Monday Conversation: Ryan Villopoto
Monday, July 30, 2012 | 10:25 AM
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PrintLast Thursday, for the first time in 96 days, Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto went to the farm outside of Clermont, Florida and kickstarted his KX450F to life. The long road back from an ACL reconstruction begins now for the six-tme AMA National and Supercross champion. RV’s got a lot going on these days with the comeback, his contract situation up in the air and of course, the upcoming Motocross of Nations looms if he can come back and is feeling it. We caught with Villopoto just as he was grilling up some turkey burgers for dinner yesterday.
Racer X: RV, it’s been 96 days from your injury to you going riding the other day. It must feel pretty good.
Ryan Villopoto: [Whistling]
It’s crazy how ACL injuries used to be 6-8 months, then 4-6 months and here we are, just over three months and you’re back at it. How was it?
Well yeah, the key word is “used to be” Matthes. Things have changed now. But how was it? My riding?
Yeah.
It was good, it was fun to be back and probably wasn’t the best time to come back with how hot it is here in Florida. The first day I went out there and did a couple of twenty minute motos, the next day went back out and did a couple of thirty’s.
RV has begun riding, just 96 days after tearing his ACL at Seattle Supercross.
Garth Milan photo
Nothing like easing back into it!
Yeah! But it was all good. That was the plan and I felt pretty good to be honest. It was tough on my hands—they’re all tore up. But everything else went pretty good. Just trying to get back into the swing of things. The knee is fine, it’s good but I still don’t want to dab it on the ground or stick it out there you know? I have to think about it a bit out there and keep it out of harms way when I’m riding.
Is that the only concession you have to make, other than that you feel normal?
The first day, speed-wise was pretty close to normal and the second day Aldon [Baker, his trainer] was pretty impressed with my speed and the level I was able to get back to. He was happy that I was still pretty fit from before and my level now is close to before my injury.
Is your rehab right on schedule or is this early?
It just all goes off how strong your leg is. Aldon says every knee he went through with Ricky [Carmichael], James [Stewart] and [Ben] Townley is about three months and we’re right there now. It’s pretty standard really.
Do you do some sort of leg strength test and you have some old notes from before you were hurt to see if you’re close to your old level?
That’s one way of doing it. You can do it that way. I went to the doctor and he looked at my leg and told me I could ride if I braced it and was careful.
So now that you’re riding, it is wide-open or are you taking it real easy?
No, no, it’s the regular program now—the standard stuff that I was doing before. The races will be here before you know it.
I know it’s early and we don’t want to get all the fans excited but is there any hope to make some Nationals and then make the MXoN?
I got a call this week to see how I was, how my progress was and if I was going to come back to race so that I could be in the running for the MXoN team. So I guess for myself, there’s nothing to gain for me by going but there’s a lot to lose as well. There’s no money involved, there’s no anything really other than my pride. Coming off a serious knee injury, you don’t want to come back just for that race. I don’t think it would be that smart on my part.
With contract talks still in the air, everyone is chasing after RV.
Simon Cudby photo
You don’t think so? I don’t know about that. I don’t think people would be mad but there are people wanting me to go and ride for Team USA. We’ll just have to see. It’s not that money is the big deal and it’s why I would want to go but it’s a pride thing and I have to be careful about that. To even go, I’d have to race two or three races to qualify to go and that’s a lot. That’s what I was told and that’s going to be tough. Lake Elsinore, I think I can make that one if I everything went well, but the others? That’s going to be tough.
What about your contract?
Working on it my man. Working on it.
That’s all you ever tell me.
That’s the truth. We’re working on it. I’m waiting to hear back from those guys right now.
Give me the chances that you stay at Kawasaki?
Oooooooooo, the chances? I don’t know, pretty high I guess.
Well Chad Reed got everyone all excited by saying he’d like to sign you to his team.
Yeah, I saw that. I don’t know why everyone got all excited over that. All he said was that he would like to have me on his team and he’s working on putting something together to get me on his team. I don’t understand all the people after that saying it was a done deal. Chad never said that! I don’t understand that. He never said, “I signed Ryan.” And people turned it into something that it wasn’t.
Trust me, I understand what you’re going through. Sometimes peoples reading comprehension is pretty low.
There’s always a chance I go somewhere else, there are lots of possibilities out there right now. We’ll see soon enough.
And Larry Brooks is also going at you hard. Look at you, everyone wants you to ride for them!
I’m the only major guy left right now. I guess it is nice. It’s good to have options.
No one’s ever been after me to do anything for them, ever. Must be nice.
Well let’s be honest, there’s not much to fight for there.
Your mechanic and I went back and forth yesterday, Tyla Rattray’s on your old bike and he struggled a bit last race but Mike is calling for a podium at Southwick. He’s very excited.
Yeah, Tyla didn’t do that great at Washougal but let’s not forget that he’s basically been out since Oakland. He got back from that and broke his hand on the first lap of his first race back. That was another six weeks and now he’s got to get used to the bigger bike, the team and racing itself. I’m not worried about him, he’ll be fine. He’s had tough odds to come back and put great results in.
The MXoN is a long shot for Villopoto after ACL surgery earlier this year.
Simon Cudby photo
I’m cooking turkey burgers right now.
I switched to ground turkey in my spaghetti sauce, thought you’d like to know.
Yeah, but why are you eating pasta?
You don’t eat pasta?
Occasionally I’ll eat it but not really too much.
What about when you were a kid, didn’t Dan make you eat pasta before a race so that you could carb up and have energy?
Are you for real right now? Do you really think you need to carb up right now? Are you a kid?
No. But I’m just saying, our parents probably made us pasta all the time and it’s a tough habit to break.
Ask your wife if you need to carb up.
I will. If carbs are bad what are you eating your turkey burger on?
I eat a bun but you shouldn’t eat a bun right now. I’m allowed to.
Okay, whatever. See you under the TwoTwo awning at Anaheim1.
Yeah, that’s it.
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LOL Come on Kawasaki SIGN HIM!!! I hate Honda that would suck!!
Hard to see him and Reed in the same truck.... I don't know. Also RV said he is only looking at 3 more years so i would think Reed should go after a young guy like Tomac maybe?
Hilarious! Possibly one of the best Monday Conversations ever!
Love his riding and talent. But Arrogant much!? good lord!
Average I’m poster Fastest HUH ! He’s not even out there ……….Roger will not pick him…………..Wishful thinking…………. You mean to tell me that if you were out there all year running top 3 in either class, And I were not out there and came back and beat you that I would be picked………..I think first everyone would wonder if I was related to the team captain and what t*t I was S$cking on ! To get that pick, plus you would be pissed as a guy doing the job day in & day out………….. versus someone who is inconsistent and shaky to say the least……………No way he will be picked
Great article. hope he signs with two two motorsports and shocks the world lol
There is more politics than the average mx fan could know also...........If you ever worked for a fortune 100 company like I have there is a " Ladder " you are put on the FAST TRACK that you climb. I f you ever I mean ever say no..........You just cut off your life line. Plain and simple and will never be asked again..............You never turn down that opportunity to represent......................... Period
Good to see Ryan coming around. He is making a wise choice for the rest of the year with nothing to gain and a lot to lose. It would be interesting to see if a deal could come out of 22 Motorsports. Also was Ryan calling Matthes fat? "I eat a bun but you shouldn’t eat a bun right now. I’m allowed to. "
Mr-Mx
Inconsistent??? Currently owns every major Championship/Trophy there is......which I could be that inconsistent!!
Not to mention a vitually flawless MXoN record......yes I'm a fan but seriously....think before you type.
With his extreme arrogance and seemingly --only money motivation--I'm sure he thinks the only thing wrong with the Yamie is --it needs him on it.
Sounds like JGR has a strong candidate.
He's the man right now, when healthy. There's going to be some new guys on 450s that will be up there also. Barcia was fast on a 450 before and now has been riding better than ever on a 250.
@Mr.MX- what? Are you saying if Ryan was to turn this down, he would never get asked again? I don't think so. Also I do believe the structure here is a little bit different than a Fortune 100 company. Also there is politics in everything involed, which I doubt that would not affect Ryan.
present time thinking ! Not past He is not the same animal thats all!!
2008
Having missed the entire Supercross season, he returned to racing at the first round of the outdoor nationals and went on to win all 24 motos and thus the championship.
2009
Stewart did not compete in the 2009 Motocross series.
2010
A wrist injury sustained in the Supercross season prevented Stewart from competing in the 2010 Motocross series although he did return for one round at Unadilla where he placed third in the first moto and retired early from the second moto, citing bike setup issues and exhaustion.[
2011
Stewart chose not to race the 2011 National season citing lack of preparation
2012 hurt again inconsistant desnt make the grade...........others are out there every week competing
They are not asking villopoto He already old them by stating that he was not coming back till maybe the end.......... team is picked at Unadilla
RV is definitely a cawky bastid but if there is anybody in our sport who is fully deserving of a cawky attitude its this kid... and not just because he's the best there is, but also because he is sharp as a razor blade. He doesn't say anything that he isn't sure of.
Yse that may be a bad analogy but w ha can I say........... I retract that part . I'm blury eyed by the fire
I like the new look !!! spotted M
Soooo, Canard = out, Reed = out, Villopoto = out, Stewart = out. Trying to keep up with Dungey is tough on the competition.....yuk yuk j/k.
He's not going to MXdN 'cause it's what's best for him long-term and the teams' chances are just fine without him. If we needed him and Roger D. asked, my guess is he would go.
I find it hard to believe that he was ever in the conversation with the injury and missing the 'nats.
@ BillC, Kawasaki HAS to sign him. They have to remain in the circle of the "fast five". Without RV, Kawi has no answer for 2013..........unless they sign #377 after losing RV. He's just making Kawi sweat to get his pay raise............OR............RV faked the ACL injury so he could take the time to get acclimated to his new CRF so he will be ready for the 2013 season with his new team 'cause he knew Monster was on the way out @ Kawi and is pulling a pre-emptive strike.........I got this so figured out.
Johnson would have went if asked. Stanton would have went if asked. Ward would have went if asked. Barnett...Hannah...LaRocco..Kiedrowski...names we will forever remember.
Villopoto - not so sure...
You get my drift.
So let me get this straight. If you are a plumber and someone asks you to do work for free and you get hurt, your livelihood is jeopardized. I'm glad he doesn't want to do MXoN, I'd rather have him for SX. We already know where there best country in the world for MX. I don't know why people don't think of being an athlete as being a job. He's got every right to be cokky, or maybe you are all getting it confused with confidence. Good interview Matthes.
@carlsbad-"RV faked the ACL injury so he could take the time to get acclimated to his new CRF so he will be ready for the 2013 season" too funny, but sounds familiar!
First off.....it's not that he's any cawkier than anyone else....he has a dry sense of humor and doesn't take things very seriously......
I think the reality is that without a contract he can't do the MXoN.. I doubt Kawi will put the resources together to send him if he signs elsewhere for 2013.......and if he rushes back to qualify and reinjures the knee it would certainly hinder his contract negotiations.
My opinion...
@czmark - I have to agree with your comments in terms of comparing a Fortune 100 structure to that of the moto world. As an executive VP for the largest distribution company globally as well as being a passionate moto racer for the past 25 years, I can speak intelligently on the subject. There is a big difference in terms of structure, organizational development, promotional decisions and politics in the corporate world! Large corporations think and act based on board of director's philosphies and decisions as well as how the investment world (Wall Street) views key decisions and quarterly earnings reports.
My opinion on Villipoto's comments: He comes off arrogant for sure. Might be the fastest guy out there (when healthy), but we don't see this behavior from Ryan Dungey, for example.
The comments out here never cease to amaze me. If you follow sports AT ALL, you know that an athlete on RV's level holds ALL the cards! The Olympic basketball team is missing several top players who are either free agents and don't want to risk injury or are nursing minor injuries and don't want to risk their upcoming season. We're talking about risking millions of dollars - and for those who have contracts, risking team owners' massive investments. And it's pretty standard for someone going into free agency to say he'd like to stay with his current team, but definitely listen to all offers. When RV is healthy, he goes to MXdN and represents the USA well. No need for him to worry about whether he'll be asked again - unless he somehow loses his speed (not likely). And as for being c0cky, he's talking to Matthes - and OBVIOUSLY doing some well-deserved ball-busting. Get a grip, people. I actually enjoyed seeing that he's got a sense of humor.
Really, RacerX? We can't say c0cky on here?
This is where I got my final impression of RV
watch from about 5:06 to 5:30.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7h-w-u-Xgo
nuff said.
And to re-state my position, the situation for a top athlete is VERY different than anything in Fortune 100, 500, or any other company. He holds ALL the cards. And don't bring up Stewart. Result-wise, his brand is diminished compared to RV. By the same token, he STILL gets big money. But RV (and RD5) are on a different level now.
@Over_the_Bars, if that sort of talk bothers you, you CLEARLY couldn't have been a Bob Hannah fan!
Always love his interviews with Matthes, RV is the anti-Dunge!! Love it!
The writer tries to drum up excitement by insinuating #2 could possibly switch teams.
Any smart person knows MONSTER has bottomless pockets and #2 is their wonder boy.
How ironic a Monster sponsored racer wins Monster SX series, and a Red Bull sponsored racer wins Red Bull sponsored national series.
@Over_the_Bars That's RV having a laugh with his peers.. I'm guessing you don't do that too much.. Kinda glad I ain't pals with you dude... :/
Some of you need to lighten up!! The guy was having a little fun!!! get a bigger pair of panties and stay away from the thongs!!! goodgreef
@over the bars
Who won the races following that interview? Guess that is the attitude you need to win.
nuff said
@Over_the_Bars THATS IT? You need to get that sand out of your vadge!
@Over_the_Bars- it's clear that he is just having fun out there.
I got a great sense of humor-- also a decent judge of character as well.
RV is extremely fast -- definately was the fastest guy before his injury ---
Just to me he -- doesn't respect the sport which is providing this all to him --all this notoriety and riches.
Not respecting the Monster Energy Cup -- his own sponsor's event in its first year.
And in this interview "in my opinion" not properly respecting the honor it is to represent your country at the MXoN.
Its more like an oh well -- If I was going to get enough money I'd think about it.
Well dude these events aren't around because your fast now -- there around b/c alot of other people have sacrificed and built the sport into what its become and allowed you to make that money.
I feel sorry for whoverer get that cup next -- RV has probably just piSSt on it! Since he can't keep it -- it ain't HIS!!
Over_the_Bars@ Your right, his attitude on the Cup says it all. He knows he won't win it every year, but the money he gets to keep. Whats wrong with having a good sense of humor.
before people jump in and start yelling arrogance.. u gotta understand the relationship between Matthes and Ryan.. dont take things outta context.. We all like to poke fun and talk different to people we know and r comfortable with.. I guess we all just wanna hear the politically correct cookie cutter answers so noone has a personality and get offended by it. if you got sarcasm in the last sentence score one for yourself.
I think RV is a seriously talented young man. However, I agree that his arrogance is insufferable. While it's fun to watch him race, I find myself always rooting for the competition. I agree with @Over_The_Bars, the interview for the MEC really turned me off on Villopoto. Based on this one, doesn't look like much has changed. He could really use a huge dose of humility. Unfortunately for him, that humility usually comes after getting beaten. Nobody stays on top for ever.
I am glad you said it sef154....now I don't have to....you are 100% on the money....I had to re-read the interview after reading some of the posts to see if I misunderstood something....It wasn't me that misunderstood
With Metty out, JS7 & Villi on Suzuki's now thats a team!!
the interview for the MEC was also in FUN, Did you not see him laughing?? K-Dub got it, Little Hanny got it but some of you don't!! You guys must be a barrel of laughs to hang out with!!
lmao, lets see he's a multi-millionaire, factory rider, wins races, championships, very consistent and arrogant.??? wait till he signs that supercross only deal!!! not till then can we call him arrogant. maybe its confidence
" i refuse to answer on the grounds it may tend to incriminate me"
Any of you haters have even close to half the skill this dude has? You are not going to win races if you don't think you are the man.
Last time I looked .Suzuki and Honda and alike are structured corporations. Also with aboard of directors.
http://world.honda.com/HRC/profile/
tonewall- throw some tranining wheels on your comments and see where it goes from there! lol
I like how there's one interview with the guy and he says one thing that is a bit arrogant (that I read anyway), and true, I might add and people are saying they can't stand his arrogance. If you guys had heard or read any other Villopoto/Matthes interview then you would expect this.
I don't think RV is getting paid for his PR skills. We're not NASCAR........yet.
There are plenty of examples of terrible people being well compensated in motorsports, Ryan Villopoto being virtually invisible on that list.
For those using the MEC as your basis, you need to watch the WHOLE thing not just 20 seconds of it!!!!!!!!!
@cz ..the wheels are on...lets take a test ride....."everybody is fast. I like everybody"......I don't know ..too much...were any feelings hurt....i sure hope not.....i may have to run my comments by the full Vagine crowd on The View to see if its OK from here on.
@tonewall- you are doing just fine!
That's great stuff, Mathes is a funny guy for sure. This interview was obviously over the head of 1/2 the posters here who need to lighten up.
Awesome interview! Good job to both both parties for making it interesting for a change!
RV2 is clearly getting some verbal abuse by Steve and throws it back. Love it.
Sounds like some of you have never sat around the BBQ and busted your buddies balls while having a good time. It's obvious Matthes and RV are just shooting the breeze. Anyone who thinks RV is arrogant hasn't met the guy and does not know his sense of humor. He knows he is good, doesn't gloat or brag about it, and clearly likes to have fun with the boy's. Confident, who wouldn't be in his shoes? Arrogant, I don't get that from him, now if he was driving around say... a Lamborghini and producing scripted shows of himself and flashing his wealth in everyone's face, then I might think he was a little arrogant.
RV and Mathes always spend as much time digging at each other as they do with solid information. RV has a dry humor and he needs to keep his own sense of humor, His piers mostly get along with him and the ones that don't are the allessi, lawrence etc. guys. I am really courious to see where he ends up next year - I would bet chances are 65 % green and 35% red
That sef154 guy has quite a penchant for ginger balls it sounds like!! Puts Stewart down and sucks on RV's nuts!!
I think many of you are not able to empathize with RV and that could be for any number of reasons, but I am pretty sure that if you were him you would be able to look at his life from his perspective and then understand what he means when he expresses his intent to execute a well-thought out and planned career path through a sport that is extremely dangerous. I commend the man. He loves moto just like we all do and he knows that love doesn't keep you safe.
This is what RV understands:
Professional motocross racing is a game that goes like this:
Get in
Make as much money as you can
Get out before it kills or paralyzes you
I think he was just goofing around with Matthes- I've seen him do it before. I don't think he's any more arrogant than any other professional moto racer at the top of his game. And I dont think he really cares all that much about the million dollars either- A million dollars to him is like a hundred dollars to me- yeah I'll take it sure- but its not going to improve the quality of my life one bit. I think it would be way cooler to see a low budget privateer win the money.
I do hope he signs with someone other than Kawi though.
OK, not to change the subject here, can someone tell me why a webco sparkplug holder is bidding at $187.00 on ebay? You oldtimers remember them!
AC is running him off @ kaw. when is his reality show premiring? hear he's getting a lime green enzo and a armored truck made by Tonka to haul his million he wins @MEC on PC250f, and word is JB is singing the anthem.
RV is the man.
Why am i not surprised at all the sore butts in here? figured the majority of you fairies would be used to it with your lifestyle and all, ahaha Bunch of queens in here crying probably because he didnt thank god and talk about taking it one race at a time and moving forwward, dang that sounds like Dungey doesnt it, booo, so lame.
Doesnt matter if RV signs with honda or kawasaki, he will dominate either way.
Good job Matthes.
@overthebars
If your hormones keep acting up like that you''ll never get a women to marry you. Go grab your cat, lay on your loveseat and watch the real housewives like you were yesterday before you came on here being a debbie downer. You might find a women with all of that sensitivity but you might have to ugh you know hire or ask a friend you meet at the bar to take care of her real needs.
Damn, this was too funny. This guy has his head on straight. I'm calling SX&MX; Championships for next year.
you guys trying to attack his character its very clear that you are not athletes and never will be all the top five racers line up every weekend believing 100% that they are gonna win every ufc fighter or boxer trains and goes into the fight believing that they will win! next time you have something important coming up in your lame a$$ life i dare you to go int it with the attitude "man im gonna just screwthis all up i suck at life there is no way ill succeed" and see how that goes for you
and I hope you guys talking smack arent stewart fans because you guys have no room to bash any other rider for anything atleast RV dont feed you a line of crap and say he'll race than send out a tweet the night before about how he cant make it
had a feeling Ryan was gonna be the man when he was younger.....gotta admire this guy..ANd he does have a good sense of humor for sure!!!!
I would rather see him come back healthy for next year than risk getting hurt! Dungey and Allessi and Barcia or TOmac can win the MXDN...no worries!!!
I didn't look the video of him posted because frankly, I don't care about his personality. He hasn't done anything to turn me away from his performances on-track and by most accounts, the guy is doing just fine.
We would all do well to remember that these athletes are very sheltered in their lives. They have known only one thing since an extremely young age and that one thing has kept them from being the worldly, well-spoken scholars that we all are.
Whoever posted the Villo / JGR signing made me laugh there for a minute.
A top-tier racer / JGR signing is going to take WAY more than just money but, that is one of those things that will be very interesting to see develop. After all the signings this year, Tomac may have to entertain offers from them if Honda doesn't bring the scratch next year but, IMO he will be a great long-term talent for anybody and big red would do well to keep him around.
loved these two going back and fourth at it! these two banter together is epic funny to me.
Guys,
For as many of you that are constantly on this site and are "MX fans" should know there relationship as previously stated! Not even being an RV fan, if your not bright enough to read between the lines and laugh...well then. You might as well ask Steven to tongue punch you fart box, then have RV light the fuse on your tampon...maybe that will give you some sense of humor and a giggle.
Fire storm on the Firecracker's comments.... RV is a good guy, he has proven that over the years, he races clean, gives credit where it is due and is smart enough to realizes he wont be able to do this for ever. Very few racers have great social skills as most of their time has been put in on the track, not socializing..
Take into consideration he is talking to Matthis, Steve's sense of humor is a little different and these two have dealt with each other a lot over the coarse of Poto's career...so yeah, I bet he was giving Steve some of the grief back,that Steve had bestowed on him at some point.
.I know I give my buddy, who is over weight, grief to get him to take better care of himself because I care and don't want to see him stroke out ...
Bottom line Ryan Villopoto is one of the best ever to ride a dirt bike and I will take him on my team any time!! Course I cant pay him what he is worth, so he better stick to one of the OEM's....
I guess its only arrogance if you can't back it up, otherwise its confidence. We'll find out in 2013 which it is.
Kawasaki would be crazy to let him go. They brought up RC and let him go, let Stewart go, then RV? They'd be in danger of becoming the Minnesota Twins of motocross. Bring a guy up all the way through the farm system and then let them sign to the highest bidder.
Except Kawasaki got quite a few championships out of those guys, unlike the Twins.
Ryan is a good kid who's paid his dues, earned his place/where he is today in the world of SX/MX.
Anybody that thinks RV is arrogant is soft in the head and around the middle and wasn't around in the good old days when guys like Bob Hannah, Jimmy Weinert, Ricky Johnson, etc. had egos the size of 18 wheelers.
Those guys understood that press quotes - good or bad, on or off the track were a good thing. Great stuff... gave them 'personality' and had fans clamoring for more...
Those guys would have laughed at all of you whiners and contract negotiation know-it-alls, judging and hanging on every word they speak.
If on the off chance Chad actually signs Ryan, there will be no return for Reed like he has stated there will be. How would he continue to race if his competition was on his own team. That might be a bit weird when Reed wins a race and Ryan has to say: I'd like to thank Chad Reed/Two Two Racing. This is why I think it wont happen. Reed didn't say he was signed (as Ryan sad) and If Ryan was going to leave, I have a feeling we would have seen Dean Wilson to Factory Kawi!
I just hope Reedy comes back and gives it one more shot like he's said he will. He will be a contender in Supercross and for sure Nationals!
Reed could sign RV. It's a profession. $$$ is a driving force. Probably won't happen, but you gotta love Reed trying. He even mentioned signing Bubbles.
If you wax the whole world twice on your 250F at Des Nations Bud Creek I cut you some slack on the arrogance issue.
"Ask your wife if you need to carb up."
OMG.....
WOW motodog1977 has some sand in the Vage!!!
Being the most sought after commodity in your profession, probably adds a bit of swagger,...we wont ever know that feeling. Well ok,.. Remember the 78 Harley? I got asked to ride one..(shop ride)I told em Id rather ride my wragged out Rm,... May as well of been a Hodaka.
every interview RV has done with matthes ends up like that, who fricken cares, I think its hilarious to see someone giving that guy a hard time.
That MEC thing, that looked like the same scenario, at least he isnt calling himself the fastest man on the planet, then promptly crashing out of every series he enters.
That's the pure ego that some of you speak of.
Best Monday Convo. i've ever read.
It's pretty funny how allot of you Americans miss the sarcasm and interperate it as arrogance.
Im from the hannah days, I sure didnt take his convo w/ mathes, to be offensive. Theys havin a few jabs back n forth. good stuff, RV should swagger,...lil tame in my book.
Motodog 1977, the most arrogant thing on here is your post- lets look at some facts-
RV has won more MXON races for us than any other current racer- period. So if it was about the $ he already has proven he will go- this fact makes your post stupid.
RV will go if he gets in shape soon enough and he is asked because of a need. Right now their is no need- RD, JB, BB will win and are solid- if one of these gets hurt, he will be asked - bank on it.
All RV was saying is I don't need to push it because the need is not there and he doesnt need to push himself to be chosen unless there is a need. None of these guys get paid a lot to go and with RV unsigned it would cost him. Remember this is a job to these guys.
It is stupid to compare RV to JS in any way, their track record is totally different in their dedication to the sport. JS has no showed WAY more than RV when he could have raced and on track he has crashed out FAR more. It also appears to me JS has far more natural tallant and style and RV has to work for it harder and has far les flash and glitz and press. RV tends to not like the show part of this business.
Both JS and RV get a bad rap from the cheap tinhorn scorners that claim to be fans of the sport. True fans love to see both of them compete at 100%
BillC - LOL ! ! !
RV2 to TwoTwo, sez so right in the article
Thanks for showing some personality RV
@motodog1977, Hannah mighta tilted his shades up and said "hey, motodog1977, your kids eating a booger".......possibly?
One of the worlds biggest problems these days...."INTERPRETATION"....you will read it and think what you want....It's clear, unless you live under a rock, Mr. Villopoto and Matthes have a history of shall we call these " comical" interviews.... RV is serious when he needs to be, and this interview he is joking around and being himself 99% of the time....
MXoN - RV isnt ready to race yet...and like said above, the " need" isnt there nor is the risk "needed".....Dungey, will once again carry the torch...and I think unless he gets injured again, Stewart will come back to nationals....take some wins and get the knod for the #3 spot.....the 250 is up in the air....but Bagget may get the knod if he is points leader come selection time.... Dungey, Stewart and Bagget
all you guys need to be reminded of an old saying. "when your winning your enemies cant hurt you. when your losing you friends cant help you!" at the moment villie can do what ever he wants when ever he wants! corprate stucture, nig%a please!
Great interview, it was good to see him lighten up again, some of you girls need to go sit in the locker room and have a good cry.. And the MXoN, can you blame him, he said he wont be ready, he didnt say he did not want to go, he said he WONT BE READY.. If he isnt ready and his knee isnt strong enough, what do you want him to do??
And look at all the comments on this thread, and someone once said Stewie gets the most comments, not anymore..
The mental midgets never cease to amaze. Did they delete the arrogant parts out before I read it? All I ever read is that RV is boring and no personality, here is is giving it to Matthes good, getting a laugh or two, and people see arrogance? bd200, it is true that apparently dominating does make people hate. Only problem here now is that the roles are reversed, the former haters aren't hating yet the former non-haters are. Human nature...ya gotta love it. If only humans could regularly muster a few brain cells to work together and stop bumping into each other when trying to analyze a conversation between two guys around some grilling turkey burgers. I love hearing that he is putting in 30 minute motos already.
Enjoy his time away while it lasts, competition.
When you're the best at something I think it's okay to be a little arrogant.
Heck there are a couple of guys on here that are pretty arrogant, and I think it's safe to say have never been the best at anything.
1. The greatest motocrosser of all time (RC) will never do a podcast with Matthes.
2. The current top motocross rider Ryan Dungey will never do a podcast with Matthes.
3. Matthes rips on Jody from MXA (a guy who races 50+ times per year for the past 30 years) yet Matthes has not raced in over a decade himself and is so out of shape he could never do so again. There is no street cred in this sport to be able to type on a computer.
This speaks volumes.
He's going nowhere... PERIOD!!
Kawi, Pleeeaaaassse don't let RV get away. And RV, remember Kawi put a lot of faith and stood by you(your.words,not exactly, but close enough)Just stay put,,,please, pretty please.lol