by Chase Stallo
Sign of the Lap Times: Hangtown
Tuesday, May 22, 2012 | 3:20 PM
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The Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship kicked off its 2012 season under pristine conditions at the FMF Hangtown Motocross Classic in Rancho Cordova, California. For the first time since his 24-0 season in 2008, James Stewart would line up for the opening round of the championship. Quickly showing that he hasn’t lost a step, Stewart took a commanding win at the season opener via 1-1 moto scores.
2010 series champion Ryan Dungey began his quest for a second 450 title at Hangtown and finished second behind Stewart. MotoConcepts’ Mike Alessi would round out the podium, his first since 2010.
In a field besieged with champions, the 2012 250 class has all the makings for one of the greatest seasons in history. And if round one was any indication it could be one exciting summer outdoors.
A less than stellar supercross season had many concerned about exactly which Blake Baggett we would see at the opening round of the 2012 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship at Hangtown. The one that has the ability to win anyplace, anytime, or the one that has trouble finding championship consistency. Baggett obviously brought the former to the table at Hangtown.Trailing three reigning champions in Ken Roczen, Justin Barcia and Eli Tomac with five laps to go, the argument of Baggett having a chance to win the moto had less validity to it than Enron stock options. As Baggett began to reel in Tomac for third, Roczen and Barcia continued to duel for the moto win. Baggett eventually got past Tomac, then used an unbelievable outside line to swallow up Barcia and then disposed of Roczen with just a few corners to go. An impressive opening round statement from Baggett, and as you will see below the El Chupacabra digs deep at the end of motos.
450 Class
Moto 1
| Lap Rank | Finish | Best Lap | In Lap | Avg Lap Time | Rider |
| 1 | 1 |
2:04.833 |
2 |
2:07.884 |
James Stewart |
| 2 | 5 |
2:05.904 |
4 |
2:09.160 |
Andrew Short |
| 3 | 2 |
2:05.905 |
13 |
2:08.001 |
Davi Millsaps |
| 4 | 3 |
2:06.012 |
5 |
2:07.868 |
Ryan Dungey |
| 5 | 4 |
2:06.298 |
4 |
2:08.844 |
Brett Metcalfe |
| 6 | 6 |
2:07.338 |
5 |
2:09.113 |
Broc Tickle |
| 7 | 7 |
2:07.414 |
3 |
2:10.547 |
Mike Alessi |
| 8 |
8 |
2:07.681 |
3 |
2:10.629 |
Tommy Hahn |
| 9 | 10 |
2:07.876 |
11 |
2:09.646 |
Jake Weimer |
| 10 | 14 |
2:08.383 |
7 |
2:12.405 |
Sean Collier |
Moto 2
| Lap Rank | Finish | Best Lap | In Lap | Avg Lap Time | Rider |
| 1 | 1 |
2:06.285 |
8 |
2:08.618 |
James Stewart |
| 2 | 2 |
2:06.887 |
8 |
2:08.851 |
Ryan Dungey |
| 3 | 3 |
2:08.281 |
5 |
2:10.610 |
Mike Alessi |
| 4 | 4 |
2:08.289 |
2 |
2:10.449 |
Andrew Short |
| 5 | 5 |
2:08.410 |
3 |
2:10.381 |
Brett Metcalfe |
| 6 | 7 |
2:08.813 |
4 |
2:11.488 |
Broc Tickle |
| 7 | 6 |
2:09.081 |
3 |
2:10.865 |
Jake Weimer |
| 8 |
10 |
2:09.685 |
6 |
2:12.950 |
Nico Izzi |
| 9 | 24 |
2:09.624 |
3 |
2:18.382 |
Sean Collier |
| 10 | 8 |
2:10.252 |
9 |
2:12.196 |
Josh Grant |
No doubt about it James Stewart was impressive in his first race back since a one-off ride a Unadilla two years ago. Fitness didn’t seem to be a factor; Stewart barley broke a sweat in the 30 plus 2 minutes motos. He seemed to gel with the new Suzuki, see 1-1 moto scores. Overall it was an A+ effort. Heck, he even set the fastest laps in both motos. But before we all pile on the Stewart bandwagon at once, it was only one race. Let’s see this play out before we start calling for a 24-0 season.
Although which class he would ride seemed to be in limbo all the way up until the drop of the gate Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Broc Tickle managed to push all that to the side and ride a spectacular race at Hangtown. Tickle finished the day 6th overall and quietly proved he has the chops to compete in the 450 class in his rookie season (450 class) outdoors.
Stewart set the fastest lap in both motos at Hangtown.
Simon Cudby photo
250 Class
Moto 1
| Lap Rank | Finish | Best Lap | In Lap | Avg Lap Time | Rider |
| 1 | 1 |
2:05.148 |
17 |
2:10.332 |
|
| 2 | 4 |
2:06.047 |
7 |
2:08.489 |
Eli Tomac |
| 3 | 2 |
2:06.064 |
5 |
2:07.183 |
Ken Roczen |
| 4 |
3 |
2:06.199 |
8 |
2:07.433 |
Justin Barcia |
| 5 | 5 |
2:07.191 |
3 |
2:10.538 |
Marvin Musquin |
| 6 |
6 |
2:07.989 |
6 |
2:10.810 |
Ivan Tedesco |
| 7 | 36 |
2:08.522 |
5 |
2:10.332 |
Dean Wilson |
| 8 | 7 |
2:09.313 |
7 |
2:11.510 |
Wil Hahn |
| 9 | 13 |
2:09.733 |
3 |
2:13.431 |
Jessy Nelson |
| 10 | 25 |
2:09.910 |
3 |
2:19.671 |
Malcolm Stewart |
Moto 2
| Lap Rank | Finish | Best Lap | In Lap | Avg Lap Time | Rider |
| 1 | 1 |
2:06.817 |
5 |
2:09.558 |
Blake Baggett |
| 2 | 2 |
2:08.775 |
3 |
2:10.306 |
Justin Barcia |
| 3 | 3 |
2:08.915 |
3 |
2:10.186 |
Ken Roczen |
| 4 | 4 |
2:10.360 |
4 |
2:12.764 |
Martin Davalos |
| 5 | 9 |
2:10.452 |
4 |
2:15.330 |
Jason Anderson |
| 6 | 5 |
2:10.611 |
5 |
2:13.128 |
Ivan Tedesco |
| 7 | 10 |
2:10.970 |
8 |
2:13.912 |
Eli Tomac |
| 8 | 14 |
2:11.047 |
3 |
2:17.157 |
Marvin Musquin |
| 9 | 7 |
2:11.536 |
6 |
2:14.340 |
Justin Bogle |
| 10 | 13 |
2:12.149 |
10 |
2:14.061 |
Wil Hahn |
As if Blake Baggett’s moto 1 comeback wasn’t impressive enough the El Chupacabra put down his fastest lap of the moto, which also served as the fastest overall lap of the moto, on the final lap! But let’s look a little deeper and see exactly how much quicker Baggett was than Roczen, Barcia and Tomac on the final four laps.
|
Rider |
Lap 14 |
Lap 15 |
Lap 16 |
Lap 17 |
|
2.06.530 |
2.06.263 |
2.05.979 |
2.05.148 |
|
|
2.07.305 |
2.07.724 |
2.07.660 |
2.07.037 |
|
|
2.07.627 |
2.07.453 |
2.06.923 |
2.08.161 |
|
|
2.09.160 |
2.11.809 |
2.11.942 |
2.15.523 |
We will let the stats speak for themselves, but as you can see as Roczen, Barcia and Tomac weltered down the stretch Baggett was just beginning to heat up.
Baggett was a beast down the stretch in moto 1.
Simon Cudby photo
The first WMX moto presented the standard Ashley Fiolek vs. Jessica Patterson battle we have come to expect over the last few years. Fiolek grabbed the holeshot, Patterson made a pass, but Fiolek responded with a pass of her own and pulled away.
Patterson made some changes to her new Rockstar Suzuki for the second moto, but the dynamic duo never had a chance to race it out. They both crashed early in separate incidents, opening the door for Australian upstart Meghan Rutledge to take the moto win. Patterson fought back gamely for second despite hurting her shoulder in her crash—and that second was enough to win the overall with 2-2 scores.
WMX Class
Moto 1
| Lap Rank | Finish | Best Lap | In Lap | Avg Lap Time | Rider |
| 1 | 1 |
2:20.986 |
5 |
2:22.618 |
Ashley Fiolek |
| 2 | 2 |
2:21.117 |
4 |
2:23.276 |
Jessica Patterson |
| 3 | 3 |
2:23.291 |
2 |
2:25.471 |
Tarah Gieger |
| 4 | 5 |
2:26.925 |
4 |
2:30.159 |
Sayaka Kaneshiro |
| 5 | 8 |
2:27.539 |
7 |
2:35.043 |
Meghan Rutledge |
Moto 2
| Lap Rank | Finish | Best Lap | In Lap | Avg Lap Time | Rider |
| 1 | 1 |
2:22.216 |
8 |
2:25.216 |
Meghan Rutledge |
| 2 | 2 |
2:22.719 |
8 |
2:26.451 |
Jessica Patterson |
| 3 | 3 |
2:25.857 |
3 |
2:28.337 |
Tarah Gieger |
| 4 | 5 |
2:28.892 |
6 |
2:32.757 |
Ashley Fiolek |
| 5 | 4 |
2:29.307 |
3 |
2:30.754 |
Sayaka Kaneshiro |
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Good job Chase !
Especially the Baggett late moto comparison.
Consider doing the same for both classes in the Freestone heat or other tracks that show wos putting in the work !
JimM
Pala374
Whats your trade secret , import from excel ?
@JimboMX: Thanks, Jim. Actually it's all done by hand, the old-fashion way.
Baggett
...........................SICK!!! Nice to see that!!
Baggett is a Boss, Came out of nowhere.....shoot, they didnt even put cameras on him before he made that huge move
Millsaps is looking pretty good right now.
Bagget is tough outdoors for sure..
And how about the new girl Meghan Rutledge, she is from Australia and new to racing here, and making a statement early..
I don't understand the "average lap times." Dungey's is the lowest in moto 1...wouldn't he have won if that were really true? Is the first lap not counted?
I read that article about the Ausie girl who won WMX Moto2-Rutledge, in the article she said she wanted to race in the AMA men's division one day- looking at the lap times- the fastest woman, Fiolek would have to take off 10-15 seconds to be top 10/win a 250 moto- do you guys think it is a difference in bike development, or factory parts, or is it strength/fitness thats holding the ladies back in lap times? I thought fiolek was on a factory CRF250?
I read that article about the Ausie girl who won WMX Moto2-Rutledge, in the article she said she wanted to race in the AMA men's division one day- looking at the lap times- the fastest woman, Fiolek would have to take off 10-15 seconds to be top 10/win a 250 moto- do you guys think it is a difference in bike development, or factory parts, or is it strength/fitness thats holding the ladies back in lap times? I thought fiolek was on a factory CRF250?
Gee "BD"...nothing to say about JS?? Or is it that if you can't say anything bad, you won't say anything at all?? hahahahahahaha.
@NEBHRES: They don't count the first lap.
@whatever,, agreed.. Hard to say anything bad about JS this week.. Funny how that works.. The "haters" are at a loss for words.. Don't you worry though, they will be back if something bad happens to JS. I can assure you of that...
All the JS haters don't much to say now. It's going to be a long summer for that group of people! At the risk of sounding like a pig women wont reach the racing level the elite men are at because they are physically inferior. Please don't freak out! Most of these girls would smoke most of us, but when it comes to almost any physically demanding sport played at the highest level they can not overcome the strength and size difference. NBA, MLB, NHL, PGA etc. I have nothing but respect for women but there are physical differences that can not be overcome.
"A less than stellar supercross season had many concerned about exactly which Blake Baggett we would see at the opening round of the 2012 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship at Hangtown. The one that has the ability to win anyplace, anytime, or the one that has trouble finding championship consistency. Baggett obviously brought the latter to the table at Hangtown. "
He brought the latter? You meant the former, as in the one that can win any place, anytime..? Because to say he doesn't have the consistency THIS season...has not been proven yet.
BD200 i told you not to sign up Barcia for the MXD team so fast!!! You said it was just because i don't like him but i said no its cus baggett is real fast!!
PS.... Where the hell you been?? was startinmg to worrie!!!
mxmofo1 ...More than at a loss for words... Some are no where to be found!!!
@ BillC and mxmofo1
It might have something to do with all the new trolls that have invaded the site, the amount of stupid, repetitive posts lately is ridiculous. Today seems a little more calmed down though at least.
Also, JS fans can't really rub anything in the "haters" faces after only one race either, as they've been running their mouths the past 2.5 years about how good JS is while he was getting beat the whole time by multiple riders.
On another note, good ride for JS he looked awesome, can't start the series better than that. There's a long way to go, I'm still calling RD for the title :)
Never fear the yellow lawn dart will appear. Great ride for JS7. 2 wins with 0 yellow lawn darts so far.
Retardcross I agree, I have NOT been screaming JS is the best for 2 1/2 years though. I just pick on the ones who say he does not train, He is Done, He can't win, RD will smoke him ECT. Some people just hate the guy or really have no clue at all.
True enough, and I know you aren't one of those guys that's not what I meant.
What do Smith, Hannah, Cooper, Carmicial, Reed and Stewart have in common? They are all champions who Suzuki hired late in their careers. Cooper, RC and Reed won them titles, Stewart could be the next to do so...pretty smart for the small company..Get a rider who is mature and knows what it takes to win..Been a Suzuki fan a long time always glad to see them in the mix. So as Dungey fan I will have cheer on James as well....it will only make Ryan faster....which means 2013 is going to be off the charts!!!!
Bubba pulled a 1:58 in qualifying if RV2 and CR22 were there I doubt they could pull a time like that. Rytarded Villidiots its over for your boy when he returns
fastest man on the planet i m not seeing all the haters he should quit bla bla bla
Nice riding by James. I have to admit that I was a little surprised at a 1-1. Not because I think James is slow, but because he's been away from the outdoors for a while and on a new bike with relatively little set-up time.
Bagget - found another gear again. It will be interesting to see if he can be more consistent this summer. With the 250 class so stacked, it should be a very interesting summer.
Chase - "as you can see as Roczen, Barcia and Tomac weltered down the stretch"
Did you mean wilted instead of weltered?
From dictionary.com - http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/weltered+?s=t
welter - verb (used without object)
1. to roll, toss, or heave, as waves or the sea.
2. to roll, writhe, or tumble about; wallow, as animals (often followed by about ): pigs weltering about happily in the mud.
3. to lie bathed in or be drenched in something, especially blood.
4. to become deeply or extensively involved, associated, entangled, etc.: to welter in setbacks, confusion, and despair.
#7 was on his heels & never touched the clutch.
About the women, 10-15 sec. is alot but they are still going real fast.I have total respect for them.
And now I can read past the article since Davey apparently "flushed" arm01 from this site. thanks
It never fails, a STEWTARD has to go on the attack, this time because I said NOTHING about thier dreamboy Stewie. A regular fan cant win for losing with some of these guys. They really need to get a life. I make a comment on how Millsaps looked good, and how tough Bagget is, and how cool it is for a girl from Australia to come to the States to race and wins the 2nd moto, and I catch grief because I didnt mention Stewie in my post!! Some of these so-called fans are absolutely obsessed with one rider, and now he gets a win outside and they are all over it now..Good Lord get a life....
@BIILC, just one race dude,a dn Barcia did great did he not??? An d the Des Nations is at a sand track, Barcia kills in the sand dude, everyone knows that.. Ask the 450 guys who he beat at Southwick.. Baggett had his shot last year, and didnt do very well,
Bd200. Don't fret it man. As I've states many times it's not so much Stewart that people don't like it's his fans!
Here we have a cool little article expressing some perspective on lap times and the guys have to gloat and entice negativity like grade schoolers who just stole your lunch. They claim to be MX fans but the truth is rather apparent! Stewart had a great weekend on a great bike. Good on him.
What was up about people bagging on Tedesco and calling 250's minibike about 2 weeks ago? Well those are some pretty damn fast mini-bikes. Considering Baggett had the 2nd fastest time and he did it on lap 17 and after the 450's ripped up the track.
barcia is fast in the sand t,, this is true//...
barcia might beat bubba at southwick..
Um.... I'm a JS hater and I have plenty to say. I give him credit for a great ride but he lucked out, plain and simple. If Dungey wasn't held up by JT I think we would have had a different story second moto. It's not as if Dungey couldn't hang with Bubba's speed or anything. In fact, once he gets more time outdoor testing and riding he will be able to get passed Bubba. It's not as if Dungey was hanging around riding outdoors the past two months - he had a contract to honor for KTM and finished up the SX series. He isn't a quitter like some other frauds out there...
Well JS hater, He has your boy Dunge covered big time because he could trail ride when he wanted to at Hangtown and stay ahead. Dunge never could do that little triple JS did every lap that gained time which he even admitted. Not a JS fan myself but he will have no problems with Dungey he is much faster.
tomktm comes up with some crazy crap. he likes to over look the fact that RD started in FRONT of JS and got BEAT by JS ... The lappers had nothing to do with the fact that JS PASSED him.
Yes BD200 Barcia did well, I would not say Great, Baggett came from WAAAAAY back to beat him so he was GREAT not Barcia.
You guys are missing the tomktm's main point. You know damn well Stewart didn't just get on that Suzuki a couple of weeks ago......he's way to 'in-tune' with it. Bet my left one that he's been riding the Zook on outdoor tracks since he walked off the track at Houston! Tom's point is valid.....the KTM Dungey is on is new t o the AMA nats, they've had little time to test cause RD was actually fulfilling his obligations to his sponsors, team and fans and came back to finish the SX season.....he could easily have bailed on the SX too......and went right to work outdoors as they have much to do......
As you know I'm an RV guy so don't really care who wins this championship but some valid points were made....
Valid points?.. sounded more like a slam at js and more excuse as to why RD did not win.