by Andy Bowyer
One Industries Thursday Rev Up: Hattica Awards
Thursday, October 6, 2011 | 10:50 AM
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Hello, everyone, and welcome to the Rev Up. Nicknames are a part of life and decorate all forms of racing and sport. While no sport will reach the heights that of the WWE and their immortal monikers, motocross has some great ones. To that end, the bigger the sport or genre, the cooler the nicknames. All nicknames are cool—reverse nicknames, descriptive nicknames—even negative nicknames are awesome. Over the years, maybe a few of you loyal readers have noticed my nickname, “Hattica,” which was given to me by some dear pals in the Bay Area. A lot of heads have asked me what it means, or how it came to fruition, and I usually come up with a different answer each time. Those Cali guys are different for sure, and sometimes nicknames just come out of “bat country.” Hell, I don’t even think mine is spelled right. But, I digress.
My muse for this week’s column was NASCAR’s Tony Stewart and his annual Stewie Awards, which he gives out on Sirius radio at the conclusion of each season. It’s a cool idea and always entertaining to see who wins what. 2011 was a really great year for professional motocross, from A1 to Pala, she brought the noise and we saw some antics and performances that will be remembered forever.
So, without further delay here comes the inaugural “Hattica Awards” for the brave souls who carried the charge throughout a truly epic year of throttle twisting.
BEST PERFORMER
Back in the day, men like Danny “Magoo” Chandler, Bob “Hurricane” Hannah, and Guy “Airtime” Cooper won the crowd with their big “clickers” and feet-off-the-peg racing. Cooper will always be one of my all-time favorites. I used to watch Coop hit ski jumps back at 59th and Douglas third gear wide open and try to reach up and tap the power lines above the track. He would just launch himself into the night sky and throw a one-handed pan, tap the wires, then explode out to the flats. Damn right, that wire was left swinging. In the mid-80s Coop used to give up heat races by doing pancakes in similar fashion for the fans. No man lives forever, but heroes never die.
Windham dazzled the crowd with his nose wheelies and transfers during the SX season.
Photo: Simon Cudby
The best performer of 2011 and recipient of the “Hattica Trophy” is Kevin “The Ragin’ Cajun” Windham. At the ripe old age of 32, my man was the darling of the opening ceremonies throughout the Monster Energy Supercross series. His numerous nose wheelies and jaw-dropping berm-to-berm transfers put ’em on their feet each Saturday night.
Had he not carted huge while leading at Houston this year he may have created his own category altogether. Long live #511, Kevin Windham.
BEST TEAM
A lot of words come to mind when you think about the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit organization. Dynasty, domination, commitment, perseverance, fortitude, respect...on and on. What Mitch Payton has built and maintains is the high water mark for all of professional motocross. Bold statement? Look at the #1 plates on the doors of their hauler if you need further validation. Not that they didn’t have any competition. Category notables such as factory Kawasaki--who swept both of the premier divisions with Ryan Villopoto--and GEICO Honda, who won a race in every category (sans Supercross main event) deserve accolade.
I know I ruffled Mitch’s feathers with a couple columns by saying I wish they weren’t so dominate, which I still don’t. Besides the fact that it still surprises me that anyone actually reads my stuff, it made me respect him that much more that I was able to offend him. Mitch and his army works harder, tests more, and demands the very best out of every member donning a team uniform.
Mitch and the boys did it again in 2011.
Photo: Simon Cudby
Little story, circa 1997. I had just picked up my Team Green bikes and drove up to Pro Circuit to have them modified. After the crew had done my suspenders, cylinders, and heads, my bikes still stood in the middle of Mitch’s gleaming race shop. I was out riding Reche Canyon with David Pingree, Craig Decker, and Ricky Carmichael and forgot that I needed to get my crap put back together and out of Payton’s shop. My last day in California I was trying to put my bikes together and after the lights turned off, Mitch wheeled over from the dyno room and single handily helped me. Mostly because he wanted my mess out of his way, but he never made me feel like that while passing t-handles back and forth. We talked racing, then and now, and he was just a moto guy helping a hick kid from Kansas trying to make it.
Not because of what he did for me, rather because of what he does every day makes his team the best.
WORST CRASH
This is a grim category for sure. But, this is motocross and a consequence we all accept. Like every season, 2011 had her share of highlight-reel spills. James Stewart’s seat bounce-to-ass-over-tea kettle at Daytona was in the running. Mike Alessi came in a close second in this category when he lawn darted at Hangtown. That one was as dirty as they come. Brett Metcalfe’s face plant at Atlanta deserves respect as well. I was standing about forty yards from it and literally felt him come to a halt. Eli Tomac’s high-flying handstand over the LaRocco’s Leap was heavy duty, as was Justin Barcia’s mega-speed high-side at the same event. Tyla Rattray saw "The Messiah" at Unadilla, and Malcolm “Mookie” Stewart’s swap out at the “House of Hannah” were all gnarly.
Was there any question on this one?
Photo: Brian Robinette
The winner of this category kicked a lion’s share of ass in twenty-eleven, but it was his horror at Millville, Minnesota’s Spring Creek MX Park that denied him what I felt would be the 450cc outdoor crown. The first instance I saw of it was via Shane Lusk’s post on Facebook. It looked heavy enough, before Denny Stephenson posted the video version of the atrocity. Ah, but I didn’t get the full effect of it until it was on a 55-inch HD screen that I literally had chicken skin coldly crawl up my arms.
It may be a crown of thorns, but Chad “The Thunder” Reed won this category. That shit was big, son.
BEST SUPERCROSS
While nothing compares to the electric anticipation of Anaheim 1, and the “big race” nostalgia of Daytona, each passing season produces a round that blows the roof off. And each year it is typically the Atlanta Supercross. Perhaps it’s the mid-series push, or the huge crowd, or merely her rich history, the “Battle of Atlanta” continues to be the most badass SX of the year. The 2011 version may be on the podium for greatest ever. In fact, as long as they hold a supercross there, I’ll never miss it, just because of how indelible this one was. It’s the sound. That chest-crushing sound, that one moment such as Reed throwing the “pick up pass” on Stewart that gives the ATL dust up the easy nod.
Who can forget this dust up in Atlanta?
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson
Wilson, Barcia, and Sipes set the tone with a furious 250cc event, then Chad Reed pushed his TwoTwo Motorsports to the starting gate for the first time of the season with a crimson hue in his eyes. Remember that sandy left-handed sweeper that he was crushing? I’ve seen a lot, and his speed through that section was astounding, and ultimately what allowed him to go for the clean job on the racer formally known as #7. It was loud I tell you. Deafening.
And that, they say, is why we run the races ladies and gentlemen.
BEST OUTDOOR
The outdoor nats were all really good. Like A1, the Hangtown Motocross Classic always gets circled on the core moto fan’s calendar. Everything that has a beginning has an end. And from the hellish heat of Texas, to the freakish weather of High Point, into the thin air of Colorado, up and over the hills of Washougal, and through the sands of Motocross 338, and to the end at Pala. The Grand Daddy of the outdoor nationals is the July 4th rendition of RedBud. The Ritchie family never falters in their effort of producing what I call the greatest weekend of racing of the year. The venue is immaculate, the gargantuan American flag whipping in the wind, the celebration of out nation’s Independence, and the early morning screams of “Reeeed Buuuud!!!!” all culminate to create something special.
One of the most iconic races, REEEEEEDDDDBUUUUUDDDDD!!!
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson
What a crowd this time around. What a race. They could dominate this category for a while.
BIGGEST HEART
It’s hard to take the measure of “heart” with pro motocross riders. They are all on almost Matrix-like levels of human prowess. They all have heart and they all train, bleed, and give all they know how to. When you think of heart, what comes to mind? Rocky? Perhaps, ahem, The Notebook? In my eyes, the rider that shows the most heart knows all about both. You have to be tougher than everyone, but have enough love for your trade that it fuels your toughness. Having heart doesn’t make you a winner. Like I said, all the boys have heart and a pad load of it.
But what allows Ryan Villopoto to come back from the stretcher at St. Louis to the top of the steps at A1 can only be described as 100 percent, blood pumping heart and determination. I don’t know how he manages to pull something out of his guts on the last lap to pass Ryan Dungey at Steel City, or lead America to another MXoN victory, but the man has heart. You can see it in every berm he destroys. I’d like to see more heart in his interviews, but something has to give. His heart doesn’t talk; it races to championships.
Heart of a champion.
Photo: Simon Cudby
Hence forth the "Hattica Awards" will consist of these six categories. My award recipients may not match all of yours, but I feel like I hit the mark fairly well. In closing, I hope the using of my nickname didn’t come across as too ego-strong. At best I can only offer that my affinity for nicknames served as a disclaimer for the title of this week’s One Industries Thursday Rev Up. Which reminds me, the good folks at One Industries have sponsored the Rev Up for over ten years. Take a moment and click on their link and go buy something off of their website. Check them out at www.oneindustries.com.
2011 was a great season. Who will knock off the first ever winners of the “Hatt-Awards?” We have about 90 days before it all begins again.
Thanks for reading, see you next week.
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Worst crash---obviously the CR22 crash is up there....but I have to go with a tie....Trey's crash in SX was one of the sickest ever. He is lucky to be alive.
"The racer formerly known as #7"????? What does that mean exactly?? Anywho....i really only disagree with one statement, the one that says Reed was definitely on his way to the title!! Skip was no doubt tearing it up and looking damn, damn good, but i think that simultaneous with that crash, Villo was hitting a stride....i think RD was already in that stride!! But who knows it coulda happened...like you said "that is why they run the races"!!! Oh, and could not agree more about K.W., I am SO glad we get to watch that guy for yet another year coming up, and hopefully more!!!
With writing like that, you should be hired by successful riders to be their podium coach! Well done. Very well done.
Reeds crash "looked" the worse, no doubt.........but Trey's at Dodger Stadium was a harder and faster hit and even Alessi at Hangtown was worse in the end .. I think the Daytona JS7 crash took the cake for the overall...the crash and the stumblethon to the bike and charge back to 9th was a sign of heart...whoever questions his heart after that is crazy..... RV snapped his leg into 3 pieces and he came back....Reed had some hang time, a pretty average impact and is still blaming the crash.......I to think it was at little early to call Reed the champ.....Colorado is when Reed started loosing it....Milleville he was on it, so on it he rode over his limit and crashed...RV and RD stepped it up and even when Reed was out front at Pala he couldnt hang ......then he wins a moto in France a week later and he is all better now..BS!
@ Trend Killer
Well said....sometimes I think you make too much sense to be on here! I appreciate Reed's abilities but he's a whiner and has an excuse for everything. Not to mention his scumbag actions this week, calling out Mike Fisher......truly showing his true colors....no wonder he has to have his own team....
I too agree with Trend Killer
Trendkiller and Whatever...all you two do is bash on Reed, but the moment anyone on here says something about Stewart you go all up in arms. I have said this before and say it again. Reed will be admired more in this sport and will be in it much longer than #7. You guys need to get a grip and take it for what it is, and not let Reed get in your Stewart infected heads.
Best Hattica Quote - "His heart doesn’t talk; it races to championships."
Awesome
@br411, well said, they would jump all over anyone who said the same things about Stewart as they do about Reed. It makes them hypocrites.
@br411 - Easy Reed-Tard.....I am not what some would call a "Stewtard" by any means....JS7 is no angel either, I know that...Reed just rubs alot of folks the wrong way with his attitude and I dont suck his new Reed 2.0 ass like some guys do...I respect Reeds talent as a racer and his dedication to the sport...Now how is that bashing him? ... Its funny...your accusing folks of doing the exact same thing you just did you Reed-Tard.....
so sensative.....
Hard to find fault in any of them. Reed and Fish appearently didn't get along. I didn't find anything wrong with Reeds Tweeet. But, I'm not a Fisher fan either.
Idle down there "Red" and "br411"......read my post again fellas......i hardly "bash" skippy at all.....i believe that i said he was "tearing it up" and looking "damn, damn good".....i just don't believe he was gonna win the title. You two "Reedy's" need to take it easy and quit jumpin' to conclusions!!! Hell, go read the Dungey film page...i'm surprised i haven't been newly dubbed a "Dungtard"!!! Hahahaha!! Relax gentleman!!
@Trendkiller, did I touch a nerve there little fella?? Grow up woulda little boy?? Sounds like the "tard" thing is a sensitive subject with you. Must be a quilty consience you have there Tardy-boy....
You guys see this crap!! http://brotocross.com/news/mxlarges-top-250-riders-in-the-world-swing-and-a-miss-bro/
you dont like the BRO list Bill?
Is that Jairtime's web page?
couldn't be Jairtimes web page, there wasn't enough racist comments.
@red44 - No Sir....no nerves struck here.... I am usually laughing while I type these comments....I said " Reed-Tards" since folks call fans of JS7 " Stewtards"...... I dont consider myself a die hard JS7 fan....or Stewtard if you will....I just think its funny that anyone that doesnt like Reed, is automatically classified as a JS7 fan....or Stewtard....So if you dont like JS7, you are a Reed-Tard ?.....
Not so much TrendKiller... DV12 even called it an Epic Fail!!! LOL
Hope everyone that is following these threads often, realizes what just happened with "TrendKiller and Whatever". Very well put Red44, tard this and tard that...these to fall apart the moment something bad about Stewart is said. Next time I think I am going to time how long it takes for them to have the breakdown from a post with Reed and Stewarts names in it. Also you can keep saying all you want but honestly a lot of us find it comical to watch you two type away. With that said, type away boys....type away.
Also everyone please take note of "TrendKillers" the excessive back peddling he does when someone calls him out. Also if anyone is going to pipe up, well then have the balls to back it up and stand by it. I honestly have been a Reed fan since he started racing in the U.S. and by no means do I not respect Stewart and any other racer. But Stewart is in a bad place right now, with his racing, fans, and followers of the sport. I would not put this all on James, I would put the weight on L&M. Take a look at how Reed was treated by fans and the industry in his tenure on the team. The only difference now is that the tides have turned with the fans. You will gain them as fast as you can loose them. "TrendKiller and Whatever" I will give you some advice...sit back and enjoy these to iconic figures in the sport and keep your pee brain posts to yourself.
Well "br411" who the hell made you GOD?? Apparently you yourself are doing a little damage control, no comment on how wrong you were about me "bashing" Reed in my first post?? C'mon big guy!! Go anywhere on this site and notice how strongly against any of this "tard" shit i am. You are the goon who came out from under some rock and pulled Stewarts name out of your ass the minute somebody said "Reed"......i made no mention of JS.....BUD! I will defend one thing related to Stewart, he is definitely in a "bad place" with some of "you" on this message board, but overall the dudes popularity is still pretty damn good!! WHATEVER MR. BR411:):):) And for gods sake, proof read your posts would ya??
I honestly don't care about what people say because I know it's a personally opinion and some of it is fact such as James' having to change a few things and Reed has a whiny attitude, things about Villopoto and Dungey ect..... I don't care for Stewart or Reed, I respect Dungey and have been rooting for Villopoto all season, but I really don't care what you said about anyone of them.
Sorry about the proof reading, I don't spend all day on the thread. Not trying to be GOD, just putting in my two cents. We have all seen your posts for a long time and I for one am not trying to a have a big dick swinging contest. I will continue giving my opinion on whatever topic there is on the site, and continue making comments about your posts. Only because your feathers get ruffled quite easily. I do understand where you are coming from and......well actually I disagree with you completely. Carry on buddy.
Also "YOU" you did mention Stewart in your post, the last time I looked #7 is that guy. Read back through your own posts before you blast someone with your profound comments. I personally think you should change your name to Gandhi....IMO.
Ok, professor, i was curious about what Bowyer meant but i said nothing about Reed in relation to Stewart! "YOU" were the one who gotcha feathers all ruffled because i said i didn't think Reed was on his way to a title!! That was my opinion on a topic on the site and i stated it!! Fair enough?? Funny, "putting my two cents in" was all i was doing also buddy!! Hey, i'm ready to rumble all season boss so comment on what i say a n y t i m e y o u w a n t!!! See ya then!
@whatever - What a boner this guy is....taIk about being but hurt over a guy he doenst even know....I think br411 is one of those cyber-bullies I saw on Dateline NBC.......He sure has a lot to say for a guy who isnt trying to have a dick swinging contest...he can say what he wants, but you or I can not....so learn the rules would ya'....HAHA
You two! Bringing up the Cyber bully thing again! Get some new material boys, it gets old! I will say it again, I have no problem with either of your posts. I do however find both of you very comical. Before you both go take a bathroom break together, just take it for what it is. And again, not telling you little guys what to do, just giving some advice on what I have seen from both of you for the last year! What the hell do I know....you two go back to playing dummie sticks. Glad to hear you still watch Dateline NBC, freaking cry babies. We will all wait for your next intriguing comments.
That is exactly right Trend Killer....it's all good but he is one of those dudes that calls us out on what we say and then when we respond to that he acts like we are out of line. It's all good there br411, just learn to take a little of what you dish out!! lets get an understanding here man.....here is my first post followed by your response (in which you directly addressed me)."The racer formerly known as #7"????? What does that mean exactly?? Anywho....i really only disagree with one statement, the one that says Reed was definitely on his way to the title!! Skip was no doubt tearing it up and looking damn, damn good, but i think that simultaneous with that crash, Villo was hitting a stride....i think RD was already in that stride!! But who knows it coulda happened...like you said "that is why they run the races"!!! Oh, and could not agree more about K.W., I am SO glad we get to watch that guy for yet another year coming up, and hopefully more!!! Just stating my opinion and not really bashing anybody at all, Reed gets credit as a matter of fact!! Here is your response..."Trendkiller and Whatever...all you two do is bash on Reed, but the moment anyone on here says something about Stewart you go all up in arms. I have said this before and say it again. Reed will be admired more in this sport and will be in it much longer than #7. You guys need to get a grip and take it for what it is, and not let Reed get in your Stewart infected heads." You do EXACTLY what you accuse us of doing, you got "all up in arms" because of what you thought was a bash on Reed!! Then you use terms like "stewart infected heads" and tell us to get a grip. Thems feudin' words fella!!! Your response was obviously more about your disdain for Stewart than it was about what i said....it has to have been, what i said just shouldn't have solicited such a response and started this whole, ridiculous back and forth!! Game over man!!
I feel left out... LOL
Well put...except for the "Stewart infected heads" The post I made was directed to TrendKiller and I put you in it because I have watched your post for over a year. I personally dont think these are "feudin' words" only because this is a thread and that is a bunch of nonsense. Like I said, take it for what it is and keep posting champ. I appreciate your input, and look forward to more "feuding" in the months to come. Save TrendKiller the time and just lean over and whisper in his ear about this post, we dont want either of you to get carple tunnel. Until next time buddy.
BillC....dont feel left out, I actually respect your posts.
Thank you.
Treys outdoor crash spanks reeds soft downside landing!!! EVERY DAY OF THE WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!