroy everybody else and enjoyed that just as much. I love motocross and leave it to that.
@Fred, quit with the German Mike, he IS NOT GERMAN, HE IS FROM IRELAND, HE SAID SO MONTHS AGO. then he changed it and is an even bigger tool now. His life must really suck to hate and be so jealous, hahaha, I love it.
@IrishMIke the tool, Pourcel needs a break from the fat women because of his ugly frog as$ its the only women he can get. And Pourcel knows who the boss is, its the AMERICANS who took every title when he was here, and he turned into a quitter in the 450's because he couldnt hang. And goes to the GP's and wins. It shows how sorry and slow the GP's are, he couldnt get it done here. What a clown LOLOLOL!! Stay there Pourcel you cant win in the USA..
Good racing this weekend and congrats to Deano. 1 moto Poto was on a misson and now we have to call him 2 moto Poto? I will admit he did a job and was hualing the mail. Still 2 races left and anything is possible. What's up with Baggett tagging that Rockstar banner? The track look very hard and dry, requiring some good throttle control. Whoever said that Barcia would struggle on these track conditions was spot on.
@jairtime- supermacy is where weedge gets his panities. Also stop checking out the guys legs on the podim.
@Fred- dude your on a roll today, what happened? Tons of Fun dumped you! Mad Mike was taking about fat women and fast foods, so he got my attention. lol
THE AMA SERIES ARE GREAT, gp's are shit!, that's why all the euros mx fans are on racerx everyday! :)
AMA#1
fim/youthstream/gp? ugly shit! @ TEXASthiery, une tete de noeud au TEXAS? back to your stinking and ugly country Mo-Fu
@IrishMike, thinking Pourcel did bring 2 SX red plate to Mitch and lost 2 MX red plate at the end of the championship by bike failure than injury in the last round...am I wrong ? Did I have dream ?
In the MX 450 class he was the shadow of himself and did 4th and 5th best practice lap...he didn't do better in the GP's at this time, now he is back and I really hope he will come back in US in 2012 to be the second Frenchman to win a SX and MX main title (450 today) in the same year !
Love you KICK JEHL ASS...you look so smart...
@mike You are the funniest "euro' comedian ever. Normally they suck at humor almost as much as their food preparation , but your stuff is so stupid and outrageous we get a kick out of it. Villapoto will squash your 'world champs' like a bug...i know it..you know it and the world knows it. After 30 mins of rmz roost that dude goes outside ,splits a lapper and the champ on the rear wheel and wins it. F*ING PRICELESS....you think your boys can deal with that @mike. The Ryans are quakin' in their boots from "euro" fear....lol...now thats FUNNY!!!! And RV won't be on a 250 this time.
@ a d1ckhe@d in Texas, cp ama 450 sx champion in 2012? HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA !!!!!
you bet your home (if you have one!) on this? stay into your stiking apartment Mo-Fu!
I bet 15 000 US $ on the fact that cp will not be the ama 450 sx champ in 2012, who to take it?
If Dungey is going to KTM, some of us could most likely be interested in KTM's performance in SX ....
KTM has two riders in the MX 450 top ten. And this is similar to any of the big four. However, in SX?
This is RV's title to lose; he didn't get the start outdoors as he did in SX, but recovered well. Dungey got worked over on mechanicals/DNF's, don't know what's going on in the Suzuki pits, but it's probably not good. If Dungey goes to KTM, I can guarantee that RD will have a bike ready for him that will be competitive and he will be hungry for sure, two years of strong perfomances followed up w/ a year of crappiness. Won't play the "what if" game but there were things beyond RD5's circumstances. Don't think RD5 could have kept his SX title this year but if he had a more reliable bike, I think he could have had a chance of keeping the #1 plate on his outdoor bike. Just my opinion...
it's not "france", it's french republic! (or Frankreich, the country was created by the germans Franks) and it's not "french", it's französisch are frenzouilles!
@CZ Mark German Mike don't know what he missing on those fat girls.Racerx has been deleting my post since last night.All I said was Steel Citys track sucks and it needs to be replaced with a national in the southeast.Of course I don't really know where a good place would be for that.Hopefully not Gaterback.
Well, what can I say about the GOAT? I know Rocky is still a kid, but he´s headed for the US of A in October to prepare for the SX season. I spoke to the kid today after he wrapped up the 250 title today in Gaildorf and he said it´s going to be a doodle over in the land of loud mouths and easy woman.
He´s actually hoping they will let him ride the 250 in the 450 class in outdoors cause he says he needs a bit of competition. He reckons he´ll smoke the two Ryans on his 250 anyhow, so why not? I´ve got a grand that says he´ll win all his motos at the MXON, and he´ll be riding his 250. Baugette will be his beetch LOL.
Fred,
Your last post was absolutely accurate.
Osborne was not a top-15 in AMA 250, one or two races in europe and he wins a GP !!!! Trampas Chad Parker was not a top-50 rider in America but he won 2 world title in europe!
i'm proud to not be smart for the JEHL because for the euros "to be smart" is to be a liar! mike/manes/thiery tete de noeud, your mothers and your fathers will didn't learned you about to not be hypocrites and liars? i'm not suprise by that! ALL LIARS AND COWARDS !!!!! nothing has changed in europe since 1940 !!!! sorry for my bad English
Glad to that we only have to hear the MX1 / MX 3 debate for two more weeks...
RV only has to finish 3-4 to win it, and he just got done finishing over a minute in front of third both motos. Dungey is not getting help from any riders at Pala. With all due respect to the other riders out there, if RV or RD are in the top 20 after one lap, they're going to get to 2nd or 3rd by moto end.
Anything can happen, but Dungey needs a 2010-Pourcel-Gift-To-Canard size mistake from RV, and that seems real unlikely.
why you not bet on cp for the 2012 AMA 450 SX title? your home (studio?), your bike (scooter?), and all your money, no nuts little boy? talk the talk, walk the walk COWARD!
And Congrats to Dean "groundskeeper" Wilson on a well earned 250 title. He seems like someone who doesn't take himself too serious off the bike, but who is all business on it. Hard not to pull for him, unless you were really xenophobic and couldn't figure out where he was "really" from ("not" and "don't care" in my case).
Whatever country you consider him to be from, he's a product of the US Amateur "farm system", not UK or the GPs. Most of the fast Aussies didn't much time in Europe either. The US is where the fast guys go to be the best, not necessarily where they are originally from.
It just goes to show you..The race ain't over till you cross the finish line...RD can't give RV any slack He's gotta charge all the way to the Checkered flag !!!
'Quiet but silent'. More of those legendary 'writing chops' that Weege uh, thinks he has. Perhaps he meant 'quiet but solid'?
GOD I HATE BILLC, dude get over your crush on VILLO, dude #2 was better saturday, but it just depends on the day. Some days villo is faster than dungey, and other days dungey is faster, dude grow some balls, and give props to other riders that deserve it, other than what goes on in your lil head
Should move Steel City to Monster Mountain in Alabama.
Fred- moron mike, nazi mike, german mike, irish mike or EDGAR, only wishes he could get a fat chick, let alone any chick. His comments are pointless and as he shedds his anger over this website. Maybe he wasn't breast fed enough as child and wishes he could ride. It's sad that he can't see that all riders are talented, some are just faster than others.
@ Mike the Euro Tool. I just spoke to Marissa, she is my down syndrome niece. She told me Euro Mike is a tool and she feels sorry for people that are more challended than herself.
If you actually have a grand to bet anyone, I am sure you earned it the old fashioned Euro way, on your KNEES!! All I can say is you are lucky both the Ryan's prefer USA food and USA women because if they raced the GP Series they would sweep every moto. Then your series would have to be renamed........ Something like........AMA Nationals # 2 or World Chapionship Grand Prix of the rest, without the best. You get my drift. CP Could not beat Canard, Dungey or Villopoto and he sure couldn't do it on a 450. Beating Cairolli only makes you 3rd or 4th best in the USA.
@ Tonewall, Bill C and Trend Killer. Looks like our Man is going to get the job down. Short of a mechanical or a medical disaster RV2 did exactly what we all said he was going to do. He can go 3-4 and complete the title sweep this year. Though I expect a 1-1 a 1-2 or a 2-1. When I said I wanted Dungey to finish a close 2nd I had no idea it could actually be as close as it was in the 1st moto. That was some of the best riding I have ever seen 2 people lay down for 35 minutes. Give Dungey his props (which I was glad to see you do Bill C) because he road like a man on a mission who had to win. Unfortunataly he had a guy glued to the back of his roost trail who was destined not to offer a shred of momentum.
If these guys ride like this at the MXDN, they will drop all Euro's by 30+ seconds. The only thing that may prevent that is local knowlege.
GREAT RIDE RYAN'S, Thanks for offering the viewers one of the best moto battles ever, too bad Fuel TV didn't keep the camera on them for the entire race!
@Red54M-nice one! I'll admit RV2 was firing on all cylinders yesterday. But that first moto was awesome and we will have a great team representing us. Best racing so far this season.
Bummed for Dungey, but one thing I couldn't help but think during that first moto was: Watch out world at des Nations! Now, can somebody work with Baggett on starts for the next two weeks?
Oh, and Mike, I know you just want to be a jerk out here, but you blew any shot of legitimacy with those quotes from Pourcel and Roczen. Roczen loves it here, and CP's not stupid enough to say those things.
@CZMark and a few others, thanks for my end of the day laugh's ROFLMAO heck that was not correct I dunno? yall take care ya hear be safe and whatch out for the fat chicks lol. some of these post are so funny but I like em all.......
WOW ! Just got back from steel city and read a lot of these comments, some are right on and some obiously come from kids and thats ok.
First I walked the track and thought it was awsome and very challenging (i suck at spelling) it did become one lined to some extent but overall good, its one of the best for fans.
the ryans are a step better than the next group and i feel that CR could not have hung with them Sat even at his best. Ist moto they finished 1;22 ahead of 3rd, 2nd moto RV was 1;02 ahead of CR.
I have to go a long way down the line before I find a rider that I don't like, the top guys are true sportsmen and classy and respectful of each other. I really hope CR stays in it for several more years, he has done well and has grown up. I commend his efforts and drive to win.
On the fairness of the sport, this is a sport of man and machine racing for the win.
no one is ahead or behind from cheating. Sometimes the man makes mistakes and sometimes the machine breaks. The fact that bikes break does not always mean it was the mechanics fault, many times its the riders fault and many times its bad luck from a stray rock or who can be blamed when electronics give out ?
there are a few rules I would change but most are really good and fair for all.
the first is a way of getting more $ to the privateers for a better chance to rise and race with the supported ones, I believe this would only give us more good guys at the top. The next would be two moto's in SX per class, or at least 20 min plus 2
I wish the women got more fan support, I feel that even the fans have no idea how really good they are, geiger isn't so far back in points and thats cool.
talked breifly with BB fri night and came away with thr impression that he is not quiet as focused as I would like to see him for MXoN but he is young and will hopefully become more focused.
I HATE the fact that so many get injured in this sport (I sport 11 broken bones from it) I am so looking forward to next year with a healthy TC, CR, RD, RV, JB, BM, may next year have fewer injuries and keep us guessing on th winner to the last moto.
DW earned it and its not quite over between RD and RV but I have a feeling it will be even harder next year,
David - good post. Wasn't able to go this year. Always different when you attend vs. view on TV.
RD is better.
No, RV is better.
My comment is more clever than your comment.
But my comment is longer than your comment.
Well, I actually attended the race and you just watched it.
But I used to race ... so there. Besides, I am the queen of the keyboards.
@David, good read on your views from the race. I liked the area you touched on about the women. I have watched the women race many times and they have my respect. They womens riding style is completely different and with more finess, since they lack the upper body strenght to muscle the bike around. But they do make a good go at it. Two moto SX would give me my moneys worth for the night.
Interesting thoughts being shared!
@Welker- goodnight Welker and don't let the fat chicks, I mean bed bugs bite.
Dungey got smoked. RV tracked him all moto 1, had him and knew it. Waited until the end to hand him his butt. Demoralizing him, probably for good. Second moto, it was all done. RV2 owned him. Now when James returns it will just be him and RV2. Like last year until James let Reed foul him up. Same fastest two guys, as always. RV2 learned from the Master at Kawasaki...
Fred, I report what I know from a very reliable source who wishes to remain nameless. If you have heard otherwise about Dungey, please let me know: DC@ mxsports.com.
We don't control the media; we keep people from being haters and insulting on our website. And I am not the one who deletes them, though I am sure they had a pretty good reason by your tone.
Again, email me if you would like to discuss this directly.
DC
@ David Langford yes that was a good post I liked your comments, If your dad is Jason I remember him and know about him, Hope he is doing ok.
@ DC glad this comment board is getting better! Hope you notice my Avitar? I thought is was funny when I used the word b#$*chin and it got rejected that is ok. I enjoy having this forum and the good posters are great!
@DC, then why dont your censor delete ALL the post from the hater Irish/German Mike, he contributes nothing but adds all kinds of hate and LIES to the post here. Get rid of this idiot.
That first 450 moto was one of the best I've seen in a long time. My hands were shaking for an hour after that moto. Amazing pass by RV... he never let up that entire moto. Dungey was strong for the entire race... just made a few mistakes on the last lap.
Been a great season. Looking forward to the final round live at Pala!!
BD, you are right, Mike is a something of a jerk, but I skipped his comments because they are obvious nonsense and he's trying to be funny. But now he's insulting the riders and their girlfriends, so that's enough.
Go a pair, Mike? How about growing up?
DC
Take note: Chad Reed is still racing even though he does not have a chance at the championship anymore. TwoTwo.
My biggest props is to the Weeeg. THANK YOU for NOT saying PENULTIMATE during the broadcast. He always said 'next to last.' Its one of those big words that actually make you sound like a 5 year old when you say it.