by Aaron Hansel
Super Spoiler: Anaheim 1
Sunday, January 8, 2012 | 1:40 AM
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PrintThe first round of the 2012 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season is in the books, and the action from Anaheim did not disappoint.
Vince Friese got things started in the Lites main by nabbing the first main event holeshot of the year, but was promptly passed by Tyla Rattray and Dean Wilson. Cole Seely was charging, and wasted little time in passing Wilson and going after Rattray. Seely stalked Rattray for a few laps before making the pass and pulling an immediate gap. Wil Hahn was putting in a strong ride, but ended up going down, handing his position over to Eli Tomac, who was flying after a bad start left him buried deep in the back. By the last lap, Tomac had caught all the way up to Wilson and was putting serious pressure on him. Right as Tomac was putting a move on Wilson, Wilson made a mistake, hit a Tuff Block and went down. Seely took the win, followed by Rattray, Tomac, Marvin Musquin, Ryan Sipes and Wilson.
When the gate for the SX main dropped, the crowd erupted when Ryan Villopoto blasted off the line and took the holeshot. RV was absolutely on fire, and checked out like a library book. Behind him, Reed held down second ahead of Dungey while Stewart battled through the pack after a mediocre start. Dungey was charging in third, and for a little while, it looked like he was going to make a run on Reed. Then, Dungey washed out and went down all by himself and was passed by Stewart. Dungey responded by remounting, catching, and passing, Stewart. The two battled back and forth, and before long they came up on Reed. A great three-way fight took place for a few laps, until Stewart crashed and fell back a few positions. When it was over, Villopoto had taken the win by a mile, followed by Reed, Dungey, Justin Brayton, Jake Weimer and Stewart.
Be sure to check back soon for a detailed race report from Jason Weigandt.
The first round of the 2012 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season is in the books, and the action from Anaheim did not disappoint.
Vince Friese got things started in the Lites main by nabbing the first main event holeshot of the year, but was promptly passed by Tyla Rattray and Dean Wilson. Cole Seely was also charging, and wasted little time in passing Wilson and going after Rattray. Seely stalked Rattray for a few laps before making the pass and pulling an immediate gap. Wil Hahn was putting in a strong ride, but ended up going down, handing his position over to Eli Tomac, who was flying after a bad start left him buried deep in the back. By the last lap, Tomac had caught all the way up to Wilson and was putting serious pressure on him. Right as Tomac was putting a move on Wilson, Wilson made a mistake, hit a Tuff Block and went down. Seely took the win, followed by Rattray, Tomac, Marvin Musquin, Ryan Sipes and Wilson.
When the gate for the SX main dropped, the crowd erupted when Ryan Villopoto blasted off the line and took the holeshot. RV was absolutely on fire, and checked out like a library book. Behind him, Reed held down second ahead of Dungey, while Stewart battled through the pack after a mediocre start. Dungey was charging in third, and for a little while, it looked like he was going to make a run on Reed. Then, Dungey washed out and went down all by himself and was passed by Stewart. Dungey responded by remounting, catching, and passing, Stewart. The two battled back and forth, and before long they came up on Reed. A great three-way fight took place for a few laps, until Stewart crashed and fell back a few positions. When it was over, Villopoto had taken the win by a mile, followed by Reed, Dungey, Justin Brayton, Jake Weimer and Stewart.
Be sure to check back soon for a detailed race report from Jason Weigandt.
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wow this sesson is going to be epic! Stewart is going to have to do something big to find RVs speed. the thing is RV looks comfortable going that fast.
Wow what a big disapointment for stewart and all his fans that thought he was giong to come out and dominate like old times. Kinda feel bad for him.
This is gonna be a tough year for me......i'm still a JS fan for sure, but as i have stated for several months now, i REALLY want Dungey to do well....that being said, tonight was a little bittersweet........but i love being a fan of this sport right now!! It is what it is!!
As always, Stewart polarizes......i love it personally.......excitement to the sport i say!! Bring on round two!!
ktm big bike podium - done at a1 - suck it
Yeah that was ugly. If you combine Des Nations, ME Cup and that 20sec win, are we looking at a sweep by RV? JS7 looked out of it... I feel bad for JGR.
Supercross 2012= Priceless!..get you tickets now before they sellout..
http://www.mvamaniacs.com
I wouldn't count Stewart out so fast, it's a long season and he'll figure it out. He better figure it out quick though; Villopoto looks strong and fast.
Just got home from Anaheim and all I can say is, that it's going to be an exciting season. Poto just nailed it and was in a league of his own. Great racing between the 7, 22, and 5. Also watching Cole Seely win, who would of thunk it!!!!!!!
checked out like a library book - classic
Ryan Villopoto - The (new) fastest man on the planet? Bring on Rnd2..!!
@Scrub-This: Seems to me that you are the one calling names and hurling insults. I didn't see anyone else do that besides you. There ya go.
I expected RV to be strong but wow, nobody else ever matched any of his first six lap times. That's impressive.
Who did Tomac call out in the post-race interview; the dirty rider?
RV looked like he could run that pace all day, that wasn't even charging that was just perfect lap after perfect lap.
1) RV was blazing fast, nothing else to say.
2) JS7, your post-race interview sounded a lot like last year. I hope this is not a sign of things to come.
3) I noticed Dungey coming up short consistently on that triple out of the corner, the one that only Tomac was doing in the Lites. Not sure if the KTM was to blame, but it happened more than one time.
4) Bummer that Josh Hansen ended up best of the Josh crew, Grant and Hill had rough nights.
5) Happy that Tomac saved the night after tough heat race and bad start in the main. After the Vegas finale in 2011, Tomac definitely did not have Seeley over for Christmas dinner so I expect some paint to be traded between them before the West is won.
Bret Michaels again? Please no. Please.... No. Answer me this simple question: Why? What role is this burnout filling and, if it actually needs filling, is it true that this guy is the best we can get? I am sad already, whatever the answer.
And then there is that woman.... what's her name? The one who cannot construct a grammatically correct sentence to save her life (or saves them for off-camera). She speaks only in flubbed and slightly inappropriate cliches.
But at least her facts are suspect: Today, former MotoGP champ Nicky Hayden found out he won the World Superbike Championship. Honestly; how does she have that job? I cringe every time she opens her mouth. Seriously.
Hey, we are racing again (YES!) and that beta at Timing & Scoring is awesome. Thanks to whomever.
3) I noticed Dungey coming up short consistently on that triple out of the corner, the one that only Tomac was doing in the Lites. Not sure if the KTM was to blame, but it happened more than one time.
I noticed that in the press day ride, he kept comming up short on a couple things..for some reason.
Stewart was under a lot of pressure so maybe give him a break. However, so was Villopoto, and he always seems to come through...he just doesn't flinch. I so thought JS was going to dominate tonight.....wow, RV is impressive.
"Dungey responded by remounting, catching, and passing, Stewart."
I feel weird.
@yamalink I'm almost sure that he was talking about the 338 (Zack Osbourn) It looked like the 338 cut over on him 20ft. off the start of his qualifier.
Villopoto is insane! Damn that guy rocks
RV was on fire, just like he was at MEC. J$7 is going to have to step it up a notch if he wants to reclaim FMOTP status. Reed and Dungey both look fit and fast. Andrew Short was impressive tonight, as was Alessi, who did not do his usual fade-to-the-back-of-the-top-10 routine. The only thing stopping this from matching or beating last year's 'best SX season ever' is RV, who may run away with it. Word.
Oh wait, Alessi did fade to 9th! Guess I was remembering his better showing in the heat race where he held off RV1.
Oh wait, Alessi did fade to 9th! Guess I was remembering his better showing in the heat race where he held off RV1.
@yamalink.....Tomac was pissed at Max Anstie for cleaning him out on the start.
ElsinoreRacer... Erin Bates did not specify what kind of superbike title Hayden won, she just said 'superbike'. She should have been more specific, as he did win US superbike titles. At lease last night she didn't drag out the "what does this do for your confidence" line.
Welll said Elsinore, hamncheeze and KM306.
Was telling my dad today RV1 was gonna run away with it and JS7 was gonna wind up on his head, i even offered a bet.....he wouldnt take it.
I called Villo for it all at Phoenix last year....wish i had put money on it.
Then i'd just be dead in a ditch somewhere though.
ya he was
@Scrub-this,Fantards.Thats beautiful hahahahhah!!!!!I wish the fantards would give JS7 a break.He hasn't raced in a very long time.
What about that crappy track.Who is the brain trust that builds those things.That ant hill or wall thing was just super retarded.They should of knocked that thing down and had some serious passing going on in that turn after it.They need to go on YouTube and look at some of the races from the late 70's early 80's.Check some of those tracks out.Maybe they should move the start times up a couple of hours at the Anaheim rounds.That way the races would be over before the moister rasies to the top causing a slick track.Maybe that would help.
I mean moisture.Hahah!
First race , Anything can happen... long season , anything can happen , ...supercross , anything can happen ..Wait until canard comes back ,
Someone tell Tedesco the Main Event is 20 laps, not 4. He just implodes.
No less,no more than expected....with the exception of Cole S,no surprises.
Including Stewart...same ol same ol. Maybe its the bike again...or whatever.
Some random thoughts. New year, new team, but old same Bubba. It would be boring without him. Wilsons head still isnt screwed on tight either. Tomac was the most impressive concidering what he had to deal with. Osborne qualifing 3rd was a surprise. Musquin still has not set the world on fire. WTF was that jacket that Carmichael was wearing?
ahaahah i noticed rcs jacket to...it was like a half blazer half volcom hipster......@yamalink tell tedesco its 20 laps!!! ahahahha he was flyin!!!! it will be funny watching rv1 get a mid pack start and blow by evryone including js7......honestly villapotos passing is probably his strongest point,,,hes not timid like rd5 or make miscalculated errors like js7....
For those that bet one someone else to win the championship other then RV, go to rehab and give up betting.
Let me figure this out. About 20 times it has been said we need not expect that much of JS7 because he has not raced in a long time.
RV2 St Louis 2010 til A1 2011-result, first place.
JS7 Vegas 2011 til A1 2012-result, 6th place.
Probably the difference in programs is that RV got to lay around and rest a lot because his leg was almost torn off.
Ryan 'THE MACHINE" Villopoto
Wilson fell trying to cut over on Tomac which he does a lot instead of just keeping his line. He would have finished fourth but now he is down more points. He aimed his bike at the blocks and he hit them too.
Verge, agree with all except I am not sure how many SX races Musquin has even been to much less raced. Gotta think Job One is not getting hurt for the outdoors.
@Verge - Carmichael was just trying to hide his gut!
Its gonna be a long season if Reed and the rest don't find RV2(1) speed. The guy just checked out!!!! Good for him. I'm a Reed guy, and I was happy to see him on the podium. He admitted he hated the track and then goes out and wins a heat and finished 2nd. He didn't hurt himself, and proved he rides great when happy. JS7 will rebound, don't count him out.
I think RC, not expecting the cold weather, borrowed his wifes jacket.
Great racing and a seriously impressive ride for RV!. WOW!
@Refman - I guess I don't have to say that Stewart was 'the baddest dude that day' as per our discussion on another thread. But I will say that at least he looked more patient in the heat races and in the main. He didn't try to ride like he was the only one on the track, and that was safer for everyone. I really think he will figure it out and his new found patience will serve him well over the course of the season. His forks also seemed to actually move!!!
Dungey looked a bit slow to me and I did notice him landing short a bunch of times too. Still, a really good outing for him and KTM. I think if he gets a bit more time and possibly a bit more power out of the bike, he will be stepping up his game more too. He seems to get stronger as the race wears on and his starts finding speed where others can't. Sort of like Larocco used to.
Reed, still impressive, except for the tip over.
Tomac, KILLER RIDE!
As far as the track goes, I think they were trying to slow the race down so that it was at least a 20 minute main event. It made for better bar to bar racing and everyone had to be creative on how and where to pass. When the tracks are so fast, we get a 20 lab main event done in 17 minutes. I actually liked the bit longer lap times...it means more racing!
good racing. I was wondering who the "DIRTY RIDER" was that tomac was referring too that took him out in the heat race????????????????????????????????????????????
@OrganDoner - I believe he was referring to 338 Zach Osbourne.
STEWARTS fitness is in QUESTION (IMO)..
Definately some room for improvement for everyone except RV. Could be a few more races in and things will gel up into some type of pattern. Hope the FMOTP (fastest man on the PLANT-IT) can stay on two wheels to the finish and get a better start so RV doesn't make it look too easy. He seems to be the only one that might have a chance, RD 5 goes down gets back up and passes js7, doesn't mean he doesn't have to go a little faster, but a second in this series looks posssible to me. That said, I wonder about all the Dungey to KTM=career ender people today. Looks like he will have a good year ahead, but his work is cut out for him. Reed looked good too. It's all good, can't wait for next week!!!
You heard it all night,"Starts were imperative on that track." And Villopoto confirmed, lap after lap after lap. I was wondering how James forearms must have felt 10 laps into a main after (no) practice riding since last May. Playing, "Angry Birds" for 20min stints, just isn't going to cut it, with RV playing in the sand box.. Just kidding James, honest!
I think we cannot count out young James so quickly but, you know he just hated that post race interview with Erin. Because James still wants to be a believer in James. And he has some rather large boots to (re)fill, that have been custom made for him over the winter...
PS.Ricky didn't get the memo that it was, "formal night," and Ralph let him borrow his new Nehru Dinner Jacket at the last minute. I watched it on FOX News "Fashion Facts"after the race.
When RV finds his 250 magic on the 450 ................................... after two tuff seasons his mojo is back.
Look like RV's 450 dues are paid in full.
Jim M
Pala 374
Hats off to RV. Good starts will win this championship. It's difficult to pass in supercross & the completion is too close. I'm more impressed with Dungey. KTM's first 450 podium and passing Stewart after a crash. He has the potential to be to KTM what Carmichael was to Suzuki. A great PR move. That bike should sell-out quick!
I wrote a little song this morning.. it goes to the tune from that american idol song "pants on the ground". Goes a little like this...
Stewart on the ground, Stewart on the ground, easy to beat cause he's always goin down... Stewart on the ground, Stewart on the ground, don't look for him to finish cause he can't make it all the way around!
By all means, add verses as you wish.. who knows maybe we could youtube it and get the Sx opening song. Afterall my little ditty is about the same quality as Bret Michaels song is!
Now out of respect for him as a human being this song is only fun to sing if he doesn't hurt himself... Yeah, Yeah super juvinial - I know. Just cause I am 37 doesn't mean I have to act any older that 12!
C'mon everybody sing it now...it's a real hoot!
Villopoto looks like he'll be hard to beat. Reed looks like he'll be consistent with a couple bad races. Dungey same as Reed, looks to me like they need to get a little more power from that KTM either that or Ryan needs to go for it more. Stewart looks like he'll be fast sometimes sometimes make the same mental mistakes. When Canard comes back he'll be fast I bet. The rest of the field is filler, swapping positions but thats not saying that any of them are by no means not fast in their own rights.
I hope that jacket Carmichael was wearing was some kind of joke dare. I really hope that It doesnt catch on and I start seeing them at the track or something that would be embarrasing for the sport for sure.
Eli's LCQ holeshot was sick !!!!
that track sucked you know who ever got the holeshot was going to win
I hope you are being sarcastic, but suspect otherwise.
Keep dreaming klx450r, no one had a hope of going that speed or keeping RV in sight last night. They all got stomped no matter how you look at it and the track played out just fine.
Carmichaels jacket made me laugh. JS made a couple of moves on the track that amazed me; he is INCREDIBLE. His crash was de ja vu. As I've said for several years I don't believe he'll ever win another championship but what fun he is to watch for the portions on of races that he is focused.
If bermblaster says the season will be epic then end of discussion. That dude is so fast berms dont stand a chance. His XR100 tears them up its scary to watch. Shut up Berm blaster its the first race, stupid statement to make at this point. Now go buy a bike and learn how to ride in dads back yard.
Stewie looked all sweaty and tired after just his heat race. He fired Baker because he didnt like the "train off the bike" so maybe he isnt in race shape yet. He should know by now that you have to run and bike your as$ off for moto.
And Dungey raced that junky crappy KTM to a 3rd, and he crashed and remounted and caught Stewie. Yes, that KTM sure is junk huh??
Great Job KTM. First race on a NEW Bike that was just an idea 5 months ago. DeCoster will clean up just like his did at Honda and Suzuki.
I would have liked to see KR 70 race last night but the East Coast racing will be great.
Ryan Villopotto is the fastest man on the planet. JS has lost that name.
Don't tell Ralphie and Brett, they might never bounce back...............