450 Words: Houston
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Ryan Villopoto entered Houston, Texas with the chance to do something remarkable—clinch the Monster Energy Supercross Championship with four rounds yet to run. It continues an amazing run for the Monster Energy Kawasaki rider, who has now won everything he has aimed for—AMA SX, AMA MX, Motocross of Nations and Monster Energy Cup—since 2011.
While Villopoto was aiming to make history in Texas, another rider, long since eliminated from title contention, saw an opportunity to make some history of his own. Kevin Windham has always had an ability to rise to the occasion when the opportunity to get a win presents itself. His wins very often come of the opportunist variety, such as in 2010, when Windham won two of the last three supercross races while Ryan Dungey was left focusing on wrapping up the championship. Later that summer, Dungey dominated the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, but made one mistake—he crashed early in the first moto at Steel City. The opportunity was there for someone else to win, and Windham rode his heart out in the motos to deliver the overall victory. At the end of the day, the veteran explained how badly his back hurt from hammering out two hard motos at the sharp end of the pack—but in the race he blocked it out to get the win.
No one has ever wrapped up a title as early in the season as Villopoto this year.
Cudby photo
Last year in Houston, opportunity knocked again. Windham is always strong at this race-- one of the closest to his home—and he tucked inside off of the start and grabbed the lead while most of his toughest competitors were down in a big first-turn crash. Windham tried to check out, and looked like a winner until the halfway mark, when he went down in a heap. He was pushing it trying to get away from the field.
With a lot of top talent out and Villopoto in possible championship-protect mode, Windham smelled blood in Houston this year. He let it hang out in practice and landed the fastest laps both times. And in his heat race, he faced off against Stewart in a superb battle. Stewart had the lead on the last lap, but Windham wanted it badly, and he pushed so hard that he ended up going down, again. And out of the race, again.
"I've hurt my left thumb and wrist and my right shoulder," Windham said. "They took some x-rays but they were inconclusive. They put a cast on my arm and wrapped up my shoulder. I'm going back home and I'll go to my personal doctor tomorrow. I really have no idea how serious it is because they just couldn't tell. It would be crazy for me to speculate on what might happen from here."
Windham is banged up again, and no one yet knows if he’ll be back for another shot at a W in New Orleans. But surely if there is any chance at all that he can go, he’ll do it. Windham likes to answer the door when opportunity knocks.
Even at 34 years old, make no mistake--Windham will still go for it if the chance to win presents itself.
Cudby photo
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You forgot a big part of the K-Dub crash. Stewart knew K-Dub was faster by far and tried to take him out. Everytime K-Dub passed JS he did it clean then after smashing into the 34 year old he waved bye to him which I am sure that's why K-Dub rode over his head. that would have pissed me off to. He doesn't do that not his style he is the most controlled rider on the track and nobody would dispute that. If you tally up all the time K-Dub has crashed for riding over his head vs Stewart it would look like this K-Dub=5 Stewart=50+ and then if you count how many times it has effected other riders K-Dub=0 Stewart=100+. I hope K-Dub heals up and is back for the next round and I hope Stewart gets sidelined by JGR so Millsaps can take 2nd in the title. Just goes to show you cant buy wins. I just hate all the press such a dirty rider gets and how much he gets paid for it. To people that don't ride it is exciting to watch but to all of us who ride would not want to be anywhere near JS out on a track. You should right a article "Is JS to much of a danger to himself and other riders to allow him to keep racing!!!"
The boys in the booth suspected JS missed his brake lever and ended up making a bit of contact? They went on to say the wave was some way of telling KW it was an accident? I don't know? I'm not a fan of Stewart the person.....definitely respect his riding abilities but I gotta give him the benefit of the doubt on this! As much as his massive ego gets in his way sometimes I really can't see him waving ' see ya ' to a guy like Windham! If Stewart has any respect for any rider it would have to be KW. In my opinion.....
mc racer you dont know nothing
RV has broken JS's will just like RC did to him. James is done unless he wants to finish off the podium from now on in championships. I do not believe he missed his brake not even novices do that.
i believe James respects no one. he comes across as pompas ass.
Houston Race Report: I watched every practice, qualies, heats, and races and here's what I saw:
Barcia: Smooth ask silk all day and very fast. He made a mistake in the main (his fault) else he would have won. I think he is going to dominate in the 450 class when he arrives.
Malcolm: Fast, crazy fast in the whoops, this is where he passes guys, but not a smart rider; no real future here but fun to watch.
Bagget: Clears stuff with ease others stuggle over (weight?), but lacks the corner speed of Barcia.
Roxian: Great personality, but had nothing for Barcia and only Barcias bad decision passing a lapper put him up top.
RV: Dominant and agressive everywhere on the track even when leading; think this might bite him, but a very smart racer. Would not take "no" for an answer coming into the first corner offf the starts.....impressive.
Stewart: Edgy all day. Showed no signs of injury from 2 wks ago at all but always on the edge in practices, qualies, heats, and races. Has almost a 100% crash rating for the season. Can't help but believe bad things are ahead for him doing that all the time. Faster than Windham in the race in the rythym section but Kdub would catch up in with a wheel tap move over a dragon back. For about 5 laps we witnessed some epic racing. Leaned over to my brother in law and told him a crash was coming. Next lap KW went down hard, violent, he's lucky he walked away. And JS's pass on him wasn't dirty, just necessary because they were dead even in speed though KW appeared a bit over his head to run at that pace, and so it proved to be when he went down. JS's crash was violent, nasty too, he's lucky he got up.
Summary: This day each year is a high and holy convocation for me. I pack my lunch and spend the day then mentally feed on the experience for the whole year till it comes round again. Thanks to all the riders for a great day!!!
Felt so bad for K-dub, really wanted him to win that heat. Hope he heals up quick.
You the man k-dub
MXRACER972 You're an Fk'n idiot. James waved to Kevin as to say sorry about the contact but this P.O.S. overweight non handling YAMATURD is hard to stop. He was gonna let Kevin back bye but Kevin was'nt close enough. Did I mention what a Fk'n idiot MXRACER972 is?
Barcia gonna dominate the 450's???? You think he'll be able to do what Reed, JS, Dungey and the rest couldn't do? Beat RV? I'll wager a bet with you on that one Tracks! Also willing to bet Tomac beats him in the Shootout!
I dont think Stewart intended to hit Windham and the look back and wave was to me apologetic but one lets his or her own feelings about a rider affect their opinion I feel.
RV is Awesome - but really who is he racing against-himself-no one is close. And like all Monster Energy Kawasaki riders I mute the TV when they are interviewed...I'd like to thank...just threw up...will someone out there show some personality?
Stewart - I feel so weird about the whole thing like he should just hang it up before he becomes like Muhanned Ali in 20 years or something. He says he has had only 3 concussions but I am nor so sure. He consistently makes bad decisions out there...it is painful to watch.
Barcia - Dominant again - Roczen - more excuses...the flu wah wah wah....before you attack me I race road bikes and if i were to pull that excuse out after a race guys would tear me apart... if you are on the line DEAL WITH IT. If you are not ready stay at home or TAKE YOUR FINISH FOR WHAT IT IS. I feel bad for Barcia on this one..that lapper to me appeared to be racing him a bit... don't quite see how it was his fault like someone said...
@Claxton...I missed my brake last weekend. I am a novice - or it could have been a mistake. We all know how you feel about Stewart - judging by previous posts you have submitted - but the benefit of the doubt has to be given. I do agree though that he appears to be at risk of being a danger to himself and others consistently - an objective observation with no bias.
How do you feel about your boy Roczens win? Well deserved? Right place at the right time? He was certainly on Barcias pace and appeared to pressure him into his mistake...just kidding dude!!
With half the 450 class out or dinged up, how are factory riders like Brayton and Metcalf not on the podium last night. I should add Bubba to that list but he has imploded at almost every round. I think these guys better step it up outdoors or they will be privateers next year.
Although I think Stewart is an Idiott and a dirty rider, I think he was waving to Keven as if saying I'm sorry. The take out of Chrisholm in the main was typical Stewart. Why won't the AMA fine Stewart? He takes out more riders than all other riders combined. May be all of his crashes and injuries the last couple of years is his pay back??
@mit12,, Oh come one dude !! If your are going to fine JS for the take out on Regal ( not Chisholm ) ), then the AMA would be fining riders constantly.. Barcia would be broke by now, paying al those fines. It was a little dirty for JS to do that. Must be some history between the two..
man it hurts to see any rider crash but especially Kevin when he is riding that good. he definitely wasn't riding over his head, he scrubbed that jump hard to make a last second charge giving a clear indication of how comfortable he was. but it is racing, what an exciting heat race, stuff happens.
Where was josh hill ??
Could care less about the wave and look back afterward. I too am sure it was the "sorry bout' that" wave, but....how often does JS blow his braking points and or rub guys?
Sheesh, you would think at this point in his career he could maintain a little better control. The rest do!
Stewarts walk out after his crash, he looked like he is ready to do some major changes in his program. Either drop the JGR deal and do his own thing, or drop the MX thing all together. I'm not saying its a bike only thing, but him and the new blues just don't gel together. Whether its all in his head or things just dont work with his riding. I hate to see him drop out of the sport. I hope he gets some things figured out soon. Maybe follow in CR's footsteps and form a JSE team?
He cannot run his own team, he would need to drop his dad to be albe to get the right folks in to run it.
If he cannot get it done with JGR, he is likely not going to get it done. Even a bike change is going to need the right team behind it to make it work to the level these guys need. JGR is one of the best teams going and can custom make anything they need and have full factory support.
Plus, who would really want to invest the $$$$ it would take to get him with his current attitude an performance?
Time to move on or get some humility and be a top 5 guy and start loving the sport that made you a millionaire. Try and be the next Kdub. Now there is an idea.
I don't disagree with you but, big james didn't just hop on board over night. He has been the same guy and by his sons side since day 1. He has had a lot of success with his dad being there. It's hard to say what the real problem is with him. I just hope he gets it figured out, I won't lie, it's upsetting watching such a talented guy struggle like he does.
RV is a Freight Train with a Great Program , and bike ...If Js does the outdoors , I think He will have to figure things out , real fast , because I think he will be the only one to keep RV honest , I f not RVs gonna run away ... That Yamaha looks like it is all over the place , Man I would like tosee JS on a Honda ...
Chillmatic- i think you are right.....Stewart's walk out was definitley showing something in him as he looked like he was just simply at his end with what is going on in his racing career....... I will also say he does not look "right" on the Yamaha... not saying the bike is crap or anything, but both rider and bike do not look in sync at all. I do not think he has anythign for RV or Rd outdoors as both are fitness machines and i do not see the same committment from Stewart... too many distractions
About the factory riders of Suzuki and Honda, I believe that it must be very frustrating for the compnaies paying these guys salaries for them to performing at less than desired results...... Yes Brayton has been showing some speed in some races, with all the injuries, he should be a consistent top 3 every week. As far as Metcalf........ Suzuki has got to be embarrased.
But probably not as embarrased as the Geico Honda team dealing with Barcia and Bogle.
James just ride a YZ250 and give Davi the "shrouds". I would love to see RV ride the first couple of GPs before mx but that won't happen either.
HOLY $hiT PRESTON,you sure have changed your tune in 3 weeks. You were b!tch!n at me for my comments about Stewarts P.O.S. YAMATURD and now you see the light. Put the fastest most talented man on the planet on a HONDA, OMG I can't believe you finally agree with Mr. Motorcross! Hahahaha!!!!
Preston,I must admit, I Mr. Motorcross agree with you,RV1s Kawi is so dialed in it's sick,Just watch how his kaw handles compared to that junk a$$ Yamaha James has to ride. James gave it 110% and I respect that, but a bad design is a bad design!
Pull your heads out of Js's bum you two. He would wad on the Honda as well. JS does not have the correct form to ride the pace he is trying. Please! THe brakes are in the same damn spot on every bike fellas.
Ding dongs. He crashed is butt off on the kawi as well, just in the contract year had to pull it together for Kawi, and they did the right thing and dumped him for RV and never looked back.
Bubba who? he is such a baby. Did you hear his Bull crap last weekend when he called in to the race, about how he he broke his hand, Even the announcers were shocked by his crap. He sounded like he was lying his butt off about his injuries, added his hand injury at the end and Emig totally called him out on it and Bubba just kept stuttering! Then he kept giving excuses and was even talking about not coming back for a few weeks! He sounded like a complete loser. He does not want to race unless he is in the the number one or two spot! he is a BIG BABY! I know injuries affect you, but he has truly lost his fight. i wonder if he just needs or wants to quit. he is not fighting like the rider he used to be, a winner. he iss a let down.
Go Villapoto.
Looks to me as if Davey is doing just fine on that Yamaha. Sounds like you boys cant stand for Stewey to lose. Maybe you girls think we should be like Nascar and make a common bike? Come on and admit it that he's not on his game and he cant stand it. Also looks as if #800 Suzuki is motoring just fine also. Go Mike!!!
Its all in the wrist. Stop crying foul.
Mxmofo1
Barcia wound not be broke he would have changed his ways. Barcia is young and i hope learns from this. As for JS, look at how many riders he has hurt riding dirty
and making stupis decisions on the
track. I guess he will never learn.
Putting words in my mouth. I didn't blame the bike itself. I said that the two don't seem to work good together. Just like Reed did not like the kawi in 2010, but RV was fine on it. IN FACT, Reed himself said that Stewarts bike/setup is a big part of his issues. But he doesn't comment on here so what does he know? Stewart wadded up on the Kawi but he also ran with Ricky for the two years that he was on the 450. According to some comments a week or two ago, the speed of those two back then was unmatchable.
Is it wrong that i am a James Stewart fan? Does that bother you people? Sorry that I was a fan of him since his rookie season. I like him as a rider, I respect his talent on a bike. I don't see him as a "Reality TV star" as everyone else does. As a matter of fact, I saw the second season of his show for the first time last month. I also never said that he was the best.
your respect for him as a rider even given his behavior does in fact say something about you. It is unfortunate you will likely never understand what that really means.
You are not alone unfortunately.
I have said it a million times.... If James quits worrying about riding on a bike and team that is going to pay him the most money, and just gets on a bike that is solid and just wants to win, he is going to show them guys whats up. In this world, its rare to have your cake and eat it to. It's simple, James needs to get off that motorcycle before it gets him hurt to the point of no return.... That bike is just not capable of going Stewart speed, and if they have not got all the wrinkles ironed out by now, they are not going to. Yamaha, I am sorry to say, but it is an epic "FAIL"!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I missed the RV bandwagon. I guess I should have squeezed my way on that one with one hand in my pocket and my other holding a box of tissues.
You can think whatever you would like to about me. I'm just another user name on the comment section. I thought we were all fans of the sport here, but I guess everyone is just a keyboard warrior.
That s just it! You are not a fan of the sport. You are a fan of JS. He is not doing the sport any favors with his disrespect for everyone in it.
He is a spoiled brat who never take ownership for his actions.
What have I said that makes you think I am only a fan of JS7? Have I discredited any other rider, or anything in regards to the sport to back up your statement? I guess going to Southwick for the past 12 years makes me a James Stewart only fan. News to me. I always wondered why I never saw a #7 yamaha at the local friday night races. I give RV, CR, RD and whoever else credit for their rides, you always to nitpick Stewarts rides. If you don't like a rider, why waste your time talking about them? I'm assuming you're an adult, you should know that. Shouldn't assume something about someone whom you don't even know their name.
Holy Friggin Crap!!! Is it the Yamaha's fault he over jumped the table top and wadded it up for the 32nd time this winter??? Let me guess...his bike had too much power?
You guys are in denial....he's past his prime, he doesn't work hard like the top guys do and he certainly doesn't have the focus to run the pace they're running today!!!!
Or it's all the bikes fault? good lord.....would love to see RV run the JGR Yamaha for the remaining rounds and see what happens!
JS7 is a spoiled brat is absolutely right. how about the dirty shot he took on Goerke after Goerke passed him? Bubba could have gotten up and continued to race after his crash too, unless he is going to claim he broke a bone in his hand, yeah right. Karma is a gonna get you Bubba!
Karma has already got him, numerous times. And what dirty shot on Goerke?
@Mr.Motocross.. CBS coverage looked a little different , and what I saw was that Yamaha jumping around like a pogostick , He needs to get off of that bike , asap .. When doug Dubach starts making kits to change the motor location , you know things are not right , He has too much talent , and experience ,to be doing so poorly... He has the speed and skill , ..You all will say , Its not the bike .... It Is !!
re-watching, Goerke passed him and JS tboned him just before he crashed. I am sure I am right. They were interviewing KW and you can see the pass, they came back and said watch this....then they show the stand-up / tbone....
I think that was regal. Not 100% since I kind of fast forwarded through both mains.
Since Millsaps is also riding a JGR Yamaha could finish second this year, can it really be assumed by a person with even a modicum of intelligence that the machine is the cause of Stewie's long-standing issues?
Another CRAZY weekend!!. K-Dub Wads, RV wins.
With all the talk of James' bike handling poorly and being the cause of his crashes, is the Honda also at fault for K-Dub's crashes at Houston these last 2 years? OR was it a case of pushing too hard? In every crash I ever had, it was my fault and usually because I was pushing my pace over the comfort limit. How is that also the case for every other MXer other than Stewart? James is the only guy so fast that the bike can't keep up with him. Even RV at times this year had to "back it down" because he almost crashed due to pushing too hard. Any one of us could twist it to the stops until we crashed and then claim it was the bike. Also, any one of us could get on RV's bike and make it look like it is an ill-handling death trap as we floundered through the whoops and everywhere else.
Did anyone listen to Villopoto's podium speech? If he keeps on winning races and championships, then that's great. His main goal is not to go out to break any records, it's just to do his best and keep doing what he loves to do. So much different that Stewart's goals....73, sorry buddy not going to happen.
If the bike is the problem...why doesn't JGR go back to their settings from Oakland where JS won by 6 secs??? Bike wasn't a problem that day was it? If I recall the ever modest Stewart claimed he was ' Just riding around out there ' !!!
Sooooo sick of the excuses!!!
Love that RV is not trying for the history books, but championships. He is a young man who clearly has his head on straight. No win or crash trying attitude, which might be the dumbest thing in the world to subscribe too.
As for the bike being at fault. WOW. The bike is a bike. It does not do ANYTHING but what you the rider tell it to do.
Is it possible the bike geometry is not as good as the others? That even with all the custom fabricated parts it may not perform as well as some of the other brands?
Yes, it is entirely possible. Did the bike over jump the table. have brake failures into corners, run into the back of other riders, etc, etc, etc,
NO! The bike did not.
A man has to know his (includes equipment) limitations, and riding beyond them puts you on the ground.
@osteo... Davi , has no where near the speed of JS ,with most of the good riders out , davi had a chance to finally move up , you all know he would not be there if that wasnt the case , Js needs a bike that can handle his speed , and the Yammy aint it ... Cant compare other riders to Js , the bike reacts different ,at his speed , If his lap times , are close to RVs , what would happen if he could get that thing to stop bouncing around , and washingout in turns , ...Yamaha knows of this problem , and is probably gonna try and fix it , but the bacwards motor thing , aint lookin too good .. I am personally waiting for the 360 thing to happen , if its true ,
@theteacher ... I picked up on that speech as well , Makes me think RV may just retire early , and take the money and run Hes all business
Roll out the red carpet of excuses once again..........
Very very difficult to win SX mains starting as bad as Stewie does. Its a good thing he's not as fragile as Pastrana was because he crashes more often than even that guy did. And after seeing RC's NASCAR career go up in flames he knows that thats not really an option for his future either. Reality must be a little unsettling for him right now.
Chilatic-I agree-I said to my son yesterday that I think JS may just pull a CR and form his own Kawi team. There is very obviously something wrong. Who the hec knows if it's the bike? Only he does, I suspect. Even if it's just because "he doesn't like it," that's enough.
As for the Windham-stuff-job, I can't imagine James was disrespecting him. Maybe I'm wrong, but I can't remember JS ever gesturing/waving/flipping the bird to anyone? Why would he do it to KW? He was screaming into that corner-even factory brakes couldn't stop much sooner. Kevin's reaction to it was pretty amazing-most other riders would have been over the berm and on their head.
JS is not my favorite. But I love to watch him ride. I hope he gets this all figured out. If he does.........RV will have his hands full.
@Pizzacorner so i guess the KTM took out RD? Really? And the Yamaha takes Stewie out every week? Dont think it is the bike dip Squid..
@Preston, I doubt Villopoto will retire early. He will keep going until he starts to feel all the wrecks all the time or his wife says it's time to quit. I think he will be around for many years sorta on the K-Dub route. I can't agree with the Yamaha being Stewart's problem, too many years of being able to start at the back and get on the podium with no problems. Too many people have caught up to his speed and it's not that easy any more. I think that's what frustrates him. At this point, I think he's gotten into his own head in a negative way, gets pissed when he can't catch people, then makes bad choices and ends up on the ground.
Old JS7 'Lawn-dart' panics when he's not winning. He just expects to win but it aint happenin'. Remember when RC was crushing him in the outdoors. What does Jame-o do? Panics & jumps on RC's back with his bike! What happened when Reed got punted over the berm onto the concrete? Oh Stewey was behind him 'missing his brake'.
Regal, Kdub in front of him? No problem. Now where is that brake again? Splatt.
If it's the bike's fault this week it's because it's too fast for him. He simply overjumped the step-on, nothing more, nothing less.
I agree with me , I do not know what the future holds, and neither does anyone else , ! , Things change daily. We are all just playing a quessing game , anyone of these riders can be out in a second , just ask TREY ... REED .. etc etc , so before we all spout offf what we know lol , lets just wait and see ! outdoors are coming , wit a lot of banged up riders, One bobble , and we have a new series ... Been around this sport , my whole life ... none of this is new ....seen it before ,
RV has said many times over the years that he does not care about trying for the history books. He wants titles
@Retardcross, Well said, that crash was nobodys fault but his own, and I think JS knows that. I still think if he's not cofident, ( like he was in Daytona ) he is scared to get a good start and race with RV. If he doesnt line up for MX, he's done, in my opinion.. BUT, I still think he has never been the same since he got on Yamahas.. JS and Mookie seem to have some things in common, come the main event, they just can't seem to get it done..
@97rm250-Couldnt agree more.
RV is a forse to be reckoned with, his game is definately a step or two against the rest.
I picked RV as my fave the last two years, before the first riace began. Just becasue his style and aggression. The man is so focused, so smooth.
Grats on all your acommplishments Villipoto, wel deserved. No BS, clean rider. Even KDub gave him props for his respect and clean riding. That's one hella compliment.
Why does JS7 make more money than Millsaps?!?!?!? I can't figure it out.
I was just watching the Bubba's World where James is teaching some kids at his track. He smiles and says he never practiced starts as a kid and still doesn't because he can get a lousy start and still get through the first turn first.
That comment says alot.
@zdazzle JS makes more money because ..... Cant believe you had to ask that ....You must be new to the Sport ,
Can't believe the comments STILL saying "its the bike" Preston do you not realize Milsaps was going FASTER than JS and had no problems not even close calls. JS can NOT go more than 1-2 secs faster than LOTS of Yamaha riders. Weird how fans just escape from reality.
VERY bummed for Hackly, Bowers, Windham, and Stewart last night.
KW is riding as good as ever and seems like he has overcome some of his mental hangups as he is riding VERY well this year- He has rode MUch better than his results show, Great father and racer !!!
Go RV !!!!
@preston i have been watching motocross my whole life and i asked because davi has finished more races than stewart has and he doesn't crash every time he is not in the lead.
How many races has Dabi won in the last 5 year's?? There is your answer.
if that yamaha isnt a good bike, well guess whos fault that is? mr. stewart himself these guys are the ones who have to ride it they are the experts, people forget that these guys are part of reasearch and developement and stewart just simply can not or will not give any positive input because most of what comes out of his mouth are escuses and lies every bike stewart ever road was developed and set up by another rider
stewart will never be to yamaha what RC is to suzuki, what MC is to honda,what RV is and will be to kawi, and more than likely what RD will be to KTM
@BillC ... good answer , Man do some of these guys even know what they are watching , Comparing Milsaps success to JS is Absurd , What race were you watching @Zdazzle... the same one over and over again your whole life @davidl.... The best race of the year , for me has to be watching stewart and KDub , go back and forth ...Two of the most natually gifted riders of all time , Of course I knew JS was just playing with him , and Kdub forgot he was riding over his head , trying to keep up !
and another thing that i have noticed from watching old videos of stewarts , it wasnt always faster speeds that made him faster than others it was corners,whoops,scrubs, and most importantly he could see a rythym section and just figure out the fastest way to get through it (most of the time no other riders would try) now all that he can do is try and outride them with speed (which cost him) because now all the other riders have caught up while he was sitting on his couch just about all the top ten are running the exact same line doing the exact same rythyms, so he only has corners,straights,and whoops where he trys going faster than the track will allow its simple the dirt in a turn is only gonna hold your tire so much, and the whoops if you try and go to fast you will eventually miss the top and drop the front but back to the point(I think) he is struggling because he isnt able to find the (special lines/jumps) that no one else is doing so the playing field has been leveled to good starts and smart riding
@jeramey ... so you are saying all the tracks are the same , and everthing is just repetition .... what if he inovates again ...then what
if he gets in front of rv running a fast line rv will just catch on run that same line taking that factor out of the equation than it just goes back to racing smart and being consistant which he's shown that at times he cant do i,d personnally like to see him pull out some quads while people are going double double we've seen him do it
Preston, I was commenting on the statement that said the yamaha could handle DM's speed and couldn't handle JS's. In Houston DM had faster laptimes than JS and had NO problems, and JS had problems all night. I think 2 things watching JS over the years, 1) he is wrecking more than ever, 2) the wrecks are by his choices in line selection, when to jump etc.
He has been the most inovative rider out there and really still is,but something has changed and I think it is both other riders doing better and JS doing worse, or at least not able to step it up.
Heres hoping he stays up more, he HAS to be very frustrated.
I have always said JS was a clean rider, but his move on Regal was flat dirty and uneeded, Regal wasn't a threat and JS could have gotten by just fine without contact. He got it back a lap later
@preston if it is so absurd why is millsaps third in points?
reading all these comments on how it's the Yamaha, look at the Kawasaki run so great. come on guys, have all of you forgotten that the Goat and Dungey and Chad Reed have shown us it doesn't matter what bike you ride they can win on any of them. RD for pete's sake won a race on KTM, so stop throwing out the excuse "oh it that p. o. s. Yamaha, just put the blame where it belongs..on Stewart. because it is his decision making out on the track that is taking all these guys out. I mean really, he is a timebomb ready to explode and really hurt somebody or himself if the AMA doen't step in soon.
RD5 won two races
In my opinion, the MOST naturally gifted riders dont crash all over the place and lose almost half thier careers from crashing.. K-Dub is very girted, so is Chad Reed, its the first time I can remember Reed missing races from an injury like this. Stewie has crashed all over the place his whole career. Not hating its just fact. Its not the Yamaha, there are more guys out from the Honda than any other bike out there. And Stewie crashed his brains out on the Kawi too, evewn the 125, he missed out on supercross lites titles from crashing out of the series. I dont call that "One of the most naturally talented riders ever".. Sorry, not crashing like that.. RC is one for sure, 15 titles takes loads of talent to win, not just hard work. Talent has to be there first..
@higgins726--couldnt agree more..Its just an excuse because thier "FAV" isnt winning..
I think JS7 riding style has changed for the worse over the last couple of years. He doesn't look as good on the bike as he did in 2009. If you look at the videos from 2009, JS7 looks so relaxed, fluid, and fast. Now he looks really stiff and uncomfortable. Don't know what caused the change in riding style.