Insight: Mike Alessi
Monday, July 16, 2012 | 4:30 PM
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PrintIn the midst of a 450 season filled with so much bad luck and bad news for many, MotoConcepts' Mike Alessi has been a bright spot, reestablishing himself as a front runner and taking over second in Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship points. After another strong day at Millville, where he went 3-2 to edge Jake Weimer for second overall, Alessi talked about his day and his season.
Racer X: You had some good battles with Ryan Dungey today.
Mike Alessi: Yeah, first moto was good. We didn’t get a great start and I bonzied hard through the whoops to get by Jake [Weimer]. I can't wait to see that on TV and see how out of control I was! It was not good, but Ryan was coming and I knew he was coming. I tried to put up as big of a fight as I could, just to try and see if I could. He was riding good. He got by me and I tried to stay with him. We made some changes for second moto, some suspension changes, and it was working a lot better second moto. I came out and it was riding a lot better.
Here we are, going into the second half of the season. You’re second in the points, you’re strong and people are talking about how emotional you are this year. Your fire’s been reignited. What do you attribute to that?
Just my heart. I’m going for it every weekend. I really want to win and we’re not just here to help someone else achieve by riding around. We do the best that we can to try and win. Every single rider here doesn’t try and lose. We put forward our best effort and try to win.
Mike Alessi trying to hold a charging Ryan Dungey at bay during the first moto at Millville.
Simon Cudby photo
I know you’re working on the bike and you say it’s getting better. I’ve heard in the past, and maybe you’ve said it yourself, that testing has never been your specialty. Do you feel like you’re learning and getting better at setting up the bike?
It’s different. Especially like at this track, we’ve never ridden the yellow bike here. So we don’t have any technology from the past because the two years that I rode for Suzuki, I was injured. It was okay here. I think it’ll be good to have it figured out and click in. This weekend and last weekend at RedBud, we had to learn the hard way and try and find those things. Every motorcycle’s different. We went from the orange bike last year to the yellow bike this year. We had to develop a few settings. It’s not easy. We’re going to be trying to get better and get the bike better.
People might forget now that eight years ago, you made your pro debut here and you even lived at this track a little bit. What’s Millville like for you? Do you still have some memories of this place?
[Laughs] Eight years ago and the “Believe the Hype” shirts. I’m glad those are gone. The fans have actually been treating me really great this year and I really appreciate that. It’s awesome to hear and see fans that are excited to see me here and it’s been a long time since those shirts have been around. Those days have kind of come and gone. I’m happy about that!
It seemed like, when you were struggling over the least few seasons, you weren’t getting as many of your trademark holeshots anymore. Now you’ve gotten your starts back. What do you think is the biggest thing that you attribute to that? How to make your starts good again?
I didn’t have that great of starts today. I was second in the first moto and top fourth or fifth in the second moto. You pin it but you don’t want to be too fast on the start for the first lap. I kind of need to work on those starts this week. They were a little off par. Second, third, fourth, fifth. It’s gotta be first (for me).
Alessi celebrates his second place finish at Millville.
Simon Cudby photo
What do you learn from Dungey when he gets by you?
I’m just trying to find better lines. He’s riding good, so I do kind of pick up on those lines when he gets by and if there is a mistake, I capitalize. He hasn’t made many, so we’re just going to keep working to get there.
Second in the 450 points. James Stewart’s out for now. Could you and your team potentially put an effort together for Motocross des Nations, if you got a chance? You’re not on a factory team, could you guys get an effort together? Have you thought about this?
I think for sure as a team, we’d love to go and represent our country and try to go there and win. That’s the goal. We’re not going there to lose. So I think MotoConcepts and the whole team would be more than willing to go put forward the great effort. We’ll see what happens. And that’s all I can really say about that right now.
Going into Washougal, what are your thoughts headed up there next week?
It should be good. It’s MotoConcepts’ home race. It’s going to have a lot of people, a lot of fans. I’m looking forward to that racetrack. It seems like I always fall in the second turn, but we’re not going to do that this year. We’re going to get good starts!
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People may have forgotten the "Hype" shirts, but how many remember Alessi standing on Ivan Tedesco's front wheel, trying to prevent his 2005 125/250F title? This is what cost him rookie of the year honors in 2005 that went to Juss Lansoo.
Right about now Belgium is going through their tourist & visitor guidelines to see where Tony Alessi is not permitted into country.
Mike and Tony have come a long ways in the past 3 yrs. Mike has a good program and the MCR450 is working really good for him.
Yes, I was there for the debut of The Hype, it sure did not go the way Tony had planned. It was just one of a few of bad decisions made early in his career. Jumping straight into the big bike class to me was another, although he did podium second time out, but as with any profession, respect is earned not just given because you show up...it looked like their was a lot of resentment towards Mike in the early years. It had to be hard on him , winning as much as he did in the amateur ranks then suddenly success was becoming very elusive.
Mike made his share of mistakes on and off the the track, that is what happens in your youth..but its how you respond to those errors that create your character or lack of it.. today, Mike Alessi has a lot of character to go along with his competitive heart, he is an pro inside and out, puts in the work training and riding, plus he has became very well spoken on the podium, he is giving respect to his fellow riders and earning it from every one else..
Helmets off and a BIG THUMBS UP for Mike,,,
I remember being at Glen Helen when Alessi was standing on Tedesco's front wheel. It was a stupid and childish move, but I think Mike has matured some since then.
@yamalink- some funny chit there!
He's kinda not giving any press to the Yellow & Orange bikes, or is it just me? Tony must have really chapped DeCoster to not have any help from "Yellow" at this point.....?
good article Jason.... Keep up the good results Mike your workethic shows. Good seeing you and Tony at Red Bud. @ MX...I got an old Yam 125 red white with all orig stuff Even stk thermo rear shocks sell it to you cheap
I like Mike!
It's interesting to hear "That's all I can say about that" in reference to his MXdN opportunity. There's something there between DeCoster & the Alessis. Whether it's with Mike or Tony or the whole clan, I don't know but, it's unfortunate that his talent, speed and starting ability won't get used for Team U.S.A. which, might be his best chance at a title to date.
As for his incident w/ Tedesco, it was an isolated incident and something he's not proud of. Want to talk about Josh Grant aiming for his leg in a corner @ High-Point and taking him out the 450 title run? How 'bout the whole pack running him over @ Red Bud? He's paid his dues.
Tedescos incident was NOT isolated at all I have seen him do many many things that continue to shake my faith in his character- every year even this year. The guy tries I will give him that but i do not respect him as a sportsman at all.
@davidl- Agreed 100%!
Alessi is probably one of THE if not the most consistent GOOD starter( besides Doug DuBach if any of you remember him)- but that being said?
List of negatives on MA:
Cross lining constantly-(blocking faster riders is not necessarily beating them)
Cross Jumping- (Stupid and Dangerous! Come on Mike! This isn't amateurs anymore)
Learn to speak slower, get to the point- thank your sponsors and move on! We do not need a life story when being interviewed- my DVR does not have enough memory for you.
Once passed- he will not put up a fight to get back in there- settles in too easy.
I am not an Allesi fan- but I will give props to his determination and in orthodox work ethic.
P.S. his little brother is a pretty cool dude though- must take after mama.
While its not typical, people can change for the better. Forgiving is a powerful thing. It can improve lives and your health. MA 800 is no quitter. I have damaged relationships and for that reason I will not cast stones at the Alessis. Go Mikey!
And yes DMXS I believed the hype. Love you guys.
@ LarryWitmer Thanks but no thanks I'll pass........ I have a Bob Hannah Lightning Bolt Jersey - Autographed and Framed coming soon about the same money as that bike new in the day...........Sorry I missed Red Bud, I wish I would of made the trip. Mine was a real disaster..........
I dunno.....Alessi seems different this year, but still......one punk take-out move that catches Dungey off guard, and injures him......the title could be Alessi's
Let's hope not !
I used to be a big Alessi fan, after watching him whine in the pits one year at Unadilla and one uf the support riders try to talk him up and motivate him he fell off my radar. Fact is although his team is doing an outstanding job, no one identifys his bike with a SUZUKI and fact is, its kinda ugly....add to the fact that no one that has to pay for parts would ever put black plastic on I think they should have picked another color scheme.
As far as MXON If all the factory teams (less Husky) dislikes Alessi I see Dungey, Bagget and Barcia
Doe's JT Racing not have a graphics department? I remember this stuff from the early 80's. I think I still have one of those jereseys laying around here somewhere.
Hopefully Mike as turned the corner as a rider, he's a little suspect in my book.
Give the kid a break. Besides Larry Brooks was his team manager during the Tedesco incident, so you know who the puppeteer was.
@WStewart 34, you need to watch the video and recheck your facts. It was Tedesco that stood on Alessi’s bike, not vise versa. At that moment Tedesco had the lead by a few points and it was to Tedesco’s advantage for them to end the race when the bikes went down. The only chance Alessi had was to get up and go, as such it was not to Alessi’s advantage or Title hopes to “stand on Tedesco’s bike”. In fact, Alessi is jumping up and down because Tedesco was standing on his bike and Alessi’s Title hopes were going out the window.
Alessi has grown up a lot. He has made mistakes and has paid the price for those mistakes. Fact is he shows up and races every weekend and he is consistently on the podium. His podium speeches have been very classy and I have been quite impressed with his humble comments. He has also worked hard to give respect to the fans. The guy deserves a break and commendation for his efforts.
OK Weigandt - it's 'banzaied' or 'banzaid', but not (ha ha) 'bonzied'. Banzai was what Japanese soldier yelled in WWII.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banzai_charge
Go for it Mike ....
This kid seems humbled by past events and is all about "spreading the love" in his interviews. Tony has been quiet and not showing his mug every time the camera is on Mike. It's like Eddie Haskell visiting the Cleaver's. What's the catch?
Christ you guys, is it always something negative? Alessi has the most heart of any rider today. He is exactly what we need in motoc Ross.. plus he always compliments other riders like emig did. I hope alessi starts winning
I agree his bike is buttass ugly. Make it yellow!
Hey cgrahm.. are you on drugs? Do you prefer the standardized blake baggett interview that sounds like a robot repeating the same thing from note cards or alessi speaking his mind giving us insight? I prefer alessi.. i dont need more advertising, i want to hear whats up
to y'all who are griping about Mikes podium speeches being long and boring, and needing to just thank his sponsors.....just listen to Baggett.....what a robot and kissa$$!! Mikes humbled and seems genuine. A breath of fresh air. Would love to see the guy get at least a moto win, and probably on one of the most under-developed bikes out there too. Keep going MA800
@rickamatuzio....WOW!!
Keep it up Mikey!
@JonR290 - thanks for getting the facts straight.
Glad to see that many on this site recognize Alessi for his consistent performance, heart and professionalism on the podium. Again, and he is doing it on a privateer Suzuki. Hate to say it, but he is probably much better off on a semi-stock Suzuki than being on any of the Yamaha-backed teams.
And I completely agree with the comments regarding Alessi's black color scheme. Geez, it's not too late to try something else! With JS and Metty being out, at this point Suzuki should be begging him to put on some yellow plastic.
Cgraham46, have you ever raced before? Holding up the guy that is trying to pass you for the lead is how it's done. The Nationals is not a courtesy course offered by the DMV.
@JonR290, not sure what race you saw,check this out. (sorry I don't know how to make it a link)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYmuO02w7wE
MA was on Team Suzuki in 2008 and 2009. So, either MA is non-rehireable or maybe fans will see him on Team Suzuki again.
And it can be argued that a racer only has to hold up the guy who is trying to pass him when he is the slower rider ....
But in all fairness to MA, his lack of speed against the top guys could be attributed to his non-works bike.
I guess I do know how to make it a link, just let the computer do it.
He's got heart, Ive warmed a lil to mike,. Interveiw we;d all like to see,..... Fk man its hot out there, Thanks sponsor,...shoot I gotta sh**ty start, followed so and so for 2 laps, got tired of it, decided to stuff him in mechanics area, well that blew up on me, yard saled the sob all over the track, so I picks the bent up pos, and the damn thing was on fire.......yanked the fender off, its ugly anyways.....and ya dont need a visor to win right? ect ect.
LOL! Joemotocross, that is EXACTLY what I would like to hear on the podium!
MA seems much more mature this year. You can tell he is giving it his all, but it isn't enough to beat Dungey. I think a works bike would be a different story. I would like to see him go to Des Nations.
@VISTAJIM, ditto. Not sure what you saw either. Watched the video again. I see Mike standing on the front wheel of Tedesco’s bike to lift his own bike after Tedesco took him out. I do not believe Mike could have suspended the laws of physics by lifting his bike from the high side of the hill.
I also saw Tedesco’s teammate turn around on the track after the incident, go against oncoming traffic, enter the fray and push over Alessi, during which time Tedesco was able to get going while Alessi and his bike fell over again due to the push. If that is your idea of fair play such that you feel compelled to criticize Alessi, not sure what to say.
By the way, I am not critical of Tedesco. That is racing. A bit rough, but racing nonetheless. However, his teammate, that was very poor sportsmanship.
Let's talk about podium interviews of Short, Rattray, Brayton, Grant, Byrne , Tickle, Regal. Oh yeah.. I forgot there still out on the track finishing the race while Mike is removing his gear and walking to the podium. You have to be riding well to be talked about good or bad. Don't hear much about Grant and Short etc. If they were up front there would be people talking shit about them. Enjoy your results Mike. There is about 38 riders that wish they had your speed.
@rickamatuzio - I completely agree. I get so pissed when the rider gets asked a question... they briefly and I do mean briefly touch on it and then go right to same song and dance of thanking their sponsors. What would be wrong with with taking the entire interview to answer the question that was asked of them.
I know their sponsors want their name mentioned but when they sit up there and just reel off the names (reading them many times), I think it does more harm than good. Jeez, have a little flare up there.
They say "never say never". Well it's true. I have bagged on Alessi pretty hard in the past and showed him no love in in the last 450 Words. I will say, this interview may have turned me slightly. The fact that he brought up the "Believe the Hype" shirts showed maturity. I still am not a fan, but at least I am not wishing pink eye on him this week.
I am So proud to be a 800 fan! This year has been amazing coming off your best SX series ever now 2nd over all outdoors on a PRIVATEER bike! AMAZING!! Making that MCR450 compete at the highest levels every week!
Mike you got my vote for the MXDN! *********Also i think Suzuki shouls hang its head in SHAME! for not throwing some parts Mike's way! Whats up Webb dont be such a chump quit blowing bubbles and get behind a REAL RACER! #800! #800!
Let us remember to not hold Mike accountable for the sins, words or actions of his father. What Tony has said or done is for Tony to own. You can only in fairness judge Mike by Mike’s own words and actions. Based on his actions this year, there is a lot to like about Mike.
I agree with @rickamatuzio, Mike has really been a colorful and enthusiastic speaker on the podium this year, all the while giving respect to Dungey and the rest of the field. Class all the way. People can change. We need to recognize the effort and when it happens.
Alessi has picked his own program to run, and is stuck with what he has....... Its interesting with the bikes he has been on he went back to Suzuki though!! As long as he runs black or white as colors suzuki will give him nothing . It doesnt Identify with the brand ......... Plus when you are trying to be somewhat of a rebel, I said some what...........It goes against the factories Ideals...........Look at Mc why do you think he left Honda,they wanted him to do what they told him to do in his off bike time, to controlling............I know................. I've seen it with others as well!
Well said @JonR290. I. too, agree that the sins of the father should not be passed on to the son. It would appear that maybe both have matured a little. I would've hated to be Mike, watching a couple of episodes last year of The Moto: Inside the Outdoors. Tony was a complete douchebag! With that said, while one can perhaps forgive Mike for some of his earlier mistakes, like the Tedesco incident (and yes, that was Alessi standing on Tedesco's bike, not the other way around), or ones that clearly had Tony's fingerprints on them - like the "Believe the Hype" shirts. But Mike is now a grown adult and needs to be judged on his own behavior. I believe his dedication to the sport is as strong as any rider and his accomplishments this year are significant. Nonetheless, he is the ONLY rider on the track that consistently rides dirty. Zig-zagging across the track and jumping across a faster rider's line is not only unsportsmanlike, it is dangerous. In additon, Mike's behavior in Vegas (where he actually STUCK HIS LEG OUT to block Dungey from getting the holeshot..wow) or the MEC where he tried that zig-zag, cross jump crap again on Dungey and then flipped him off when he made the pass is ridiculous. With the exception of Barcia (who appears to have cleaned up his act) and Justin Bogle, who else is such an embarrassment to the sport?
JonR290, you said Tedesco stood on alessi's bike and I don't see that.
@Jason Weigandt Great Article!
mgwest....thats how i see it also. well said.
mgwest 949, I totally agree with you on MA, he is not a sportsman and cannot simply race clean and win with speed and skill, he has to mess with cross jumping and is the master at riding wide instead of using speed. I hated what he did with RD at vegas- but its consistant with the MA we have watched since he became pro. On top of this he has a rep of starting very well but doesnt have the speed or stamina to stay at the front. It is VERY suprising to me to see people thinking he would be a good choice for MXON. His reputation, Charactor and speed are trumped by many other better choices we have.
I will always say the kid is very fast and has shown great heart and effort- he just is not champion materail on either front.
Im with you guys DavidL and Mgwest949. One way or the other MA seems to spaz out when being pressured. Im not won over buy his recent podium speeches as his actions speaker louder than his words. To me at least. Although Barcia has/had some issues of his own he at least seems to race forward better, starts pretty damn good, and flies in the sand. RD,BB,JB fo sho...I'd also be comfortable with swapping Zach Osborn in for BB and would take an off the couch RV over JS and his drama any day. JS seems to be on Team ME permanently now and dont really look at him as a solid TEAM player.
You ladies sound so sad to be boo hooing about MIkes leg sticking out on the start so Dungey can't get a holeshot! YOu know how ridicules that sounds,. Have you ever seen a race start.. Tons of riders have to put a leg out for ballance!!! Even my old kx 250 has me all over the place!!
A leg is not going to stop a heavy bike and rider , about 400 pounds,, and is moving very fast...Thats a lot of power, energy and weight on the MOVE!!!! NO LEG WILL STOP THAT!!!!!
Im a little late commenting on this interview but I have to give credit where credit is due! I personally thank you Mike for not letting this years nationals be a runaway and keeping Dungey honest! I will be pulling for you down here in Tn!! Great job to you and your team buddy! keep up the good work!!