The Moment: Freestone
Tuesday, May 29, 2012 | 4:50 PM
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With James Stewart holding Ryan Dungey at bay—despite heavy pressure—for the last 90 minutes plus six laps of Lucas Oil Pro Motocross, it’s tempting to think James is taking advantage of good starts to create good fortune. But, he actually has not. Stewart has started behind Dungey in each of those three motos, but has made passes so early that it nearly becomes forgotten by the end of the race.
At Hangtown, Dungey challenged early leader Mike Alessi, and while those two were battling, Stewart snuck around Dungey to take second, and then quickly overhauled Alessi as well to get a lead he would never relinquish. In the first moto at Freestone, Stewart started about fifth, but on lap one, he dove in front of Dungey on the outside line of a left-hand turn to make a pass. From there he cleared Nico Izzi to get the lead, and he never lost it.
Second moto, Alessi and Dungey got good starts again, but they came together momentarily after turn one. While they slowed each other, Stewart dove inside and passed them both in the second corner. Dungey would get Alessi for second and close back in on Stewart, but he couldn’t make the pass.
Stewart got around Dungey early in moto one and was able to hold on from there.
Simon Cudby photo
Put it this way—Stewart has led all but two laps this year, but has yet to pull any holeshots! (It was close in the first moto of the year at Hangtown, but the award went to Andrew Short). JS7 is doing his damage on the first lap. As much as folks are talking about his finishes, it’s his moves during the earliest moment of the race that are helping shape his strong early season.
“First moto, they over watered the track a little bit and I knew it would be critical to get out front,” said Stewart. “I didn’t want to go through all of my tears offs. Second moto, Mike [Alessi] and Ryan [Dungey] kind of came together there, and I was to sneak inside of them. That’s the way you do it—helps you stay clean!”
And, so far, undefeated.
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I love what im seeing. Hes riding well within his comfort zone. Rarely some him scrub it at all. Just cruising at a fast pace.
that begs the question , why does dungey wait for the red carpet to open up b4 he makes a pass ? keep in mind, his championships have been won when the so called fast guys have been out injured or not racing.
Thats why guys like JS, RV and RC are so dangerous. They have that burst speed that few have and there not scared to use it.
.
ToFast2stop He was the same way in 2010 when he won the title. he was just wearing them down not blowing past them even thouigh he was faster. I said back then it works now but that will not work when the other top guys are back. If he had a little more agrestion he would be lethal!! But than again it just might not work for him.
its a long series. when dungey does run in front, and when js7 has to go to the next level, thats when he starts doing his famous cart wheelies-
Dungey has had to work his ass off to hang with these guys, he was not born with the speed those other guys have. That's why he is a fan favorite but also why he has a harder time finding that crucial "other gear" when he needs to.
BUT, he is always improving and he'll get that too
Dungey has had to work his ass off to hang with these guys, he was not born with the speed those other guys have. That's why he is a fan favorite but also why he has a harder time finding that crucial "other gear" when he needs to.
BUT, he is always improving and he'll get that too
Seem Stewart has put it into overdrive just for half a lap (2nd moto, Freestone when #5 was letting his intentions known); riding like the old 259, confident the bike will do whatever he wants. That was missing on the blue bike for Stewart.
Other than that he's so smooth, like he's testing with Sorby.
Wonder if it's the bike or the tires....
"Wonder if it's the bike or the tires...."
It's between the ears.
And please never mention Sorby on this or any other forum. Thank you.
despite what you might have seen on the TV show, Eric Sorby was a very respectable rider in his career...sure he acted like a friggin idiot on the TV show, that's TVland...give the guy a little respect...he was out there racing with the best 20-40 guys in the world and had some respectable finishes! Anyone who can count themselves in the top 20 guys in the world at any given time has reached the pinnacle of their profession, and worked their butt off to get there!
As far as the bike or the tires, or the ears, it's all three, the bike and your comfort level and confidence with it affect what's between the ears...for James, he has never nor should he doubt that he has the speed to win any time he lines up, but based on his own words he is comfortable with the bike and that gives him confidence between the ears in the bike (he doesn't need confidence in his speed)
Stewart - The dude is an animal on the outdoor tracks....He will find extra speed where nobody else can..It did seem however, that after moto 1 and moto 2, Dungey was much more fatigued and seemed to be more winded than James was...Even with that mop on his head, James didnt look to be to exhausted and when you watch the race, Dungey seems to be using much more energy trying to keep pace...he can do it yes, but towards the end, Dungey started to faulter a bit....James is in shape, so that baby is put to bed.... and it seemed whenever he needed too, he found that extra speed and kept Dungey at bay,,,,,Not discrediting Dungey here either,,,,, He is far more in shape than any of the other guys out there and faster as well..he can run the same pace lap after lap and even go faster towards the end....but it looks like James can do the same, and go even faster when needed....both of their fastest laps were on the last 2 laps....AMAZING!!!...
My perspective is, yes Dungey will beat James and when Dungey gets a holeshot and James gets a crappy start, it will be hard for James to catch him, but unless they crash, I think its fair to say both can go from last to top 3 EASILY.......But when I see them starting 1 and 2..I give the upper hand to James because he has equal conditioning/stamina so far....and he can pull out more speed...I dont think we have seen James push it....and who knows, he may not want too...or need too....good racing though...even Roger D says so......Colorado will be awesome!!
Lets TRY to imagine what it's like to try and make a pass on Stewart (or 2/22/41) at the pace they are going. Dodging bumps, roost, lines changing from 38 other bikes. It must be a HELL of a mental strain on top of the physical effort they are exerting. Its not like catching 21/29/24/10 etc. and motoring on by.
I think Alessi will play a role in this series, how he seems to block and cut across when 7 or 5 is trying to get by. I would be wondering what he is going to do next so we don't collide.
Said it before, this needs to become a message board, so we can track posts, and other things. This is 2012, not 1997. Charge 20 or 30 bucks and you get a year subscription to the magazine as well as an account. Edit out the swearing if you must, ban those that get out of hand and lets have a good bench racing session. Maybe its me, but it seems like its calmer now that the outdoors is going. Is the SX fan not as cool as DIRT BIKE fans??
It's calmer because most of the people making "noise" on here were the ones dogging Stewart and saying he would get smoked outdoors this season, well they are keeping quiet now. just wait until JS has a bad moto and/or RD just plain old beats him, the silent ones will show up on here after that race, and they will make it ugly again!! Just wait, it'll happen!! Best thing would be if JS just kept winning, but Dungey will get a few i think!!
What Dungeys got the natural speed of these guys outdoors. Hell he had the fastest lap time 2nd moto. Hell win sooner than later trust me
@kawi567 false. Stewart did.
@thetoothperry jump off JS7 dick dude. I cant wait until Ryan starts winning and all the Stewart lovers start crying again
Gee, I guess you would like to read all of the posts before they go up so you can make sure they don't say anything bad about your GOD James. Maybe you should make your own web page super fro and lets see how far you get
Not to be A Nube but We all Know if James Keeps Going like the he is he will have the title most deffinatley. Regardless if he goes 24-0 or not. You catn even be mad eaither because you know it.
(im both a dungey and js7 fan)
If he goes 1-1 next week its pretty much safe to say its over, im just gonna unplug my tv and wait for supercross. (Seriously)
seriously folks did any one think RD would do this good already? I knew he would do good on that KTM but not this good already. I thought JS would be killing it by 45 sec to a minute like he use to. And if anyone says yes their a liar. LOL
Huge RD and JS fan but i gotta say unless RD finds some magic this one is over.
RD@100% = JS@80%
I really hope he finds some magic to take a W though probably one of the most hardworking guys out there AND
AND
AND
He got CHEATED in '11 due to mechanicals which were TOTALLY not his fault.
Let it be known, outdoors.. RD>RV
Pug. Go back to your dreaming! RV is faster than RD outdoors. See Mxon. See last 4 motos of the season where RD had his fate in his hands and RV sealed the deal!
so much for the calm, thoughtful bench racing.
I totally agree with the sentiment of this article. There was a lot of good hard racing going on that deserves much respect, but it was the speed and aggression that Stewart puts forth during the first couple laps that has made the difference thus far.
@Handlebardragger.....nice try dick head......but everything is just fine with that beautiful yellow Suzuki buddy....just fine!! Keep diggin' for stuff though.....putz!!
...and ya Kawi567...JS put down a 2:04 on lap 15 of the second moto.....fastest lap time of the race!!
Dungey has no problem passing when he's pissed, southwick last year. The kids got speed, and I will be suprised if it takes him another week or two to beat James.
@Kawi567 Sorry i wasnt aware Ginger blowhards cared so much. RV has never beat Stewart straight up. The facts suck dont they. Nice try though. It was cute.
Stewie was beat straight up in sx.and quit at the end because if he couldn't win he don't wanna play! Like a little kid. but I do give him credit for his wins out doors he's riding like we know he can. Even if two faster guys are missing.
I didnt know that thetoothperry. Lets see James obviously wouldnt have raced outdoors if RV had done it so James def woulda got passed there. What about the 9 races RV won is sx this year over James? What RV ditches James from the gate drop and James bees an idiot and crashes on the final lap when hes already down 20 seconds and thats not straight up? What about Atlanta 2012? Ryan felll over in the middle of the race and James was 1 sec behind him and he still beat him by 10 seconds in the end. Sorry didnt realize Black blowhards cared so much
Wish they would chuck Barcia on K-Dubs bike for the outdoors. At least then theres a chance someone might stir the Dunge Stew pot!
He wouldnt have raced outdoors.... haha sorry your boy wouldnt have even won last year if Dungey didnt DNF and now Dungey is getting beat over and over. To bet against Stewart you have to be stupid. Which you seem to be. Its okay i know its hard to admit you are wrong. Who has more wins/titles?...Who is always the fastest even on a horrible bike? He hasnt even broke a sweat on his new bike. RV cant finish a season.... Hes only done it once and everyone thinks hes amazing. He was getting smoked by Reed all outdoors last year till Reed crashed and Stewart could make reed look stupid outdoors. RV has one year of fame. That was it. Now hes hurt. Like every year he raced a 450 except 2011. Sorry dude, and the black blowhard comment was classy and original.
yea, Dungey doesnt get his flow going next weekend, and James lays it down for a third weekend in a row, The fat lady is gonna start warming up her vocal chords. I know it's a long season, but lets all think about this for a second... James has not raced outdoors since 08, on a bike he probably doesnt even have 40 hrs ride time on, and he is ALREADY handling the Dunge. Whats he going to do in another few weekends, once he gets More time on it, and better acclimated to the rough tracks. What did Rv do last season as the season progressed? I have a feeling Stew is going to start gapping him more and more each weekend from Mt morris - on... Time will tell.
I like em both, and I just want to see em battle all season long, but I dont have a good gut feelin about it.
Kawi567...you're an a*s...just another punk semi-racist saying stuff he would never say to someone black's face. Your an idiot and most of the crap you spew is either wrong or just to stir sh*t.....its been quite decent on here for a few days then you drug your sorry a*s made up sh*t on here and act all upitty...you don't know what Stewart would have done and RV ain't out there so f-off.The only blowhard on here is YOU.
If you watch the go-pro videos, JS7's speed advantage is that he goes deeper into the corners than anyone else and that is why he can set up the pas better than Dungey. Dungey could not pas him because he could not match JS7's corner entry speed and therefore could not pass him. The only other person who can match Stewart's corner entry speed is RV2.
@dgarrett ..agreed. plus its a long season and Dungeys caution is not a real problem... yet. Havocs late rash of mistakes and crashes warrants some extra care..lol. Havoc is carrying some speed though and hasn't ever been that easy to just roll by. I think RV1 's corner speed is unmatched but not on the couch.I'm an RV fan and you just have enjoy whos out there ...at least its good racing..i had also kinda expected more from Brayton and Metcalf....
In motocross you have speed over bumps which you don't in SX so Brayton needs to re-tune himself, maybe some Iowa corn rows would help. As for Metcalf, awesome dude but third place will always be his best and the mean will be 6th.
The nationals are what they are this year, it is good to see all the fans enjoying it and making the best of it without RV.
Although some people still appear to be in denial, the 450 class was over the minute Stewy decided to race. However, at least the the 250 class is interesting ....
Perry. I know you're a young lad and you probably grew up a JS fan but your views are more than a little biased and somewhat narrow minded. No offense but when you get to be my age you become a little more objective.
There are simply more quality racers out there now than when Stew came up. RV has a little more than 'one year of fame' under his belt. He had arguably the best year ever last year but we can't discount his achievements on the 250 and he's been one of the best of all time in the MXoN! A little respect is warranted.
Dungey is great at passing
gas
Anyone who thinks JS is just cruising to beat RD is dreaming. At 30 mins in to a moto you really think JS wanted to see an orange fender beside him mulitple times? They both bobbled several times at that pace because they were both on the brink. And @toothperry116.......last time I checked RV has the same number of major AMA titles as JS (7) and he's been racing pro for 4 years less so you might want to take the JS love goggles off. And saying RV has never beat JS straight up is 100% BS and you know it. Also to anyone who thinks JS has barely any time on the Suzuki you might want to re-think that. Ever since he quit from that crash and walked off the track in SX I'd bet he's been on that bike, because the injured hand obviously ended up holding no water. That bike also has years of championship data behind it so it would be on point from the get-go. Regardless, JS and RD are flying and it will be a good battle this series.
The old JS fan mentality is coming back after only 2 rounds. When he wins it's easy for him and he was just cruising, and when he loses he never gets beat "straight up".
Some of you REALLY need to get a girl friend, or a life of some sort. It's racing, and your looking in from the fence. Okay, some of you race, and even then, not at the level these guys are. Enjoy the show, respect what your seeing and remember, at the end of the season half of you will be eating your words, and NOBODY knows what half that is yet. What a bunch of blow hard, wannabee, loosers. And you know who I'm speaking of.
It was a pleasure watching Stewart and Dungey at Freestone. Both of them were flat hauling and TV coverage doesn't do it justice. Stewart has so far proven that he's in control of the series but I expect Dungey to improve as it goes along. He's really hard to beat at Millville.
Stewart deserves credit. He looks fantastic and is still riding within himself. So nice to see that level of talent in motion.
@ toothperry..........One more thing twinkle toes, your statement about JS always being the fastest on a horrible bike is wrong too. RV had the fastest lap time at almost every single SX round this year. Do some research before you declare your love and call other people idiots.
Killomoto, one reason RD looked so much more fatigued I think is the fact that he sits there eating roost for 30 minutes and has to try to ride different, rougher, longer lines. He even stated that on his interview. Not only is eating that much dirt be demoralizing, but also wears you out mentally and physically. Not only does that sh*t hurt, but covers your goggles, gets in your mouth, swallowing it, etc.
Great article, spot on. It would have been interesting to see if a few laps in, when RD settled into his pace, if JS would have been able to get by RD. They were about the same speed wise, even though RD was having to take different lines. I'm not so sure. Although then again, JS isn't afraid to "Bansai" it to make a pass.
Lets put it This wasy, Regarless if Stewart only has a "One year of fame", This guy has been Bar to Bar and has even beated the G.O.A.T in his prime. everyone knows james made Rick work for the wins he got instead of just winning by 50+ seconds. So james has the Honor of being the guy that was able to beat the G.O.A.T and the only Other guy to go 24-0.....Poto on the other was not lucky enough to prove himself when Ricky was racing. Hes racing a whole different generation of riders.....but time will tell if Poto and James still got it.......(Screw chad) sorry i hate that guy
@pizzacorner I wish everyone on here loved Motocross, anyone who witnessed Dungy bring home the MXoN at Lakewood in 2010 would never call him a sissy. Have you ever been to a race?
Anyhow nobody would miss you if you off....
@pugue Haha do u honestly think I give a shit? A bunch of computer geeks arguing because I said something and it honestly pisses them off this bad. I think its Halarious! Like ur comment literally made me laugh my ass off. If this was real life Id give, but half or more of these people obviously dont race and I find it halarious how u guys get so angry
@ tonewall when I see you at the races I will make you eat p**p offf my wee w**
The only g**d Black is a ***** Bl^!!
Wow this site has really become a dumping ground on the riders from people who probably dont work in the industry or even ride the A class in whatever small bit of racing they do. If they did there would be a lot more respect shown here. Dungey did not get robbed last year in outdoors. Thats like saying Reed got robbed after his huge get off. If you can't finish the race every weekend you can't win a title simple as that. Does not matter if it is you or the bike. As far as the comment about RV never getting the chance to race the GOAT he did on team USA when he logged faster lap times on his 250f then Ricky did on his 450. So before you jump in and hate on other riders why dont you learn a bit more about the sport and have some respect for all the riders because even the lappers would probably lap most of you!!!
WOW! So if you aren't an A class rider, or "work in the industry" your not entitled to an opinion. While I agree that for sure there are morons without respect here, they are everywhere. Including, but not limited to "industry workers, and like it or not A class riders. That's a pretty harsh statement to the rest of us. After all, it's not A class riders, and Industry workers filling the seats, buying the bikes, parts, and keeping this whole enchilada going! Sure they contribute, but they need a little help from their B, C, and yes, even D Class friends.