Racer X Redux: Playing the Long Game
Wednesday, July 25, 2012 | 1:40 PM
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PrintScrubbing is a technique that top riders use to make the biggest, steepest jumps a little less steep and a little less big. The best riders also know momentum is the key to speed, so the less stopping they do, the faster they go. Motocross, then, is all about taking the dynamics of the course--ups and downs, lefts and rights, and straightening and flattening them out as best as you can.
It takes the same qualities to manage a season. A year of battling on this circuit will result in many highs (hopefully) but also an inevitable spat of lows. They key is to not get too hung up on either.
I learned this watching the dynamics of this supercross season. Hard to remember now, but the year actually started with four different winners on four different teams in the first four races! Soon, the bottom fell out via injuries. Highs and lows? Chad Reed was riding his best race of the year right up until the moment he crashed out in Dallas. JGR was coming off of a 1-2 finish at Daytona when, in the first turn of the heat race at the next race, James Stewart crashed. The Stewart/JGR linkup later ran up on the rocks. Ryan Dungey won Atlanta and then hurt his shoulder days later. Even Ryan Villopoto wasn't immune. He wrapped the SX title, then came into his home race at Seattle looking for the ultimate homecoming. Instead, his season ended with a first lap crash!
Even when it seems like everything is going right, you might be only moments away from it all going wrong. That's the challenge of competition at the highest level, and it's clear that managing racing is about managing the long game. It's a task made more difficult since those around you--fans, sponsors and press--want to analyze every lap, every moto and every result, to death. There's not much patience in sports, yet, being patient is the key.
Teams and riders know it's best to look at the bigger picture, because no mortal can handle riding this emotional roller coaster every week. That's why you hear so many riders go back to the standby, "This is something to build on. We're just taking it week by week, working hard and trying to make small improvements." They could act like they won the lottery after each win and act like their dog died after each loss, but you'll wind up an emotional puddle if you live like that for too long--especially in a game where confidence and focus is so critical.
Washougal provided many examples. Mike Alessi, battling, digging and trying every week to just beat Ryan Dungey one time, finally gets it done. All along, he's talked about the long process. At the beginning of the year, he said his goal was to make sure he just stays healthy and makes it to all of the races. Then, he works on leading more laps. Then, getting a moto win. Then an overall. You know the drill: "This is something to build on. We're just taking it week by week, working hard and trying to make small improvements."
Mike has improved greatly as the season rolls on, and he finally broke through for a moto win at Washougal. But after that, Mike paused and reset himself. Before the second 450 moto at Washougal, he threw out this quote in an interview: "It's called racing, not winning and losing. I just want to go out there and give it my best."
Blake Baggett currently leads the points chase, but is far from immune to the pressures of the season.
Simon Cudby photo
And with that, Alessi leveled off his day. He bottled up the good vibes from moto one so they wouldn't be spoiled by moto two. He knew another Ryan Dungey clinic was coming, and he wanted to make sure losing the overall wouldn't ruin the good feelings. Indeed, Dungey did dismantle the field in moto two to take the overall. But Mike didn't let that get him down. He had one win and one second-place finish for the day--to a competitor, that's one win and one loss--but he managed his emotions well enough to walk away with his head held high.
Justin Barcia is all about the aggression. He races with his heart, he wants to win badly and doesn't take losing well. We've seen how emotional Barcia can get at the races, but this summer, he's been a model of restraint. Outdoors, Bam Bam has had plenty of chances to bam bam people, but he's keeping it clean. And when he does get beat, he's doing his best to take it in stride, admit he was only second best, and accept solid points. The long game began to form for him at RedBud, when he led significant portions of both motos, poured his heart and soul into the ride, and yet still came up short to Blake Baggett. Afterwards, he said he gave it everything he had and second was the best he could do--heck, he even had a lapped rider cost him the lead in moto one, and he didn't even get mad! For Barcia, the first instinct is to think of second place as the first loser. But this year, he wants to stay in this championship fight, so he's had to learn to be content with finishing second.
Barcia's highs and lows were really on display at Washougal. He won moto one (in his classic New York accent, he explained that "it was awwww-some." In Barica-speak, all motos are measured in awesomeness. They are either awesome, not awesome, or pretty awesome. And moto wins, of course, are always awesome). Justin then finished second in moto two to take the overall. That second moto wasn't satisfying. Barcia had a nice early lead, and it appeared that he and his GEICO Honda teammates finally had Baggett on the ropes. If Barcia could have finally found the stuff to hold Baggett off and go 1-1, he'd head into the two-weekend break down just five points, and have stolen massive confidence and momentum from Baggett. Knowing this was all on the line, he pushed, he tried, he gave it everything he had--but he couldn't get it done. Once Baggett got the lead from him, Barcia crashed trying to mount one more attack. He got up and finished second.
Dungey was able to stay cool and collected during his first moto battle with Mike Alessi at Washougal.
Carl Stone photo
When Barcia rolled across the finish line in moto two, he threw his arms down. "That's least happiest overall winner you'll see," said my broadcast partner Jeff Emig. At that moment, Justin wanted to be mad, because he had lost the fight for a moto win. But a few minutes later, he had cooled off and realized he had the overall win and made up a few points for the day. Totally awesome? Maybe not, but still pretty awesome.
This 250 Class may be breaking down to Baggett and Barcia, since Tomac--although he seems the equal of Barcia on the track--sits over one whole moto behind in points. And Ken Roczen is finding himself a little further back each week. Emotions poured out for Roczen after his second moto, as he lamented about how hard he's trying, and how it is just not working at the moment. This is a rider used to success--like Barcia is--and now he's having to deal with the ridiculous, non sensical speed of Baggett. It's hard to stay positive through that, so Roczen needs to focus on an even bigger picture. Perhaps the title is gone this year, but it's only year one for him in the U.S. Much more success is to come.
Of course, by the time this happened, Ryan Dungey had already gone about getting the 450 overall. The Dunge, of course, didn't act upset after losing moto one to Alessi. And, despite Alessi riding the widest Suzuki outside of the QuadRunner lineup at the last few races, Dungey hasn't even hinted at an aggressive pass. All Alessi is doing is racing--he's not being dirty--but even so, I can guarantee you someone like James Stewart or Ryan Villopoto would have eventually just moved him out of the way. Dungey does not do such things. Remember, contact could result in a crash or bike problem of his own. And he doesn't need to push Mike, all Dungey has to do is keep doing his own deal and the race wins and title are going to come his way. Notice that Dungey didn't act any differently after the first two races of the year--where he lost all four motos to Stewart--than he did winning every single one of the next rounds. To the frustration of those who want to see fire and explosions every week, Dungey levels off the highs and lows every time. He plays the long game, he manages the season. You know, keep improving, keep building. He does it better than anyone.
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This Guy is just solid. Prototype for anyone climbing up the ladder of MX.
...Dungey, that is...
The reason sponsors love him and the media is bored by him, as far as fans go, I just care to watch him ride, smooth style clean lines, never looks like he is pushing hard, although he is flying. Only time I saw him lose is cool was last year when his bike didn't show up to the gate and he was just letting his mom know how POed he was until it showed up 90 seconds after the gate dropped, and he still got up to 9th or something,
Great assessment and piece of writing, Weege
Hey Weege....well written, and pretty much spot on. Blazin Blake Baggett is on fire this outdoors, and no-one should feel second loser to him. BamBam is riding fast and solid, but, cannot compete head to head on a motoly basis. Tomac the Terrible rarely gets the starts necessary to run consistantly up front, and finds himself working real hard to finally make it to the front to try and challenge for the win. KidRoc must understand that the racing is so much different here, and, that he is only 18yo. KidRoc will be alot faster, and more importantly, smarter with his race craft for next year. Be patient KidRoc as your time is very soon. Ditto for Marvin the Martian. He is finally (seems to be) well from his thumb / wrist injury from last year as he has shown some great speed these last few rounds.
Bottom line is this......it is Blazin' Blake's championship to lose.
No other racer in the world has the mental toughness, macro thought process, and pure determination as the Dungenator. His mental fitness alone is worth 1/2 a second per lap on the rest of the field. His second moto at Hangtown, then his two motos at Freestone were precursors of things to come. He was a tick off of Stewies pace, but hung onto him nicely. This provided him (Dungey) with the incentive to train harder, and go faster than he was at the beginning of the outdoors. Yes, Stewie lost his focus, fell down and got hurt, but, the final outcome of this championship season in the 450 class would have been the same as it appears now, albeit, alot closer week to week. The Dungenator is the definition of relentless. He may not beat you every time, but you will feel beat up each and every time.
When I grow up I want to be just like him.............. :-)
This was well written, I send you a sulfur methane flavored love bubble your way for this decent piece of writing.
Go Dungey Go!
Good read Weege
Jason is spot on! Mental toughness is needed to be a champion, keeping an even keel and an eye on the big prize.. Getting caught up in emotion can only slow you down, any time your mind is not thinking of how to achieve the goal, it is time wasted.. Both Ryans can thank J-Law for showing them early on, how a distraction can keep you from your goals..(Just goes to show you every one does have a purpose)..Dungey and Villopoto are both confident and mentally unshakable, just as RC was before them...
Barcia may be the exception to the rule, he feeds off the passion of winning and the total disdain for losing. A throw back to Hannah who said on many occasions his drive to win came from his hatred of losing!
I think Geico's JB1 is going to win at the Wick and Dilla, taking the title fight to the last two pressure filled motos of the year...Then we will see who is mentally tougher....Blazin Blake or Justin Stache ..
Time for another progress test to see were he stands……….. Southwick we shall see JS 7 Return I do believe
http://js7.com/2012/07/outsider-js7-searches-for-his-groove/
Who knows why Justin can't seal the deal in the 2nd moto. But I would be willing to bet Blake wearing a Barcia porn stache in a pre-race interveiw should fire Justin up. lol
@9lives-Mr-Mx- lets hope so! I did enjoy watching the link you provide. I would be nice to see someone challenge Dungey now and then, it makes for exciting racing.
BD25.... I think it is awsome that you give J-Law props for helping to make the Ryans who they are. I miss J-Law and his mental games, he provided great drama at the races. He was also cool to me grandson and gave him a monster hat at Hangtown.
Barcia has more hair on his lip than Bagget has on his whole head.
Very well put Weege - I really mean it. This being said, you could have tossed in a reference to 7time being the absolute zen master of the long game, and give him props for the Stanton echo coming through Barcia's approach to racing. Maybe I am old school, but the wise teacher often is overlooked when the student excels. Barcia did make a pretty big career direction change when he started working with 7time, in my humble opinion.
Great perspective, and excellent insights!
Great article!!!
Preston: I would say, "Wonder what excuse JS will have at Southwick!" You and Nine Lives should know that, based on his history, JS7 will not be a serious threat again this year. He can't accept second-even occasionally. Even if he's trying to get back to strength. Now days the other top 3 or 4 guys are as fast and/or faster than he is. I hope he surprises me for once but I'm not holding my breath...
@9lives-Mr-Mx: Thanks for sending the JS7 link; it was interesting to watch. For those that didn't see it, Webb states that it was his decision to have JS7 sit out both Millville and Washougal. Interesting... this just might quiet a hater or two. Personally like Dungey as much as the next guy, but would love to see Stewart beat him at Southwick.
Kudos Alessi. You know what they say. to Dunge "You might win some but you just lost one" and thats a quote from Laurin Hill Google it and pay attention
Awesome Article Jason!
"I can guarantee you someone like James Stewart or Ryan Villopoto would have eventually just moved him out of the way. Dungey does not do such things. Remember, contact could result in a crash or bike problem of his own. And he doesn't need to push Mike, all Dungey has to do is keep doing his own deal and the race wins and title are going to come his way. Notice that Dungey didn't act any differently after the first two races of the year--where he lost all four motos to Stewart--than he did winning every single one of the next rounds. To the frustration of those who want to see fire and explosions every week, Dungey levels off the highs and lows every time. He plays the long game, he manages the season. You know, keep improving, keep building. He does it better than anyone."
.YES JS or RV would have "moved" Mike out of the way. But don't tell me RD was not trying to get by!!.
.Also don't tell me this " Notice that Dungey didn't act any differently after the first two races of the year--where he lost all four motos to Stewart--than he did winning every single one of the next rounds."....Ummmm YES he did. Not like a barcia would but he showed that it bothered him, also when JS got hurt and he finaly won you could tell that bugged him too.
SeventiesRacer I have to disagree with you on this one "No other racer in the world has the mental toughness, macro thought process, and pure determination as the Dungenator."
.I can name a few, RV, RC CR
.As for "IF" JS did not get hurt...Who knows
Well I guess it's safe to say we all know who can't play the long game
BillC Yes, Dungey tried to get by Alessi, he did not get it done. Other riders would have moved Mike out of the way. Ryan does not force a pass, unless it is supercross and even then he hesitates to pass that way, sure KTM would rather have him move Alessi out of the way, but I respect Dungey for his sportsmanship...
As far as mental toughness, I agree with you! You could make a case for that being the deciding factor on whether you win or lose a championship...if you go back in history show me a champ who was not as tough inside as out...
I disagree with you here, his outward persona to the casual fan did not seem to change, "put the work in and get better for next week", has always been his mantra..You seem to have some insight on how he really feels, have you chatted with him or is it your take on how he should feel about RV,JS or CR being hurt, cause again to us casual fans I don't see it bug him...
In my opinion, the others lining up or not, makes him no difference, except may be to quiet his critics. Whether its RV,JS, or RD, the confidence they have tells them, it does not matter who lines up against them, he knows he can beat them!! I am sure Ryan would be the first to tell you he would not have won as many races with with those guys on the line, but the end result would have been the same a championship for the #5..
Did you see RD cross the line behind JS?? His head dropped, You could tell. Then moto 5 that JS was leading when he got hurt, Did you see RD after the race? Did not look or sound happy. Ya could tell it buged him and he knew he would be hearing RD only won cuz JS got hurt. I don't know any of the 100% but i would BET a lot on it.
. Thats all I am saying, he did act dif not the same to me anyway. Not saying it was off the wall or bad but it was dif.
.I am sure RD thinks he can beat anyone, The bad part for him and US is he has not gotten to race them all to offten. so I bet you he feels it and knows people talk about it.
I am sure he was disappointed in finishing behind JS, at Freestone I saw that as the race ended, no one likes to lose. I don't think it changed his overall out look, as that was early in the season....When JS got hurt, sure he was bummed, he wanted to beat James, not to prove any thing to us, to do his job. ..again though, I don't think it changed his long game.
As for worrying about what people talk about, I don't think he really cares to much, as he seems to not let things bother him, that are out of his control... RD's wins are not diminished by who was or was not on the line, that would take away from the other 39 who did line up and I have to much respect for those guys to do that..
We as fans have missed a lot of good battles that could have taken place over the years...Howerton vs Hannah for example, the rivalry between the two was just heating up before Hannah went water skiing....such is the nature of our sport, injures play a part in what transpires on the track..
The what if's are great for us to bench race about, but that is all they are good for, as they cant go back and rewrite history!!!