by Chase Stallo
Sign of the Lap Times: St. Louis
Wednesday, March 7, 2012 | 10:20 AM
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Ryan Dungey entered St. Louis with a fist full of confidence after a statement win in Atlanta. But it didn’t last long as Ryan Villopoto made a declaration of his own in St. Louis. Villopoto would end the night on top of the box for the fourth time in the last five races, but it didn’t come without debate—more on that later. Justin Brayton continues to ride through agonizing pain, and further proved his toughness in St. Louis en route to his first podium with Honda Muscle Milk.
Justin Barcia is showing he’s the cream of the crop in the Lites class, dismantling the field en route to a third straight win. Ken Roczen and Justin Bogle were locked at the hip in a battle for second, before a case of the rookies bit Bogle on the final lap, surrendering his podium position in the process to Blake “Slash” Wharton.
Now, let’s move onto the lap charts to see how it all broke down.
AMA Supercross
| Lap Rank | Finish | Best Lap | In Lap | Avg Lap Time | Rider |
| 1 | 1 | 50.536 | 5 | 52.126 | Ryan Villopoto |
| 2 | 5 | 50.776 | 5 | 52.256 | James Stewart |
| 3 | 3 | 51.468 | 4 | 52.465 | Justin Brayton |
| 4 | 2 | 51.550 | 4 | 52.108 | Ryan Dungey |
| 5 | 6 | 51.632 | 7 | 53.148 | Davi Millsaps |
| 6 | 4 | 51.644 | 5 | 52.608 | Kevin Windham |
| 7 | 19 | 51.780 | 7 | 52.779 | Cole Seely |
| 8 |
7 | 52.039 | 8 | 53.280 | Jake Weimer |
| 9 | 8 | 52.221 | 7 | 53.435 | Brett Metcalfe |
| 10 | 9 | 52.515 | 9 | 53.949 | Marvin Musquin |
| 11 | 13 | 52.525 | 8 | 55.078 | Mike Alessi |
| 12 | 11 | 52.848 | 7 | 54.445 | Broc Tickle |
| 13 | 10 | 52.760 | 7 | 54.378 | Nick Wey |
| 14 |
16 | 52.939 | 5 | 55.013 | Kyle Chisholm |
| 15 | 20 | 52.981 | 4 | 1:03.494 | Josh Hansen |
| 16 | 12 | 53.054 | 6 | 54.781 | Matt Goerke |
| 17 |
18 | 54.628 | 3 | 56.803 | Jimmy Albertson |
| 18 | 14 | 53.650 | 6 | 55.395 | Robby Kiniry |
| 19 | 15 | 53.774 | 7 | 55.640 | Justin Sipes |
| 20 | 17 | 54.162 | 4 | 56.648 | Gavin Faith |
Speculation has swirled on whether Ryan Villopoto “backed it down” so to speak down the stretch in St. Louis. So let’s dig into the lap charts for further examination. Through laps 2-10 Villopoto’s average lap time was a 51.44—including three sub 51-second lap times. In laps 11-20 Villopoto averaged a 52.73—a full second and change slower than laps 2-10. RV also had three laps in the 53’s during that span.
But let’s dissect this even more. Ryan Dungey moved into second on lap 14, so let’s compare his and RV’s times from laps 14-20. During that period (laps 14-20) Villopoto averaged his worst times of the night with an average lap of 52.959, while Dungey averaged a 52.278. Add up seven-tenths per lap for six laps, and Dungey was definitely closing. Whether RV “backed it down” or not lies in the eyes of the beholder, but he may have opened the door for Dungey to believe that he can catch RV with an open track.
On the other hand, many fans were left wondering how James Stewart would have fared against Villopoto and Dungey had he started toward the front with them. His lap times indicate he has the speed to match up, with only he and Villopoto dipping into the 50s, and Stewart did it while slicing his way through the pack.
All this data points to the obvious: we want to see Villopoto, Dungey and Stewart square off wheel-to-wheel for 20 laps!
Interesting stat of the night: Although Dungey finished second behind Villopoto his 52.108 average lap time bested RV’s 52.126. This isn’t the first, or the last, time this oddity has occurred but it is a rarity and deserves recognition. [Note: Times are only clocked and averaged beginning on lap 2, which allows for this occurrence].
Villopoto would set the fastest lap of the night in St. Louis.
Photo: Carl Stone
AMA Supercross Lites
| Lap Rank | Finish | Best Lap | In Lap | Avg Lap Time | Rider |
| 1 | 1 | 51.370 | 6 | 52.202 | Justin Barcia |
| 2 | 3 | 51.675 | 9 | 52.860 | Blake Wharton |
| 3 | 4 | 51.720 | 6 |
52.889 | Darryn Durham |
| 4 | 2 | 51.947 | 4 | 52.702 | Ken Roczen |
| 5 |
5 | 52.033 | 5 | 53.535 | Justin Bogle |
| 6 |
6 | 52.153 | 9 | 53.693 | Jake Canada |
| 7 | 8 | 52.577 | 8 | 53.618 | Kyle Cunningham |
| 8 | 9 | 52.655 | 9 | 53.765 | Blake Baggett |
| 9 | 7 | 52.876 | 8 | 53.584 | Malcolm Stewart |
| 10 | 20 | 53.508 | 5 | 54.252 | Tyler Bowers |
| 11 | 19 | 53.555 | 3 | 55.781 | Phil Nicoletti |
| 12 | 11 | 53.563 | 4 | 54.914 | Matt Lemoine |
| 13 | 10 | 53.579 | 10 | 54.569 | Alex Martin |
| 14 | 12 | 53.932 | 3 | 55.009 | Hunter Hewitt |
| 15 | 17 | 54.204 | 7 | 1:01.464 | PJ Larsen |
| 16 | 15 | 54.272 | 5 | 57.414 | Jeff Gibson |
| 17 | 13 | 54.622 | 4 | 55.613 | Cole Thompson |
| 18 | 14 | 55.023 | 7 | 56.423 | AJ Catanzaro |
| 19 | 16 | 55.556 | 7 | 57.429 | Austin Politelli |
| 20 | 18 | 56.490 | 3 | 1:00.046 | Bradley Ripple |
GEICO Honda’s Justin Barcia continues to straight up beast squad the rest of the Lites class on the track and the lap charts. St. Louis marked a third straight win for Barcia, coinciding with his third straight week a top the charts—setting a 51.370 on lap 6 (which also stood as the third fastest lap of the night, including both classes). Can Barcia be stopped? That question still remains to be answered. But Barcia has made a resounding statement through three rounds—the title runs through him.
With Blake Baggett’s season in a whirlwind, the weight of the Goliath that is Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki has fallen on the shoulders of Darryn Durham. Currently third in points, Durham is trying to shoulder that weight and become the rock of the PC firing squad. Durham set the third fastest lap in the Lites class en route to a fourth.
Arenacross Champion Tyler Bowers had a rough night in the results column. He had to qualify through the LCQ and then he crashed out of the main event, leading to a 20th-place finish. But he logged the 10th fastest Lites lap of the night, indicating there’s more speed in Tyler on the supercross circuit than his St. Louis results indicated.
Barcia would top the charts in the Lites class en route to his third straight win.
Photo: Carl Stone
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interesting to note that dungeys times (fastest vs average) were only .5 seconds apart..
mr. consistency
RV a second faster than Dungey... Although I think he was just managing his lead at the end of the race which allowed Dungey to close up, I wouldn't want to give Dungey any motivation. It's crazy how close the title chase still is with RV having so many more wins then Dungey. One mistake and Dungey can take the lead in the series.
You media people over analyze things to much, If it was Stewart that won the race you would automatically say " He backed it down " with out question. Its a given that RV backed it down to win and your analyzing /questioning that ??
You Media people need to take the blinders off and get real,
St Louis absolutely did nothing to hurt Dungey's confidence, but only built on it from Atlanta. He got a much worse start than Poto, but finished basically right on his rear wheel. No matter how it happened, it happened, and I think that was a huge positive for Dungey. I'm excited to see this thing come right down to Vegas, I'd love to see a winner take all situation with 2 or fewer points between the Ryans going in. That would be a race for the ages.
Anyone notice that Wharton should be in second. His best lap was better than Durham's.
Brayton and Saps were right there with RD, If they did not tire RD would have had more trouble, But RD just keeps pluggin away.
"Speculation has swirled on whether Ryan Villopoto “backed it down” so to speak down the stretch in St. Louis"
.WHY?? The lap times show that he did slow down!!
"Dungey was definitely closing. Whether RV “backed it down” or not lies in the eyes of the beholder, but he may have opened the door for Dungey to believe that he can catch RV with an open track"
. But could he ever pass RV even if he did catch him??
RV's interview said he backed it down. He said concrete started to show and mentioned Dungey had a better line through that section. @biker143 with all the bs that people are talking on JS7 they would not have said, "he backed it down" if he won.
Everybody is saying if anyone beats Barcia it will be Roczen.. If he is the one, he better pick it up for sure.. He isnt anywhere near Barcias pace..
Has Dunge caught and passed RV at any time this season?
Roczen is still getting back up to speed from the broken wrist. If anyone is going to beat Barcia in the near term it is Baggett when he gets his crap together.
I thought Wharton was 3rd. Screw this up again?
And here we go again. Did-RV-Back-DownGate has not only been beaten to death, it's starting to go after the topic's family.
Not only did they get Wharton's finish wrong here, I saw him listed as riding a Honda several times this season, this site and others. Bummer for Suzuki. He's their only podium guy now.
Heres a real bench racer for you guys- Would Barcia have beaten RD if he had raced that class, look at laptimes and how well he started and the fact that he had NO pressure- WOW looking forward to next year !!!
RD rode really well, and I blame 50% on the track for his slow passing, I think he is getting more comfortable and more aggresive- the downside is he still looked terrible in the whoops in practice when they were deep in the main they were way beaten down and really no problem for anyone. His bike was swapping bad lap after lap in practice. Every where else he looked as good as RV
RV rode nearly perfect the first half, aggresive but totally in control. The second half looked like a little more out of control but here is what I think- He did back it down a notch and manage it, lappers were still not getting out of the way, I think he was also fighting some demons- he has NEVER won there and had his worst wreck ever there while leading RD. Did you guys see how relieved he was to win this one- WAY more than normal. In any case I don't think this was easy at all for him, and know it was BIG for him.
I really dont think RD is super pumped about catching RV in the main and dont think it gave him more hope to be the Champ in 2012.
about the only one that would keep pushin while way out front is JS7, RV is (and RD for that matter) smarter than that.
Why not start the top ten guys in the position they qualify then we would see the best riders battling every week.Because every year it becomes a one or two man show for the second half of the season.This is what everyone wants to see like it or not
dunge might not have the speed to beat Poto in SX. Dunge has more intensity riding MX than SX. If you dont believe me you obviously didnt see washougal last year. A confident dunge w/ a good start is dangerous anywhere, including daytona.
what happened to sipes and cunningham this season??? and baggett?
Man o man....so much attention on the lap times, its getting kind of silly....these guys are all so close with there times.......
In atlanta, RV was closing in on Dungey and Dungey was not "backing it down" at all.....then the last few laps, Dungey actually had to turn it up or RV would have passed him if there were a few more laps.... In St Louis, its obvious that RV cooled the jets a bit as he stated in his interview while Dungey maintained his pace and gained ground the last few laps, but wasnt nearly as close as RV got in Atlanta......I think since the track was getting really sketchy with concrete ruts, RV was pumped that no major mistakes were made those last 5 or so laps on his part.....as many guys say on here, RV crossed the line first....he won the race....lap times mean nothing other than to say in Stewarts case for example ".wow...he had some good laps going" to bad he was not in contention.....thats all you can say....Had Dungey passed 18 and 10 prior to the 12 lap mark, we may have had a race....but RV could have kept his pace a few laps longer and that .010 difference per avg lap would have done nothing for Mr. Dungey.......
Who cares if the top 3 get out in that order TV will still show Alessi or Peick battling for 14th place. At this point in time who cares who is the fastest I know my man RV is killing everyone in wins and points. Who cares about your losers making excuses, just turn them into reality with performance. Who cares about If's or buts they all start on the gate together. So until you learn how to pass without being a wimp just take your beatings like a man.
I have said it before and I wil say it again- I think Chase analizes the lap time as much as I do maybe? but then I go into the sections to see where everyone made time on others also. You all can study them yourselfs at live timeing. Now to think about how close everyone is in the classes I want each of you to go "1000 and one" to yourself when you are out practicing then se how much ground you covered. That will give you an idea of really how close these guys are. Yes they are really batling fo Thousands of a second. Think about that. I know some of you posters are pros aor ex at least and you understand.
Now it is Daytona one of the legends of Moto/Supercross!
LETS RACE!!!!
Man o man....so much attention on the lap times, its getting kind of silly....these guys are all so close with there times.......
In atlanta, RV was closing in on Dungey and Dungey was not "backing it down" at all.....then the last few laps, Dungey actually had to turn it up or RV would have passed him if there were a few more laps.... In St Louis, its obvious that RV cooled the jets a bit as he stated in his interview while Dungey maintained his pace and gained ground the last few laps, but wasnt nearly as close as RV got in Atlanta......I think since the track was getting really sketchy with concrete ruts, RV was pumped that no major mistakes were made those last 5 or so laps on his part.....as many guys say on here, RV crossed the line first....he won the race....lap times mean nothing other than to say in Stewarts case for example ".wow...he had some good laps going" to bad he was not in contention.....thats all you can say....Had Dungey passed 18 and 10 prior to the 12 lap mark, we may have had a race....but RV could have kept his pace a few laps longer and that .010 difference per avg lap would have done nothing for Mr. Dungey.......
Who won? Closing is alot like "almost" and is definitely not "caught and passed".....BIG difference. RD5 rode great ( and busted his ass as predicted right here as he is not immune to soil tests at these speeds) and should be superpumped Havoc7 got hung up "closing" on him...RV1 was faster in practice (timed qualifiying) , turned the fastest laps , won the race ..... THATS enough for me. And like it or not Havoc is starting to feel it and ole whirlwind is looking alot better now just paint purehelli on some dunlops. Daytona should be goooood.....!!! Barcia is FLAT eatin em up..and his facial display is at least worth +5 mph.....I kinda miss the deadandburied rev where you can actually see a valve coming out the pipe..lol ,and him politely moving people out of his way and not saying please and thank you ...its shocking.... just shocking. Go Durham and Wharton , getting better and faster by the week.
"BillC wrote: about 1 hour ago
"Speculation has swirled on whether Ryan Villopoto “backed it down” so to speak down the stretch in St. Louis"
WHY?? The lap times show that he did slow down!! "
No kidding, I like RD but he wasn't reeling RV in because he wanted to.
sorry for the double post .....this site plays tricks on me sometimes...
Not to take anything away from Barcia, but how long has Roczen been back on the bike? Granted it is the same as what he has been testting but cut the kid some slack. He said himself that he didn't ride good.
As for Stewarts pirelli's, not sure if its the bike setup or just the tires, but he used to be way faster through the corners. Not sure whether he slowed down while RV picked it up or RV is just that much faster.
Not the topic, but it was mentioned above....regarding outdoors.... I wonder, will Dungey be racing the KTM-450 Alessi rode last year outdoors, or will they just make changes to his custom SX bike he is riding now.....or do they have a custom Dungey MX bike in the works as well......I am more interested to see how the KTM and Dungey gel outdoors than in SX......SX I thought he would be right where he is at....consistently in the top 4....now 3 with Reed out.....
@KilloMoto
I mentioned that on another section without much response. I too was not expecting much out of Dungey in SX.
davidl, BillC and others: Dungey was faster in practice than he was in the main(about a tenth off RV') so the "whoops beaten down" theory doesn't work(DavidL). He started behind 3 riders who were too fast to pass quickly but not quite as fast as he was-thus the slightly slower lap times. By the time he got around them all EVERYBODY'S best potential times were behind them. JS7 had several early laps unhindered by slow riders allowing for some good lap times until he caught up with the fast guys and the laps caught up with him physically. Guys I'm telling you, that KTM is getting better and better and many of you still "underrate" Dungey based on that Susuki debacle that was out of his hands last year. He's the same rider. He will NEVER be aggressive unless he has to but when he will be when required. That's his MO and I have grown to appreciate it.I love RV but I will be very surprised if he doesn't crash hard soon. He WAS NOT in control all night. He never is unless he has a huge lead. That's what makes him so fun to watch-He "overrides" at times and almost always gets away with it. They are two different, yet successful, philosophies. They've been this way for 5 or 6 years now but we are always analyzing lap times and being critical of one or the other...:)
Carlsbad here........again. I lost my password and have to say, the process to gain access again was........wait for it........RETARDED.
I was not posting for some time, just reading the comments and what I've realized is, people are going to complain about whatever / whoever / wherever no matter what. I'm a big Roger D., KTM and now Dungey fan and they're doing a remarkable job considering the time frame and resources available. RD (the man, not the other RD) went to KTM and (re) started their MX team / effort in a down economy, with limited resources (certainly not the resources the big four have established and currently enjoy) and put numbers up. Credit must be shared with the employees twisting the throttle cable(s) but, they've done tremendous work in a very short time. Credit where credit is due. Oh yeah, RD (not the man, the other RD) won two races already on a bike some / most pundits said wouldn't cut it. Rant over.
@chilli - Thats not what I meant. exactly.... My thought was the bike switch itself wouldnt play as much a role in the SX as it may outdoors....His SX bike is a custom made for Dungey SX bike that appears to be doing quite well. ....I wonder if that is the bike he will ride outdoors or do they switch back to the bike that Alessi rode last year...
To RCRDDW, I read your post and referring to the Dungey part, I agree. There will always be the riders who hang it out, do something different or are just media darlings. There's a whole 'nother group of riders who will never have that "buzz" about them but will still haul the mail. I like to call these types the "Jeff Stantons", riders that will quietly compete and take their competition to task. The record books have volumes on these types but still we get saturated with talk of "Bubba", "Showtime" and "Bad Boy". Those guys are (were) phenomonal talents and we're lucky to have them but, props to the "Stantons" and all the other competitors that make the gate worth competing over.
@KilloMoto--From what I understand, Dungeys bike is brand new, and he will riding the new 2012 bike outdoors as well. Wasnt Alessi's bike from last year carbarated?? Dungeys is fuel injected and a new engine as well.. I'm sure that is what Dungey will ride, the 2012 model
@ KilloMoto, the carbureted bike is not going to surface on a AMA SX/MX track again. Not with Dungey on it anyway.
RV wont' race JS for the win at Daytona for two reasons:
1. James is not in this series
2. To lure him into riding the Nats so he can take him outdoors and spank him there as well :)
I hope no one is putting me in the KTM sticks and RD would never win group. I was never saying that, I was argueing the side off they will do fine, It may take a wile to dile it in, They won faster than I thought they would but lots happen that night so that helped and the next fewe weeks after that win were not so hot but Now there getting close with the bike. I still thibnk he needs work in the whoops but everwhere else he looks great, as good or better then ever.I said before the year started that I hope he wins some for KTM and would not mind if he ended up 1 point behind RV at the end.
@carlsbad ...considering they hired the best team manager and one of the best riders , have A TON of resources and didn't just start building that bike or great race bikes last month, a down economy that really doesn't effect rich guys buying a new KTM's ,and seeing that the bike that got RD (the rider and manager) where he got is sitting for lack of funding to hire a top rider (no offense to Metcalf) seems like there right where they need to be ......second behind the fastest guy on the best working bike. Thats should be a complement to KTM not some kind of excuse.
BillC, I'm not buying it for a second, anyone who's read a few of your posts won't either. You may have said something like "I hope Dungey and KTM do well, but they won't", when we all know that wasn't even what you hoped. You bagged on Dungey three posts in a row further up the page, because that's what you do, period. You guys who are asking about what Dungey will ride outdoors, are you really that ignorant? They will do exactly what every team ever has done by taking the SX bike, adjusting the setup, and racing it. That bike is not his SX bike, it's just his bike, why would they ever take a step back after putting all that work into a whole new bike?
Good lord, RV minions BillC and retardcross at it again.........so who's to say that just because RV's times were slower at the end that he was purposely "backing it down"? He might have been, but who knows.....you guys are every bit as big of biased RVtards as anybody ever has been for anybody else....you always have an excuse or reason for everything that makes the redhead look like he is perfect!! You have every angle covered for your boy RV should he not finish on the top step don't you?? Depending on who may beat him you will say, "well he didn't need to beat that guy" or "well, he chose to play it smart and stay behind thinking of the championship"......Villo-tards to the core!!
@newguy.........You are so smart........like anyone needs to make excuses for RV haha. Just as a little advice, when all evidence supports what is being said then you oppose it, it just makes you look like a total moron to everyone with a clue. But yes you're right, after all these rounds, fairly comfortable wins, and fast lap times, it's not possible for RV to put it on cruise control and play it safe when the track deteriorates or a battle ensues with the sketchiest rider on the track who isn't even in title contention (insert rolling eyes and laughing audience here). Check the results and history, it will make you less stewpid.
Also @newguy.........In RV's position with control of the series at this point, do you ride smart or risk throwing it away if a non-title contender gets in the mix? Do you understand how much of an asset being able to manage a race and mitigate risks is on that level? Obviously he will battle RD if required and hopefully it happens, I like them both and they are both capable of doing what I just said above.
Retardcross, i like it when you said stewpid for stupid, you funny funny. Anyways it will be interesting how the KTM works in more of an outdoor track. Be very interesting...
warrior462... I think your WAY to sensitive if you think all 3 of them post's were bagging on Dungey . If you really believe that you need help.
.Then you group me in by saying this one"You guys who are asking about what Dungey will ride outdoors, are you really that ignorant"... Fine one post where I questioned what he will ride outside....Good luck
.As for the rest of your coment about saying I baged on KTM and said anything like you just did ...You are crazy!! I LOVE KTM and said I see no reason they will not do well when others said stupid crap. Here is a chalange for ya, Go find one post where i said KTM can't win and I will give you $1,000 cash. Time to put up or shut up big boy.
newguy I am not going to waste my time on you.
Good response BillC, he is one of those "one-rider" fans....When Stewart is gone, he will be too..
@Carlsbad well said about the effort KTM has given so far. I am a RD5 fan and really don't homer anyone else other than CR22. Just a fan of both guys and there approach to the sport.
I was so bummed in October when I heard RD5 was leaving Suzuki to KTM. I honestly thought I would never see him up top again, and the big 4 was now 3. For some better perspective it is only March and KTM has made huge advances in there bike and public opinion including mine. The season is half over, but with 2 wins and being the only rider anyone gives a chance of dethroning the champ, they have done the unexpected. Congrads to the whole KTM squad even if they come up short it really impressed me on there commitment and effort.
That said, if I bought a new bike tomorrow, It would not be Orange. They are very expensive to purchase and parts usually have to be ordered and cost you a 2nd mortgage. I owned a KTM 50 jr. for my son and the piston kit for that little thing was outrageous. I sold it and bought a kx 65 instead of KTM knowing everyone fast on the line is riding a KTM. A new KTM 65SXS is listed at over 5k plus tax. RD5 will need to win every race before normal Joe's select an odd bike having no knowledge of how it will handle, then pay 2k more for it. Just saying..
@BILLC. that guy "TheChosen1" He started the "racist" crap the other day, and I have seen were 2 or 3 guys wont comment or respond to him anymore either, its the best thing to do with guys like that..
My post had two parts, the second had nothing to do with you, not everything in the world is about you. I never said you bagged on KTM, I said Dungey, and the fact is you do constantly. Let's look at those above posts, you basically say "Dungey was lucky to get by Millsaps and Brayton" who he absolutely left in the dust and haven't been able to challenge him all year. Then you say "of course Villopoto slowed down" which I agree with, but you clearly meant to say backed it down which is very different. It's not obvious that he backed it down that much purposely on such a horribly deteriorating track. Even if he did, it was dumb of him to give Dungey that confidence. And finally, you question whether Dungey could pass him if he caught him. Really? You're a loser and the worst part is you don't even have a clue how your posts come across to unbiased fans.
@ Retardcross, your sarcasm is killin me bro, keep it up and U R right!
@ Tonewall, good to see you back, don't see you postin as often anymore. Makes you smarter than me, who too frequently reads much of this banter! It does make me laugh sometimes.
@ Carlsbad, I agree that what RD " The Man " RD " The Racer " and KTM and their R & D " Dept " have done has been nothing less than amazing.
I do not agree however with the lack of resources as the big 4. The big 4 always play Corp poor me in a down economy. They really do start pinching pennies and that is what is allowing the Austrian " Juggernaut " to come in Kicking and Punching and taking Market share in GULPS not SIPS. I have been riding for 36 years, have NEVER owned a KTM ( I have riden one ) but if I was in the market to by a bike tomorrow, KTM would be among my first stops.
Trust me, they are putting forth the money and the resources and right now, they have some of the best people on their side EVER!
@ Red54
You a little more than a quick spin to get used to and appreciate them but once you do you'll likely never own another bike.
Warrior462, RD could not pass my dad on his Penton in 3 laps so how in the world would he ever pass RV?
Wow Claxton, that's cool that your dad is clearly the best MX rider in the world to be able to hold one of the best in the world off on garbage equipment. May I ask why he's not dominating the SX series right now? A higher calling?
Funny how RV fans only talk shit about RD and not the other 18 riders. It's because he's RV's only threat! So sad. PS not all RV fans because I'm one but there are about 5 on here that prove it one post at a time.
Seriously, without Dungey around, what do we have? A boring runaway of a series, and a bunch of bogus crap talk about how Poto's title doesn't mean anything because there was no competition. RV fans need to be grateful to him for pushing and keeping this thing interesting and competitive, but they're just afraid of the chance of Dungey taking this thing so they talk crap.
warrior462..."My post had two parts, the second had nothing to do with you, not everything in the world is about you." WELL whenyou start the Post with "BILLC" and have no break in it I will assume it's all about me!!
."Let's look at those above posts, you basically say "Dungey was lucky to get by Millsaps and Brayton" who he absolutely left in the dust and haven't been able to challenge him all year."..... Thats how YOU read it, The FACTS are there lap times where right there with RD, SOOOOO it's seems RD is in better shape and that helped him get by... NO luck there just hard work... again You read to much into it and TRY to TWIST it to sound like I ment something that pisses u off.. Calm down.
."Then you say "of course Villopoto slowed down" which I agree with, but you clearly meant to say backed it down which is very different. It's not obvious that he backed it down that much purposely on such a horribly deteriorating track. Even if he did, it was dumb of him to give Dungey that confidence.... So YOU agree with me but your still mad at me for saying it?? OK
."And finally, you question whether Dungey could pass him if he caught him. Really? You're a loser and the worst part is you don't even have a clue how your posts come across to unbiased fans."..... Again just looking at the fact's... RD is not a good passer, He took 14 laps to pass Saps and #10... Now RV is much better then they are so I think RD would have a harder time making that pass.... If that gets you made you need help.
.Bottom line I think you are waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay to ssensitive and looking for things to beotch about... Its obvious you don't like me and thats fine I don't really care but you look silly by what you posted here. You say your unbiased?? Thats funny also.
. Also I see you did not take me up on the bet?? Cuz your wrong and you might know it?
@ BillC, I see them everywhere now and I honestly think I would only look at 2, the Kawi 450 and the KTM.
Hey all thanks for the enternaining posts! I have nothing to add. I am just a fan of all of the racers. They are doing what we want to do and that is great.
WB Carlsbad Good to have your opinion here also.
@ Claxton------ Yes I wanna know who your daddy is??? Also what Penton he has? I am still trying to recover from that statement.
VILLOTARDS!! VILLOTARDS!! VILLOTARDS!! You guys should get an apartment together!!
@newguy the genius......You never cease to amaze everyone. Let's meet up for a beer so I can give you a high five, with a chair, in the face.
OH Look the newguy is riding the short bus and he took his helmet off so he can lick the windows..... How cute.
You last 2 guys are unbelievable. Like I said your proving my point one post at a time.
@ Welker, thanks. It's been a while.........had a heck of a time recovering my password / username.
@Red54m, what I'm saying is, KTM / DeCoster & co. have started the MX program anew. They are in a new building, new shop, etc, etc. The "Big 4" have had their Moto programs up & running for quite a few years (10+ in most cases). I agree KTM (with Red Bull bucks) has a fantastic resource pool to draw from but, a dedicated SX program they have not had until RD's arrival. I'm quite confident if KTM brass stands back, signs the checks and lets RD work his magic, they will be a force to be reckoned with in short order. That said, looking at Kawi & Honda's race shops (as an example), they look like med lab clean rooms while KTM's as nice as it is, is not quite there yet.
Also, KTM's market share will allow them to sink the needed capital into the U.S. MX program with no hesitations or encumbrances. They could quite possibly be the envy of the MX community in no time at all.
@coolhand.......Read my posts from this thread, and tell me where my errors are??? I like RD and give him credit all the time, but RV is in control right now with RD keeping him honest, with all the lap times and results to back up anything I said. Please, enlighten me. Or, please tell me again how after all these rounds, fairly comfortable wins, fast lap times, and slowed down relaxed finishes it's not possible for RV to put it on cruise control and play it safe when the track deteriorates. Read the lap charts and weep, and maybe pay attention while the races are on. I'd LOVE for RD to challenge until the end and I think he will keep him honest, but all the results back up RV having the edge right now when you break them down.
Read the clipping from the article, are you saying RV shat the bed that hard after pulling that lead he had in the first half of the race? I'm not a big believer in lap times but they can help reinforce an argument like this sometimes. Yes RD was catching RV but he also stayed on the gas the whole moto coming from behind. When you pull a cushion you settle down and manage the race like he did. Did RD catch him more than he would have liked? That's definitely possible and I can buy that. But you can't tell me RV faded over a second a lap average in the last 10 laps due to conditioning or ability, we all know that's bogus. Those 53's he ran as well hurt him, and are uncharacteristic considering he ran several sub-51 second times.
"Through laps 2-10 Villopoto’s average lap time was a 51.44—including three sub 51-second lap times. In laps 11-20 Villopoto averaged a 52.73—a full second and change slower than laps 2-10. RV also had three laps in the 53’s during that span."
Here is the thing about championships. You have to be there at the end to get it.
Every racer to ever earn the title got it by starting the season with all the players. Every title is valid and no one should attempt to take anything away from it.
Chad and JS and RV all knocked themselves out of the championship race the year RD go it. They all started the year with a shot, and only RD made it to the end.
He earned it. He was the best there was that year. He also keeps the bar very high for anyone who wants to earn a title.
You do have to go through RD as he is there every week, and he is there at the end.
BillC: I know you are as big an RV fan as I am a Dungey guy but you ARE NOT a hater of the Dunge or KTM and I enjoy all your post-even though they lean a little too much green for me most of the time... :)
@ carlsbad: Great post! And I agree with different personalities comment. Glad to have a few on here like you, BillC, Bd200 and others who love the sport-not just one rider- and don't hate on everybody constantly.
Thanks. I really do like RD, I thinks some like to twist things around, They make it what they want to believe it says.
.As for the Green lean... Come on over!! LOL
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