by Aaron Hansel
Super Spoiler, Monster Energy Cup
Sunday, October 16, 2011 | 2:15 AM
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PrintIt’s been said that the fastest man on the track isn’t always the guy who wins the race. Tonight was not one of those nights. At the inaugural Monster Energy Cup, Ryan Villopoto set the fastest qualifying time, won his heat race, and led every lap of all three main events, winning by huge margins on his way to claiming $1 million, the largest purse our sport has ever seen.
Dungey was fast, but was never able to battle with Villopoto. The first race saw Dungey and Ben Townley battling down to the wire for second, with Townley taking the spot. Dungey started the second race right on Villopoto’s heels, but he just wasn’t able to match the blistering pace that RV was running. The third and final race saw Mike Alessi take a holeshot, with Villopoto and Dungey in tow. Villopoto got by Alessi quickly, but Dungey wasn’t so lucky. RD5 and Alessi battled back and for while, and by the time Dungey got into second place, Villopoto had a huge lead and was able to cruise to the cool million. Dungey’s second place earned him $35,000.
Brett Metcalfe had a great night, going 4-3-3 for third and winning $20,000 in the process. After a brilliant performance in the first race, Ben Townley’s black cloud struck once again, as his DNF’d the second race with bike problems and didn’t make it to the third race. Kevin Windham never quite find his groove, and after qualifying out of the LCQ, went 15-14-12 for 13th overall. Josh Hansen went down in practice and was racing with a sore knee, and had a night he’d probably rather forget. Hansen DNF’d the first race after coming together with Broc Tickle (Hansen quickly popped up off the dirt to give Tickle the bird), took 17th in the second race, and DNS’d the third race. His results earned him 21st overall.
Stay tuned to Racer X Online, a full race report and pictures will follow this summary.
It’s been said that the fastest man on the track isn’t always the guy who wins the race. Tonight was not one of those nights. At the inaugural Monster Energy Cup, Ryan Villopoto set the fastest qualifying time, won his heat race, and led every lap of all three main events, winning by huge margins on his way to claiming $1 million, the largest purse our sport has ever seen.
Dungey was fast, but was never able to battle with Villopoto. The first race saw Dungey and Ben Townley battling down to the wire for second, with Townley taking the spot. Dungey started the second race right on Villopoto’s heels, but he just wasn’t able to match the blistering pace that RV was running. The third and final race saw Mike Alessi take a holeshot, with Villopoto and Dungey in tow. Villopoto got by Alessi quickly, but Dungey wasn’t so lucky. RD5 and Alessi battled back and for while, and by the time Dungey got into second place, Villopoto had a huge lead and was able to cruise to the cool million. Dungey’s second place earned him $35,000.
Brett Metcalfe had a great night, going 4-3-3 for third and winning $20,000 in the process. After a brilliant performance in the first race, Ben Townley’s black cloud struck once again, as his DNF’d the second race with bike problems and didn’t make it to the third race. Kevin Windham never quite find his groove, and after qualifying out of the LCQ, went 15-14-12 for 13th overall. Josh Hansen went down in practice and was racing with a sore knee, and had a night he’d probably rather forget. Hansen DNF’d the first race after coming together with Broc Tickle (Hansen quickly popped up off the dirt to give Tickle the bird), took 17th in the second race, and DNS’d the third race. His results earned him 21st overall.
Top Ten
- Ryan Villopoto 1-1-1
- Ryan Dungey 3-2-2
- Brett Metcalfe 4-3-3
- Martin Davalos 7-7-5
- Eli Tomac 5-4-10
- Kyle Chisholm 9-9-7
- Nick Wey 14-11-4
- Jimmy Albertson 11-10-8
- Jake Weimer 12-6-11
- Mike Alessi 6-21-6
Stay tuned to Racer X Online, a full race report and pictures will follow this summary.
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used launch mode. Heard Reed was a bit scared to race this race. He didn't want to have Js7 run into him on the monster hill and bump him off the track and 8 stories down. Js7 wasn't too sure either, he might of got launced off that corner trying to reel in Poto. A little sattire here, it would of been nice to see the top 5 go at it...............I do believe Poto would of had anyone covered on this night.
Alessi? Dude, i liked you. Why would you show Dunge your middle finger? He raced you clean. Hard to get a ride when you display character like that.
Bt101........awesome ride. Hansen........good luck finding a ride again, unless it's Harleys Hodaka and weed eater repair.
Metcalf, good for you. I hope you show some consistancey in 2012. Adam Ciancuirulo, you rock and it's nice to see a talented kid with unbelievable PR skills.
Lil Hill, nice ride.
Free coffe Sunday morn. at Harleys Hodaka and Weed whip repairs open house........see you there.
Well I guess RV wasn't kidding when he said thats my money in the pre race press...
This may be a little off topic, but it sounded like they were suggesting that Partridge will be racing for H&H in 2012. Does anyone know if its true or not?
Anybody know what site I can watch the race on ? I set my DVR so I could skip the comericals and it stop recording with 4 laps to go. Couldn't go back during real time view because it allready 2:30 by the time stopped recording. Doesn't look like Speed is re-airing it either.
Little Hanny, boom boom boom, can't keep his pants on, and shoots his middle finger to the moon, he has no glory, just plain O boring, he gets his name from his daddy, but needs to give up and play golf with his caddy, to save face he quit the race, because he can't keep the pace, I wish you all the success, trying to beat the best, just get another tat, that's all I got to say about that. Boom Boom shake the room, shake and bake, time for you to eat some cake.
Like I said a few days ago.A cakewalk for RV1.
Good call Bowyer!
Well I got to see Hansen get punted. Alessi giving the finger to Dungey was like watching "the real" Alessi, would you please stand up. What an egotistical arse. Alessi will have a ride in 2012, no doubt, team Dirt Squirt. RV was like a slot car among RC cars. I agreed with Fro's comment, didnt think anyone could stick 3 motos on that track, but wow. RV will end up with like 125 grand in the long haul..............he did get married lol.
@ktmike
no need to. villopoto destroyed it, no competition. he may actually be faster than stewart at this point..
I'm not sure what Alessi's problem was. I didn't see Dungey do anything wrong in passing him. And a bit later, Martin Davalos passed Alessi. HAH! But, most boring, hard to pass track ever. Maybe even worse than the MXdN track. Oh well, at least it was a race to watch.
track sucked for passing....BREAKING NEWS...allesi to form his own team like chad reed in 2011....BooHoo motorsports debuts 2012
Wow that pre race interview was great!, that's my money! I have always liked RV, ya gave him shit sometimes. I have watched him race for many years, but I don't think I have seen him so aggressive as I did last night. The guy was an animal and he owned it all. That guy made quick line changes and moves that were unbelieveable. The 800 showed his otherside last night by giving the Dungey the finger, STUPID! So I don't feel sorry for him anymore. I hope KTM can make that bike work, because it didn't look to fluid out there.
@pizzacorner-"when there are lazy welfare recipients dieing of drug overdoses with iPhones in their pockets.", good one! lol
I thought Hansen shoulda been with Briggs a few yrs ago. Hodaka is a little too refined for his style I think. His Dad was a racer though. WTG Poto, I didn't think anyone would win 3. Glad it pd out, and noone more deserving. Hell happened to muscrat?
Agree czmark, Dungey looked discombobulated on that punkin.
Great race last night. If you want to enjoy a local race series we are live at the Eastbay Monster Series in Riverview Florida. http://www.eastbaymotocross.com
I didn't like MA800 ever since his first race at Millville. The believe the Hype t-shirts and all the BS that went with it. I had just gotten home from a funeral for a friend when I saw the race where he went off the track, lost all hope for his championship and cryed- outright bawling like a baby right on camera and even after my buddy's funeral I was sittin there laughing my but off, classic. And I never wanted him to win. Then he's out of a ride and going on his own and I find myself starting to like the guy, I thought maybe he was humbled a bit, was even rooting for him on the new zookie. I was becoming a fan. I even posted a time or too about it. BUT what was that signal he flashed to Dungey? And why? It makes me somewhat sad to see that nothing has changed, and now I think he should just go away and take his daddy with him. I won't fall for that again, And have lost the little bit of respect he gained. And where are all the people sayin' Dungey to KTM =career ender? For only 6 days on the bike, he was awesome, just not quite as awesome as RV 2. And good for him he earned it. What a year he's had, too cool. And good for BillC too. He must be sleepin' in this AM after the big race. Was a bit one lined, but maybe they will build on this and make it an annual event. But will they continue to offer the Million dollars? And I'm thinkin' that with the roll RV2 is on, JS7 might as well stay on the sidelines cuz after all his "time off" he isn't gonna have nothin' for him. His easy win days are loooonnnnngggggg gone. Can't wait for A-1!!!
Did anybody notice the points for the top four in th Amature Allstar race that Hill won? They were all tied with 5 points each.[4-1] [3-2] [2-3] [1-4]. Now I know why the ama doesn't use the olympic scoreing.That would suck to know that you won the overall in a race and didn't make up points on the 4th place rider.How about this.RC4 wins ama outdoor national championship with 24 points.
@joemotocross589- I had my doubts too, but I stand corrected. That guy was on a mission, must have told his new wife he would be right back, had to make some money to buy milk. It was a great display of riding and showmanship. Lil Hanny should have Chronic Tacos invest in a Taco minibike. I thought the dirt would have been better, track looked rough.
@pizzacorner. the govt will take 1/2 or more and still say he didn't pay his fair share. I think Feld and Monster thought they'd never have to pay out on this "bet", until they found out that Reed and Stewart weren't showing up. I don't think it would've mattered though. RV couldn't have done anything better. WOW!! RD was pretty impressive too, his bike didn't look quite right yet, understandably so, but he stayed on the gas and kept it on 2 wheels.
@Pug
He was faster than Stewart last year, so was ryan dungey, obviously because stewart didn't come closer to winning the championship.
Ryan "The Machine" Villopoto
@fred- how about those twinkie girls, all 1200 pounds of them,sweeeeeeet!
@buck394- don't feel bad, I kinda fell for it too. As for JS7,I agree, he would not have had anything for Poto!
Like I wrote last week, #2 wins all three moto's and gets another million from Monster.
That was RV's first ride on the 2012 supercross bike and you are going to see that a lot more come Jan. He even got to use his fav tires that normally won't go 20 laps. Stewart and Reed would have had nothing for him.
I hope Dungey signed a one year contract because I'd hate to see him waste the prime of his career on that bike. Suzuki is one of if not the best factory bike. Unless KTM redesigns the frame he is going to continue struggling with set up.
Different track but it did turn into a one-lined hardpack freeway. Not sure why they were expecting anything else with the vegas dirt.
Sooooooo much talent coming in the Amateur class of 2012. Hill's little bro is going to be even better than Josh.
Don't think I actually heard anyone say it, but RV does get 100 grand for 1st place as well as the mil for winning all 3 races, does'nt he?
@CZMark.Hahaha!!! I like your math much better than mine.I like that little fat girl that was interviewing the riders.Not Erin but the other chick.She was hot.
@ Bob the builder, there is not a thing wrong with the frame of that KTM.Its one of the best handling frames out there.Its that WP suspension that he has to run on.That steel frame is superior to the alum.frames plus it will last much longer.
Alessi is a 5th place crybaby thumbsucker always has been always will be.What he does on the track shouldn't surprise anyone. I watched that race live last night and RV was just killing it. RD was way off his pace and looked uncomfortable on his KTM, I believe KTM will get that bike working better for him,but he isn't going to beat RV in SX,sure he is new to it but Kawie just gave RV that bike outdoors this year, so to see it working that good for him already isn't a good sign for his competition.Mr Stewart shoulda been there, whats he gonna be riding? who knows, but he will be fast, he will crash, and RV is gonna be the man to beat.
@CZMark.Wait a minute.I thought twinkie girls were shemales.Hahahah!! Get it.
I tried to like Alessi, But after that display last night, he still sux!!! He is a sorry excuse for a pro. Nothing has changed!! I noticed JS7 and CR22 where tweeting each other last night. Both gave RV2, (1) props for his ride last night. They seem to be playing nice again..... GREAT RIDE POTO!!!
RV owned it for sure, i honestly thought someone else would win one of 'em, but nobody was even close!! He looked incredible!! That said, i'll say something positive about Dungey's first ride!! Awesome i thought!! New bike and he still goes out and takes second!! They obviously have things to work on but I would imagine that team learned a whole lot last night!! Good call to go ahead and race RD and RDC!!! Was actually gonna give Mikey a little support in his new venture but the kid just wont grow up!! Grow up Alessi!! Oh, and since everybody else is still talking about the guy who didn't even race, i will too! I'm curious to see what JS has come A1, but i think i have to disagree with those who say he wont have anything for RV...i think he will still be mixing it up at the top!! Just an opinion, we'll see!! Cool race but it was kinda boring to watch, not a whole lot of good racing going on!!
@Bob the builder, Dungey himself said he thought the steel frame was better!! Do you think some of you guys could maybe not judge the rest of the guys career by his FIRST ride on a completely different bike?? Damn, lighten up and give them some time! That was a damn good showing for the first time out on a bike many said he would suck on!! I think they will get it worked out and once again i give KTM and RD major props for showing up and racing last night...best thing they could have done!!
Not a good guage of things to come , To many top guys did not race , and RD5 needs to get more dialed in , one line track , and short races , helped RV , but looked like he was on rails , Jan 7th will tell whats going on ,, TREY JAMES and REED , will be chomping at the bit , 800 looked depressed , needs to get his head straight .. Tomac looked good on a 450
Way to go RV2...The real F.M.O.T.P.
You guys don't understand. It not the steel frame, its the design that is going to continue to be a problem for them. There are reasons why Honda, Kawi, and Zook use the same general design. I'm not suprised Dungey likes the "feel" of the bike. However, they are going to continue to struggle with set up. WP may be contributing but there is much more to it than that. We'll see...
@whatever, well put, Dungy looked good on the KTM. He will be fine on it next season.
Alessi needs to go somewhere and have some fun, then refuel and comeback. The guy is way burned out not riding with any talent anymore.
@moto144
No he wasnt faster, he was more consistant and kept it off the ground. im only speaking lap times. and stewart has that covered, but idk anymore
Rv got by Alessi but RD was not so lucky this article said. LUCK? I saw RV go
by that blocker like he was parked on a stand, then I saw RD camp out on his
rear wheel and get pinched off. Alessi won't even think about messing with RV
because he will get parked in the cheap seats. RD has a problem with all riders
because they know he won't punt them like a football. There is no way Townley
would beat Villapoto even if he rode a Hodaka. RD better start passing quickly and
punting these fast for two lap guys out of his way or prepare for a lot of third places at best in supercross.
Dungy's KTM is just as good if not better then his Suzuki....on the last lap of heat 1, RD was behind by atleast 5 seconds and still ran down Metty
6-8 days on a bike & ya nab 2nd at this event? RD will be fine. Again, Fro hit the nail on the head last night, I too would like to see RD be a little more aggressive on his passing...........but that would ruin what he's known for, his consistency. JS7's lap times at Daytona this year clearly tells me he can smoke anybody........but for how long lol. That crap with KDUB in the Vegas whoops this year still has me ticked off, same thing Pastrana did to LaRocket in the whoops (Indy SX I think) years ago, & LaRocket ended up with a broken hand because of Pastana's lack of discipline. Have to finish to win JS. Couldn't stand Reed before this season, thats changed somewhat...........what he accomplished & how he rode with anybody earned my respect as is how he faded this year after his big getoff. Seeing that little fellar in the pits wearing diapers looking up at him (not Alessi) just gave CR22 a dose of reality & what's really important. CR22 is no longer a kid, he's a man and a father and unlike so many others, realizes thats # 1..
No more RV2--He is now RV1....
RV is killing it thats for sure, I hope RD gets that bike sorted out.Its going to be a good season coming up, CR and JS are going to have their hands full dealing with them 2. And also TC will be in there too,so heres to a good upcoming series! As far as MA goes he will not get a ride, will then only race a few supercrosses and will pull out with a injury (fake). So good bye to you in advance, I am sure he will have some excuse.
Few things we learned yesterday
* JS7 needs a Kawi, dump that blue p.o.s.
* Dungey was never the fastest and now has a lot of work to do.
* Mitch Payton will still help out that idiot Hansen (who knows why)
* Alessi needs to fire his dad, and start fresh.
* Just beacause you're great champions(MC and RC) it doesn't make you good track designers
Thats all. I'm sure you guys have a lot more
One more to RV.
Between the government and your new wife (oh-oh) you might have some left of that million you just won.
Good for RV. Everybody looks fast when the fastest arent around. remember that. If JS7 was there we really never know. May be even Reedy. All I can say if Js7 and Reedy were there prolly nobody would have won the mil.
@Pao26, dont know what you are complaining about, the track was cool. If you are complaining about it being one lined, you need to talk to the paople who prep the track. And one of the biggest problems about a track getting one lined, is the timed qualifiers. The racers will follow the one race line to get the fastest lap time. And wont seek out a new one. If you have race qualifiers instead, guys will seek out new ones to pass, and a track gets multi-lined early. So dont be so quick to blame the track designers, blame the way the track is prepped and the race format.
@Pao26, one more thing, why so negative about everything?? That will really bring you down, cheer up would you??
Who do you blame if you do not blame the Track Designers ? The racers will destroy the track, and always take the fast line. It them becomes a one liner. The result is the fastest rider runs up front !
Man Im over that if your boy dosnt win its "one lined" ....looked plenty wide to me! as far as i know...the handlebars are 31''...+ or -....the fastest guy picks the best line....and if he dosnt...you make the line that you pick work! RC made a career out of doing it!
Hey VETMOTODAD, JS7's day's of reeling in ANYBODY...are long over pal. I believe Stewart blamed "logistics" for being a no-show for one of our sports biggest event in history, That's fine if you INCLUDE being HUMILIATED into that equation of "logistics!" The REAL pros of Motocross have sharpened their skills leaving JS7 fans to embrace REALITY and know that our once star from my home state reached the status of "has been" and "also ran"...LONG ago. (And, you can include "also ran" about folks JUST LIKE James Stewart on what HE'S done...when playing law enforcement on Central Florida highways!) Running from law enforcement typically equates to nothing less than felony arrest! As far as Chad Reed goes, Chad has NOTHING left to prove and IN FACT,WHEN he had nothing left to prove...stepped up to the plate when he didn't have a contract, bet on himself and gathered some new fans with a championship 2009 outdoor season! (And other podiums to boot) What did "other" once fan favorites do when HE "didn't have a contract?" Well...I know that a string of fan disrespect prevailed not to mention a pitiful and unprecedented deception no one else is capable of I believe. (Still LMAO when I think how pathetic that "was"...er,ah...IS!) Such a shame but indeed typical of 21st century stardom throughout pro sports.
RV is FAST but JS is even FASTER.fans of our sport know that.lets give him 1 more thans.
sorry for my english i am dutch..and yes JS still has it(speed)
Speed yes, control no. Therefore, no more championships and much more dirt naps as the pace is stepped up again by RV.
My son and I are/were big Alessi fans. Unfortunately after that finger episode, my son (16) and I were turned off by the whole situation. Nice way to show the young kids your true form Mike. Your father must have rubbed of on you. Maybe we will become Josh Grant fans now..
Ya know...That was some boring crap!!! Thank the lord I have Tivo or else I would have turned it off live...like most everyone I know did. Maybe next year they could have the Monster chicks pole dancing on the start finish and midget wrestling in the pits...That I might stay up for...yawnnnnnnn.
Alessi = ASS CLOWN......
@redmanx--If Stewie was faster he would have beaten RV1, but he didnt..