by Aaron Hansel
10 Things to Watch: New Orleans
Friday, April 13, 2012 | 11:00 AM
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Post-War Battle
Ryan Villopoto may have already clinched the 2012 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship, but the battle for second between Team Honda Muscle Milk’s Justin Brayton and JGR Toyota’s Davi Millsaps is still wide open. Right now a rejuvenated Millsaps enjoys a ten point advantage over his former teammate, but with four races remaining, the fight for the runner-up position is far from over. The right performance from Millsaps in New Orleans will put him one step closer to second on the season, while a strong ride from Brayton is just what he needs to take this battle down to the wire.
Who’s Got Next?
There is no doubt that Villopoto is by far the best rider in the series right now. That said, there are still plenty of riders that are fast enough to take advantage of a mistake from RV, should he make one. Millsaps and Brayton have been surging lately, while Jake Weimer has also shown moments of blinding speed this season. Will RV put in another flawless performance tomorrow night in New Orleans, or will a different rider rise to the occasion and put an end to Villopoto’s perfect run down the final stretch of the season?
Brayton is making a play for second in the series. Can he achieve this quest?
Simon Cudby photo
Redemption
Phil Nicoletti started his season out the right way when he busted out a top-five finish at the season opener in Dallas. Not only was it a great ride in a stacked class, it was also a personal best for Nicoletti. Unfortunately, thanks to crashes and mechanical issues, Nicoletti put together a string of DNQs and DNFs that didn’t end until last week in Houston, where Nicoletti nailed down another fifth place. With only two Eastern Regional Supercross Lites races remaining, you can bet that Nicoletti is looking to finish strong and gain some momentum coming into the outdoor season. Will the New Yorker put together another great ride, or will the bad luck he’s been suffering from this season reach out and bite him again?
What Happens in New Orleans…Stays on Vital MX
It's no secret that for the most part, motorcycle people like to party, and the dirt bike crowd is definitely no exception. Well, this weekend the industry could be in major trouble, as the series once again returns to New Orleans, one of the greatest and most opportunistic party cities on the planet. Considering the festive atmosphere of the Big Easy, along with its myriad of enticing temptations, it's not really a question of if, but who, will have compromising pictures of themselves surface on the internet following the weekend?
Mookie Fever, or Lack Thereof
Thanks to run-ins with other riders, crashes and several mechanical problems, Malcolm Stewart has yet to meet the expectations that many of the fans, members of the media, and most likely himself, placed on him at the beginning of the season. How bad is it? So far Stewart has failed to break into the top five, he’s missed two main events, and after Houston, our own Steve Matthes reported in his, Observations, column, that he is almost completely cured of the Mookie Fever that effected him so profoundly just a few short weeks ago. Can Stewart turn things around in New Orleans this weekend before heading into the break?
Can Mookie find his mojo in the Big Easy?
Simon Cudby photo
Reversing Trend
For the first time in a long while, we have more riders returning to action than we saw get hurt at the previous race. Ivan Tedesco, Nick Wey, Andrew Short and Ben LaMay are all scheduled to do battle tomorrow night in New Orleans after missing races. Tedesco was out with broken fingers, Wey suffered from several muscle tears, Short had a separated AC joint, while LaMay was dealing with a fractured hand. How will these riders fair in the first race back?
Will Broc Bring It?
Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Broc Tickle had the best result of his season in Houston two weeks ago with a seventh place. While many riders would be thrilled to have finished in the top ten this year, it’s not where Tickle wants to be, even with a depleted field. Will Tickle build on his season high and secure the first premier class top five of his career?
Catch the Rhythm
No, we’re not referring to the unique blend of music that can be found in The Big Easy, we’re talking about a particular rhythm section that will be featured on the track in New Orleans this weekend. To get a visual of what we’re talking about, check out the track map and fix your eyes on the section that is right before the section that precedes the whoops. From the way it looks on the track map, that rhythm section has the potential to present several tricky options that could make for some interesting moments when the bikes hit the track. Will it create some entertaining choices in person, or will the riders quickly break in a single line and stick to it?
Will Barcia clinch the title in New Orleans?
Simon Cudby photo
Replacement Wonder
Bobby Kiniry started his season out in Oakland as a replacement rider with Star Valli Yamaha, and has proven to be quite a solid finisher for the team. He’s made all but one main event, has worked his way into fifteenth in the points despite not racing the first three rounds, and has been putting in some great results lately, including a season high of sixth place in Houston. Is sixth as high as Kiniry will get, or will he give Star Valli Yamaha their first premier class top-five tomorrow night?
Who’s Got Next Part II
Barring an extreme catastrophe, Justin Barcia will be your 2012 Eastern Regional Supercross Lites Champion. Of course, that doesn’t mean the other guys wouldn’t love to get a win going into the East Coast break. So far, only Blake Wharton and Ken Roczen have been able to steal wins from Barcia, while the Pro Circuit boys have somehow managed to go winless in the east so far. Will someone step up to challenge Barcia in New Orleans, or will Bam Bam take home yet another first-place trophy?
Ryan Villopoto may have already clinched the 2012 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship, but the battle for second between Team Honda Muscle Milk’s Justin Brayton and JGR Toyota’s Davi Millsaps is still wide open. Right now a rejuvenated Millsaps enjoys a ten point advantage over his former teammate, but with four races remaining, the fight for the runner-up position is far from over. The right performance from Millsaps in New Orleans will put him one step closer to second on the season, while a strong ride from Brayton is just what he needs to take this battle down to the wire.
Who’s Got Next?
There is no doubt that Villopoto is by far the best rider in the series right now. That said, there are still plenty of riders that are fast enough to take advantage of a mistake from RV, should he make one. Millsaps and Brayton have been surging lately, while Jake Weimer has also shown moments of blinding speed this season. Will RV put in another flawless performance tomorrow night in New Orleans, or will a different rider rise to the occasion and put an end to Villopoto’s perfect run down the final stretch of the season?
Brayton is making a play for second in the series. Can he achieve this quest?
Simon Cudby photo
Redemption
Phil Nicoletti started his season out the right way when he busted out a top-five finish at the season opener in Dallas. Not only was it a great ride in a stacked class, it was also a personal best for Nicoletti. Unfortunately, thanks to crashes and mechanical issues, Nicoletti put together a string of DNQs and DNFs that didn’t end until last week in Houston, where Nicoletti nailed down another fifth place. With only two Eastern Regional Supercross Lites races remaining, you can bet that Nicoletti is looking to finish strong and gain some momentum coming into the outdoor season. Will the New Yorker put together another great ride, or will the bad luck he’s been suffering from this season reach out and bite him again?
What Happens in New Orleans…Stays on Vital MX
It's no secret that for the most part, motorcycle people like to party, and the dirt bike crowd is definitely no exception. Well, this weekend the industry could be in major trouble, as the series once again returns to New Orleans, one of the greatest and most opportunistic party cities on the planet. Considering the festive atmosphere of the Big Easy, along with its myriad of enticing temptations, it's not really a question of if, but who, will have compromising pictures of themselves surface on the internet following the weekend?
Mookie Fever, or Lack Thereof
Thanks to run-ins with other riders, crashes and several mechanical problems, Malcolm Stewart has yet to meet the expectations that many of the fans, members of the media, and most likely himself, placed on him at the beginning of the season. How bad is it? So far Stewart has failed to break into the top five, he’s missed two main events, and after Houston, our own Steve Matthes reported in his, Observations, column, that he is almost completely cured of the Mookie Fever that effected him so profoundly just a few short weeks ago. Can Stewart turn things around in New Orleans this weekend before heading into the break?
Can Mookie find his mojo in the Big Easy?
Simon Cudby photo
Reversing Trend
For the first time in a long while, we have more riders returning to action than we saw get hurt at the previous race. Ivan Tedesco, Nick Wey, Andrew Short and Ben LaMay are all scheduled to do battle tomorrow night in New Orleans after missing races. Tedesco was out with broken fingers, Wey suffered from several muscle tears, Short had a separated AC joint, while LaMay was dealing with a fractured hand. How will these riders fair in the first race back?
Will Broc Bring It?
Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Broc Tickle had the best result of his season in Houston two weeks ago with a seventh place. While many riders would be thrilled to have finished in the top ten this year, it’s not where Tickle wants to be, even with a depleted field. Will Tickle build on his season high and secure the first premier class top five of his career?
Catch the Rhythm
No, we’re not referring to the unique blend of music that can be found in The Big Easy, we’re talking about a particular rhythm section that will be featured on the track in New Orleans this weekend. To get a visual of what we’re talking about, check out the track map and fix your eyes on the section that is right before the section that precedes the whoops. From the way it looks on the track map, that rhythm section has the potential to present several tricky options that could make for some interesting moments when the bikes hit the track. Will it create some entertaining choices in person, or will the riders quickly break in a single line and stick to it?
Will Barcia clinch the title in New Orleans?
Simon Cudby photo
Replacement Wonder
Bobby Kiniry started his season out in Oakland as a replacement rider with Star Valli Yamaha, and has proven to be quite a solid finisher for the team. He’s made all but one main event, has worked his way into fifteenth in the points despite not racing the first three rounds, and has been putting in some great results lately, including a season high of sixth place in Houston. Is sixth as high as Kiniry will get, or will he give Star Valli Yamaha their first premier class top-five tomorrow night?
Who’s Got Next Part II
Barring an extreme catastrophe, Justin Barcia will be your 2012 Eastern Regional Supercross Lites Champion. Of course, that doesn’t mean the other guys wouldn’t love to get a win going into the East Coast break. So far, only Blake Wharton and Ken Roczen have been able to steal wins from Barcia, while the Pro Circuit boys have somehow managed to go winless in the east so far. Will someone step up to challenge Barcia in New Orleans, or will Bam Bam take home yet another first-place trophy?
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I'll bet my left nut Short beats Millsaps!
James Stewart does not make mistakes!......The bike he is on makes him make mistakes!....JS7 IS THE FASTEST MAN ON THE PLANET!....Thats a fact!
James Stewart is Awesome!
This has got to be hard to write about... I can only yawn looking at this weeks race. But i will be watching every second of it until i pass out face down drunk. Oh please hurry up Nationals.
James Stewart is my favorite rider!
JGR is my least favorite team!
James Stewart has nothing to prove.....He is the best!
James is a true champion!
James and only James makes the racing exciting!
Everybody loves James Stewart!
Mr. Motorcross is never wrong!
James needs a Honda!
James could beat RV on a 125!
JGR has ruined JS7 season!
JGR can't build a bike,this aint nascar!
James balls are so big JGR had to make the bike narrower just so he could sit on it!
Mr Motocross needs a high five, in the face, with a chair.
I dont think people should be allowed to comment in these forums until they at least graduate from middle school.
James should sue JGR for making him crash!
Mr. Motorcross graduated from Harvard!
mr. motocross i like stew to but chill out man as fans he has not been delivering! keep ur faith i hope he gets back on top 2. im just not holding my breath.
and im not juggling his balls in my either
but im a fan forsure
Retardcross is GOONRIDING in his photo!
Mr. Motorcross is now accepting your comments.
How about Ricky Renner qualifying with a YZ125. That's one big thing I'll be looking for this weekend - GO RICKY!!!!!!
wookie is getting a lot of attention from racerx given his results.
Ricky Renner! Nice!!!!
@Mr.Motocross say goodbye to your left nut! The only way that will happen is if Millsaps has a rough get off or mechanical failure....
Weimer has shown "blinding speed"?? More like top 5 best of the rest speed.
Good to see Lamay back, but he should be getting ready for the outdoors, as should everyone who coming back from an injury.
I would prefer Malcom on a 450.
@MrMotocross I see you are about to run out of tardpills.I've got plenty.Hows Boobula doing?
Yes, Jameseth still just might pull this off. James is my heeeero! Fastest man on two wheels.
Retarcross - that post was great, I'm still laughing my azz off, and I read it 5 minutes ago.... Go Ricky Renner!!!!!! It's stupid that the AMA won't let him run a 144 against factory 250f's.
Nicely done, and well paced tongue- in -cheek, Mr. Motocross. I get you. One of the few entertaining things left to read/ do this season. Way to stir them up.
Sorry, "Motorcross" my bad. Even your moniker is tongue-in-cheek.
Are you kidding me!!!! How can you write an article about New Orleans, and not mention Motoconcepts Racing! This team has had 4 in the main event for the past 4 weeks or so, and a few 4ths. #800 is getting closer to a podium, and Jake Canada is ready to podium as well. Stop talking about the same old guys, and Malcolm, who can't hold a candle to Canada, and start introducing new, and exciting blood!!!
Mr-Motocross with the holeshot nobody on this site wants your left nut. with that said I'm pretty sure DM with finish in front of AS and I think AS is a cool dude.
But DM has the confidence to finish in the top three barring any mishaps!
I said mishaps not Millsaps
Mr-Motocross
Good luck with Ms-Motocross !
JimM
Pala374
Thank you JimboMX374, she is beutiful and I love her dearly.My left nut ain't going no where,Shorty can easily beat Millsaps. DM18s bike will probably toss him off when he least expects it just like it did to the totaly awesome Fastest man on the planet #7 James Bubba Stewart!
Mr Motocross is high on Stewiewana!!! LOL!!!
And I doubt Shorty will come back and risk it before outdoors...Millsaps is forced to keep that 2nd place alive(Due to Stewies expensive and useless season for JGR)
That was pretty funny Mr-Motocross...,
but I'd say it's time to put down the energy drinks.
What saddens me as much about this sport as the injuries is hearing our TV commentators, who clearly have less than a high school education, reflect that in their speech before a national audience weekly.
I'm pretty sure it was Mr Motocross that broke the story that Stewie's going to a red bike? ...... However its not the "BIKE" that being changed to red, its his "HAIR" that he's changing to red.
And I hear that with this...... "MAJOR ADJUSTMENT"... he has shaved off 2 seconds a lap, His JGR "sub-par" Yamaha (with complete backing of Yamaha,Toyota, FMF, Pirelli and only some of the brightest engineers in the world) doesn't dare buck him around at all anymore, He is able to "COMPLETELY" finish any 20 lap race with or without a holeshot, He doesn't crash anybody else on the track anymore and the best part of all is that he has started blaming himself when he does make a mistake.(because he is human after all)
NOW ITS ON LIKE DONKEY KONG BABY!!! .....VILLO BEWARE ..FASTEST MAN ON THE PLAN..???.......NO......UNIVERSE!!! IS A-COMIN' !!! "YAAAH!!
OK, OK, ...... just kidding around here but most of us have already made him our "Base-tard Step Child" I just thought I'd give him the "RED HAIR" to make it official !
By the way ......keep up the good stuff here brothers (and sista"s)..... you all keep me crackin' up all night long.
PEACE OUT
Mr Motocross graduated from Harvard! couldn't stop laughing and retardcross goon riding, im still laughing