by Davey Coombs
450 Words: Hangtown
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When James Stewart last left the nationals in 2008, he was 24-0 in his moto scores. He dominated back then on his factory Kawasaki, and then he took a gig with Yamaha and went on a three-year motocross hiatus, with the exception of one big misadventure at Unadilla two summers ago. Now he's back.
A lot has changed since James took his leave from the outdoors. Unlike the nonsense written by non-attendees that these AMA Motocross tracks are somehow smoothed out by “Ayers and Son Paving Company,” Stewart found a rough, downright exhausting Hangtown circuit on which the only places to rest were up in the air. He found a huge crowd that was appreciative of his return, letting bygones be bygones and welcoming back a superstar in transition. And he also found himself on a seemingly underdog Suzuki team, even though their RMZ-450 has seen recent outdoor titles by Ricky Carmichael, Chad Reed and Ryan Dungey.
"It was nothing like I remembered from four years ago. It was a lot loamier and a lot more rough.” - James Stewart on his return to Hangtown.
Simon Cudby photo
Stewart did not disappoint. He rode a superb race, taking both motos. He did get some pursuit from Red Bull KTM’s Dungey (and it might have been a much different race had defending champ Ryan Villopoto been racing as compared to watching; same goes for Chad Reed and Trey Canard).
James' win was no surprise, but to me and many watching, it's what happened afterwards that was something of a surprise: He started his podium speech by thanking the guys at Yamaha. He told infield announcer Rob Buydos that he had three great years over there, and they were all great guys, but it just didn't work out, and he was sorry about that. Then he talked about his Yoshimura Suzuki. It was a classy move by an athlete who's earned a lot of criticism this year for his actions and inactions.
Dungey pressured Stewart in moto 2, but would fall short in the end.
Simon Cudby photo
Stewart closed by talking about how rough the track was in the press conference, saying, "It was nothing like I remembered from four years ago. It was a lot loamier and a lot more rough,” and said he loved being back at the Nationals. And the fans love having him back. Will he go 24-0 again? Not if Ryan Dungey has a say in it—if not for some poor blue-flag moments out there, Ryan and James might have battled to the finish line.
So Bubba's back—and he seems like the old Bubba: smiling, funny, happy and fast. If he stays that way, the next few summers could get even bigger and better for us fans.
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In the words of Loverboy --- " He's not a man, or machine, he's just somethin' in between, woo, oo, ooo, oo." hahahah..
Glad to see Stewart back, its good for the fans and Motocross. But I have to say and before everyone jumps on me, I'm not a hater by any means but I know that RV1 would have gone 1-1 or at the worse maybe 2-1 or 1-2.
Letting bygones be bygones? Seriously? Not everyone things along those lines. In some eyes the damage is done never to be repaired. Did he really think just showing up outdoors would magically fix his image in all spectators eyes!? Sorry that has been played before, it worked for Reed cause he is naturally a good humble person. It wont work the same for Stewart. Not speaking from own opinion just observation from my part of the world.
@jmantattoo,, Do you really think that's what he thought ?? I highly dought it.. Soooooo,, whats he suppose to do,, go out there and get smoked ? I'm pretty sure he has always wanted to ride MX.
reed a naturally humble person?
@jmantattoo.....that really didn't make much sense at all, but whatever......i can guarantee you that you are in the minority with your feelings, you have many like minded people on here and you guys will always feel this way, and thats your choice for sure!! The guy is doing the right things, and is gonna be around for awhile and for the majority of us that is a good thing!! Way to go James, keep it going!!!
@ride2five -- X2
"It was a classy move by an athlete who's earned a lot of criticism this year for his actions and inactions."
REMEMBER THIS QUOTE! LOL!!!
"So Bubba's back—and he seems like the old Bubba: smiling, funny, happy and fast."
LOL!!! He won and everybody is gushing over him again. That's why he's smiling.
Attention MX fans: Bubba has saved our sport!!!
....and once again, is there anyplace to view these press conferences?? Are they even videotaped at all?? Would be great if they were!!
I am an RV fan not a JS fan but the fact is RV is not racing and has no impact on the 2012 nationals. I saw James ride smooth, fast, and smart while in full control of both motos. People can make excuses with what ifs and lappers but the fact is JS had everyone covered from practice on. That one section where he did that triple every lap and RD tried it but failed shows something special to me and he will be hard to beat. He is definately more comfortable on that Suzuki which does not vode well for the others.
Can't wait for the next round!!! It is gonna be an exciting season. Dungey will get better and so will Metty. James looked to have something extra in the tank. He will also get faster as the series moves on!!!
@jmantattoo
Reed a "naturally a good humble person"...........WTF???
I have a feeling that "your part of the world" wouldn't give Stewart credit no matter what he does.
P
Glad to see JS7 back in the mix, however, RD never does good at hangtown. Freestone will reveal alot more.
Haha, i love this line......"Unlike the nonsense written by non-attendees that these AMA Motocross tracks are somehow smoothed out by “Ayers and Son Paving Company,” Stewart found a rough, downright exhausting Hangtown circuit on which the only places to rest were up in the air."..........did you read that B-KR?? I think he may have been talking about you!!
Hi my name is John
I was a JS doubter, not a hater, just didn't think he could come in and go 1-1.
And I don't think anyone can say well if [insert name here] RV, CR, TC.... were racing....
They did not line up for the first race - the guys that did are the guys for the outdoors.
Also every week it kills me to watch RD follow riders around the track and then get passed from the guy behind him and then a couple laps later he final makes the pass. I know it's his style, slow and patience, but geez
I was most impressed with JS7's fitness. Both him & Dungey should get better as the season goes on. Like him or not he just made the summer more interesting.
Of course you write "and it might have been a much different race had defending champ Ryan Villopoto been racing... "
RV1 is now irrelevant this season (same goes with everyone injured), so quit talking about him like hes still on the gate. Props are due when earned, and JS7 earned that win, quit taking it away from him by saying its because everyone is injured. Nobody wrote anything like that when RV1 won the most recent SX Championship now did they? He got all the glory, EVEN THOUGH every one of his top competitors left with injury.
Can't wait to see Stewart dance through the "Texas 12 Pack" at Freestone right before the finish line. Millsaps was the only one last year to jump over the wall in front of the Texas 12 pack. There was a small roller right in front of the wall and Davi hit it every lap, in traffic and out of traffic. It was sick, the broadcast never caught it. Freestone gets very deep, rough and right now they are forecasting a high of 94. Dungey had a 22 second lead on Reed last year on the last lap when he ran out of gas.
I was glad to see James get that win. I too wondered what he had in him. I wanted to see for sure was it the bike or him. I have been to Hangtown a few times and by the end of the day that track is tore up. Can't for Freestone!
@newguy- he knows who he is, something like freeway driving?
Funny how the "haters" are pretty quiet on here so far ????
All the Hype going into " The Return" made for great press...Did any one really think James had forgotten how to ride outdoors, form day one it was what he did best...now would he be rusty or not in moto shape...he answered those questions!!! James has always been a polarizing figure, some loved his attitude and style, others not so much....thing is we all change over time and mature into the person we will be. We fans watched RC and Reed go thru alot of the same ...young and brash to mature individuals, who today, many feel are great ambassadors for our sport...To early to render an opinion, but I am willing to give "The New James" a chance..That said ...The racing was good, but predictable. We knew kinda where every body stood...Dungey was able to work his way to the podium from a bad start with out taking many risks, plus he was able to run JS pace thru the second moto and again didn't risk a fall late in the race dealing with lappers...The "Second Seven" had many good battles. Shorty and Metty will be fun to watch all year as will Millsaps who suprised me with his speed. Alessi's conditioning and starts will make him a strong podium contender, as in both classes, starts will key to finding a spot on the box. The new teams had a good start to the season, while the replacement riders seemed to struggle a bit. I am sure alot of riders are glad to have the first one over as it is always the toughest mentally because of he unknown. As fans, we will miss the rideres out do to injury and wish them a quick recovery, but can take solace in all the talent we have left out on the track...aaahh The Great Outdoors!!!!
Yes, I admit I questioned Bubbas determination/drive/endurance, and wondered how he would do. I am a loyal "kawasaki" fan, always will be. But It was refreshing to see him back and damn that boy can ride. Just wish I could watch it.
Pissed-off, envious, jealous [put in the adjective of your choice] about JS7 and his Hangtown dominance are you? That's a low-road mentality if there ever was one. The facts are undeniable: Stewart is a gifted rider and we should all recognize that for what it is and enjoy watching him while he is here.
It's amazing how a few people look past the talent we're witnessing on the track and find time to rant and throw rocks. Every decade has a few great Racers that rise to the top... That sometimes crash, sometimes get a lucky break but often just flat-out 'outride' the competition. Go back through the record books. Gary Jones had 'it'... so did Marty Smith, Bob Hannah ,David Bailey, Rickey Johnson... the list is long.
It's easy to hate the best guy out there, or the nicest/most personable guy, the guy who thanks too many sponsors after the race, the guy who is not the best post race interview in the world, the guy who acknowledges a higher power, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera.
Funny thing is, 99.9% of you, if you met 'that' guy, shook his hand, had a chance to have a little conversation about anything with him, your attitude would probably reverse almost instantly and you would no longer act like a whining, infantile and selfish-child. You would instead grow some Cajone$, become like a Man and recognize these guys for who they are: Champions you have already earned respect and admiration from the Racing community at large.
Having a favorite rider is a great thing. As an ex-racer, supporter and long time fan of the sport, seeing Hate for somebody with such amazing talent on a motorcycle smacks as nothing more than petty jealousy... Worse yet, it erodes your soul. Good luck with that.
I am just happy to have Bubba back in the mix again. I am hoping to see Dungey and Bubba battle all season long. Wish Reed, Villo and Canard were there too! Hopefully Millsaps will run up front and make it interesting for us to watch also. Isn't that what it's all about anyway?
No doubt in my mind he would be successful on his return, after all he did go TOE-to TOE with the GOAT in his prime. Sure JS7 got beat but those were the most epic MX races ever. I'm pretty sure no one on here will discredit that NO ONE but JS7 Can hang with RC4. Not even RD5, RV2, or CR22. I do hope they all stay healthy thru out the year. My prediction is JS7 2012 MX Champ, but not undefeated.
JS7 will get faster as the season moves on, this is going to be an extremelly long summer for the haters. specially the ones that said he wil never win again......
Oh and who ever said that Reed is "NATURALLY HUMBLE" I hope you were kidding, or that is the funniest thing I have read on this site thus far!!!
I guess if Suzuki isn't paying him for the outdoors, he can thank Yamaha or whoever he wants to on the podium.
zoom 804 I noticed the same thing at freestone and have rode the track- it was awesome.
JS deserves every bit of the credit he got for hangtown, he did make it look easy and that is scary for the others. RD deserves what he got and will step it up I'm sure. Milsaps impressed !!
I don't understand why anyone would not be happy Stewart is racing outdoors again. The more competition out there the better. I prefer good racing over runaways, and Dungey and Stewart will provide some great racing.
Don't fret everyone, the hater's are laying in the weeds. It's the calm before the storm. Now they wait until JS slips up and they'll pounce.
Like I said on the other thread, Congrat's to JS, RD, and MA.
Credit is due, but this is only one National. I doubt they're all going to LOOK this easy for JS.
Great job this weekend, change isn't always a bad thing!!!!
Like many, I was not 100% sure what to expect, but knew it could happen. 1-1as Fro stated is not something you wanted James to do right off the bat.......Congrats to Lee McCullough...how stoked is that dude!!! ... With James, I dont think I have seen him ride so effortless - not completey, but many times it looked like he was just cruising but was nailing 1+ second faster lap then the rest.....Metcalf looked strong as ever.....and Dungey looked good too....he did come up short on that triple and he faded a little after that....possibly a tender collarbone still?? Good racing for round one....and it is only that, round one....lots of racing to go
Hughes looked great out there....... (sarcasm)
Dungey really seemed to have problems passing guys the first few laps of Moto 1......Tickle, Grant and Hahn gave him fits the first few laps.Once he broke free from those guys, he caught Short , Metty and the Saps pack pretty quick.....
If your aunt had balls, then she would be your uncle.
Please, please, please, don't ever tarnish a racer's results by casting doubt at the absence of another. Every contender has their day. All 40 people at an AMA national give it their best every time the gate drops.
You wouldn't be here if your mother chose the other "cute" guy two rows over in homeroom back in high school, instead of your old man.
When it comes to the BIKE issue, its fair to say already (which has already been stated) that JS7 looks like a different guy out there.....On Kawasaki, I think James rode more aggressive (it was 4 years ago) since he was still a young pup. and on the Suzuki he seems more patient and smooth......
In moto 1, Dungey seemed to have some good rear end kicking moments during the race...
jmantattoo, You are an idiot!
newguy ... NO it was SMOOOOOTH out there B-KR knows!!!
As a non-fan of JS7 it is hard to say anything bad when he comes out and performs like that! I don't think it will be that easy for him to beat Dungey every race. Dungey has never rode well at Hangtown, he will look a lot better in Texas. James showed just how easy it is for him to lie so he can recover fans when he said in his interview that (he had a wonderful time with JGR and Yamaha). Every interview that he has done since going to Suzuki has started out with he is not racing for the money and he is out there for himself and to have fun and for the fans. Every thing that JS7 has done since turning pro has only been about making the most MONEY!!! possible! I have never heard nothing from anyone other than James that he could have stayed home and got paid for sitting on the couch. That's complete B.S. IMO he planned on staying home this summer and finding a new ride for SX 2013 until RV got hurt and he scrambled to to put a ride together for outdoors to take advantage of an easy title opportunity.All this I'm racing for free for fun and the fans is his PR people trying to rebuild his brand so he can make the most money possible!!! There was no way Suzuki could have come up with JS7 money mid season. When all the guns show up at A-1 he will in trouble because anytime he gets pressured he starts crashing. How all his fans buy this crap that he is out there for fun and his fans just shows the mentality of his fan base and how they are willing to believe anything his people want them to. He will do great this summer but when SX starts and he can't beat RV he will quit and take his ball home just like he has done for the last 3 years.
Two words for Alessi ....... ROAD BLOCK!!!!
Good win for Bubbles. He looked very comfy on the Zook. Its a long season, and James even said he didn't see everybodys "Best", nor did we see his..... He is saying and doing all the right things... I, for one, have been very critical of him, but I am real impressed with what he is doing and saying, He seems to have turned the page from his foolish antics.....
I have never doubted JS7's speed or ability on a motorcycle. And to be honest, I was a little surprised that he came out 1-1 in his first race back but not all that surprised on the other hand because I know he has the speed to win.
I'm not a JS7 hater nor am I a huge fan...again I respect his abilities to race a motorcycle. But the bottom line for me is that over the past few years he has been horribly inconsistent and this was one race.
If I were a betting man, I still wouldn't put my money on him to win the series. Could he? Sure. Will he? It's certainly possible if he doesn't crash himself out of contention like he's done in the past.
I'm still picking RD to win the title but if JS7 can continue to ride like he did this weekend, it will be an interesting series!
As usual, my 2 cents for what it's worth.
@arm01, You seem a little over the top here, he looked good. but its only one race... relax little guy, lets see what the next few races bring before you have him walking on water.
Quickly. Someone please use the term 'hater' one more time. It's been 5 mins. Lol
Arm01. Dude you must have got into a good bag today? RV a lawndart? Not sure if you saw the 'crash' that ended his season but seriously? Was a 4 mph tipover and he buckled his knee. Totally fluke! You could've done the same thing with your Bong in one hand and not even spilled any water!
We alllllll know dunge is a monster outdoors. he can go 100% for 2 whole motos. Look at 20211. if rd didnt have so many mechanicals he would have claimed another title. RD > RV outdoors and JS > RD(at hangtown) therefore JS > 450 class(again, at hangtown)
Stop pulling the "RV's not there card"because that is BULLSHlT
Pug. RD the Monster had the last 4 motos of 2011 to make up 8 points. RV won 3 of 4 and prob could've won the last if he needed. That's a clutch ' Monster ' performance which renders RV's absence relevant whether you believe it or not!
Doesn't mean whoever wins this series is unworthy! But to say the absence of RV and the other top level guys is irrelevant is dumb. You know damn well if the roles were reversed and JS and RD were on the sidelines you be all over how lucky RV is.
H@terz!
@TWK1 Eat James Dick, then Rewrite that stupid 8 paragraph Failure you tried to pass on as a Reason why he Came back.....RV Bust His ass long after Rumors of js7 came around
Give credit when credit is due Good job James, so nice to him stay off the ground.
it's almost like he read the Gary Bailey article.
RD5 consistant as usual needs to find another gear though. Is it me or did his bike look like it had a lot of handlebar twitch?
Wish I could have watched the second moto just to see Alessi pull off the third.
TWK1 has some anger issues going here! But does it really matter what James reasons are? He came out to race and he won, end of story! Next Saturday will be a new day with a new tale!
Tip of the hat to the 7. Came out swinging and on fire. I didn't think that would be the case. However, it's a long hot summer, and the 5 is only gonna get stronger. This is far from over people. Congrats to the 800 for getting back on the box. Stay consistent Mikey and you will be fine.
Bummed for my boy Deano. Gotta love the guts, but now it's time to get fixed up and get em' next year.
Go Deano! Go Dungey!
No doubt Stewart rode a great race at Hangtown, especially since he was supposed to have a broken hand. He didn't race the last 4 or 5 SXs because he said he had a broken hand. He was testing the Suzuki before Vegas and was still getting big checks from JGR and telling them he was hurt, when anyone could get him to answer the phone. Just another great example of his integrity. Do his fans really believe he had a wonderful time with JGR and Yamaha? Stewart has taken advantage of everybody he has worked with for the last 3 years and he has always come out on top (making huge money during a recession) and left every team he has been involved with in carnage. That is my opinion and I just don't see how his fans can think that the way he has taken advantage of this industry is even close to being okay.
@TWK1- I am curious here, but did not JGR have a motive when they hire James? Did they make claims they they could make the bike work for him? Didn't James have only a Supercoss deal with the options to race outdoors? My understanding James could have rode the couch this summer and still got paid. It just wasn't working out for either side. Also which one of these riders wouldn't want to improve their craft to make that kind of money. They are all paid professionals and thats what they are there for. Also if it is true what you say about James, then why is the industry still paying him? The all can't be that dumb! Just my thoughts and I am only taking the position of the rider and not James himself.
"I know that RV1 would have gone 1-1" What again?? Villopoto is the most over rated outdoor rider of all time. And Alessi is the most under rated. I cant wait til 2013, I hope I'm still alive.
If anyone remembers...... I kept stating that James will be back!!! I honestly did not think he would go 1-1 right of the bat, but I always knew he still had it in him.
"he planned on staying home this summer and finding a new ride for SX 2013 until RV got hurt and he scrambled to to put a ride together for outdoors to take advantage of an easy title opportunity"
See what I mean?- that is just re-tarded! I cant wait til 2013 outdoors. I cant say what will happen indoors- Villopoto is in control of that- since he has 'back to back' titles.
But he still has a lot to prove on a 450 outdoors- He has missed 75 percent of his 450 outdoors so far! Stewart accomplished more in HIS first 4 years on the big bike- look it up.
I do like Villopoto, he is a great champion- but his "tards" are every bit as annoying as the so called Stewtards. Also- you should be grateful to Stewart for having such a great name for you to work with- "stewtards" "stewpid" "stewges" "etc" "etc". What if he was a Kiedrowski or Matiasevich? What would you call his fans? Again you should be grateful he gives you something to work with. Bring on freestone- where the guy from minnesota supposedly has more ability to withstand the scorching temperatures than the guy who lives in florida his whole life, and even has a little bit of africa in him- I'm sure that doesn't hurt. I don't care who wins- Dungey will only get better and better. But Villopoto is not HERE- Get over it already.
What happened to Chris Blose on the Pulpmx 2 Stroke entry.
"That's complete B.S. IMO he planned on staying home this summer and finding a new ride for SX 2013 until RV got hurt and he scrambled to to put a ride together for outdoors to take advantage of an easy title opportunity"
So you are trying to say that Stewart would of had an EASY 'second' in the outdoors this summer if King Villopoto was there laying waste to the competition?????
If that is true- then I am very SURE he would have been thrilled with a SECOND, since he hasn't finished anything better than fourth in the past three years.
Why should Stewart be afraid of Villopoto outdoors? He has NEVER raced him on an outdoors track- EVER!!!! and Villopotos outdoor creds are not at all impressive by Stewarts standards. If you say that Villopoto would win if he was there you are a Villo-TARD!
TWK1
Pretty sure James was testing a bone stock Suzuki before vegas because he and JGR split before Salt Lake. If you spent as much time reading as you do firing off hissy-fits, you would have known that.
arm01
I'm a big fan of Stewart, always have been. I am not a fan of RV but, there is nothing you could take away from the kid. He raced the best for a year straight and won everything there was to win. Yea he might have not won the national title if Dungey didn't run out of gas but it doesn't matter. The guy was there every weekend and he did exactly what he needed to do to win.
I would take a Chad Reed vs. James Stewart national battle over RV though. Lets see how Reed stacks up now that James is on a new bike. He never had the upper hand on him at any point in his career until 2011. And he said himself that he would rather race James on a blue bike than any other.
What happend to Hughes and Rattay?
hughes ate shit in the 1st moto = dnf
hughes 2nd moto = dns
rattray broke his hand early in the 1st moto
2nd moto = dns
I don't know what's worse, the before-the-race trash-talkers or the after-the-race "I told you so" crowd like arm01.
Mr Mx- just curious. How did you grow 3 feet taller- much more handsome-and lose that silly accent so quickly?
Now that was a serious makeover.
James was getting a little too big for his britches, but I think the large order of humble pie was just what he needed... Anyone bashing him needs to relax. Every racer at some point in time has personally made a few bad decisions, but we as fans, have never really been given a good enough reason to hate any of them. So what if they were arrogant, or signed for money, or whatever anyone wants to complain about. It's all about when the gate drops that really matters. I am a fan of all of them, and all I want to see is some good racing, and amazing riding. The day will come when we get to see the grand show down between all of them again, but for now, MAY THE BEST MAN WIN! Who ever lines up all summer long, and has the most points at the end, deserves to be called the champ. Any * on any season, for any rider, is dis-respectful, and totally un-called for. If they qualify for the big show, they are a bad man ! Plain and simple. 40 men in the world get to say they make the gate. That is a major accomplishment. The only thing that should really get people fired up, what happens when the gate drops. Dirty riding (Friese) Cheating on the starts (Alessi), Cutting the track (Alessi & Hanny) Thats when fans need to come down hard on them. But for what they do up until the gate drops, who gives a crap. Just put on a good show in the race. Thats what a real fan should be concerned with.
It's a long season and there are too many first-race judgments going on. Let's let the season play out and see what happens. James Stewart won the first round and his win was all the more impressive after his disastrous 2012 supercross season, and being a no-show for the last three outdoor seasons. Dungey obviously has the speed to keep up with Stewart as the second moto showed, and his ride was all the more impressive because of the untested (for Dungey) KTM. Remember last season when Villopoto was a little off in the first few rounds because of a lack of testing and not having his bike settings just right. I expect both Dungey and Stewart to improve, and I think that the more Dungey pressures Stewart, the more apt Stewart will be to make a mistake and crash. That was RC's plan of action and it worked quite well. Dungey should take some notes from RC and get a little more aggressive.
WFO-UFO. " most overrated outdoor rider ever"????? That's a little outta whack bud.....couple 250 titles, a 450 title and a few MXoN's to go with it??? I'm thinking he's pretty good outdoors.....ask the world how he rides outside.....uhmmm 2007 MXoN I believe......one of the best beat downs in the history of the even...haha
It's obvious you don't like the kid and want to discredit everything he's done but you know if you were saying these things about the other guy you'd be labeled a 'Hater'.....just sayin
@ chillomatic my point was JS7 was paid to race a full sx season (actually 3 seasons) and with 4 or 5 races to go he quit and told JGR he had a broken hand and wouldn't call them back. So while he was home riding the Suzuki and obviously didn't have a broken hand. If a normal guy like Weimer pulled that crap he would never find a ride again. James did almost the same thing Reed did to Kawasaki, Reed was getting paid and quit and told Kawi that he had Chronic fatigue syndrome and was in Cali testing PC Hondas while he had like 5 races to go.
No I'm not a hater- I like him. But he is what he is- not the greatest outdoor rider who ever lived- not all championships won without him on the gate are paper titles with asterisk- blah blah blah. People who say he will hand everyone thier butt if he is there and so on- It's just not true. When we see them all on the gate- then and only then will we know what is true. 2007 mxon was way spectacular and I have always said so. And being a 'hater' means saying derogatory personal stuff about somebody- which I never have. Besides my comment was not a reflection of Villopoto- but of some of his over the top fans who say he will dominate everyone and always has dominated everything he touches- which isn't true at all. That doesn't mean I hate him- in fact I like him. But I will not call him a clear cut favorite for 2013 outdoors if all are healthy. When I said "over rated" I was talking about some of the comments made on these boards, thats all.
The race might have been much different if Superman had been racing, same goes for Elvis and Jesus.
@ bigtireguy
Whats up long time no here nor see!!!!!!!!!
Big "SUP"
to Caseyponds also
Ok let me get this straight
.4 outdoor titles = Over rated
.0 outdoor titles = Under rated
. Hmmmmm
Slone how about the "before race tolet talk" ?? LOL
TWK1... I think you have your facts messed up. From what I have heard JGR and JS planed this weeks before. They knew why he was not raceing...JGR even said so. They had to keep a lid on it till SX was done. Thats how it works.
@BILLC I always like your posts and respect your opinion but I haven't read anything like that. What information did you get that said they knew why he wasn't racing and they had to keep a lid on it. Because I read an interview and J-Bone said that he said he was hurt and couldn.t race. Also J-Bone said he couldn't get James to answer the phone. What did you hear?
TWK1..Thank you.
.Yes J-Bone said that but JS said he Talked to Gibs and the wheels started to turn long before the season eneded. I have to believe that cuz know way Suzuki would do all they did if the JGR thing was not dead, Also the JGR guys had said that they could have made JS sign somthing that said he could not race oudoors on the Suzuki but it seems to me that the break up was clean enough that they did not want to do that to JS. They even said so. Hell JS even thanked them this weekend after he won.
.I could be all wrong on this but I feel pretty good about it being right. Im sure we will hear more over the next few months.
Hey BillC- I already explained what I meant about Villopoto in the post up above- now this is what I meant about Alessi. Alessi turned pro in late '04 and got on the box in his second pro race. Which was at a 450 outdoor national- behind Windham and Carmichael. Then he finished second in lites outdoors in '05- and again in '06- and then second again in '07 '450' outdoors. Then was running a solid second in '08 '450' outdoors before he crashed out of the season. Then he won two of the first three rounds in '09 before he wrecked the knee- same thing Villopoto did. He was on a 350 for '10 and '11 and struggled just like Shorty did. Yet how many times do you hear stuff about how he sucks and fades- pulls the holie and goes backwards. Stewarts perfect season was crap because it was only Alessi he was battling with- now someone on here just said this weekends result was lame because Alessi was third- and no competition to speak of. That is what I meant by under rated. The only other rider that ever used as a negative yardstick is the 33 year old Timmy Ferry. See what I mean? Alessi finished on the box this weekend- so the competition was weak in the eyes of some posters on here. Again it just isn't true it's just mindless b.s.
Gotcha, Mike is good just not top teir.I don't bash the guy. But he got lots of press when he was up front the years you talked about but this sport is a "what have you done latly" sport and the last few years Mike has not done much. Hence not talked about much.
Yeah but he is on a 450 now- and it's not even a factory bike. He just podiumed in his first race on it outdoors- so "what have you done lately"? doesn't even make sense.
A post from the Tedesco article-
"i don't like this one bit. he should of been racing the 450's. i bet he could of went 6-5 in the big class. alessi got 3rd. he can beat alessi. what is next carmichael racing at loretta's. oh wait...".
See what I mean?
barcia da champ wrote: RV may be irrevelant for the season and they may say he could have affected the raceif he was in it. But they cant say he won the sx championship due to injurys of other riders. he was winning and leading the championship when they were healthy.