Racer X ReduX: St. Louis
Tuesday, March 6, 2012 | 2:00 PM
Racer X Redux is brought to you by Yoshimura R&D of America, the leader in performance off-road and street exhaust systems, engine management systems, engine services and hard parts.
Tweet
Advertisement | Advertise with Us
Share
Comment
Email
Print
It went like this heading into the 2008 AMA Motocross Championship: “The big names are in the 450 class and you know who the players are, but the Lites class, that is wide open.”
Really? Ryan Villopoto was back to defend the Lites Championship he won in 2006 and 2007. Yeah, Trey Canard had upset Villopoto for the East Region Lites SX title; Jason Lawrence and Ryan Dungey had just battled hard for the West Region SX title, and Villopoto’s new teammate Austin Stroupe was fast. But outdoors, RV had taken down all comers for the last two seasons. The real story wasn’t the Lites competition; it was just how damned good the defending class champion was. But we missed it.
It’s that way, still. We have witnessed plenty of greatness over the last few generations, and RV is quickly—but somehow quietly—running up stats to match the best of ‘em. Yet, somehow, Villopoto operates under the radar that a superstar of that stature should command. RV gets cheered in opening ceremonies, but he doesn’t get the most cheers. He also never gets booed. Drama has followed those he has battled, like Mike Alessi, Lawrence, Dungey, James Stewart and Chad Reed. Villopoto operates without any of it.
How can this be possible? Why are fans and industry folks not picking at every thing Ryan does right and wrong? Why are we not in ass-kissing awe or constant want of more?
You may not hear the loudest cheers for RV during opening ceremonies, but one thing you never hear is boos.
Photo: Carl Stone
Here’s something I can come up with. I have a one-year-old daughter at home, and people who are planning (or expecting) kids often ask me what it’s like. But I can’t give them a balanced answer. With kids, it’s very easy to articulate the rough stuff—the sacrifices and life changes that drain you of sleep, energy, patience and freedom. I’m not going to lie: having a kid is not easy, and I can easily explain why. But even I, a person who is paid to come up with words for a living, cannot eve remotely describe the positives. There just are no words to describe the good stuff. All I can tell you is that it’s awesome. That’s all I’ve got.
Villopoto’s strength is his lack of weaknesses. There are no flaws in his game, no endless conjecture over what fans wish he could do or could be. We don’t wish he could work harder or get better starts or be in better shape or get more aggressive or overcome some sort of mental block. He is the model of what should lead to success: talent, combined with hard work. He does not lack for speed or aggression or effort or fitness. He isn’t held back by bad starts or crashes or injuries. His team is solid all around, with never any troubles to be seen—heck, his old Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Manager Mike Fisher came and went and yet you’ve heard nothing about the impact on Ryan. The drama never seems to stick to RV.
But drama is easy to talk about. Negatives are easier to discuss. We can go on and on about what our jobs, or girlfriends or friends do wrong, but when it comes time to dump praise, we run short. There is nothing wrong with Ryan Villopoto. So what is there to talk about?
Even Dungey, as neutral and controversy free as he strives to be, ends up polarizing fans and getting the conversation going because he’s so neutral. A few years ago, Dungey sparked endless conversation about his mental toughness, his ability to close out championships, and, of course, Jason Lawrence getting “in his head.” Those stories have long since gone away, but they were a big topic at the time. Meanwhile, Villopoto won titles immediately, so he never once endured such talk. He also had a few J-Law dustups, but he silenced that issue the only way he knows how: by beating him soundly and completely on the track. No back and forth, no trash talk, just pure scoreboard. Next issue, please.
You almost never hear of any drama coming from RV and the Kawasaki camp.
Photo: Carl Stone
Reed? Stewart? Please, no one has gone through the boo and cheer wringer more than them. Even Ricky Carmichael has ridden on both sides of that fence. And if Trey Canard was able to get back on track and roll again, he’ll pick up attention from the positive side—everyone likes to like Trey, and everyone likes to talk about how much they like Trey. Although it’s true we can’t find as many good things to say about the people we like as we can bad things to say about the people we don’t—with Canard, we’ll stretch and extend the positive talk as far as it can possibly go.
Villopoto, meanwhile, is not the most dynamic interview ever. But you don’t hear stories of him snubbing fans or press, either. He doesn’t play weird power trip games, or act any differently no matter how often he wins. Almost every rider, when they get to the very top of the summit where Villopoto is right now, ends up making a few strange demands on his team. Maybe they pull a sponsor on board, or have run-ins with a teammate. But RV has never had such problems. He spent the summer of ’07 locked in a wheel-to-wheel battle with Ben Townley, yet their friendship grew through it all. We braced for trouble when Villopoto was teamed with Reed in 2010, but Ryan immediately told me, “It only becomes a problem if you make it a problem.” They ended up having no problems with each other, even though everything else with the Reed/Kawasaki team-up ended badly. Today, his teammate Jake Weimer is a training partner. Everything Villopoto does is available for other Kawasaki riders to see.It also appears Villopoto and Dungey are going to keep their on-track rivalry above the tabloid drama. There will not be any bad blood here. There were hints things would go sideways between them a few years ago, as RV was pretty gruff about losing his shot at 2010 championships with injury. But last year, they decided to take the high road. After shaking hands at Pala last year and teaming up at the MXoN, they congratulated each other after each race.
While others steal headlines, RV just keeps on winning.
Photo: Carl Stone
Ryan has had signature rides. Last year’s performances under pressure should be the stuff of lore, but his greatest day came at the Motocross of Nations at Budds Creek in 2007, where he blew the world away in both motos on a 250F. In the most historic motocross race of all, RV logged one of, if not the, greatest performance in the history of the event. And yet, stories of des Nations legend seem to focus on wilder stuff, like Danny “Magoo” Chandler coming out of nowhere to win four motos in ’82, or Johnny O’Mara getting seconds on a 125 in ‘86, or Paul Malin ending the U.S. win streak in 1994. Those rides live on because of the star-crossed history of the riders that did it—Magoo never really won like that at any other time. Same for Malin. And O’Mara had struggled a bit throughout the ’86 season and was logging his last ride for Honda. See? They each had that little bit of negative coming into the race, which made the win extra special. All RV did in 2007 was kicked everyone’s ass.
And he’s doing it again right now. This season has been one of heartbreak for Trey Canard and Chad Reed, underachievement for James Stewart, and a big brand switch for Ryan Dungey. Meanwhile, while those stories steal headlines, Villopoto just keeps on winning.
Bottom line: Villopoto is so good; we forget to notice his greatness.
Did you like this article?
Check out HIGH/LOW
in our Latest issue of Racer X available now.
Each of the five major manufacturers had its ups and downs during the 2013 Monster Energy Supercross campaign. Page 118.
Look for the verified symbol 
Impulse Studios
2012 SX/MX Champ...
That's what I'm talking about right there!!!
Well done sir. Well done.
He seems like a smart kid, I'm sure he knows exactly how he's perceived. Maybe flying under the radar makes his life, and winning championships, easier. Everyone knows how fickle fans and media can be. Just ride your dirtbike really fast.
Championship pelts hanging on your hunting cabin walls are all you really need.
@xxktm - exactly - but now with the help of Weigant i'm sure media types will be picking over eveything he does looking for a story - "did you see that pair of new Oakleys Villo is wearing - I hear they are made by kids in taiwan..."
Great read though...
RV the greatest thing since sliced bread .... ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
He has no soul.
He is an Animal!!
Ryan is one the best right now! He works hard, doesn't trash talk and fame has not went to his head. Villopoto approaches racing with a workman's attitude, he knows why he was hired and what it is going to take to get the job done. I think he would be a success at what ever he chose to do with that approach. As a Dungey fan, I must tip my helmet to The Firecracker, he is the Champion!!!!
@ xxktm and that my friend makes him the complete package!
If you can align your greatness with strong fan support, little to no media baggage, good people( meaning team, family and friends ). You have put yourself in the best position to devote all your focus on being great or being the best! (Than you have to have it in your guts, the internal part that so many of us are missing)
This is the formula for athletic success and riches in today's world. Look at Peyton Manning/Tom Brady or Albert Pujol's and Kobe Byrant ( you obviously have to overlook something with Kobe ) But these guys are Marketing mammoths. They are simply put, Peyton and Kobe INC. They are their own, walking corporations!
That is now trancending our sport and if RV keeps this course, he is going to knock it so far out of the park. He will walk away on his terms, a very wealthy man with a legacy that will rival some of the best ever. You already have the next generation of guys like AC being groomed for the same. The kid idolizes RV and I am sure will try to emulate him. And this kid seems blessed with personality galore. Good things to come for sure!
Great article Weege...... RV HAS THE........
IT FACTOR!!!!
The dude is just badass cause he gets it done!Rides hard,always.His style is unreal because it's such real aggression!
Everybody always talks about how good he is doing now.Now?He has pretty much been a championship winning machine since he has been a pro.Except for when he was hurt.
Preston, you really hate that your guy is getting it fed to him by a hard working, down to earth red head don't you? We have had to hear your boy's name constantly for years even when he didn't deserve half the hype he was getting, were you saying ZZZZZZZZZZ then?
Keep killing it on the down low RV, nothing matters but the #1 plates, media darling or not.
RV is the Juggernaut !!!
(look it up)
Nice write up... A key word here is overall CHARACTER....I have always thought RV let his riding/racing do the talking for him...no acting, no gimics, no BS....While some folks dont pick up on his natural sarcasm or joking demeanor or think he is a "dull" interview, I appreciate that more than a guy like Reed for example, who in the past used to flood most his interviews with complaints or whining if you will, or now a days his new found "honest abe" approach to everything that is MX, which I often wonder if its just a gimic to win folks over, or is he for real...I am still not sure personally....Not a huge fan of the Twitter thing, but its a good way for fans to keep up with the riders off the track ....From what I see, on a scale of 1-10 on Twitter usage, RV is like a level 2 - letting people know a few things here and there and keeping things "low pro" while he goes out and wins races and gets down to business...same with Dungey...Reed and Stewart on the other hand are both 10's on the usesage scale and while they both do cool fan related stuff on there , as of late, they seem to act like little high school girls bickering back and forth to one another while thousands of people look on.......pretty embarassing if you ask me....High School girls who are into all that drama crap dont by motorcycles or gear....they say " chad Reed is cute" and make bedazzled signs and scream annoyingly during the races....Level 10 Twitter user equals attention whores in my book....sorry....Got off track there, sorry.....RV rules......dont change a thing man !!!
PS....as "riders" I respect all these guys....RV, RD , and K-Dub seem to have the off the track character perfected......some do not....
Some things never change. I first watched RV race at a “Dealer’s Challenge” race, Labor Day weekend in 2002. The announcer was really proud of himself that he’d come up with this derogatory nick name for him and blasted it all over the park, while RV sat waiting for his moto. There was this Josh Hill kid up from Oregon who everyone said was going to kick RV’s butt in the race. Standing next to Ryan, I said “that guy’s an @ss” and Ryan said it doesn’t bother me, or words to that effect. He seemed focused on the race to come and I believed what he told me, so I just told him “good luck in your race” and left him to his contemplation. Sure enough, come race time, the gate fell and RV just went to work, just like he does today. All weekend long, moto after moto. Lap after lap, young Ryan just went out there and got it done. There was all kinds of drama swirling around but he seemed to have this force field around him to deflect it. And yes, at the end of the weekend, the Dealer’s Challenge Super-Mini champ was Ryan Villopoto.
While I have read enough of the "Praise RV" articles from Weege, I do happen to agree with this one. RV is THAT good and is well on his way to becoming one of the all-time greats. In my opinion, he will surpass both Reed and Stewart in wins, and possibly RC as well. I think RV's greatest strength is that he is relentless on the track, he will not give up.
Having said that, his road will not be an easy one. There is currently another great rider out there with the potential to be one of the all-time greats. He has blonde hair, wears Fox gear and rides a KTM.
...and is an American.
Great article Weege. I've always been impressed with the way RV handles pressure.
Great write up, and so true.. RV1 has earned alot of respect by NOT being disrespectful.. He works hard, doesnt bad-mouth nobody, isnt dirty, but will be aggressive if he has to. Even K-Dub praised RV for passing clean. He hasnt taken out nobody on the track. He and Dungey have respect for each other. In an interview with RV's mechanic, he said RV is strange because some things just dont bother him. He was talking about last season when Salt Lake was kinda make it or fight till the end for the title. He said RV didnt let any pressure get to him, he went about his business, and won. He took care of business. If RV can do that for his entire career, he will win alot.
It is absolutely true that what has worked to RV's advantage is that he has always let his results do the talking for him. I think one of James Stewarts problems right now is the over the top expectations he has set up for himself. When you go around constantly telling everyone that you are the fastest man on the planet, that you are going to break McGraths win record, and always reminding everyone that you set the fastest practice lap, that leaves you nowhere to go but down. [ Villopoto has had the fastest practice and race laps in almost every race this season, but he hasn't mentioned it once.]
I personally think mine is way creepier that BillC's. Mine is way past the stalker stage. Seriously though, nothing wrong with either BillC or myself having a favorite rider and debating our points, TheChosen1. :) Both are amazing riders and I am amazed by their abilities on a dirt bike. But you're actually talking to the number 1 David Bailey fan here. When I saw him and talked to him at Seattle a few years ago, I was almost speechless. Amazing rider and really super cool person.
Something not talked about enough (or not at all) is the rumor that he took less than his previous contract paid to stay with Kawasaki. Not often is the best chance at winning put in front of going where the most money is in any sport. I guess the win and championship bonuses more than sets the books right at the end of the year. Hope he stays with Kawasaki for the duration.
@ J_Sloan, glad to hear you give RV Props. I agree with some of what you said as well. Even though I am an RV fan, beating RC's win total is a TALL, TALL order.
Reed and Stewart not only maybe perhaps likely.
But the GOAT, now we are talking UNOBTANIUM!
I say this for two reasons. 1) RC went about his business exactly the same way. He could not wait to show up and put it to EM' In fact, I think RV learned that, that was the way to do things and I'll bet Aldon has helped reinforce and share secrets. 2) RV has already said the most wins or championships is not a goal of his. Though he has the skill and is young enough, can he stay this motivated for another 5 or 6 years? By his own words winning as long as he feels like winning, is what is important.
been a fan of his since his first ride at thunder vally where my Daughter decided to root for him. What is it with these redheads with little personality ?? The cool thing about now is there are very few jerks racing now at the top. KW, RD, JB, TC, JW, on and on these guys are true sportsmen that really try for the win ride clean and are upstanding. There looks to be a whole slew of good guys coming up from the 250's that have and are proving to be first class good guys. The jerks, cheaters and dirty riders are getting fewer and the really excellent riders are increasing. I really doubt RV can lay down #s like RC because the comp is getting tougher than it used to be. for some reason the 250 guys seem to really excell when they jump up these days. It looks like in the next couple of years we could have the big ten who could win on any given week.
It's unattural. Not be bitter about anything? He's a machine...R2-V2
If he doesn't win the championship I'd like to see C3-PO win.
I digress. No one will ever be at Carmichael or Stewart’s caliber in their peak for a long time (Stewart has a lot more in him only a matter of time). You tube them battling. It looks like the pace was faster back then and we have all this technology now. Unreal!
Here is a nice little video for you lovers out there. Crashing, it’s just a part of the sport!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajeQn7g-AAE&feature=related
PW,
The pace was not faster back then. It is the faster now and likely why JS is having problem sustaining it. He never had too before.
Really, I love RC as well and his outdoor stats will remain untouched as will MCs indoor stats....BUT let's not mix two different things here.
@PW29 - Ouch! Wow, those were some serious crashes by RV. He's been fortunate not to have been hurt more than he has. I guess that's what happens when you push the envelope as much as he does. Hope he stays healthy.
@MOTOCYNIC
can you post a link of bubba saying that he was the FMOTP? just one link? one time?
let me guess, all you can come up with is the intro to the horrible Tv show called bubbas world...
so has james ever on the mic said that? curious...
RC started it, Shaheen continued it, JS7 just ran with it...wouldn't you? I would...don't act like ur that humble...its lame...
haters gonna hate like usual...in a thread that isn't even about JS...exactly why he IS the biggest name still in our sport...
and RV is amazing, this article is on point...
@GreenMeansGo
saying "2012 champ" at this point isn't that clever...he is winning by a thousand points over the only guy who can possibly run his pace...
but you are correct...no way he blows this...
@PW29--Not to start an arguement, but how can you say "Nobody will be in RC or "STEWARTS" caliber.. You cant put Stewart in RC's class, sorry.. Stewart has 3 titles in the big bikes and RC has more than that just in supercross. RC earned 15 titles in 10 years.. Has the most outdoor wins ever, and totally dominated during his entire career.. That is why he is the GOAT.. Not trying to start a Stewtard uprising, but c'mon, you CANT put Stewart in RC's class, no way--no how..
@halfe316--RV is winning by a thousand points over the one guy who can run his pace?? HUH?? Dungey is only 13 points back.. Dungey has 2 wins this season, and is the most recent guy to beat RV, and Reed is out. So RV's lead isnt that large..Dungey will be there all year.. Chech the lap times from the last 3 races, Dungey is right there, he is the closest to RV is consistant race times..
Greatness occurs in the past, present and the future. RV has the past to learn from and build upon. He is the present. A most admirable person to be the alpha male in the sport. It is a pleasure to witness this moment of greatness. He has made his mark and will be referenced in the future long after the curtain closes. Well deserved.
Go RV
Great column, J.W. It's all about the work-ethic and RV1 has it in Spades, too.
Stats tend to take care of themselves; especially when you go about your business as a Professional. Respect, dignity, honor... these all seem to come to those who, in turn, reflect those attributes in their pursuit of the prize. If Villopoto stays with Kawasaki for his entire career, his 'stats' will continue to grow and He'll one day be to Moto/Supercross what 'Iron Man' Cal Ripkin Jr. of the Baltimore Orioles is to Major League Baseball.
J_Sloan... This one cracked me up!! " I personally think mine is way creepier that BillC's. Mine is way past the stalker stage".... LOL. For once we agree!! ;-)
. Thats the problem people think far to deep into things. People think I dislike RD, NO WAY, He is probley my 2nd fav right now( not much to dis like about the kid), I screamed my azz off for him at Southwick last year when he started last!! I also told my bro and Buddys I would hate for RV to win the title this way.Can't be my first cuz it would be so frustrating to see him stuck behind guys he is better than,( thats about the only bad thing about him, Just can't make passes. I have always like the agressive type riders better. Easer to chear for I guess??
The MXdN at Budd's Creek got Antonio Cairoli thinking, "hmmmm, maybe I won't go race in America."
I think as fans, we root for those rideres who seem to have the qualities we admire. As BillC said he likes the more aggessive riders, Hannah, RC, and RV are examples. My self, I look to Dungey, non aggessive, quiet, and consistant are the qualities in a rider I look for. Some people pick a rider due to the brand he rides, I was not a fan of the GOAT untill he got on Suzuki, same with Reed, by the time they got on Suzuki, they had both matured and saw the whole picture.
On here we are not ever going to all be in the same corner, we are all differant but we share a common love of motocross/supercross and BENCH RACING!!!!!
People seem to forget Stewart (even though he crashed a lot) was the only rider to keep Carmichael pushing. Please go to you tube and type in Ricky Carmichael vs. James Stewart. Watch the speed and cat and mouse games. Most battles result in losing time to other riders. Not them, they were battling while lapping up to fourth place. Do the same with Dungey and RV. Not the same pace, not even close. Say what you will about the pace being increased and that is why Stewart has issues. I believe the pace increased across the board but it still has yet to be to the pace that it once was. RV, great rider, I believe he was better coming through the ranks. He had more personality back then as he does now. Let his riding do the talking, sure why not, but that doesn’t make him easy to relate to.
You know I could not believe it but I heard some boos for RV near our section at the St. Louis SX. I just wanted to see some great "mixing it up" for the season between the top five riders. Cole Seely is showing hunger and speed so it is about the desire.
Ive been a die hard ryan villopoto since i saw him at mini os in 250 #615. Its great to see him destroying it in the premier class like he did in the lites class. Its kinda nice to have some more fans for him now too. But if your just a fan of him because he wins then stop because hes just a nice dude who isn't mean or has a big head and thats why you should be his fan. a true pro athlete.
TheChosen1 I for sure do, Part of the problem is it's hard on line to know if its a joke or someone trying to get under yopur skin. I love jokin and argueing too!! LOL
.Well said BD25... I don't know how you could like someone like that!! Want to fight about it??
BillC AHHH put em up put um up, I not afraid of ya, I'll bench race ya....lol.. Yes sometimes I think we can take this all to serious!!! I post on here, to share my thoughts on the race scene,...I try to never attack any one else opinion or bad mouth a rider as I respect every rider for the talent and each of you for your opinion. Even if you dont know what your talkin about....lol..just kidding!!!! Thanks to RacerX for giving us this free forum to discuss the world's BEST sport!!!!
yep, great article! hope RV reads it! :)
Maybe one of the reasons we (most of we) have such great admiration for RV, besides his performance on the track, is that if it were me or you with that kind of performance, we couldn't help but talk a little trash. Just a little huh? (I would probably be unbearable)
We really have been lucky with our champions lately, they have served our sport so well, and make me proud to be part of this sporting community.
Predictions;
We may very well see someone challenge RC's records in our lifetime because JS made sure he didn't win EVERYTHING.
Because of the groundwork of the Coombs family and our amateur system, that person will probably be an American kid.
Thanks Dave Coombs Sr., You tilled the fields the seeds were planted in and our harvest of champions has been plentiful.
If you get a chance to see the MXoN @Budds Creek, I'm the guy in the crowd cheering!
(not the guy with the chainsaw)
([email protected])
My name is miss cherish i went through your profile today and became interested,Please Dear one I will be very happy if you can contact me direct with this my email ([email protected])
so that I will tell you more about myself and a picture for you to know whom I am,(Remember the distance or color does not matter but love matters a lot in life)
I hope to read from u soon,
Miss cherish
please contact me direct with this email ([email protected])