by Davey Coombs
450 Words: Steel City
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What makes a motocross champion in America? Is it pure natural talent? An extraordinary work ethic? A parent or parents? The right mixture of desire and humility? Luck? All of these things, as well as the ability to stay healthy and focused?
Needless to say, it's probably all these things and then some. And for prime examples, we can look at Ryan Villopoto and Ryan Dungey. Together, these two have become the elite American premier-class riders on the American Motocross tour. (Full respect to Chad Reed, who was leading the title hunt before his remarkable crash in Minnesota, and Tony Cairoli, the gold-plated multi-time world champion—and the rest of the world's best big-bike riders—but this is about the U.S. system.)
Ryan Dungey has come a long way since throwing away the 2008 West Coast SX Lites title.
Photo: Simon Cudby
In the last few years, while other U.S.-raised riders have fallen by the wayside as a result of injuries, inactivity, distractions, and self-destruction, Villopoto and Dungey have together risen to a level of leadership, though not necessarily dominance, in both AMA Supercross and AMA Motocross. They were #1 and #2 for a reason, though next year it will likely be #1 and #5 in both disciplines.
They share a passion for winning, as well as a hatred of losing. They have obvious maturity, but not so much that their tempers don't flash from time to time. And they carry themselves with an obvious confidence around the racetrack and the paddock that is not overbearing, yet for both it is well earned—and often won.
It seems almost silly now to think of how Villopoto used to get into it with Jason Lawrence like he did before Hangtown a few years back, or Dungey’s own little war with J-Law when they were going for that Lites West SX title not so long ago. Both Ryans have matured into solid, hardworking, and highly successful professional athletes. But some of the young challengers they came up through the amateur ranks with—mostly following behind them, it should be noted—are no longer among the true title contenders.
You can count RV and RD’s combined Loretta Lynn’s titles on two fingers. Each won a single one in 2005. Since then, however, you’d need every finger of both hands and then some to tally their professional titles, with another one on the way. The guys they used to lose to at the ranch? Well, then you're back to just a couple of fingers when you're counting pro championships.
Villopoto and J-Law have had quite the history.
Photo: Simon Cudby
Team USA has a six-year winning streak at the Motocross of Nations. In the last five, the Ryans have led them to wins—yet they have never teamed up together, as Villopoto spent the last two Septembers injured. Barring disaster this weekend, they will line up together in France next weekend, along with Blake Baggett. That's a very formidable team.
But there's a title to settle before then, and it should be no surprise to anyone who follows American Motocross that it's down to these two young men. Dungey somehow stayed in it with his Southwick comeback, but Villopoto definitely has the upper hand after his remarkable last-turn pass at Steel City. Great stuff from both of these guys.
Here's the thing I've been getting at: If someone had told you a half-dozen years ago what a couple of decent but unexceptional prospects from Washington and Minnesota would accomplish together in SX/MX, would you have believed it?
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That was rad watching RV go after J-Law like that.....not the smartest thing to do I agree...but enough is enough and its obvious that J-Law was a joke and after all his BS he acted like RV had the problem, or " couldnt handle it"....obviously JLAWs family, friends and mentors failed to steer him clear...
Yes a good read DC. I never checked who was writing the aticle till I got into the fist 2 paragraphs then I thought it was you and I was correct! It has been a great racing season for all of us. @ DC hope you like may avitar? I finnally got it to work. Glad we have this website to keep us going with the news it seem so long between Racer X issuses. Yeah I like to read em in my easy chair. To
you and your staff keep up the good work!!!
The deaf guy lol.... Take care!
I sure hope USA can win another MXON!!!!!!
It's too bad RV had those injuries the past 2 years as well.....I mean it feels like he is a rookie out there on the 450 for MX, but technically he is not.....I guess.....I remember when J-law and Dungey had there issues in the 250SX class and that is when I routed for Dungey....Dungey took the SX title, then went on to win the outdoors as well....then the 450 SX and MX the year after.....so that must make Jlaw feel good inside....I think JS7 has another few years in him and should if he has the desire....we know he has the talent to do so....but will he make it happen
Its been a great season so far with 2 motos left, after that it will be suicidal thoughts until A1. Just love getting my moto junkie fix everyweekend. Its been great watching Ryan and Ryan going at it, or is it Ryan and Ryan? Those 2 guys have been at each other since their 250 days, its cool to watch them continue and grow over the years. Going to Pala this weekend th watch Ryan win the championship or is it Ryan? One of those guys need to change their name! lol
I agree with most of those comments... however, outside of the one incident with J-Law ( which was funny, i was actually standing in the corner where it happened), i wouldn't consider Rv and him having alot of problems. That was Dungey and JLaw that had the major issues. Also, i would by no means consider RVs amateur career as unimpressive. He would have a garage full of titles had it not been for Mike Allessi. we all knew Villopoto was fast and he was not off the radar. Dungey i would agree that he was though. either way, they're obviously both great champions and i wish the sport had more of them.. and less Bubba Stewarts. Bubba is an exceptional rider and always has been but his attitude was never right and it's finally coming to the surface.
@Trend Killer, I think Stewie is going to come out swinging with a vengeance. The thought of 4th place finish for the season in the history books probably won't settle with him too well.
Great write up.....
The more I think of it the more remarkable it is to me that RV is riding at the level he is since missing the last two outdoor seasons. Likely another factor contributing to his slow start to the series.....well he's certainly warmed up now. With his commitment to the throttle hand this could get ugly for the rest.
I also became a fan of Dungey over the last couple of years....he's silky smooth on a bike and a lot of fun to watch but I truly feel he's going to have to dig down deep and ride a little closer to the edge if he's going to have any hope of another Championship cause RV is just now finding his groove.....that being said...there's two moto's left and as we've seen anything can happen.
BTW.....caught a vid on TW from JSE ( really starting to dislike this guy )....... making a mockery of the beloved two stroke....not to mention every 450 rider he beat while still riding his KX250....seems all this guy is concerned with anymore is self promotion. Get out and race or go away!!!
It cracks me on these articles and the comments has nothing to do with James Stewart get over it not racing both series maybe's he burned out on having surgery every year and rehab and wants to be functional whens he's 50 everybody talks smack but every body knows that he changed the sport every tries to imitate his style (bubba scrub) Trey Canard tried riding like bubba and has broke his leg twice in one year quite hating becuase on your best day of riding don't come close to his worst day.
@ khamann75
That's the beauty of these forums.....we're free to talk about whatever the hell we want.....awesome isn't it?
Yes he did bring us the Bubba scrub....he also brought us his ever so popular skills of using a fellow racer as a transfer from a jump!
I wish one of them would have KO'ed J-Flaw LOL
Bubba who?
@ pizzacorner
Killing myself laughing......pure gold, that post was!
Great read, thanks DC. I think even though RV was overshadowed by Alessi during the amateur days, everyone knew he was going to be a contender. Dungey on the other hand, I think he has exceeded everyone's expectations from his amateur days. It's always interesting to see how some outstanding amateurs struggle with the transition to pro racing.
Just like Ricky Bobby said if you aint first your last they're Ripdown
That same with every sport
@pizzacorner...Do you really think he has the mental capabilities to run a parts dept? you give him much more credit than i do.
Well we'll see bout Cairoli in just over a weeks time. To be fair, the Ryans are running a quicker pace over AC right now because theres a title on the line so that will work in there favor going into the Nations. At the same time, the fact AC already has the title wraped up could play into his hands because he can cruise at the Italian GP this weekend and rest up for France.
@ khamann75
Quoting Ricky Bobby? Guess There's little I can say to that...
p.s.) it's there not they're......you put in a lot of extra effort reaching for the SHIFT key when it wasn't necessary.....just saying.
Do you think either Ryans are sleeping well this week!?
Can't wait to get to Pala Saturday morning!
Hope they battle to the end this weekend.
Good luck men!!!
Wonder if we'll see a Dungey take out move - HA!
Both Ryans should be sleeping well, Not much either can do, RD needs RV to DNF more less and RV just needs a 3/4 so I don't think either is to worried. If it was 2 points then yes but not now IMO. Don't expect a battle Johnmotoman... RV would be foolish to do that.
yes BillC, it would be foolish for rv not to just protect the title. But I would love to see something else happen yet. Like maybe some sort of mishap in moto 1 where rv has an issue that keeps him back, I like both ryans-either is o k, but whoever wins wouldn't it be cool to make it real close-even what the heck-tied in points for moto2, Then we get the all out moto of all time! When I reread this I almost think I should just be happy with what we've got, wait I am, but how cool would that be?
As someone posted about a week ago, ask Pourcel and Canard about the last moto of the season. Gremlins up on the track make weird things happen, that make the rest of us say "No F###ing Way! So lets shake hands and have a clean fight. As for JFlaw, he is changing his name to Gomer and getting a job at Wallys filling station!
BillC, RV will still have to be aggressive because what if RD get's the hole shot with Metty, Barcia, and Reed in tow followed by RV he's going to have to mix it up. His starts have been good but it is the last race anything can happen. I just want to know I hate what if's. I perfer to just let it play out without any what if's.
@JamingGeorge RV is ''one of the top three'' or top two now, so he shouldn't have a problem if that happens. But on the other hand if you look at Southwick Metty got by RV pulled away, So you never know but RV is a champion and he knows what he has to do to win the title.
RV was cruzing at Southwick, Metty could NEVER pass RV on a normal day( last week Metty was 1:30 behind) IMO RV was playing it safe on a crazy track knowing RD was why back. Smart move.
JaminGeorge You are right But its much easr to get a 3rd than NEED a win.
penguin_bob That was the point he's just going to work for it. Sorry I wasn't clear on that. It will all be good. I think the racing will be good right to the checkered.
That was a nicely written article- great job racer-x!
It had to kill Pourcel last year losing it at the final race. But, how awesome for Canard!!! It works both ways. That's the beauty of racing.
As for this year, with the Bike Gremlins, who knows. Electrical problems can happen any place any time. Who would have thought Metty would run out of gas last year at the Wick? Somebody felt bad on that one!!!
A bad start by either Ryans will make for an awesome show for us.
It's fun watching a rider come from behind. We shall see.
Can't wait!!! Remember, A bad day watching a race is better than a good day at the office!!!
TRUE... I just hate to see anyone lose from a bike breakin...
Excellent article, DC!
Just in case you read the posts, wanted to thank you once again for lending me your spare rear wheel way back in 1982 after I broke my KX250 rear hub at a LL qualifier at Harbor Woods in New Castle. Your KX125 wheel actually fit on my 250. There were not many KX's back then except for Team Green riders. Ended up winning both 250B motos that day.
Never forgot what you and Timmy did to help that day... and wanted to say thanks again.
@BillC
You don't want to see anyone lose the title because of a bike problem? You already did. (Dungey at Freestone.)
At the last round...Like CP did...Mid year there is time to make up points. RD has won very little sence his DNF. Just like SX 1 win when he should have really been going for it.
Dungey has more Overall wins than RV, and he hadn't won any before Freestone. So... he's still won more overalls than your boy RV.
No RV and RD both have 3 wins outdoors, RV has 9 moto wins to RD's 5... In SX it's RV 6. RD 1
Oops... I was thinking of before Steal City. But whichever way you wanna look at it, this championship was lost due to a mechanical failure. If you wanna keep convincing yourself that RV deserves it more, then be my guest.
Not convincing myself of anything, 9 moto wins to 5 shows who the better guy is to me. Yes the DNF hurt RD big time, my only point is if he was the best guy he should have won more moto's..... What did JS do when he DNF'ed the first SX a few years back?? He did the only thing he could do..WON a LOT of races and won the title. RD did not do that he stuck to his same ol consistent game plan... it just did not work this time. I am not trying to put RD down, The Dude is AWSOME!!! He just lacks the killer instink RV has.