Racer X Rapid ReaXtion: Team USA MXoN
Monday, August 13, 2012 | 3:30 PM
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PrintJason Weigandt:
First of all, two weeks ago in our point/counterpoint, I said Team USA would be Dungey/Baggett/Barcia. I think we all saw this coming.
I also think I know where this is going. Barcia gets picked for Team USA because he has done well at the only sand race on the U.S. circuit--Southwick--and now a short time after the team is announced, people are probably thinking he shouldn't be on the team because he just did badly at the only sand race on the U.S. circuit--Southwick.
So, are we supposed to use Southwick as the sand barometer or not? Up until this year, Barcia won a moto each time he raced at Southwick (2009, 2010, 2011) and on a 450 last year he could have possibly won the overall if his bike hadn't let him down in moto one. So, if you're going to say that Saturday's results at Southwick prove Barcia shouldn't be on the team, how can you not argue that the previous year's results prove he should be on the team?
(He also had a first-lap crash in moto one and hit a tree while running third in moto two. Kind of hard to judge his sand prowess based on that.)
I say ignore Southwick. Both the good and the bad for Barcia. It's not even really anything like Lommell, anyway. It's the closest comparison we have, but saying Southwick is to Lommell is like saying a pitcher would automatically be a great quarterback because they both have to throw a ball.
Forget Southwick altogether. I think, in general, Barcia is a good sand rider (beyond just Southwick). His high-revving style works a whole lot better in sand than hardpack (oh yeah, he just won Washougal. But seriously, you can't judge an entire rider's career based on how he did at one race) and he has said a million times that he grew up riding on softer, sandier, loamy stuff rather than hard pack. He knows how to ride sand, not just Southwick. He has a ridiculous amount of heart and determination, he's in shape, and I don't think pressure phases him. He's also a really good starter. Not Mike Alessi-level, but really, really good. Ask the other 250 riders who have watched Barcia get a ton of holeshots the last two years. He's a great pick and he'll do fine.
That said, I feel like Mike Alessi got the shaft here. I don't know if he would perform better than Barcia over there or not, but I do feel like, by default, the second-ranked 450 dude here should get the second spot. Did anyone think we needed to dig into the 250 Class instead of using Andrew Short on a 450 in 2010? You have to remember that every country will put their best 450 guy into MX1, so Alessi (or Barcia) don't have to go and outperform Cairolli, Desalle or Pourcel. They have to run with the second best 450 guy each country has, and they're both capable of that.
Put it this way: if Alessi got picked, no one would have said, "Hey, why didn't they put the second-ranked 250 guy on the 450?" I also think James Stewart should have been approached, prodded, asked (and even begged) to ride, but it doesn't sound like that happened.
All I can say is, it's stupid for me to armchair quarterback this when Roger DeCoster is the man picking the team. He knows more about winning des Nations and riding sand tracks in (his native) Belgium than I do. I think Barcia will do well and is a fine pick. But I think Alessi would have been good enough, would raise fewer eyebrows (can't believe I just typed that, but it's true in this particular situation) and Stewart would have topped them all. But DeCoster knows more than I do, and that's why you'll never see me hoisting a Chamberlain trophy.
Steve Matthes
Team USA was selected this weekend at Southwick and it wasn’t that much of a surprise, really. The first pick is pretty obvious in Ryan Dungey--duh. The next one was the 250 series leader and last year’s Team USA MX2 entrant, Blake Baggett. The third guy was the debatable spot and team manager Roger DeCoster went with Justin Barcia for a couple of reasons. One is that the guy flies in the sand and two is that he’s just plain flying this year. Barcia’s been very good this year, winning a second straight supercross title and also winning more nationals this year than his previous three years combined. With the MXoN taking place at Lommel, Belgium perhaps the nastiest sand track ever, we’ll need our soft terrain specialists ready to go and Barcia, this past weekend notwithstanding, is one of the best we have.
The USA is lucky, no matter who they send over they’re always going to be the favorite. There are so many great riders to choose from and the selectors can’t really make a bad choice. It’s interesting that the guys chose to put Barcia on the 450 as he hasn’t raced one all year but he’ll be fine, the MX3 rider just has to maintain a fast pace and place in the top three and the USA will be fine. Anyone want to bet against Barcia being able to do that?
The rest of the world, most of whom would love to see the USA lose this race, are licking their chops thinking about the USA riders struggling in the deep sand but I’m here to tell you that’s not going to happen. Antonio Cairoli and Jeffrey Herlings are certainly capable of giving Dungey some trouble (if Herlings rides the 450 like rumored) and they may even beat him a moto or two, but team USA is too good to struggle in six motos. Baggett’s fast and fit, Dungey is Dungey and Barcia, again, is so good in the sand. There’s no other countries (Belgium with Clement Desalle, Jeremy Van Horebeek and Ken de Dyker may be the next best) that can match the speed AND three-man depth of the USA.
Do I think that Mike Alessi should have been picked? Yes indeed I do. Again, the third rider doesn’t need to kill it, they just have to be fast and to me, there are risks with Barcia just as there is with Alessi. What about James Stewart? He was written off kind of early in my opinion (but with him not going to Southwick and I’m guessing not going to Unadilla, it’s starting to be more believable that he got passed over) but again, no matter who you send over (I wouldn’t complain if Jake Weimer went either, he’s a past MXoN winner) the USA guys are going to be great and the rest is just nit-picking and bench racing.
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I want to know why everyone seems to think the MX3 guy has to be a 450 guy?? Its the open class, it isnt the 450 class.. Yes, they all run the 450, but there isnt a rule that says it has to be a 450 rifer. And Barcia is moving up after the Nationals, and has 450 experience and rode very well on it last season.. I dont think I would have picked anyone else.. Stewie isnt healthy, and hasnt raced an outdoor season since 2008, so why pick him. He is way to unreliable.. An d Alessi isnt going to out perform Barcia, and maybe Roger was worried about how well team chemistry would have been with Dungey and Alessi. Its well known that they do not get along..
I think that Roger picked the best team available. With James not racing RV just now getting on the bike Barcia was a great pick. If it were me it would have been Dungey, Baggett and between Barcia and Tomac.
I would be willing to bet that Dungey and Alessi get along better than DeCoster and Alessi.. Anyway, they picked the correct riders.. Also, the fastest US rider this year will be riding a 250F.
Yes indeed mxmofo1!!
.Barcia and baggett.... bet there is a little tension there!! LOL
Roger should have at least waited until after this race to pick the team, get a better idea of who is great in the sand. Most years its always announced at Unadilla anyway. After seeing what Tomac was able to do I think he should be the third rider. Dude would have won the second moto if he didn't hit the tree.
How do you figure Southwick as the only sand trak.Isn't Millville pretty much a sand track? What about Freestone it looks about as sandy if not more than Southwick.
@fred,, No, Millville is not near as sandy as Southwick. The sand whoops at Millville are obviously sandy, but not deep sand by any means..
@fred - judging by tire selection for Southwick, i'd have to say that it is quite a bit more sand than the other tracks. They were basically running legal paddle tires. Those things were crazy looking.
I think people have a better memory of Barcia on a 450 last year, than actually how it happen. Sure he had 2 or 3 great motos on his best tracks. But his best lap times compared to alessi this year, as well as time finished behind the leader, are not as good.
That being said I don't believe Mikes bike or team setup is quite good enough.
I dont feel the Barcia pick as being out of line or wrong. I just feel bad for 800. He has put in one of his best years ever. He has improved all aspects, including his image.
Now looking at the comparison of the pick between Tomac and Barcia, now that Southwick has come and gone. I think Tomac may very well end up 2nd in this championship as well as being very fast this past weekend. That all being said, I still believe Barcia is the right pick between the two. His speed is more consistent every given weekend. He also has raced the 450 more times (and been successful).
Mike has a little more experience racing over in europe. Did they announce a alternate? They used to.
@tomktm....agree whole-heartedly.
Barcia is the obvious choice for MX3. Sure, he races a 250, but practices with his 450, occasionally, between races, he said so.
Speed is always a concern for the MXdN, but this year I would place more percentage on strength and stamina. Our 3 choices have the strength and stamina, as well as the speed. Maybe, just maybe there are two EuroTeams (all 3 racers) that can come close to matching team USA in all three caterories.
Racing luck, and questionable racing tactics (rattray, pourcel last year) will be the only reason we could lose. That is what to watch as the 3 motos unfold.
Any way you slice it, this years MXdN will be one for the books!!!!!!!!!!
So since we dont need to send our fastest riders in the MX3 class, maybe we should have sent ashley fiolek (or the winner of the WMX) and really embarass the rest of the world. then we would represent one from each class.
Mike Allesi should have been chossen for this ride , he has been the fastest besides Dungey all season , but the old man and Tony Allesi just dont get a long .
@mxmofo--I dont see were Southwick is very deep sand anymore, it looks like it has a hard base now more than it used too. It just doesnt look that deep anymore..
Anmd as far as Alessi and Decoster, I dont remember them having any trouble, but I do remember Alerssi flipping off Dungey once before. I dont think worrying about Alessi or his goofy DFad are worth the trouble. Barcia will be fine, plus have great support from the Factory Connection/Geico team..
@Ryani--How can you say Alessi has been faster than Barcia, they dont race the same class. Barcia is second in points in the very tough 250 class..
@bd200 - Barcia will most likely be on a Factory Honda. Could still be on a Geico prepped bike, but my money would be him riding a factory bike.
bd200,, i agree.. Southwick is not as deep as it has been in the past, just like the sand whoops at Millville. I think DeCoster had a problem with Alessi. DeCoster said on an episode of Inside the Outdoors that you could not tell the Alessis' anything, like they knew it all.
Actually I take back what I said about Tomac being my pick over Barcia. My pick would have been Matt Goerke. Logistically that would have never happened though.
Team Alessi and Team Stewart each have a certain amount of drama that comes with them. DeCoster dosent do drama. He picked a solid reliable team. Go USA!
Jason and Steve, I think you are both dead wrong on the MA coments, heres my thoughts- MA has a very consistant record of great starts but fading many positions by the end of the race. It seems to have improved this year but in reality it hasn't because 4 of the guys that routinly beat him are out and 20-30 seconds behind RD is about what he was doing last year. What this says to me is there will be a lot of guys who can and probably will beat him from abroad. Then you have last year where JB finished motos an average of over 45 seconds ahead of MA in 7 motos. JB is unquestionably better this year than last and clearly fades far less than MA. The stats are not even close-
I do not see JS7 ever getting considered by Decoster again because he cannot control him. He will not and has not played as a team member. If he needs a 5th in a moto he will crash and burn trying to lap the field, it happened before and I do not think Decoster will chance it again.
Im sorry he was averaging almost a minute slower than RD last year and is about 30-40 sec slower this year on average so he has improved but is nowhere near what Barcia was doing even last year, and JB has been on the 450 a lot this year getting ready for next
Kinda wierd article. Seems like it was trying to defend the choices (especially Barcia) when the choices don't need defending. I don't think too many people would disagree with the choices made by DeCoster. Sure, Stewart would have been a possibility and would definitely have helped the team to a sure win, and one could certainly argue that Alessi earned a spot. But at the end of the day, the choices made were probably the best. I find it funny, though, that most of the article was spent justifying the choice of Barcia. Seems to me, if anyone should be justified, it's Baggett. After all, his performance at last year's MXdN was nothing short of embarrassing. Villopoto went 1-3, Dungey went 2-3, and Baggett went....17-17? Wow. Well, better luck this time Blake.
Alessi should of been the throw away card for the tea iftheworried about how he would handle the pressure..............Holeshots great...........Dont know how someone will do until they are tested in battle ..Either way he could of thrown away his moto score if it was the worst one. I uess you should never throw sticks and stones and burn bridges either!
Seriously, if RD,JB and BB could not go I would call RV,ET and JS before MA because even if JS went down one moto we Know he would be top 3 the next
throw away card for the team if they were worried
The Man must like Barcia's chances in the sand over Alessi.
Let's just hope Blake stays consistent and let Hoss and Little Joe
do the heavy lifting.
JimM
Pala374
I always want Team USA to win, but if they don't I gonna put my middle finger up to Roger D. as the manager of Team USA and request that the manager be an American! It sounds like Roger D has to many personal issues with riders that make it not fair in picking TEAM USA.
Mike A and James S were young kids racing back then and now both of them have grown up into fine people and racers. So why hold shyt against them when they where kids.
But I'm sure somebody will comeback with some F'd up comment about this, which is the truth. We where all young at one time and hard headed.
Let the past stay in the past.
Mike A got screwed, but that's how you folks do shyt.
okay im gonna chime in here
as far as alessi goes he and his dad need to learn their lesson they have been total sh1t bags his entire pro career and one decent outdoor series doesent magically erase that
between barcia and tomac its simple barcia is moving up to a 450 already and the mx3 is gonna ride a 450 hes already been riding the 450 getting ready for next year, hes proven he can run up front on a 450 if tomac were the one moving up and had past race experience on a 450 to base their pick off of than he would more than likely be going instead of barcia
Decoster coulda woulda shoulda gone
Dungey - Barcia - Tomac
I feel for MA 800.... dude has been overcoming self inflictedt wounds and some serious crashes since day one .......... butt still hanging in and scrapping to have his best year.
It appears a lot of people have short term memories when it comes to the alessi's it wasnt when he was a kid it was just last year. the oly reason he is playing "Mr nice guy" is because his ass got humbled when nobody wanted him
JS7 should have a butt patch that says "Menu"! That's what they will see when he comes back. Order up a plate full!
"IF" he comes back
Mikee 800 !
Your 10 minutes from your goals.
Look around at different trainer options / programs -
Maybe drop some lbs
The way I see it, as if it matters, Alessi would have been a good pick, he has earned it, and in recent memory the MX3 rider has been the second place 450 guy.
Mike being left out, probably has more to due with his team and bike rather than any personality conflict. In Europe factory equipment is legal and MotoConcepts is running basically a heavily modified stock Suzuki. In the deep, rough sand of Lomell horsepower and suspension will be key for the rider and Team Honda can give that to Barcia, where even the deep pockets of Mike Genova can't supply that for Alessi.
I feel bad for Mike, as he has made great strides this year, showing improved speed and consistency. Also to his credit, he has shown a more mature attitude and personality.
As for James, he would have been a good pic, if he were healthy. All we hear is he is not there yet and no other specifics have been given. Hard to pick some one when you don't know the extent and depth of their injures.
As Jason mentioned, it is hard to second guess Decoster who has such a great track record picking our team for this event.....So Good Luck to our Team USA!!!
JimboMX374
Dungey, Baggett , Tomac even though barcia had a better overall average finish.
Tomac had more overalls and led the laps that counted !
james is not injurd just does not want to race wether by his choice or suzuki's tight budget who knows but there are plenty of videos of him riding this past week and he looks just fine to me if thats how a wrist injury makes you ride ill take two of them ;)
alessi rode for Decoster on both Suzuki and KTM, alessi has burned that bridge, as far as stewart, he has shown he isnt ready to ride, so no invite,
Dungey, Bagett(fingers crossed he doesnt repeat last year) and Barcia or Tomac are the only logical choices he had
@ mgwest949 – Saying Baggett was 17-17 at des Nations is misleading. The VAST majority of those riders ahead of him were on 450s. I’m not going to look it up, but I’ll say no more than three riders were ahead of him on 250s. First time out of the U.S., and he’s much more consistent this year.
@ starplaya4life – “Mike A and James S … have grown up into fine people and racers.” Opinions vary. Stewart not healthy enough for Southwick? No way he gets picked.
You MEDIA people are a joke !! First all you do is talk about Stewarts Quote " Injury " non stop and say how he isnt ready yet and cant ride a 100 % yet bla bla bla....... NOW you say he got picked over and Roger should have picked him ???????? W H Y ???
Just goes to show you how bias the media is with their boy Stewart, unreal I say !
If there was ever a candidate for the Hair Club for men it would be Baggett and BillC
jeramey, I agree with your 1st 2 points
@JackKevorkian:
What i was trying to say was :
Dungey - Barcia - Tomac might have been a solid team over
Dungey - Barcia - Baggett
Doesnt matter though because both BB & 17 have had their
inconsistent moments
First off, I'm bummed for #800 'cause he earned the spot.
Having said that..........................Roger DeCoster gets a certain amount of control over the decision making because he's Roger DeCoster. If he "doesn't like Mike", Mike doesn't go. Same for Stewart.
I think because it's "Roger DeCoster" people don't get so out of shape over it. If it were some schlub from the AMA calling the shots, I imagine feelings would be different.
I think it was '84 when everything got so political, every team (Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha & Kawasaki) had to have a rider there. We won but, you get the drift.
I also think that if there were any confusion about the nature of the DeCoster / Alessi relationship, this should make it clear.
@ starplaya4life, before I shoot down your idea of sending somebody besides DeCoster to represent Team U.S.A., how about mentioning some names? I don't think "Someone younger" will satisfy the people in charge of making such important decisions.
I'm not trashing your idea but, saying "this sucks" without legitimate cause and at least an alternative is just silly.
DeCoster is the most rock-steady part of that team. Yes, the riders have to ride but, we are in a position of having a discussion over WHICH three best riders to send. That's a luxury many teams just don't have plus, DeCoster's experience, local knowledge, fluencey in the native dialect(s) and record more than over-qualify him. I'm not aware of "someone younger" that could command the respect of the riders and juggle all the chainsaws that the job requires.
I agree with those who are disapointed with Weigandt and Matthes comments about JS and MA. Those two have no business on the nations team given the other choices available. If something happens to Bagget or Barcia in the remainder of the season then Tomac should go and if not he, then Jake Weimer. They both have teams that can support them in Europe and both are having good seasons.
Those of you who would like to give DeCoster the finger have your head up your ass. Theres not much oxygen there.
Spread it around............Like Brooks and McGrath they seem to be Know it alls !
Mitch Payton
We all know RD would never allow MA800 on the team, and he deserves the MX3 spot. DeCoster played the spoiled little girl card and got Barcia.
I would like to know the names of the people that make the final decision on the USA team, have I missed them somewhere? Why can not email these people? Shit always happens in this sport, yet I never hear names.
I wish BB. Barcia and Tomac would ride the 450 class next week so we could prove to you people why Alessi shouldn't go.Just remember if Canard,Reed,RV and JS7 were healthy where do you think Alessi would be finishing.I just don't feel Alessi has earned it.There are boys in the 250 class that are faster than him.
In complete agreement with Stantdm.
Alessi earned it over Barcia?! Put down the crack pipe or at least give it back to Pizzadick.
True, the MX3 guy doesn't need to kill it, and obviously Alessi wouldn't do that, but it would be nice if the MX3 guy had the capability to mix it up with the likes Herlings and Cairoli for the benefit of the team- also something Alessi couldn't possibly do. Barcia will be salivating like a rabid dog to do so.
mike should be there or j7s. barcia is not even riding good latley i hope usa doesnt win. mike got the shaft. go canada go ha ha
Jason: You seem like a great guy and very in tune with mx so I'm really surprised at your comments. You, in affect, ARE being an armchair quarterback and second guessing Decoster. Do we really have to explain to anyone why Allessi and Stewart are not good for a TEAM??? What about their history would lead you to believe they would be a positive influence for a team?(No I in team-I know it's cliche but, hey, it fits here). Stewart COULD be a high reward no doubt. But he IS a very high risk. If his day were to start off bad, who knows how he would respond. As for Allessi, there will simply be at least 6 or 8 riders who can flat out beat him. Maybe his attitude has changed-MAYBE. But it's way too early to say it has for sure. He, and his dad have a long history of burning bridges. Bottom line is that you choose the 3 who gives you the best chance to win. Loyalty and tradition are overrated when they cause you to field a weaker team.
If RV JS or TC were healthy Alessi would finish behind them, no doubt, but they are not an option, because they are not healthy. The old school way was to take the second place 450 rider for MX3. In that regard MIke should have got the nod, but credit Decoster, he was astute enough to go a different route this year. I trust his judgement, as he has seen a lot in over 40 years of motocross.
Barcia or Tomac both would be good choices as they have fittness talent and most important, factory support, something Mike does not have! Barcia probably got the nod due to having raced in the 450 class, thus more time on the bike.
I would have been very disapointed in Decoster if he had chosen MA. MA has not earned a spot at all. The fact that he is in second in the 450 class does not mean he has earned it. Last year in seven motos Barcia finished over 45 seconds in front of MA (average) and those were his first 450 race-MA had been on them for 5 years. No one can show where MA has been as fast as Barcia at all because he hasnt. Barcia has won more titles and motos and sx races than MA in less than half the time and with stiffer competition. This is facts-real race results, the true earned spot.
I don't want MA representing us because of his continued unsportsmanlike conduct from 05 til present. This year he was fined for cheating after being asked not to. Last year he shot the bird at RD when he could no longer block him at Vegas. He is not in the same league as RD,BB,JB,ET,RV, at all there are many other riders from other countries that can and have beat him by large margins. He is not even close to the best choice. We dont have to have two 450 riders if we don't want to- but barcia is better on them than the 250's.
We should always send the best based on performance and that is what we have done.
GO USA !!!!
Tomacs average lap time was faster than MA at south wick by .4 sec and he was on a 250 in sand. Its been worse at other tracks. and Barcia is ahead of Tomac in points.
@ RCRDDW, I agree with all of what you're saying but, like pizzacorner mentioned, we don't do the deciding.
I believe there should be a system for placement on the team or at least some guidelines. Something infallable (yeah right) and something consistent.
My question is, would DeCoster continue to be captain if we were picking the team?
He's doing fine and I hope we can keep it going for as long as possible but, when he no longer captains the team, I'd like there to be something in place because It will be a dicey proposition when the DeCoster era ends.
I don't know about the loyalty part but, I think the tradition aspect has merit because of the consistency, that's all.
I'm not saying I advocate one way or another but, theorhetically, aren't we fielding the best team by choosing the top points earners in the MX series (or maybe adding SX points as well, in a Grand National-type situation) ? If there are special circumstances pertinent to the team pick, as there seem to be with Alessi & Stewart, then we go from there.
Just so we're clear, we're NEVER going to hear "so and so was picked because so and so doesn't like him" or "so and so can't work with so and so".
That might be exactly what's going on here but, we'll never be able to confirm that so, we have to hear kakamayme gibberish explaining the reasoning behind the decision.
@BD25 back when they would pick the 2nd place 450 guy was because usually he was in contention for the title.That rider wasn't down 85 points with three rounds remaining.
Dungey and Bagget are shoe in picks...they are the points leaders and that is that.....Stewarts name was mentioned as soon as last years MXoN ended since his history of speed on the sand tracks is quite impressive...There is rumored politics and a theory i have is the following.... Dungey is DeCosters golden boy...we all know that and Dungey has earned that, however.....its no secret that when it comes to Alessi, Roger D wants NOTHING to do with Alessi's entourage, aka his father.....so that may be why Alessi wasnt even approached (I think Reed said something similar)....Now to Stewart.....Last year, Dungey was picked to be our #1 guy by RogerD over Mr. RV2 who was the points leader at that point in the outdoor series I beleive, and #3 RV walked away from Dungey in the final moto and showed he should have been the #1 guy for USA.......DeCoster knows there is a very good chance, that if Stewart was picked and sent over as our #3, he could do the same thing RV did last year and i think that bruises his ego .....its just a opinion and a possible scenario............
It doen't really matter.Even if Dungey didn't go I think we would still win.You could pick three out of these four riders 800,17,20 and12 and probably still win.
The team that was picked is the best for us,and their should not be any debate or argument. Just wish these guys our best and give them all of the fan support that we can.It surely will be a good race with the team that's going, GOOD LUCK TEAM USA!!! Now thats whats important, not weather Alessi got screwed (which he didn't) he screwed himself over the years. And lets face it Barcia is a better rider anyway! So forget all this garbage and give all of our support to the USA.Lets see if the Euros try to park Bam-Bam like they have tried on other US teams (like Stewart) in the past Des Nations. Good Luck Gentlemen!!!!
@ starplaya4life: DeCoster is an American citizen, careful with all that knowledge you're throwing around.
If we win, everybody will say great choice. If we don't, not Barcia, Dungey, or Baggett, but Mr. DeCoster is going to take the majority of the blame. Having the all the pressure fall on the shoulders of the team manager, and not the riders, is actually a big advantage. Let's just hope unforgiveness about past Alessi behavior, does not come back to bite the team. Then it will be Rodger who needs to look in the mirror, instead of at the Alessi's.
Sorry, but i'm tired of "THE MAN" and his personal problems with some riders!! Get over it "THE MAN".......funny, two guys on Suzukis who "THE MAN" didn't even consider!! "THE MAN" has always had a problem with Stewart, probably because Stewart has many times kept "THE MAN'S" top rider from a title!! Not quite sure why "THE MAN" didn't pick MA, probably a combo of the yellow bike and whatever personal problems "THE MAN" has with Mikey!! "THE MAN" needs to get over it and stop being so blatantly bias with his choices!! It wouldn't bother me a bit to see "THE MAN" replaced as team manager for the MXDN, i really like Dungey a lot, but i am sort of hoping that when everybody gets back and healthy that "THE MAN" finds his simple season title was just that...simple!!
I dont think that Rogers unforgiveness of Alessis past behavior was his deciding factor in passing MA up on the Des Nations,even though he knows that family is fake.But the fact is Barcia is clearly faster than MA,Mike has had a lot of bad injuries over the years and it has taken its toll on him.Yes he has led some races and won one, but look at...there is not much competition in the 450 class! Once RD got by him the Dunge was gone.And lets look at the Euro fans...MA is hated over there and that is a fact! So who do we pick to represent the U.S,? Do we listen to DeCoster (that clearly knows) or do we listen to Matthes (just a reporter) I think I will go with the old racer than the mechanic! Sorry Steve your pick is a jerk.and just because he sounds humble does not make it so!!!!
Funny don't know js7 but have raced with ma and his brother and never been good people. So ma is getting 2nd in the 450 he is a one moto wonder and even said so after washougal if your not in shape for two hard motos then why would any one think you should go. And he would only be getting about 5th next year when every one is back
Funny don't know js7 but have raced with ma and his brother and never been good people. So ma is getting 2nd in the 450 he is a one moto wonder and even said so after washougal if your not in shape for two hard motos then why would any one think you should go. And he would only be getting about 5th next year when every one is back
I think its a solid pick.. Only worry is maybe Barcia over revving the 450 in the deep lommel sand a bit, A mechanical would put alot of pressure on..
They really need to cut down that tree at Southwick.
Pretty sure Herlings will ride the 350.
I bet they are all chomping at the bit to rail some of those big sand berms.
Its going to be awsome.. Cant wait.
Alessi should go over and win a GP championship.
RD- unquestioable choice 450
Barcia- unquestionable MUCH faster on a 450 and more consistant than MA
RV- has stated would go if needed and is clearly a whole level above MA
BB, JB and ET clearly the best 250 choices with BB being best.
MA was not even close based on performance let alone his poor rep for cheating and family issues with coaches and team managers
What is it with these MA guys ? do they want to sabatoge our team or soil our rep ??
how about some Barcia verses MA stats
2011 unadilla Barcias 1st 450 race
moto 1 barcia beat MA by 1 min 3 sec
moto 2 barcia beat MA by 39 sec
southwick moto JB was 27 sec ahead of MA at half way and bike broke
moto 2 beat MA by 1 min 57 sec
steel city- JB was sick but tried anyway- 1st moto beat MA by 39 sec
2nd moto JB pulled off sick
Pala 1st moto JB beat MA by 38 sec
2nd moto JB beat MA by 58 sec
Facts say MA isnt even in the same league as Barcia- in six motos he finished an average of 59 seconds ahead of him !!!
MA is finishing excatly where he was last year when you remove RV,CR,and JB.
Can he ride a wide bike and block faster riders ? yes he is a master at that.
Roger made his decision on performance and facts, he didn't need to even address the family issue and burned bridges the Allesis have or the cheating.
RD simply picke the best for us winning - end of story
@bd200 , i agree that Barcia is a great rider , he doesnt have a lot of experince on the 450 but he will do great ,im sure . I really dont have a problem with any of the riders but think Allesi has earned a spot . I really didnt like allesi for years growing up in so cal watching him race , but i think he has grown up a lot in the past few years . And as for drama , well thats what managers get paid for (managing ) . I think Allesi would have done good , but i am still happy with the chosen ones . Good luck USA
Great discussion, so many interesting views on the Nations team! It shows how much we care and support our Team USA !!!
davidl...I agree with you, Do not believe personal issues had any thing to do with the choice. Speed and factory backing were deciding factors..
KillerMoto.. I think last year, Dungey still had the points lead when the decision was made and that Dungey captaining the winning team the previous year played into it..though by the end of the year RV won the title earning MX1 for this year, but due to injury, and by his own admission has nothing to gain by going..As for RV walking away from Dungey at the Nations, remember they were not racing each other..Now for Stewart walking away from Ryan, have yet to see him do that this year, as they are very even in speed in the outdoors and again would not be racing each other, so bruised egos do not play into the equation.(I would give JS the advantage if it were a Supercross of Nations)
Theysaidwhat..in your post you seem to be a Suzuki fan, as I am, I don't think Roger has a problem with Suzuki, as he has been very loyal to them over the years. Only reason he is not still there, is they could not offer him a 3 yr deal. As for overlooking Mike, not personal, just not the best choice for the team, as for JS being bypassed could be his injury or lack of race time or the lack of interest shown in the past for this event. "The Man" is far to professional to let pettiness get in the way of making his decision.
My question to you is what do you have against "The Man" and which of "The Man"s top riders did Stewart ever beat for a title?
So, everyone is saying MA earned a spot??? Did Barcia not earn a spot? The dude is has worked to his a$$ off to to reach the talent he has. He a has two SX lites titles, and already proven he can beat MA on a 450. Plus I would love to see a little friendly BAM BAM action dished out!!
Plus there was not room to bring Mike Genova's Hot Tub, and all the cigar smoke would be really stuffy ;)
MPO is Barcia was the right dicision. I think MA would do a good job and he works hard is in tip top shape and is all about the red,white and blue. I think Barcia is the same. I don't think this was a MA or BAM BAM discion more so then it being about the proper support. Barcia will get full Factory Honda support with all of Hondas european connections in case a problem arises. Mikes support is a Hot Tub business ower plan and simple. Besides the Euros will have their hands full with BAM BAMs Sprinting speed and rubbing is race style.He'll be gone
@ Carlsbad: I hear what you're saying. It's just this simple to me though: In business, sports, family, in life in general "special circumstances" (people having a history selfish or other bad attitudes) is a major decision in hiring, firing, promoting ect...Those issues affect team chemistry and performance in all aspects of life. Decoster has worked with many, many riders for years and years. He worked personally with Allessi and family for 2 or 3 years and he is the most qualified person in the world to make the decision to exclude him. James "what's in it for me" Stewart is the complete opposite of the kind of rider Decoster wants to work with. Why is that hard for people to understand? So, in my opinion, Jason and Matthes are either bias toward Allessi and Stewart, surprisingly unaware of what goes on in the sport, or being intellectually dishonest. I can't see it any other way. That's why I made my comments. I think you and I pretty much see things the same way. If we want the Stewarts and Allessi's of the world to represent us then we definitely need to get rid of Decoster. That guy is way to smart for that. Heck, why not see if Jason Lawrence is available? :)
Everybody commenting on RV running away from RD5 last year. Please understand that RD5 was struggling with his bike/team last year like he had never before and hasn't since.And RV and his new 2012 Kawi were absolutely clicking like never before at that time.You wouldn't see a runaway this year. These 2 guys are almost interchangeable outdoors. Please quit stating the obvious. ANY HONEST person knows that, if RV is ready, he is a no brainer.
I thought DeCoster was (or is,which ever) an American.
@ Maico25: He has been a legal American by choice for many years.
Sef154, you were right about Baggett, I know he finished 3'rd in class...and maybe even 1'st in class in the other moto....can't remember the other moto.
and, I'll say it again to the Alessi whiners....if you look at the lap times all year of the 250 riders, the top four, and often the top six or seven riders were turning lap times a bit faster than Alessi. Although Alessi has looked better in the last few races (still not near the level he was at in previous years......maybe due to no factory bike, support, whatever) picking Barcia over him was a no brainer.
Oh, plus I will be at the Des Nations, and wouldn't mind seeing Barcia move some people out of the way...
I also think we could see Baggett win a moto (or two) on his 250 (like RV did at Budds Creek). When he is on, he really is that fast.
Here, let me speak for The Man; "F U- i been putting together the best MX teams the world has ever seen, i forgot more about MX than all you in this forum know about, combined. Go change your diapers and let me do my work."
Did any one mention that Bam-Bam has 376pts to Hypes 345pts? Both in legitimate national titles.
@BD25........Alessi, Reed, hard to really count this but RC his last year (if you allow me that one) even though RC didnt complete the year JS had him covered!! So, there are 3!!
Theysaidwhat Very good sir ! He did beat Reed by 4 pts,..I will give you RC in his final tour if that one needs to count and Alessi well yeah ..I still think Decoster has to much class to let those set backs influence his decisions...but that is just my opinion....You did not mention why you dislike The Man so much though..as you are entitled to your opinion on him
Anyone remember when Tedesco got sent after Carmichael got hurt. Same thing could happen to Alessi. But I hope nobody gets hurt.
Stewart beat Reed on a Suzuki in SX only, not MX. Anybody, including Roger, would tell you Alessi wasn't going to beat Stewart back then - or now. RC ... you go ahead and tell yourself he beat RC. He won a MX championship ONLY after RC retired from racing. And as for Stewart and DeCoster, Roger had no problem taking Bubba in 2008 after his "perfect season." He wasn't so perfect in Donington Park when he fell while leading and almost lost the event for us because he couldn't start his bike. Matthes' boy Tim Ferry had to save us from a loss that day. DeCoster picked Barcia this year because he seemed like the better, healthier, safer choice. Have your own opinions, but don't think for a moment DeCoster hasn't forgotten more about MX then you'll ever know.
MA would be an excellent choice if he would do this. Get the holeshot. Allow Dungey and Baggett through, and anybody else gets the full blocking treatment. By the time any Euros figured out how to get around him, they have checked out, and the headline is USA in most laughable, lopsided victory in MXON history. Mike is hailed for his unselfish behavior, and being a team player, and his rehabilitation is complete.
Alessi is a team player??? And is unselfish?? really?? Its news to me..
I think people forget that the teams foot the bill for the trip over there. Roger may be a bit worried about Alessi having the proper support over there. Maybe it's a good old boys type of deal where only factory guys get in? I'm not saying it's right, just saying...... I can't think of any time that a rider chosen wasn't off a factory team, besides ProCircuit which obviously is pretty much a factory team only better. As for James being chosen, you can't choose a guy that for all anyone knows isn't going to race again this year.
If anyone really wants to know what being screwed out of a spot is, check out Mickey Dymond. He won back to back 125 titles and got stiffed both years. The guys chosen in his place did very, very, well and the teams won, but if ever anyone earned the spot and didn't get it, it was him.
DeCoster got it right.
I am no Barcia fan, but he has been on fire ALL year, and he has already shown he can haul the mail on a 450. And has been rightly mentioned already, he doesn't need to be the fastest guy on a 450 - only the fastest guy in MX3.
As for Baggett, the criticism of his des Nations performance last year is justified. 17-17 was by FAR the biggest chink in team USA's armour. BUT, when he's on, he's shown that he is a Frickin' BEAST that can reel guys (FAST guys) in by 4 seconds a lap at the end of a moto. And also remember that Baggett's mediocre performance at last year's MXdN came when he hit that mid-late season slump in the Nationals. He was only luke warm at that point, even before he headed to the des Nations. This year, there ain't no slump! He's goin' like a freight train.
And as for JS7, never mind any past history - DeCoster MUST have been worried about Stewart's hand/wrist. A very similar injury ended Ricky Johnson's career. Not saying Stewart's career is over - just saying that this is probably a bigger problem than the Stewart camp is letting on.
Comment from a Dutch/Euro: Team USA will win it again, good riders and the best teamspirit will do the little extra needed. Forget about the sandtrack, a good rider can do well on any track. Only I wish Holland, or for that matter Belgium, had the rider potential great USA has. (Holland is just as big as greater LA. Belgium is even smaller). Holland has Herlings, Belgium has Desalle, Italy has Cairoli, Germany has Roczen, France has Musquin. Only they are all in different teams.
Lets do a USA-EURO-Africa-Australia race;-)
If it comes down to the MX3 rider leading the other riders, both guys would be an equal fit. If it comes down to the MX3 rider needing to advance positions, Barica would be my pick. What if Mikie doesn't get the holeshots?
The Euros already dislike the guy (see Bercy etc). Consider their defeat that much worse.
I've seen Alessi give up, fail, and cause problems too many times.
Lack of factory support (could be more important across the pond), Roger issues, Alessi family issues,
Bam Bam FTW
why don't we just send john dowd or Robbie the sand ripper marshal best sand riders ever