Racer X Outstanding Performance: Blake Wharton
Monday, February 20, 2012 | 4:30 PM
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We already know who won the races, but we also know there are more stories to cover beyond just the top of the podium. And that’s where the Racer X Outstanding Performance Award comes in, where we try to highlight a rider who logged a strong ride that doesn’t show up in the results column.
This week, our award from the Dallas SX goes to a rider who is mounting a comeback in his career, and was also forced to log one on the track. Rockstar Suzuki’s Blake Wharton hadn’t taken a gate drop in race circumstances since the St. Louis Supercross last April, as double shoulder surgeries ended his 2011 season early. He then switched to a new team after several seasons on GEICO Honda. His 2012 tour could be a make-or-break, as Blake knows he’s no longer the young lion of the Lites class.
“You can’t back off,” said Wharton. “This is my fourth year in the Lites class, I need to make a statement.”
Wharton fought back from an early crash to take home fourth in Dallas.
Photo: Simon Cudby
He did well in Dallas. In practice and in the races, he was up front and aggressive. But he got bumped around both times. Riders bumped him from every angle as he battled up front in his heat race. In the main, he quickly turned a good start into the lead, but a bump from Darryn Durham sent Wharton to the ground. He completed lap one in 13th place, but put his head down and tried to salvage something. He ended up fighting back to fourth—a result that looks decent on paper, but even better knowing how far back he was early in the race.
So we present this week’s Outstanding Performance Award to Blake Wharton—although he’ll surely be happier to grab some actual podium hardware this weekend in Atlanta.
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It looks like Blake is on his game, very fast. The east field looks like it is stacked twice as high as the west. Should be good racing.
I don't take anything from Blake, but why doesn't Racer X acknowledge guys that had even better performances? Cole Thompson and Austin Politelli both had better performances then Wharton (it's expected for him to win, he is a factory rider!). Both made the main in their first AMA Supercross, one was 9th and the other 13th. That is outstanding!!!!
@racer x I agee with cattledog, glad to see Blake back but clearly off the pace of the leaders....(.exaggerated come back with stuart and bogel on the ground)
The east is on par with the west as far as talent goes, but the east guys don't seem to show each other any respect. Which will lead to a wide open title the entire time since they will keep crashing eachother out.
Don't know why but I keep thinking Blake is a girl riding with boys.
Blake was not clearly off the pace of the leaders. I was there all day. He was absolutely on the pace and was leading both his heat and main before getting taken out. Him and Cunningham had very impressive speed all day looking to make their hometown proud but both ended up with disappointing results because of crashes. Wharton surprised me with his speed and he will be making something of himself this season.
You mean Brayton didnt earn the award this week, Weege ? Really ? Wharton deserved this thing this week in spades... He was more than "bumped" by Durham.... he was yardsaled... seeing how long it took Durham & Barcia to get up to speed, it is within reason that he could have won... He ran the same times as Durham, if not faster at times, while coming through.... Durham was impressive, KRoc was impressive, & Barcia is not going to make any friends this season again...
blake looked awesome
Blake "Timex Texan" Wharton looked good for not racing in a year, he took alot of hits and kept on charging.... He is Suzuki's best shot for a win in Supercross...I will be cheerin for him and Bogle ....
i think Blake is a kool a$$ dude, i like his "I ain't taking no Sh!t" attitude. I wish him the best and would like to see some more aggressive riding at the GA dome in person. Yeah Boiiiiii!
Some have good luck, some have to fight for it. Blake's comeback to 4th even with the assistance of Bogle & MS crash........................showed everyone and his team he "ain't skeered". Ride it like ya stole it Blake, good ride!
he started in front of bogle and stewart ( and everyone else ) before he had to make a comeback. I'm sure he wasn't expecting that much contact, but now that he knows how they "roll" I hope he doesn't hesitate to hit'em back next week.
but now that he knows how they "roll" I hope he doesn't hesitate to hit'em back next week.
Strongly agree with Cattledog4 on this one. Cole Thompson, 17yrs, lot's of family support and minimal other backing, brother as mechanic. Cole ran 6th for much of the of the main, great showing! Politelli too - great ride! You have to love the Lites.
Man,Blake got used up in both the heat and the main!Hes got good speed,and now just has to get more aggressive,and give back a little of what he got treated to saturday night.Totally pulling for him!
@we believe in you Mr Kotter......its nice to see someone really ride the Suzuki.
I like Blake, just wish he wouldn't ride with that ugly mop on his head LOL
We had a good time in Dallas. The east is going to be tough, they will settle down in the next couple rounds. Im pulling for Bogle to come back.
the only enjoyment i got out of watching whorton ride was watching everyone beat him up out there! i love it, it's karma coming back to an idiot who is known for taking people out (his team mates especially)(barcia). on an unbiased note, there were other people who deserved the award!
Talking about his hair? Really?
Wharton is a one of a kind! This dude is all that and more. He is the definition of cool, end of story.
If anyone can rock the Fro, it's Blake "B- Dub" Wharton... Never cut it Blake, and kick some a$$ at tha dome. i'll be there pullin for u
Blake looked real good Sat. nite I thought, All he needs is a Gibson Les Paul, Mirror Aviator Glasses to go with the "Top Hat". Slash is on the podium!