by Davey Coombs
450 Words: RedBud
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PrintFour years ago at RedBud, Mike Alessi survived one of the worst crashes the circuit—and the series—has seen. Alessi, then a factory Suzuki rider, crashed while battling for the lead in the second moto at the bottom of the big sky jump. He crashed on the face of the following jump and ended up right in the middle of the track in the landing section. Most riders missed him, but not all. (YouTube footage is here).
From the crash evolved the wheels-on-the-ground flags you now see at every outdoor national. But it also seemed to start a string of setbacks and injuries that have plagued Alessi since. He lost a direct shot at the 450 title the next year when he broke his leg two days after winning the Freestone National—and he hasn't won since. Last year on a KTM he appeared ready to challenge again for the Lucas Oil 450 Motocross title, only to crash himself out in practice at Hangtown.
On Saturday, Alessi was back at RedBud and back on a Suzuki. But he's no longer a factory rider. In fact, he races for MotoConcepts as a full-on privateer, the factory giving him nothing in the way of assistance—the bike he rides isn't even yellow. And yet it's Alessi, not James Stewart or Brett Metcalfe of the Yoshimura Suzuki factory team, who is the highest-ranked Suzuki rider in the standings. Granted, Metcalfe is out and Stewart is just coming back from a wrist injury, both having had their own fair share of misfortune in the past few years, just like Mike.
Alessi was involved in another big crash at RedBud, but unlike four years ago he was able to recover and charge to an 11th place finish.
Andrew Fredrickson photo
Off the start at RedBud in the first moto, Alessi's bum luck returned when he plowed the front wheel while charging the loamy inside on the start, triggering a chain-reaction crash that some were calling “the big one” we haven't had in a few years. Guys were pinballing everywhere, with Alessi seeming to be lifted across all of them as he tried to save his own crash. It was almost as ugly as 2008, only this time Alessi got up, thankfully, and charged from thirty-fourth to eleventh at moto's end.
For the second moto he limped to the line in obvious pain, took a spot in the middle with his later-than-usual pick, and then did what we all expect Mike Alessi, arguably the best starter in motocross history, to do: grabbed the holeshot!
His lead didn't last long, but his heart did. After holding off Red Bull KTM's Ryan Dungey as long as he could, Alessi focused on finishing strong, which he did—second place, ahead of James Stewart, ahead of the Honda factory-supported riders, and ahead of the Kawasaki factory-supported riders. Afterward he sat on the side of the podium, missing a podium spot by two with his 11-2 scores. He didn't have a ride back to the pits either, as his bike had gone to impound. So he limped into an official's mule and hitched a ride back to his motor home, his wife, Danielle, right there with him as always. He was stoic, injured yet satisfied with the race he had just run.
Mike Alessi hasn't given up on someday becoming the best motocross racer in the world, even though the odds get longer with each passing season. But whether you like him or not, what #800 did at RedBud was downright heroic. He didn't win, but he sure as hell didn't quit either. Come to think of it, he never does.
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I thought 450 words was about the whole class. Short came from behind Alessi to 12th. Dungey went out aggresive in both motos and stayed ahead of Stewarts first lap charges for the first time this year. Alessi rode great but he wasn't the only one. Brayton got his first 2nd place in the 450's and not a mention. This post should have had its own title.
Your right we dont have to like him and I dont. His past antics have secured him his public status as a brat. THAT is why he doesnt have factory support. You forgot to point that and the fact that his dad is an overbearing burden to factories as the reason he doesnt have support. Keep writing all the Silvia Plath pity me stories you can about this kid but Ill start cheering when he just quits the sport. That is only my opnion and I understand there are those few out there that may like the kid. More power to you all, I know to many that think the same about him though. Thanks for wasting 5 minutes of my life reading this weeks 450 words. Hey, did you hear that Dungey kid smoked everyone again and did it with humble personality and hard work?
Damn, you guys are a bunch of pussies. Good job Alessi!
hey jman- what people cant change? do something at 20 and have to live it forever? look in the mirror bro. Great jpb Alessi!
That first moto crash looked wicked. Kind of like a bowling tournament!
Guys, give him a break,we all make mistakes . we all tend to adopt our enviorment , im
sure his was very intresting.as a man we grow up and change and mature. Two of the
biggest clown's in the sport i think would be justin barcia and james stewart. Dungey
like RC is one who looks at the big picture not two laps in. roger decoster said he
thinks ryan is faster than what he thinks, iwould agree . he will be around fore a long
time.
I have a funny feeling mike will sighn with chad reed next season.
jmantattoo, you DICK!, the story is about a young man with heart that has surpassed the past to keep push forward in his quest to fulfill his life dreams. We all have done thing that we regret, like reading your stupid comment. But life moves on and so should you DICK! Mike is living for Mike, not you or anyone that agrees with you, its a shame that people hold things against you for years like they have never done anyone wrong. Your one of those self righteous M____ F____ers that we all can do without!!
The 250 class may be "The Show" of the 2012 season due to all the injures in the big bike class, but whats going on in the 450 class is still pretty awe inspiring. Ryan Dungey is turning in performances, that if he keeps it up, will turn him from the Locomotive to the Dominator. With his combination of drive and stamina Ryan is simply running a pace for 30+ 2 that the others have been unable to match. It is like, in Dungey"s mind, Poto or James is right there pushing him each lap, he does not let up, any thing less than giving 100% is not acceptable. He knows to get better and be ready for the Perfect Storm that is brewing for the 2013 season, this is what he has to do.
Alessi deserves all the props he is getting! Mike is showing all the attributes needed to be a champion. He has matured, shows up ready to go each week, hurt or not, he takes his non-factory bike and puts in great rides. With his starts, fitness, and a factory bike under him , who knows he might be up there challenging RD at the end of the motos.
Stewart is showing that he still has what it takes outdoors! James's speed was never in question, it was his drive and stamina we thought were diminished. Well showing up and winning the first two nationals put that to rest, now he is coming back from a unfortunate injury, to the one of the most grueling sports, for no pay check, just to be ready for next year, very impressive.
There are many more stories in the pits, as each competitor has had to fight through their own difficulties. Being a pro motocrosser looks from the outside to be prestigious, glamorous and exciting life style. While it may be exciting, racing requires a whole lot of hard work, pain, sweat and dedication, all the while knowing that only few will receive the glory and only will be crowned the champion. All the rest must go home denied. That is the Great Outdoors...
@MustardDog So true, all you guys can let Barcia's multiple outbursts go because hes a champion but you cant let Mikes mistakes go? Give me a break! I agree that his dad is a big reason he doesn't get good rides and his mistakes to a point.
Great job Mike!
Hey,Can you give me a REDBUD!
We were all so hot, I saw some families leave after the first two races. Me, I sat in the car for at least 1/2 hour 2 times due to the horrible killer heat that has ravaged the Midwest this past week.
Congrats to all the racers, The heat was brutal!
Funniest and best thing I saw was.....
We were all on tippy toes trying to see the Hole shot...and this young dude, tattooed and wearing flip-flops, standing on one of those pointy "Igloo" coolers with one foot and a collapsible cooler with the other..
Next thing we see is him crashing to the ground! All were silent for a second, then...REDBUD! We all yell REDBUD!!! and he started laughing and trying to repair his blown out flip-flop.
CLASSIC REDBUD!
Also, the Dungey, Dungey! call during the interviews after the race. Seemed to unsettle the Dunge while trying to recite the many vendor names. That is boring, but all the racers do that. He may sound boring but if you listen, that is a great way to race, one race at a time.
There were Bubba fans but they were a bit more subdued, hero worship is fleeting in the Midwest, just ask Cubs fans. Moto fans are awesome and enjoy the race and atmosphere, even with the extreme heat. Please leave the attitude and fan worship at home. If you need to pollute the boards with non-racing enmity, we hope you will grow to love the sport and or go away.
/˚)__≈
_((_))_
One year ago, I was the biggest Reed hater on the planet, now I'm a fan. I try not to hold a riders past against him, because, well, its in the past. If a rider makes an honest effort to change, then I'm willing to give them another shot. At the beginning of 2012, Hansen was my least favorite rider, but he proved himself in Supercross, both with results and by not taking cheap shots at every rider that tried to get around him. Also, I met him in the pits and he's actually a pretty cool guy. Right now, my least favorite rider is Alessi, but his interviews suggest that he's matures and he was the only rider that payed homage to the late Josh Lichtle. Perhaps its time to start giving Alessi another chance.
I was never a mike fan but the last two years have humbled him and he is OK now.
. Barcia.... Not sure yet..... will take some time.
TV didn't show it but Nico Izzi wore a Josh Lichtle jersey on the warm up lap also.
Don't hate Mike Alessi, just can't stand his dad. I wish his dad would get on a bike and GO for 30+2 and see how well he yells after that.
Great job Mike! Keep it up and I'm sure we'll see another win out of you.
I don't write comments often, but Alessi and his family have made a bad name for themselves. Probably mostly due to Tony Allessi, but it is one that will stay with them and rightly so. Few riders like him, and even fewer fans. It wasn't too long ago, he won a moto, but took 3rd and rode his bike up on the winners circle only to have it pushed of by Reed. Even guys like Windham have little love for him. At least he isn't standing on bikes anymore like a child throwing a tantrum. Man, they are laughable.
I'll give Alessi credit for putting in the work and getting results. Yes he may have burned a bridge or two. Maybe we should say his dad lit them on fire for him, but Mike hasn't given up.
Nice fluff piece for #800. How about the rest of the 450 class? I'd like to know more about Grant, Short and the Weimer/Friese take out. Any info there?
Love my Y250, and my horse, but after I saw that Allessi crash, gotta give him props, thank the lord he was out and didn't feel the hits. So glad to see him back. Love the hole shot king, and it is not a girl thing either! (hehe)
Thank You Racer X for an inspirational article on my son n law, Mike Alessi. He has definetly had his share of injurys and drama in this sport and regardless of his mistakes ( which we all have made in our lives) and being the punt of remarks because of whatever Tony has done, or not done, or said, or not said, he NEVER NEVER gives up. As Tony.. Mike, as well as all the other racers line up each week with more dedication and work ethic than most. It saddens me as a family memeber of a racer when I see people reply with such negativity about ANY racer. It saddens me because they obviously haven't accomplished much in there life that makes them fill whole as a real person, but to pick on others. Unfortunately, thats was this world has come to, far to much. So many of our racers out with injury and even lose their lives and still there are, "Those Ones" that just dont get it. I pray and thank God every weekend to keep each and everyone of our racers healthy and safe. What they do, day in and day out is all HEART and SOUL. I applaud them. And to Mike for who he is and what he gives as a person. I could NOT ask for a better son n law. Danielle and Mike are a team that works. God Bless Team #800 !!
I met Mike at RedBud the year he went pro. He was there with his wife-to-be Danielle sitting in MY folding chairs recording lap times. I had just returned from watching a start. Both Mike and Danielle were very nice and took time to talk. I introduced myself and asked him if his name was Jeff (I thought he was his brither
@shannon711 your single comment said more than IDIOTS like scrub-thiss rants say in a month.......alot of people come on here and yap with no regard or really any knowledge of what it takes to go racing week in week out ,let alone at a professional level. They are only here to hate and stir sh8t....I still believe that most real racers and riders respect EVERYBODY that lines up and takes the risks they take and some of us are in awe of the skill and DETERMINATION (and Mike has plenty no doubt) that they have. Your comment was a ray of light in the ever darkening world that is Racerx comments. Nice article... a few kind words of encouragement never hurt and credit where credits due.......Go #800...
Dear Shannon711, I totally agree. Keep safe and keep riding, any sport, any where! Love Mike and I was at Redbud when he was injured. We were all praying and or keeping him in our minds, for it was a horrific accident and I know I am always cheering for him and his hole shots, he is awesome. his will to come back is a tribute to what we all feel is crucial to motocross. I have come back from horrific injuries myself and know what he must have gone through as well as the sacrifice of your whole family. Congrats on holding off the FMOTP, JS7, and finally getting his props.
@shannon711, well said. The negative few need to understand Racer X is for “promoting” MX and SX. That includes the sport in general, the riders, team managers, owners and sponsors.
If you come on here to dump on riders, you are in the wrong place. I wish Racer X would be more aggressive in permanently deleting anyone that makes disparaging or negative comments about the sport or the people involved.
What is a wheels on the groung flag?
Uhhhhh- I think the big deal is about the fact that he is a PRIVATEER.
I was at Red Bud this weekend because I won the trip through promotofan.com and it was a kick ass time. Mike and all of the Motoconcept people were great. Go #800!
I like the Mike I see during a race, but I sometimes scratch my head about what he does/says when he is away from the bike. He is a total mystery to me. Part of me wants to bag on him because his antics, the other part wants to cheer on his heart and obvious work ethic.
At the end of the day, I cheer because I like the heart thing more than I disrespect the swirling drama that chases him. Go Mike! After the race, I just tuck into another paper tub of concession Nachos, and enjoy the creamy goodness. Mmmm...
I'm stating the obvious here, but great see so many counterpoints to what jmantattoo had to say. Also great to see Shannon711's comments! Regardless of what transpired in his past, Mike has worked hard in many respects to turn things around and deserves the props. 2nd in the points standings at this point on a privateer Suzuki is nothing short of amazing. He also has only kind, positive things to say on the podium. Props to Davey Coombs for a great article.
With the negative comments that jmantattoo and others throw out on this site, I can only imagine what we would be seeing about what has transpired in their lives if they were in the spot light.
Preston, is there a new/different flag for that or is it that yellow with red stripe that I just remembered from last year.I think I'm catching up now, thanks.
I'm not surpized by Alessi at all- '05 and '06 lites outdoors was 2nd place behind Tedesco and Villopoto- '07 450 outdoors was 2nd behind Langston- '08 was running 2nd at halfway point behind Stewart then run over at red bud- '09 was leading series after 3 rounds then wrecks knee (with a little help from Josh Grant). '10 and '11 he was stuck on a 350cc bike. '12 he is running 2nd again at halfway point on a privateer bike. The guy can ride outdoors- no one can deny that.