by Davey Coombs
450 Words: San Diego
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PrintThe whoops giveth, the whoops taketh away. We saw that several times last night in San Diego, starting with Eli Tomac throwing away the Lites West points lead in a big crash there, and then again in the 450 main event. That's where Ryan Villopoto and Chad Reed used the “hoops” to leave the rest of the pack behind, and where James Stewart probably threw away almost all hopes of winning the 2012 Monster Energy AMA Supercross title. The whoops may be the smallest obstacle on any given SX track—and at times almost non-existent—but they loom much larger when they are sharp and plentiful, which was the case last night.
In what's become a series of opportunities, Villopoto is starting to deny those opportunities to almost everyone else. He's put together the first winning streak of 2012, which says a lot about the competition at the front of the pack. But when we see a proliferation of whoops, it's actually starting to look more like a two-man race after all. Whoops have always been a strong point for Reed, and he used them (as well as some late-race lappers) to reel in and then pass Villopoto in the waning laps. But RV is no slouch across these washboards either, and stayed with the #22 and found a small opening just before the white flag to take the lead back. It was a fantastic display of racing by both men.
The whoops in San Diego played a big part in the championship race.
Photo: Simon Cudby
But behind them, not so much. Dungey is simply not as fast through the whoops on his KTM and it showed. He and his team will no doubt be right back at the drawing board, but they have some work to do.
And then there is Stewart, who once again took a huge digger all by himself in the whoops after getting too close to the edge. “Down goes Stewart!” is a call by Ralph Shaheen that almost seems familiar now. This time the damage was not as physical as maybe mental. He is no longer in touch with the points leaders one-third of the way through the series. James was always a remarkable whoops rider, but it's becoming obvious that there's something wrong with either his set-up or his technique that's made him downright dangerous to himself in these sections. How he and his team work through this could mark a defining moment of this season, if not his entire career.
Remember that in supercross, the whoops giveth, the whoops taketh away.
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Pretty good article, the whoops were definately the big player in the SD race. I think we need whoops like this at every round. It really made for some excitement. Read the DV12 article on the race, its pretty good. Love to get some pros perspective.
JS used to be one of the best in the whoops, can't understand. I guess he lost his nerve. He said in the pre-race interview that he loved the bike set up and needs almost no changes. It's not the bike, the other yammy riders have not been wadding themselves up in the whoops every weekend. Almost hard to watch him. Don't claim to be a JS fan, but WTF?
Stewie was fast in the whoops, I'm not so sure about the best. Stewie has crashed in the whoops his whole career. I remember seeing Reed kill the whoops all the time, and he still does. Its technique, and Reed still has good technique.
@bd200: Exactly. Reed (by no means my favorite) used to make up time on RC4 in the whoops every SC race. He is as good, if not better, than anyone ever in the whoops. RV and Stewart are a close second I think. Problem is, RV has learned that he doesn't have to be the very top dog in every section every race to win overalls and championships. Stewart hasn't. And now that the competition has caught up to him in speed, he is paying for it.
About JS7 "It must be the bike". It seems funny, but all of his crashes keep happening in the same place. The whoops, the turns, the rhythm sections, the tabletops, the first turn, the dragonbacks, and the sand. Get him some Cheng Shins for god sake.
It will be interesting if JGR ditched yamaha for next year. They have everything they need to re-invent that bike but it doesn't seem like enough. Is it just me, or does Stewart look smaller on the yamaha than he did on the kawi?
It was last year in VEGAS...
That's when I first started to wonder about JAMES STEWART and if his ability to blitz the WHOOPS (like he used to on a 2 stroke) is gone away never to return. This season seems to be telling us something many don't want to hear...
Come on JS7, you still got it or not?
Not making excuses,, but the fact is he has never looked as good on yamahas. Now, I think it just cost him another shot at a title.
I am not a huge fan of Stewies, but I thought everyone would be chasing him in this series by this point. I guess I was wrong!! I think he isn't strong enuff to ride a 450. The bike controls him instead of he controlling the bike. Back to the weight room there little buddy!!
What a load of excuses--bull freaking baloney. Its not the bike, thats just an excuse. He wrecked all the time on the Kawi too. There are 4 guys as fast as each other, and Stewart is trying to beat therm all and it isnt happening. He is getting older and starting to slow down, just like all the guys before him. RC crashed a few more times keeping Stewart behind him at the same age Stewart is now. Was iot the Suzuki?? NO not according to the Stewart fan base, it was Stewarts speed. So the same thing applies here. Quit making excuses. Millsaps has no problem in the whoops on the same freaking bike. Stewart is getting older and it affects a guy, period. He isnt the same as he used to be, never will be. Escept he still crashes alot, just like he did on the Kawi.
It's not the bike. If you think back through all of JS' big bike career, he is the exact same rider he has always been since 2005. He is prone to either killing it or crashing out, this didn't start when he got a Yamaha. His mental game was always his weak point under pressure as he could have won riding at 90% for the better part of his 450 career until a couple years ago but could never settle down, still the same. If you subtract RV from the class, he would still be the fastest in the speed department. He is still flashy and inconsistent, unfortunately that doesn't cut it with the depth of talent now. I think Reed has stepped up to meet the new competition more than JS to be honest. JS is the exact same guy as in 2005, that is the problem. He never evolved with the rest of the class is what I see. I know his fans like to speak about how he's matured and is a different rider now and blah blah blah, I honestly don't know how they arrive at this conclusion though when I step back and look at the big picture.
Whats black and blue, and hurts all over---------------------- (JS7, on any Sunday ).
Here's how I saw San Diego. I am sure many will see it with my Villopoto Bias but he is the points leader.
RV rode great, Chad Reed rode great.
If there was ever a race set up for Reed to win it was San Diego. Not just because of his stellar record there but because it also had the toughest whoop section of the year and we all know Reed is one of the best ever in Whoops. On top of that the lappers played a huge role in allowing Reed to not only hook back onto RV but allowed him to pass him.
On a normal day it is race over Reed wins.( Remember when lappers allowed Reed to catch and pass RC on the last lap a few turns from the finish a few years back? ). I thought, same thing for sure. RV however showed true heart of a champion and re-passed for the win. I know it is only 6 points but I feel that passmight to have lasting effects in this series and perhaps some peoples psyche. mainly his own!
JS7 continued to show that he is the most consistent rider in 2012 supercross as he " Stewdarted "again. It is crazy to think that not long ago, when they showed mid race HIGHLIGHTS of James, it was passes for the lead or checkered flag whips. Now the LOWLIGHTS are clips of 5 different crashes at 5 different races, 4 of them main events.
I watched the race again today and was shocked that you had 3 riders completely ignoring the Blue flag for 3 frickin laps. AMA should take action. Not one of the guilty riders has any shot at making a top 5 this year let alone a podium. They need to get the hell out of the way! Perhaps they were surprised that with 6 laps left they were being lapped, I know they were in a heated battle for position but it almost cost RV a win. Obviously Reed rode great and was right there but RV did have a comfortable few seconds until the traffic made it a dogfight. It made for exciting racing but too close for my comfort. Props to him because he did not complain about i post racet.
I agree with the many people who mentioned Erin Bates ignorance....AGAIN. I hope we get to hear one of these guys light her up on live TV. It would serve her right if Tomac would have said " Get the F&%* away from me moron " I know it's her job but a little decorum and common sense should be exercised. She is going from obnoxious to unbearable.
RV 3 wins in 6 races and the points are still tight. One more mediocre race from Stewart and his season is over. If he does not get right in a hurry, he could have 3 guys having a full race lead over him and that would be insurmountable. Let's hope the Big 4 start 1,2,3 and 4 next week and we have a 20 lap slugfest!!!!!!!!
I have a feeling that Stewart drank the Koolaid (purple drink) and honestly believed that he is actually inhumanly fast and that nobody would be able to race at his level even if he sits out entire seasons and doesn't train at 100% and he can still just come back and be faster than everyone.
It was just Koolaid tho. Or purple drink.
Now he gets his arse handed to him each night, and not even by the other riders, but by the track.
I really hope Stewart gets his problems sorted out and can give RV and Reed a run for their money. I like RV and Reed more than I do Stewart, but I would be disappointed to see this become another two horse race. If Dungey can hang it out he might be a factor too.
Anyone else surprised that Stewart has never been seriously injured?
I have to chime in on the SPEED coverage. First off, I'm very happy to see them cover it, especially. live. We've come a long way since the Carlsbad GP.
As for Erin's poorly timed interview of Eli Tomac, I'm sure it was not entirely her decision as the whole program is directed by a person called the Technical Director. That's the person that chooses the shots, directs the camera people to follow this or that rider or where Erin should be when and who she should talk to (if she can).
To that technical director I say.. Bad choice on the ET interview, you weren't going to get anything and it was obvious you were trying to get some "dramatic" statement. Sometimes it's just not worth it.
Also, (and I've hated this for years) DON'T SHOW US A FALLEN RIDER STARTING HIS BIKE AFTER A 1ST TURN CRASH. The first lap is the most exciting lap, stay with leaders as they shuffle for position. As long as I'm ranting: if the leader is 10 seconds out front and there is a battle for 2nd or 3rd, don't show us the leader on the last lap saluting the crowd. Stay with the battle to the finish.
As for Stewart, the guy is an amazing talent, and an interesting person. Just enjoy it. Don't boo the guy. He's putting his life on the line for the love of this sport. You don't have to like him, but until you've ridden in his boots, do you have the right to pass judgement on a person's situation or character?
I am a RV fan and this was a great race. CR was awesome and showed his normal true grit and desire to win.
Those three lappers clearly ignored the blue flag for three laps not just one. 800 was ecpecially a jerk because even when RV passed him and he wasn't battling anyone he did not pull over for CR. really if it happens again they should be doced 5 points of black flagged.
Erin Bates was a complete asshole and has been to many riders, These guys put their heart soul and life into this sport and there are times when they need more respect. She has this fetish of chasing down riders after getting hurt or crashing before they have time to regroup, I feel Tomac would have been justified with ***%%*** her ***. It is something that needs to stop.
Rumor has it the fastest dirt napper on the planet is currently in talks with Asterisk mobile medical unit for a full sponsorship next year. Good to see Millsaps putting in some decent laps, must be contract year.
Hope Stewart can regroup and keep it interesting for 12 more - and then outdoors too. It's never boring when he keeps it on two wheels. Much as we love the videos, You gotta concede the fact that the GoPro Camera isn't exactly the most aerodynamic contraption ever strapped to a helmet.
JS needs two things:
Honda and Dunlops
Wicked race between RV and CR. Man, it sucks how JS always goes down. I want to see a battle with the top 4 right down to the wire in Vegas! In my opinion JS should ride a Kawi again. Kawi's seem to squat lower. Yami doesn't look right with him aboard.
I am leaning towards bike problems with Stewart. Taking time off and enjoying life hasn't helped either, but we have a 2011 yam 450 that is currently for sale. It's my sons bike, races the B class, and has went down at least once every day he rode it. We tried numerous things such as lowering links and rotating the engine, but nothing would take that, I can't control this thing, out of it. My son always looked so sketchy on that bike and if you watch Stewart he is all over the track but doesn't seem to be going as fast as he could be. Some of the guys we see at the track have shed their yz450s as well, saying they scared the hell out of them and the harder you push the worse they get. One would think that JGR could fix anything but... As far as my boy goes; 3 weeks in SoCal training on a 2012 kx450f and not one digger. We were on yamahas for 6 years. Hard to switch, but we can't handle many more unexplainable concussions or broken bones.
Actually JS needs 2 of these 3 things
A Honda or a Kawi and Dunlops
If you watch yesterdays race you can clearly tell from the start how js could not get traction all night long.
It sucks, last year we had an awesome season, with any of the top 5 capable of winning on any night.
This year looks like RV is ahead of everyone,better bike and much better prepared, I don't thing RD wikll win unless something happens to RV, JS needs to get going soon. CR looks like the only one that will challenge. and No TC
We already went to toooooooooo many years of McGrath and RC4 domination and it gets borring for the fans.
I just wonder how many more hits can JS7 take. It must me tough getting up in the morning.
Decoster won on a TM400, it's not about the bike!
@ Danrad good write up......
James The Human Lawn Dart Stewart
maybe Stewart needs a good testrider to set his bike up. The last time he was winning, Craig Decker from Enzo was testing and setting up his bike. Go back to what works
@ Davi, DV12, and everyone else with bad long term memory
last week it was all but over for Dean W and Cole..
last year RV was is good as he is now going into jacksonville
no way can TC catch porcel for the outdoor title..
tittle is out of reach for JS.with 11rounds to go???
come on people stop with the nonsense....
@jimmyc261--Really, is that the answer for Stewart? Then how come when he was on the Kawi he crashed all over the place then too?? Remember when the big deal was if Stewart didnt crash he won?? But he still wasnt winning titles, so he crashed alot.. And he was on the Kawi, with Dunlops, so what was the reason for his crashes then??
derwood69--Millsaps looks pretty steady on his Yamaha.. He is pretty steady in the whoops too.
Didnt Stewart win a Supercross title by a mile on a Kawi and go 24-0 outdoors that year? He is right, the title is far from over and JS is still very in it. I am not blaming Yamaha, just the setup he is using. Bike seems off
DanRad, you had me right up until the "don't boo" part. I'm personally not into booing riders, but I totally respect others' right to do so. When a fan buys a ticket and enters the stadium, he/she has the right to cheer or jeer any rider on the track, or any track official, or the National Anthem singer, or whoever. It's part of the experience for many. Would you even try to tell Patriot fans not to boo the Giants, or vice versa? Of course not, so why is this different? We all know why. Simply because he's black and it's not politically correct to boo him. BS I say. JS7 receives more than enough(!!!) affirmative action from the media and industry in general. His fans cheer for him and the rest of us cheer against him, or at least reserve the right to. When Coombs, Weege, Ping, DanRad and others tell me I CAN'T boo him, that just makes me want to do it. A lot of us don't like him. Get over it.
Red44- Some people can hold there own on them, but I saw the same weird sketchy stuff with my son on one as I see with Stewart every weekend and my boy is in the B class. Really hard to explain, but lap after lap I would watch my son go by and just about predict when and where he was going down in sections that didn't require much fore thought. In the first 6 months he was the proud recipient of a broken leg, severe concussion, and torn rotator. 2 of the 3 above said were in sand whoops. Was not a good feeling. I have been told that guys 6' and above feel a little more at home on them but there is still a weird handling bug that can't be addressed. From what I saw with ours kind of makes me feel sorry for Stewart because I know the guy wants to win, but something is making him real uncomfortable. It's like we lived the scenario you see with Stewart and it wasn't good to see my son want to win, but be scared for his life on his bike. Can't explain it but feels good to be comfortable and moving forward again.
I think maybe Bubbs equilibrium has gotten thrown off a bit over the many years of death defying flying W's and horrendous get offs. Maybe he should try some kaleidoscope goggle lenses. .. i could use some.
@chadrick_167.. yes I too have wondered for years how he's been able to walk away from some of those crashes. The boy sure does now how to get a tuff block when he needs one. Wasn't it Daytona when he cartwheeled over that tuff block and almost took the photographers head off? The crash last year in SX when he kamakazed out of the whoops into Reed I'm forsure he would have launched himself into the wall behind that berm if twowo wouldn't have been there for a back stop.
Why was CR22 so nice to RV when he ran him down and passed him,, if that would have been JS, reed would have stuffed him just like RV did to reed last night to take the lead back and win..is reed afraid of RV?
Regardless of lappers, Reed was already chipping at RV's lead for some time. It got to 3seconds. Than Reed started knocking off 3 tenths for some time. Than at about the 1.5second difference lappers played a big part.
Just saying.
on a different note.. I've got an 11' yz450 and rode it today as a matter of fact. Someone mentioned Stewie looking smaller on the yamadog vs. the cow. I think he does too and have seen pictures of myself on mine and was thinking the same thing. I feel like I can rip at times but sometimes it feels like the front wheel wants to wash cornering.. It definitely feels like a pig. I sometimes look to the corner and get sad seeing my clapped out 04 CRF450.. I
i'm no huge Stewart fan, but i have a couple of friends that bought new Yamaha 450s. one is struggling to make the thing handle and the other finally just gave up trying to get the handling sorted out and bought a different bike. also, while everyone has their favorite/least favorite rider, the bottom line is that every racer who makes it even to the qualifying rounds for a supercross or outdoor national is a bad*ss motorcycle rider that could show up at my local track and smoke me and every fast guy i ever knew or raced against. gotta respect the talent. all of these guys ride like they were shot out of a gun and they make life exciting for a whole lot of us....
go Tomac. go Windham....
definitely xray.. well said. Stewart has an earned reputation for crashing but I honestly believe a huge part of whats going on is the bike. Maybe some riders can adapt to different bikes better than others... I'm able to man handle the new YZ but am not able to feel the flow I felt on my Honda.
I'm glad CR got second, he deserved it, he even said it, " nice guys finish 2nd", if that would have been JS CR would have been alot more aggresive.
And yes, alot of you forget JS has 2 sx championships one on a Kawi and one on the old Yamaha, not the new one. You do not need to be an expert to see that his bike is not set up right. There is a reason why there are so many Kawis and Hondas and so few yamahas.
I'm a weekend warrior at best when I'm riding alot.. Im 35 and mostly only ride 30+ practice days anymore but still have mid pack intermediate speed. If I was serious about going fast I wouldn't be on the new yamaha. I bought it figuring i'd try something different and would be happy with a throttle in my hand.. and I am happy with it, but it's for sure a different breed of bike. ..I didn't read review.. haha
I think we can all agree something isnt right either with JS7 or that Yamaha 450.
JS CANNOT remain healthy crashing weekly, one of them is going to end his season. He needs to just tone it down and accept that he is only a third or fourth place guy this year and leave it at that or else he's going to end his season prematurely or permanently, it's just a matter of time and we all know it. Doesn't matter if its him, the bike or a combination of the two he's just not a a top guy this year and trying to make it happen is going to mean we don't get to see him in Houston cause he won't last till the end of March.
"The whoops in San Diego played a big part in the championship race."
Why is it Stewart's picture on this page????
Hes not even close to the championship. Can we say "Media darling"????
For years we've all seen Stewart's amazing riding style. Yes, it includes a bunch of crashes, but also has propelled him to many race wins and championships. Watching him on the "backwards" Yamaha, he looks very different. He can't throw it around like his earlier bikes.
One thing in particular has seemingly been ripped away from his grasp - SCRUBS! If you recall, he used to scrub practically every jump. Now - not at all. HE DIDN'T EVEN WHIP IT UPON WINNING OAKLAND! I bet if he'd gone to Suzuki (or anywhere else) we'd be seeing enjoying a different season. (P.S. I ride a Yammie, but don't want the "backwards" one.)
A close-up shot of Stewart's crash in da whoop-de-doo's
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WX6jQFYN5uU&feature=related
Stewart must be made of rubber.He is tough to keep taking crashes week after week.Not a big bubba fan,but the guy has got alot of heart.
The crash didn't look nearly that painful on the tv show- The bike just stops and he doesn't- Ouch!- I guess that's how he got tangled up in the bike- the two objects became as one upon impact or something. Wish I could get it in slo-mo.
James Stewart is Black? If you mention it, I suggest it's more important to you than me.
Anyone has the "right" to boo just as I have a right to not like it and say so... at least currently.
JS7 needs to use his clutch in the woops. Just saying.
Man is RV1 on it right now.... I really thought CR22 was going to get em but oh well. I am a pretty big RD5 fan, but i was really Disappointed with the way he was attacking the whoops. I didn't think it was really the setup of the KTM because he seemed fine through the whoops at A2. I really think his line choice was poor, the other three seemed to be using the left side of the whoops which seemed fast, while RD was cutting the corner shorter and using the middle of the whoops. Poor line i believe. Now i really want RD5 and that KTM to win it all... just need to see a little risk to mix it up every now and then from RD. Other then that i think he is better then last year.
James "Bob-bulls" Stewart is fast no dout but the two supercross titles he won lets face it one he won because raced against Tim Ferry only because Rc and Reed was out hurt,, the Outher he won over reed by just 4 points and Rc had retired so "Bob-bulls" has never really raced against anyone with tallent except Reed,, now RD abd RD come along whos as fast or faster then Reed and Bob-bulls just cant keep up
Those whoops weren't doable....they were Stewable......
@ Red54M
Dude are you getting all diplomatic there? If I didn't know better I'd almost think you were being fair on CR22 for a change...... :)
@Pitbull.....You actually just implied that Bubba keeps crashing as a result of his I.Q. level!? Sorry bro but I really don't know what to say about that. Except that I feel bad for the people who spend time around you. I read your post 6x just to make sure I was reading it correctlty. You sir, are DUMB AS F@&H!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ever consider a career as a writer/journalist?
Hey Pitbull I just enrolled in university. Degree=faster lap times! hahahahahaha lolololololol.
RV and CR rode totally clean and hard. CR was pushing as hard as he could as we have seen many times and he was staying just close enough to keep his drive alive. RV did get caught with lappers but the real reason Chad caught hin is a slide out by RV on a flat corner after he got past the lappers. This seemed to light a fire in RV and he passed CR and pulled a 1.4 sec lead on him in one lap. There was no contact and no stuffing. On the last corner CR was nowwhere near enough to try anything. They both rode very well and we got to watch an awesome race. To me Chad woke up a sleeping gaint when he passed RV, and he pulled that extra umph out and took off.
Don't forget the super smooth K-Dub also biffed if the whoops along with a lot of others.
I know all the Stewgies want to find something...ANYTHING...to blame for how James has ridden for 3 years now and since this generation Yamaha coincides with that 3 year time frame, it fits right into their logic. Problem is the other thing that fits that 3 year time frame is him sitting out the Nationals. The only thing to consider here is that if it was the bike, he would be the best one to know that, and he would not have re-signed to ride the thing after 2 years of crashing his brains out. You can look at every one of his crashes and see the rider error in it, it is physics not voodoo magic. He has ridden into tuff blocks, landed on tuff blocks, missed wheel taps, washed out, looped out, endoed, etc etc etc. When Tomac's wheel dropped into that whoop, was it the bike? When RV jumped off the track this year, was it the bike? When Reed did his impression of Superman at Millville, was it the bike? Nope. Not the bike making him crash here. Now, a different bike might work better for him but he will crash on whatever he rides. He is a crasher and that is what makes him so fast over the years.....the lack of fear of being injured. His crashing has also robbed him of a 125 MX title and possibly 1 or 2 or maybe even 3 250/450 titles. That is what keeps Dungey's agression and speed down, but also makes crashes and injuries non-existent for him. I think James has gained some fear in recent years that he lacked as a teenager, when he truly was crazy-balls. Not to mention RV and Reed are a bit different from Ferry and Mike Alessi as challengers (the only guys to keep James in sight during his 24-0 season).
Where is J-Slone ?? LOL Funny thing is when the lappers tightend up the race and Reed got by I was not woriired of 1 sec I just knew RV would get back by. Great race for sure. Reed did a great job matching RV the whole way. Reed even had the fastest lap I believe. I don't except to see tjhis every week out of reed but it would sure be nice. How about RD cleaning on Weimer?? What was that?? LOL
Just was thinking, if anyone forgets what Stewart can look like when riding over his head, check out youtube and search him and crashes. They're all there on Kawasaki or Yamaha. It is amazing that he is still walking and maybe that goes through his head sometimes now, he used to ride like he was invincible. RC retired at 27 when these thoughts started going through his head.
gutted for cr22 but cant believe he didnt ride the defensive lines once in the lead made it so easy for rv by riding the berms it was obvious whart rv was going to do, and he did!
BillC: I think Dungey read some of your comments on passing and he was taking your advice! This is a weird year with you and me on the same page. What is up with THAT?
After looking at the youtube link from WFO UFO, you can clearly see why James went down in the whoops. Reed just went by for speed comparisons, and it looked like James entered the whoops going about 20 MPH faster than Reed was going. You can push ANY bike past the limits of physics and that is what he did. Reed was the fastest guy through them (that didn't crash in them) and Bubba was trying to win the entire race on one 250 feet long section of track on one lap. Look at how much faster he was going! I wonder if he doesn't have lapses in consciousness out there from all the hits to the head he's taken. It looks almost that there was no way he was getting through them all at that speed.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4NO6J8-xPs&feature=related
That Kawasaki was a real problem. Strange how things come full circle? These look like some of his crashes from the past 2 years.
B-KR is exactly correct! A little too much speed entering whoops and a little too close to the tough blocks and JS7 ate shit. Please stop blaming the Yamaha for mental mistakes. It doesn't ride, or set its self up for that matter, alone. Yamaha should get it's money back for JS7 ruining the public conception of its product.
Typical stuff on the boards when JS doesn't win, it can't be possible that it is him making the mistakes and causing his own crashes even though he's been doing it since 2005. BK-R is right, I'm happy he wrote all that instead of me having to, good call on the whoops mistake. Fact of the matter is that he has always ridden a tick past the edge even when he isn't challenged and now there is better riders on the track. How come nobody every blamed the Kawasaki for all his crashes over the years?
Its funny how the media continues to blame the bike LOL Its getting really old now RacerX You must be living in denial and protecting your boy with all you got. Stewarts entire career no matter what color the bike was, has crashed his brains out ..... one more time RacerX ITS NOT THE BIKE !!!!!!!!! ITS STEWART !!!!!!
The only year he didnt crash was the year he had NO COMPETITION !!!!!! FACT!!!
Face the facts RacerX The competition has stepped up and passed Stewart…..your boy is not the only fast guy out there now, he is not the great moto god you make him out to be !!!! So get over it…….. And start giving credit to the riders that are putting up the results !!!!
I dont see the Yamaha as the problem with Stewart, Windham went down in the whoops and so did Tomac. is the Honda why they crashed? Dungey's KTM looked worse than any bike in the whoops, but he just slowed down.
any of you guys want to talk about the other guys that went down in the whoops while going half as fast as 7...?
anyone, anyone? crickets...
I for one am a RD fan but man, it is so disappointing watching him ride. Looked really bad in the whoops. The other 3 were pulling away from Dunge....bummer. I was also sorry to see James wod it again. I just want to see a battle between all 4. I think most of us do. As for the James on theYamaha issue, maybe it's a 450 issue.
so then why are we talking about it? 7 hasn't changed much and some want to make excuses, some want to continually act surprised by it...its not a new story...
i am sick of hearing the same arguments on both sides every week...RV won the race and CR stepped up...talk about that...
@Scrub-This
ur comment about the 'media' is spot on...people don't realize how much the media perpetuates 7's image...he doesn't call himself the FMOTP, RC started that...Sheheen used it so much we all started to hate it...
i blame 7 only for the parts of his public image that he can control...(arrests, crashes, takeouts...) but some things he has no control over...(announcers, fantards, etc...)
I just watched JS7's crash. It looked like he skipped one and then hit the Tuff blocks. How many people have hit tuff blocks and gone down this year? Do they need to be stacked end to end? Doe San Manuel Band of Mission Indians pay by the Tuff Block? San Manuel Marketing: Ok Feld...I need 487 of them there. Feld: Ok maaam, that will be $387,456.29. I mean, there's 3 or 4 in a row of each sponsor in a pattern around the track.
Is it about rider safety or getting the revenue for Feld? That was rhetorical by the way...
Oh, one more thing about JS7. How many times did we see the JGR toyota commercial on Saturday night? Unfortunately, I was travelling and had to watch it live (without DVR) in a Hotel room.
Don't you just LOVE Millsaps bit part "oh yeah" in there too? Does anything else think Davey sweeps the floors at the shop during the week?
Maybe he should try a Yamaha 250 2 stroke. What do ya'll think?
I'm sure Yamaha would not let that happen though. Imagine if he started winning on it. What would that do the rep of that 450?
@Scrub-This,, Dude, you are just consumed by JS, aren't you ?? My golly...
There is an episode of “Bubba’s World” where JS tells him family while sitting in the garage he doesn’t want to race anymore. Sr looks at him like he was out of his mind. There are several episodes where Aldon Baker can’t get him to train and work hard. I just think Stewart lost the drive that took him to the top. RV, CR and RD remain driven, hungry and focused. I hope Stewart can get it back.
B-KR i think it means you see how smart I am and now agree with me LOL!!! Either way its better than fighting all the time.
n2motox, that's a great idea. In fact, now would be the perfect time to petition Mxsports, the AMA and the rest of the decisionmakers to rethink the displacement disparity and give the two-strokes a fighting chance. If JS7 wanted to do it, then the rest of the industry would suddenly think it was the greatest idea ever and everyone would ponder why someone didn't think of it sooner. They would never be able to say no to JS7.
Seriously, as bad as I hate to think of JS7 leading the way on something positive for a change, it would be freaking awesome to see him come out on a badass modified YZ300 (or 350) smoker and kick everybody's butts, thereby ushering in the "new" two-stroke era!!!
@ southernboy.........That's wishful thinking, 2 strokes are fun but dead in pro racing. The 4 strokes are better bikes nowadays in racing because they allow you to go faster, no conspiracy involved.
It pains me to connect the two in any way, but Dungey in the whoops reminded of Alessi last year. Looked like he was fighting the bike every lap. He seemed his usual self on the rest of the track, but was still 20 seconds back at the finish. I'm guessing most of that time was in the whoops.
I dunno man- check out the timed qualifying at mxa-
http://motocrossactionmag.com/Main/News/MXAS-WEEKEND-NEWS-ROUNDUP-WHAT-YOU-MISSED-IN-THE-M-8658.aspx
The other bikes are tracking straight and true- and #7 is all over the place- towards the end of the section he has a close call as the Yammie drifts way to the right. Don't all the riders try to carry as much speed as possible thru the whoops? Isn't that the safest way? Looks like he caught the tuff blocks. Hard to tell cuz it happens so fast. Lets see what Gary Bailey has to say.
As for RD's pass on JW, it was definitely aggressive, but he needed to make that pass. Personally i didn't see much wrong with it. I just can't get over some people who one week say he needs to be aggressive, but once he does it's a dirty pass and too aggressive.... just doesn't make sense to me. I like the fire though that JW has, it would be cool to see him get himself up to the big four's speed. He has the tools and resources to do it.
Dodgeb81, I LOVED that RD rode aggressive finaly, I just find it odd that JW was his target.
@BillC, It was definitely refreshing to see some aggression, as far as concerning JW as a target, i think it was more of the fact that JS got by him quickly, so RD needed to make the move. i know that RD and JW did have an epic battle for the lites west a few years back... Don't remember if anything happened then.
Too everyone on here crying the blues about Stewie's Yamaha being his problem need too SHUT THE F*** UP!!!! So tired of hearing all the bla,my sons bike doesnt handle bla,Stewie wouldnt crash if he was on Kawasaki bla,his bike isn't set up right,and so on. Stewie looked pretty damn fast to me in the whoops and his bike was working! He chose his ride this year!! He chose not to train hard as hard as the other guys in the off season!! KW crashed in the whoops close to where Stewie crashed. I guess his Honda wasn't set up right either? Stewie is not the fastest anymore!! Get over it!!!
I caught a little more hesitancy in Eming and Shaming's (sp) commentary to extoll Stewart in San Diego. They don't want to look stupid lauding a crash dummy. I think you will see a slow 'ebby' away by the media from King James as he proves an unreliable 'story' of dominance. And then if he gets on a two race win streak it will all come back. He's a colorful individual because of his unique race (for this sport), abilities, bling, crashes, TV series, etc. and the media is going to ride any 'horse' that has legs, and they change horses when he falters. Follow the money and it all comes clear :)
On the Erin thing.
Do not make it sound like she just does what she is told. That is ridiculous.
It more likely goes like this. She is on the floor and has some set things they want her to do. After moto interview, in the gate interview, etc.
Then, she runs around looking for opportunities. If she had not tracked Eli or Jake down and been in a position to stuff a mic in their face, they would not have cut to her.
This is where she needs to be a little more intelligent. They are pissed, wearing a helmet, in a LOUD place. What is she hoping for? Seriously.
I'm 6' own a 2010 YZ450. I've taken 8 months of riding off because of 2 concussions and a lot of small crashes and injuries. Some days I feel like I love the bike and others can’t stand it (most likely due to the fact that it works well on some tracks and worse on others). Not saying Stewart wouldn’t crash on a different bike but I definitely feel like he would be doing a lot better. He and the bike do not mesh. Stewarts biggest time saver was scrubbing jumps, which he does not do that often anymore. This bike does not handle the same in the air. It feels like the bike wants to stand up every time it leaves the ground. Front end never feels stable and the only time I feel confident with the front end is in tight ruts. Bummer JGR stuck with this brand, an issue like this can make or break someone’s career. It reminds me of Nicky Hayden and Valentino Rossi on a Ducati. You can be the best motorcycle rider in the world with all the money and technology in the world to develop a bike but sometimes that’s not enough.
MotoRanch - You own a 2010-2012 YZ450? Prob not, don't be so quick to judge on what you have little knowledge about. Makes you sound ignorant.
Wow way to much talk about JS7 move on. As for the race Great to see it get interesting in the final laps even if it was caused by lappers not moving over.
And RD5 I liked the pass on JW I think RD has done that to him before.
RV1 showed he can still put in a fast lap after making agressive pass on CR22. I don't think CR22 will give up that spot so easy next time.
@ PW29.......I have a local pro friend who goes really good on his 2011 YZ450F and he can whip that F'er upside down like every other bike he has owned. He loves the bike, so it can go both ways like any brand. Corner speed is where he's being beat and that outweighs scrubbing by far. JS said his bike was good at SD. For the umpteenth time, the issue isn't the bike, he chose it.
@ Scrub-This,, hmmmm,, explain please ?
Millsaps is doing just fine on the bike and still battling with Windham, the same or better as when he was on a Honda. Stewart crashed his brains out on a Kawi countless times (why Mitch ended his contract).
One other forgotten fact. Youngest SX champ in last 20 years – Dungey age 20. Oldest SX champ in last 20 years – McGrath in 2000 (he was 28) followed by RC in 2006 (he was 26). Stewart will turn 27 this year. He is getting a bit long in the tooth for winning SX Titles, especially with a machine like RV out there.
Stewie crashed his brains out on the Kawi also. That is the main reason I DO NOT think it is the bike. What was the excuse when he crashed like crazy on the Kawi??
And KAWI ened thier contract with Stewie to sign RV1, straight from Mike Fischers mouth.
About the 2 stroke comment.....I know that Yamaha would not go for it but I agree with some of the guys on here... I actually think that he would be a lot faster and more comfortable on the 2 stroke....... and I think he could win on it. I am not a JS7 fan at all and I agree that Millsaps looks OK on the Yammie 450, but he is not going the speed of James or the top 4. If Yamaha were to actually allow him to try the 2 stroke, hell the sells of the YZ 250 would shoot through the roof.
@bd200,, I'm not saying its the bike, but it could be a factor. Look at the difference in RV since he got on the 2012 Kaw 450 ? He was fast on the 2011, but since he got on '12, he's been almost untouchable. Look at MC in '97 ? Thats Zuk he was on was awful, and he only won 1 SX race that year. So you just can't sit there and say that the bike doesnt mean anything, it does.. Also, it was NOT JS's choice to ride the Yam. If he rode something else, he would of had to pay millions to Yam to get out of the contract. Another thing, the Yam 450 isnt really very popular with the Pro riders, considering how many are out there riding them.
@Scrub-This,, You seem to forget that the 2010 and newer Yam 450's are radically different. Does thinking about "lil'Stew keep you up at night ??
I'm not a pro and I too can whip the ship out of my YZ450. Doesn’t mean I'm comfortable on it. It's not predictable, when you feel like its dialed you hit a square edge and you expect it to do one thing and it does totally the opposite. Everyone is different. Just an opinion. The comment about Mike Fischer is BS you don't cut a rider when he is at the top of his game unless you can't afford him. RV's first two seasons on a big bike were plagued with injuries.
@bd200,, Ohhhh,, I almost forgot, Reed HATED the Kaw 450 a couple years back, didnt he ?????
@ mxmofo1............Reed hated it, so he made a change and got out of his deal and I'm sure it cost him. JS is so overpaid it's gross I'm sure, if it was the bike he should have made the change. But realistically even on a Suzuki nothing would change, nothing has changed in his approach since 2005 except his competition surpassing him.
@ Scrub-This,,, You just don't seem to listen to anyone but yourself, including a guy that has a new Yam 450 (PW29) ... There is no dought, JS has some issues, but I really think the bike could be one of them. I have a friend that is one of the best riders in the area that I live in.. He said exactly, I mean exactly the same thing that PW29 did,,, its "unpredictable," and he had a ton of work done to it. He ended up selling it and getting a 2012 Kaw 450,, and loves it.
The crash or win attitude has no relationship with the bike.
@Retardcross,, "making a change" isnt always that easy...
You're right, he must not have had the time or resources between filming episodes lol.
hahahah,, That,, I could agree with.. I know its just a show, but it did make him seem like racing was NOT his top priority..
The biggest mistake he has made was NOT riding MX.
@ Scrub-This,, I agree with your two points,, but since he got on Yams, he just isnt quite the same, and yes, most of that, IMO, is his own fault. Thats why he needs to ride MX so he's not behimg the 8-ball coming into the SX season not having raced for 5 months or so.
MC didnt have RC, CR, RV, RD, or JS. He had RC for a year or two, but that didnt go well. MC's main comp was JE, and he's not known for SX like he is MX.
I disagree about Erin Bates running around looking for opportunities to shove her mike in peoples faces- When you are up in the stands you cant even see the whole track, with all the stuff in the way (including the track itself)- You think that Erin Bates has X-ray eyes down on the stadium floor? And can see right thru berms, boats, cars, towers and triples?- It would take a miracle of a coincidence for her to be in the right place at the right time, and realize that a nearby rider is out of the race, let alone get over to him before he heads back to the pits. Someone upstairs must be watching everything and directing her. As much as some people like to rag on her (no pun intended), I wouldnt mind having her job. I agree that it is sometimes innappropriate, but I think someone else deserves the criticizm, maybe Feld or Speed, or even Ralph Sheheen.
Ummmm, Stewart never rode for Mitch- that was a Chevy trucks Kawasaki.
@ Scrub-This, dude you are killing me! Hilarious.
@ Motonard, ok my apologies, Motonut since we are keeping it civil.
Not trying to be politically correct, non confrontational or anything else. Just giving credit where credit is due. Reed rode great. Having watched the guys career I had a bad feeling about San Diego. As I said if there was an event ripe for him to win it was that one. The stars lined up for him. I am glad RV pulled it off and I really believe barring the big crash or a melt down the title defense really started last Saturday night.
Will be back at it this weekend, no post from me until probably Monday, going skiing this week and I am afraid I won't even see race until I return home Monday.
GO RV/RD
Holy crap! There are a LOT of posts here. May as well throw my 2 cents in...
My guess is that when James signed with JGR he thought that although the Suzuki or Honda may have felt better, JGR's bike was enough of an improvement over his old setup that he believed he could overcome any bike deficiencies with talent. And I would also guess that he figured this was going to be his last contract before trying to go to NASCAR, and that if for some reason he wasn't able to win, at least he could pad his retirement before he was finished with moto. (I know he doesn't need the money, but even a dying preacher finds more religion near the end.)
He has always been a "win or crash trying" type rider, but it has definitely gotten worse these last few years. Rarely are life's mysteries clear (cut and dried; black & white) - the answers most often lay in the middle, in the gray area. I believe there's more than one reason for all of this crashing. It's a combination of things - it's him, the bike, the competition, etc. All of this must be eating him up inside.
JGR and James signed a three year contract with Yamaha. Does anyone think James will be able to live with these kinds of results for another two seasons? What if he gets beat outdoors too? Will he buy out his contract and switch brands again to "save face"? That would be quite a gamble. If he can't return to dominance, he can no longer blame the bike. Also, he by leaving the team, he would thereby reduce his chances greatly of segueing into a car racing career. Seems like the best bet is staying at JGR, but convincing them to switch brands if the bike is really the issue. He may even find it worth pitching in $$$ to buy out the contract.
Jesus, bud, you have an ax to grind, huh? First, you must mistake me for a fan of James. I'm not. My post does nothing to suggest that, so not I'm not sure why you're jumping all over me. I'm just a fan of the sport trying to offer some theories and food for thought.
After trying to make sense of your 17 rants on this page, I gather you think he's crashing because of the increased competition and simply trying to go too fast. You said, James "crashing is a function of the speed of the competition and his trying to maintain the pace of superior riders." You also said, he "is riding beyond his ability." That to me sounds like a combination of increased competition and James' own fault, which is exactly what I said.
I'm just trying to understand where you're coming from, so if I'm off base, don't go all crazy. If that's not why you think, please enlighten us with your infinite wisdom. It's challenging to figure it out between your inability to spell, write a coherent sentence or have a complete thought that is not tainted with your obvious dislike of Stewart. If you're more than 12 years old, you really should take the time to go back and punch your teachers from the detention center in the face.
Let's try to clarify some other things while we're at it: I'm not saying he's going to return to dominance. I think those days are gone. But regardless of who his competition was, he won more supercross races than anyone during the period of time you mention. That means he WAS the dominant rider.
I'm not saying he's going to race cars. I'm saying that was what he has hopes for.
Now go back to poking your voodoo doll of #7, you goddamn degenerate.
You should take the advice you're giving James and back it down a notch before you get yourself hurt.
I think we all need to remember that Stewart won 3 of the first 5 races just last year, before he went into that 8 race funk. He was killing it at Daytona before lawn darting himself again. I don't know what the answer is for him, but I just hope he doesn't hurt himself badly along the way.
I have been to 3 live races now, and at all live events the crowd boo's stewart. I am curious to know why? It could be that they are saying STEWWWWW and it just sounds like BOOOOOOO.
@mxmofo--YOU are wrong about Stewarts choice to ride the Yamaha--His contract was up and he had an offer from Suzuki. They even sent him a bike, and Stewart CHOSE THE YAMAHA OVER THE SUZUKI.. This was from an interview with Stewart himself. So wrong there Mr. MXMOFO... Stewart chose to stay on that bike. He crashes no more on this Yamaha than he did on the Kawi..
Stewart even said himself at San Diego that the bike was handling perfect. His mechanic even bragged to Emig, who mentioned it on the Speed show. So what is your excuse for Stewart crashing now??
@MXMOFO---You are completely wrong too about MC's competetion. Mcgrath knocked off the reinging champ in Stanton for one thing. He had a young and healthy Larocco to deal with. Plus Jeff Emig and Ezra Lusk. And after he already turned 27 he had a young RC, whom he beat for 2 straight seasons (the only rider ever) before RC knocked him off after he turned 30. So how can you knock the KING of all guys?? You are a STEWTARD for sure.
And Emig has a supercross title dude, he would have more if it wasnt for MC.
@RyanD,, Scrub-This and Redd44 jump all over everyone that doesn't agree with their "hate" posts about JS. It's just amazing to me that they even watch SX considering how bad they hate JS..
If Redd44 would actually READ my posts, he, she, it, or whatever would see that I said he has issues.
@mxmofo--who did I jump all over?? Big baby, I just stated that YOU are WRONG saying Stewart would have had to buy out a deal with Yamaha, his contract was over, had a deal with Suzuki, and turned it down to stay on the Yamaha. That is a fact.
And then you play down Mcgraths titles like he had no competetion to try and make Stewarts titles more important or something. The guy has 72 supercross wins and 7 titles dude. And you said he had RC for a few years that didnt go well, you were WRONG again. And you act like you are so right all the time. You havent a clue sometimes. I have NO issue with Stewarts talents, my issues are guys who think he is the greatest ever, does no wrong, and whenever he gets beat its something elses fault other than he just flat got beat. In other words, my issues are with Stewtards, like yourself.
@mxmofo, show me ONE post were I have ever expressed hate for Stewart or anyone else.. Show me one.
@Redd44,, He signed a deal with L&M for the 2011 and 2012 season,, ON YAMAHAS.... Read it for yourself... In other words, he would of had to pay YAMAHA if he were to ride Zuks.. Pretty simple really. Plus, Suzuki is about broke... Also, I never "played down" MC's titles. Theres is just more competition now. 4 winners in 4 races,, doesn't happen to often, does it ???
http://www.gomotocross.com/content/james-stewart-inks-2-year-deal-stay-lm-racing-team
His contract with YAMAHA was NOT up,, Einstein...
That deal was with L&M racing, it folded up when he bought into it. His Yamaha deal was up. Stewart said so himself. I seriously dont remember which mag it was in, but that was what Stewart said himself... Suzuki even sent him a bike, and he rode it and said he liked what JGR did with the Yamaha better. I am not BS'ing either. I read it myself.
And MC was too fast in suercross to have 4 guys winning. 72 wins and 7 titles. Over those years, he faced tons of competetion, he whipped them. Its like saying the GOAT didntr have competetion either, he did, he just took them all down. Its more exciting now, But MC will always be the best supercrosser ever.
The L&M deal may have been up, but not the Yamaha deal..
@mxmofo--Yessir it was, go to ESPN-GO, it is were I foundf the interview. I just typed in Stewart signs with JGR, there was the interview with Stewart from ESPN. STewart signed with L&M, L&M signed with Yamaha, once that soured. Stewart was free. He says he rode EVERY BRAND of bike. Had offers from every Factory team.. Thios is Stewarts own words dude. Go read it for yourself. I just did. He had offers FROM EVERY TEAM AND RODE EVERY BRAND OF BIKE. EVEN KTM. Those were his words..
http://espn.go.com/action/fmx/story/_/id/7147730/james-stewart-talks-nascar-signing-joe-gibbs-racing
Here it is..
I know he rode other bikes, but that's not what I'm talking about.... Is there anything in there saying he would have to pay Yam to get out of his contract ?
He had an L&M deal Stewart didnt have a Yamaha deal. L&M did, once that folded, he was free to sign anywhere. Read the interview in the link.
@mxmofo, same goes for me as Red44...show me ONE post were I have ever expressed hate for Stewart.
Might not be a big fan of his, but I appreciate James and what he has done and brought to this sport. When someone accuses me of starting the name calling when all they do is say things like "lil'Stew" and "stewtards" it really makes me laugh. You're heads are so far up your asses, you can see yourselves chewing.
I love this sport. I have been involved with it for over 30 years. I appreciate every racer on the track. I stopped posting a while back because a lot of people on here can't read (understand other people's posts) or write (express their own clearly) and things get all skewed and misunderstood. I'm ready to retire again.
Some of you guys really are ignorant. I'd say "you know who you are" but obviously you don't. I honestly don't know how you get through life with these poor attitudes and complete lack of ability to communicate.
I would have to say that stewart signed with jgr for reasons other than just the bike. He openly admitted he didnt race the outdoors because the bike was sketchy and he didnt trust it. Nobody should say the yz is a bad bike because its not, but for some reason they just havent found a good setup for it yet. Setup is everything at this level. I bet when he stumbles onto something comfortable and more predictable RV will have his hands full. The suzuki would have been a great choice, he was very fast on it. I am sure JS has developed a confidence problem through all this which isnt helping. He will figure it iut.. look at reeds resurgence, i love it, he is the man now.
I would also think the competition was more tough during the McGrath era as proven by Kevin windham. He is 33 years old and still finishing in the same positions he did when he was 22 sometimes better. Its all relative and impossible to prove. Personally I think 2 strokes led to better, more aggressive, and more exciting racing. McGrath is and will always be THE MAN
@rickamatuzio--How do you know how fast Stewie was on the Suzuki, he never raced it..
His lap times on suzuki were fast relative to other brands when he was testing the bike. Thats how I know. The arguing here is entertaining, but i question how many have ever lined up for a SX or Outdoor national. Without that experience how can riders be judged? Listen, the sport needs all these guys to be successful. Like them or not, lets try to support them with an open mind. The season is far from over.. dont be suprised if james wins 8 in a row, or WIndham wins again. I wished people would post with a real name when throwing jabs behind a keyboard. I am outta here. I hope they all win one this year, i know how tough it is out there. Good luck boys, and be easy on these guys :-)