by Davey Coombs
450 Words: Southwick
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PrintSaturday was a very interesting day in American motocross. The results in the 450 Class were consistent with what we've seen all summer long, or at least since June: Red Bull KTM's Ryan Dungey won again—his seventh win in a row—and Mike Alessi finished second overall. The rain threatened but mostly held off, and the crowd was huge at Southwick Moto-X 338.
So what made it interesting? For starters, a highly entertaining second moto saw Dungey drop his bike while out front, have his gas cap pop off and spill enough fuel to alarm his team, and make a pit stop in order to finish the race—which he lost to a very capable Tyla Rattray. We also saw another page turn in the saga of Mike Alessi and family.
Mike is the fastest privateer on the planet right now. Sure, he has a big rig and great support from Mike Genova and MotoConcepts, but he's not getting any help from Suzuki, even though it's the bike he chooses to race and the team's factory riders—James Stewart and Brett Metcalfe—are both out with injuries. He remains the best starter I have ever seen, and he still works very hard at being a strong finisher. He's a solid (albeit distant) second in the points, and he's saying and doing all the right things right now. In fact, he's the only man who's finished every round of 2012 so far, counting both Monster Energy Supercross and Lucas Oil Pro Motocross.
But when time came for Roger DeCoster to name his three riders for the 2012 Motocross of Nations in Belgium next month, he passed over Alessi, a rider he worked with at both Suzuki and KTM. DeCoster elected instead to move up 250 Class rider Justin Barcia to the MX3 (Open) class for Team USA. Why did The Man choose to pass over a veteran rider who is having a consistent, solid season and peg the younger Barcia instead?
Mike Alessi, although second in the 450 Class points, was not choosen for the MXoN team.
Carl Stone photo
It has to do with team chemistry and gut instinct. DeCoster has worked with and against the Alessis—Mike and his father, Tony, should be considered a single entity, as they have worked closely together ever since #800 was on peewees—for enough years to know what they are capable of, both on and off the track. While Mike has been a stellar professional this summer, making the best of his situation, there's been a lot of water under the bridge. With DeCoster planning to have the entire team in Belgium for two full weeks before the race in order to train in the sand, team unity is a huge ingredient to his winning formula. It's a gamble to take a kid like Barcia, but it's also a sand race, and Justin has shown some real speed in the silica (though his results did not show it yesterday). Barcia will also have the full support of Team Honda, which is where Justin will begin working the day after Lake Elsinore—and that's key in a race where bikes and parts and different fuel and sound restrictions all might come into play.
Alessi definitely got the short end of the stick here, but he also got the short end of the stick when he didn't get picked up by any factory teams for 2012. He's earned a chance to be considered for Team USA, and he certainly was (and so was James Stewart, for the record). I know he badly wanted to go, and I’m sure he would have done well for Team USA.
However, it's ultimately Roger DeCoster's job to pick the team he feels has the best chance to win the Motocross of Nations. He's got the knowledge and the instinct to make difficult decisions—like getting Suzuki to sign an injured Ricky Carmichael in 2004, then risking his own career to go from Suzuki to KTM two years ago—which this decision for Team USA certainly was.
How it all turns out remains to be seen, but I say we have faith in The Man.
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Roger is the man. Too bad we couldn't have four riders like back in the day.
Who would really want Alessi to represent them? Amerivans have a bad image already...no need to make it that much worse. Mike and tony can stay far away from the rest of the world thank you.
If USA could bring 10 riders Mike would not be selected. Mike and Tony bring it on them selves. Not to mention Mike is riding a Suzuki that has no reference to Suzuki on the bike or his riding gear and he wonders why Suzuki won't step up and support him while the other factory Suzuki riders are out with injuries.
jmantattoo
I agree. Roger knows what Mikey's all about. He was under Rogers tent last year. The Alessi's just don't get it. It's still great to see in this high dollar/big business world (although I'm sure the dollars are half what they used to be) that sponsors and team managers will avoid you just because they don't like you and think you're an ass. Kinda puts the emphasis back on being nice (even if you are fast) the way it should be.
And if I was Suzuki I wouldn't help him either. Nothing to be gained by it. Mike and his dad have thrown sponsors under the bus waaayyy too many times. Everyone knows he's riding a Suzuki and on a privateer team ... and I'm sure Suzuki is happy with that. You get 2nd place results for zero dollars... a good deal. Sorta helps soften the blow of paying for the zillion dollar guy who doesn't show up.
See what happens when you burn bridges all your racing career. Do you really think MA is faster than who RD picked? If you was going to put your own money on the results who would you pick, come on.
Hey - The U.S. won the MXoN with solid guys like Weimer and Short, so the 'new' Barcia won't have any problem. Maybe we can thank Stanton, but JB is a serious contender now.
"450 Words - Southwick" = why Alessi wasn't chosen for the MXdN. ? Way to stay on topic, RacerX.
@jmantattoo ....Amerivans have a bad image already...Say's who?? We do more than ANY other country in the world to help others.
. And JB does not have that great of an "image" over sea's now does he?? or did you forget already... or not even know??
Perhaps MA800 would do himself a favor by cutting the cord from his dad and making his own way. I'm sure he loves his dad and owes him a lot...but Tony Alessi doesn't exactly set a good example of how one needs to conduct themselves. MA800 obviously has some talent based on his performances this season...but he'll never get a factory ride as long as his dad won't let him go and be a man on his own.
I cant believe all the crap about the des nation s team. Are you kidding?Who could ever bad mouth Decoster on anything to do with mx. Everywhere he goes = a winning combination. Yes i do think Alessi could be a good rider for the U.S team, but we have so many riders that could be ,that SOMEONE gets screwed.I used to be an Alessi hater,but no more.Even though his dad is a pain , Mike is a bad ass rider who deserves all the recognition he gets.What always gets me is the people who write these comments could never even dream of being that good on a dirt bike,but want to bad mouth these top riders in the world,and second guess someone like Decoster.GO USA
I think that if the race was held on a normal race track, I mean not sandy, Alessi would have been chosen. USA will win again but they wanna take as fewer risks as possible in Lommel.
I agree with 90% of the coments. The best team has been picked.
NUFF SAID
BillC, you beat me to it. I can't believe how that crap is brain washed into some people.
I agree JB has to overcome a baby spat image in europe, I think he will and his riding is speaking for himself
BillC wrote:
@jmantattoo ....Amerivans have a bad image already...Say's who?? We do more than ANY other country in the world to help others.
Bwahahahahahaha. Jeez, talk about brainwashed. Sorry to break it to you billyboy, but your perception of how the world regards you needs an update. Trust me, I know. I´m on the outside looking in.
I don´t happen to be one of the haters because I think the people of America should be seen in isolation to their administration who have done nothing but kill kill and kill again for the last 70 years. Yes, I know it´s all for a good cause, you know, expanding something called "democracy", and making a shitload of money for the war hawks, but I´m afraid you´d have a hard time convincing those dead people of your benevolent nature. The fact you support israhell and send your young men to die in their wars is hard for us non Americans to understand, and your blind support of their murderous policies is probably the #1 reason people around the world wish Iran would really develop an A bomb and drop it on your heads. It´s time you guys stood up to the ZOG running your lives. Mind you, you had the chance to elect a good man like Ron Paul, and you chose that arsewipe Romney instead, so I guess you are getting what you deserve.
God bless America? I doubt he will with your present lot running the show. really, you might be ruling MX, but you guys suck big time where running the world is concerned
Alrighty ... a good'ol fashioned USA VS The World political/racial blow up. Mike Alessi and Southwick does that to me every time. Hey ... non-Americans reading this .... save your breath and energy .. they don't get it. They make some fast moto-cross racers .. that's all we're reading about here. This ain't the place to fix or change the world.
Poo poo!! This was the easiest decision Decoster has made since he quit racing. Unless RV or TC would've been ready, the only other possible consideration would have been Tomac-another 250 rider. Alessi has a history of being a big baby and simply isn't as fast as Barcia or many other riders. Stewart is the biggest high risk/reward choice ever. He is pampered and has PROVEN that he can't compete at a high level most of the time unless all the stars are lined up for him.You can't take either of these guys half way around the world for 3 weeks and try to win against the rest of the world.
Good write up Davey. I agree with you 100% At sand race, a certain style works better (Barcia) and the suspension and motor need to be top of the line (factory). Trusting in Decoster's gut feeling has paid many dividends over the years for the USA, no reason to doubt him now...
So you guys think Mike should represent any of the factories that wouldn't give him a ride. He is representing the company that is paying his bills to ride for them. It might be the companies decision to not have the factories names on his gear or bikes?
Why blame Mike n Tony for every DAMN thing!
A lot of you guys sound like azzholes and I know your own dad's where and are dicks too, look at the stupid shyt you write in these comments.
All righteous n simple-minded M___F____ers!!!!!!!!!
Mike was a kid back then!
@euroweanie
The best and brightest fled Europe long ago to create the greatest nation on earth. Like DeCoster they continue to do so.
I guess the world would be a better place if we rolled over and let the Nazis take over. How many times have we bailed ya'll out?
I love it. Guys go on here about matters they (demonstrably) know little about. They are unhindered by the notion that there may be history, precedent, or pertinent facts that don't make the web (for reasons contractual, discretionary, or just a good taste respect for a layer of personal privacy of the subject). No, no; they spout on anyway, oblivious that most readers laugh at them and do so without bothering to comment. But you would think there would be a limit. You assume that even they get the humor behind the "no, but last night I stayed in a Holiday Inn Express.."
Apparently there is no limit and this is the test case: RD has ridden in or picked the winning members/managed of close tho HALF the MXdNs ever run. Cross-index this with the fact that, in the case of M.Alessi, he has been his manager on two different teams. It is unusual that a manager have that perspective in two different team environments of the same rider.
SO, the the most successful and experienced human on the planet when it comes to matters of the MXdN happens also to be the planet's most experienced team manager of Mike Alessi. And, he did not pick him. And yet..... there are experts here who do not just suspect, but KNOW that that is a mistake.
Wow. I mean, what's that like?
@ Euromike I wish people would wake up.
How has Mike Alessi accumulated so many fans? What has he done since mini bike days? This dude could not carry Justines boots let alone be picked ahead of him on a motocross team. Oh yeah Mike boy looked divine at Southwick with his tongue out in the second moto getting smoked. If all the Big boys were not hurt he would not even be in the top five this year. WTG Roger you are the man and know your riders and the art of winning.
Mike Alessi is a grown man. If he hasn't figured out by now that he has burned bridges with factories that aren't rebuildable then he never will. The fact he is unwilling to to run a yellow front fender(all thats required for suzuki contingency) means that the money is less important than his pride.
Roger Decoster picked a very solid team for this years MXoN. you can bench race all you want, but the only other option would have been to grab Tomac.
Euromike go get bent. Since you don't like Americans just stay away and we won't mind a bit.
@Euromike....Slow down there prince...no one has elected Romney for anything except a republican candidate....you my want to learn our system before you start spewing venom...makes you sound ignorant....and i have no idea what part of europe your from but last i looked you cats have been right at our side for all the killing....you may want to consider cleaning your own house before critizing the condition of others
EunochMike- Right on time. Got back here right around the D Nations. Start with the 'everyone hates Americans' slide into the 'euro rider X will come over here and smoke everyone next year', to how the US will lose the Nations this year. Same old crap. You may not like the US- so what, we dont lose sleep over you.
Everyone who lives a country who put a man on the moon raise your hand.
I always have to laugh when someone brings up a posters ability to ride. Obviously we can't ride like the top pros, we're fans posting on a message board not professionals.
That said I have to agree with DeCoster's choice not to send Mike Alessi. While he has had a good season and has worked hard to repair his image with the media he still has a long way to go. Regardless of his relationship with DeCoster he would be representing the United States of America and I'm not sure I could trust him in that role. DeCoster chose the right team and we will win once again.
Finally, poor little James Stewart didn't get the call to go once again. Why would he get to go when he can't be bother'd with racing Motocross. I have an idea., lets start calling him Bubba again and maby he will come back and race like he did when he was a kid.
Hey DC !
Why not call Roger and ask him ?
JimM
Pala374
Well I was going to say a few things to Mikey but you guys did a fine job. One question mike if the USA is so bad why is the line to come here sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo long??
JimboMX374 Roger would not answers. They asked him last year why RV did not get the MX1 ride and he dodged the question. Things have goten a little political it seems maybe.
I could care less about the European piss-ants, the puppets love their ruling class.
The United States needs to get Obama out of the White House.
Federal and state welfare assistance has grown almost 19 percent under President Barack Obama
All in all, there are 79 means-tested federal welfare programs, at a cost approaching $1 trillion annually.
Whiny little girls like EuroMike over here are bringing this country into the lazy pit that is now Europe. Wake Up.
Hey euromike, how is your Roczen bet to win the 250 class going for you now boy? 4th Hahahaha
Hey Euromike ... better watch your back ... piss off these Americans and they'll come after ya .... especially if you have a drum of oil in your backyard : ) Keep your ears open for Appache helicoptors ... especially at night. Being the self- proclaimed worlds Police ain't an easy job .... But when your military budget is bigger than every other countries in the worlds combined (fact) you just gotta get out there and use those weapons and machinery once in a while .... just to keep the rust off of them.
I have to agree with Euromike, I'm an American and I know the wars are for profits. We engage in this sheep voting system of two parties who are BOTH owned by the same banks/corporations. Mitt wins, they win, Obama wins...again, they win. We lose because we are forced with these choices. Ron Paul was the only honest man waking up a zombie nation who doesn't any better and look what they did to him. We are engaged in wars in support of Israel and we are murdering millions in the name of democracy...but in reality its profit. I love my country, but I hate my gov't. Well said Mike, its not a European or American thing, its a humanitarian thing.
@Euromike.I guess it is pretty easy to pick out the brainwashed ones on here.When they come pry our guns from our cold dead hands the brainwashed ones will go Umm.Euromike might be right.
Ya Fred- Eunoch Mike and his country had their chance at 'running the world' and it ended up with about 7 million dead. Ya, you may be right, we aint perfect. but toss in your vote for a country to run the world.
@MustardDog. I think you might of messed the point that he was trying to make.
How about the U.S. cuts off all it foreign aid and see how things end up. Never mind what American citzens do on their own out of the kindness of their hearts. ,
Josh Hill is the Greatest Of All Time! hands down, he deserves to be healthy and running up front.
I hadn't thought that DeCoster "risked" his career to go from Suzuki to KTM.....I thought it was because Suzuki wouldn't offer him a long-term deal and KTM would. Given KTM's success on the world stage, that it had already won a 125 MX title in the US.....it's not like he was helping to resurrect Bultaco. He made a job choice.....I would say his reputation is intact now matter what happened at KTM.
Roger Decoster has made a biased decision ! his choice justin barcia is the same guy who cut the track at bercy then stopped on the track waited a lap for french rider greg aranda then took him out,then ran away like a baby after they aranda was going to pile drive him into the ground ,barcia then got disqualified from the event, is the right person to go to mx of nations ? how about the justin barcia who intentionally roosted a medic and a hurt rider after he tangled with that very rider at the east coast supercross is the kind of character we want to represent team usa ?
maybe is the justin barcia who tryed to t-bone ryan dungey at the 2011 unadilla mx race ,then crashed himself is the right team mate ? Mike alessi has been solid ,fast ,and problem free all season ,and roger decoster is telling,mike alessi the guy who is second in the premier class in the usa to sit home because he is the team manger and he knows whats best? are you frikking kidding me ? roger decoster decision to pick justin barcia is simply a biased decision which will lead to failure ! mark my words .
@Expeditionary Citizen, Thats how you start a budget, chopped all the fat(every other country we give me to) see what you got left and go from there.
@Fred, Euromike is a fascist racist pig, since he said Israhell and Iran to nuke us. I think Mustarddog was right on!!!. Eurotrash, go live in Iran, Iraq, Syria for a while.......
Ok, back on topic. Decoster did the right thing, Alessi is not a good ambassador to represent us, Barcia isn't the best, but I don't think he is willing to risk the factory ride, since he knows others are up and coming through Honda. Plus the money it is going to take to suppost these crews for 20 days in europe is no joke, its going to take Factory pockets and resources. Honda, KTM, and Pro Circuit already have programs running in Europe. MotoconWHO? Thats right, they don't have the money to support at a International level, they are barely getting by at Nationals.
oops type me====MONEY!!!
Barcias rep is far better than MA's, his win list is better and he flat out stomped MA in the 450 class in his first 6 races
@Euromike... When you talk about the last 70 years you must be referring to WWI and WWII. The USA bailed out Europe in both wars. Or maybe you were on the wrong side..... Your comments about Iran and Israel lead me to believe that maybe you are a little more East and South of Europe. In that case you should just continue to keep your women covered because you cannot control your urges, keep them ignorant so that you can feel good about yourself. Keep killing your own people who want a more inclusive government etc... etc... etc....
@ Starplaya4life ......."So you guys think Mike should represent any of the factories that wouldn't give him a ride."
Suzuki did give him a ride, Mikey and Tony screwed it up.
Look at Chad Reed and Andrew Short. Niether of them ride for factory teams but they get factory support becasue they are good solid guys. Mikey and Dad could learn something from them.
BTW... your name makes me laugh
rene-benito great posts - do not stop now
@localexpert
Check your facts. The US takes on more humanitarian causes than the rest of the world combined. Everyone else talks about it while we do it.
@Euromike.... Mustardog said over 7 million killed in WWII, he was jsut a little off. Over 60 million people killed in World War II over six years. All started by a Euro.
I do not agree with the wars in Iraq and Afganistan but the death toll for both wars is just over 900,000 in nine years. We have a long azz way to go to get anywhere near what the Axis powers did in WWII when led by a Euro.
Before you go throwing stones, you should try a little self reflection.
Ah yes the old usa vs the world debate... will be a China republic pretty soon since all there debt is won by them, so pretty much china owns the usa.... and plz quit the humanitarian aid bs you give a bowl of rice to a kid from one hand and sell weapons to the warlord with the other one... Interesting page:
http://demonocracy.info/infographics/usa/us_debt/us_debt.html
will be a China republic pretty soon since all there debt is ***owned*** by them,
Just a suggestion DC. Next time you post 450 words make it about 450's and the riders in the class. Not much about Rattray, not a word about Marshall. Not a word about Dowd (that is terrible). Nothing about the riders who had good days, like Tickle or bad days, like Weimer. Maybe you could leave the mxnations comments to a separate thread.
I would have throw'd up a lil bit if MA800 woulda been chosin. Then again,if my Hodaka had the right powerbands', I'm pretty sure I coulda smoked Roger,...
Now a little history lesson: the fact is 9 out of 10 killed german soldiers were killed by Russians. 1 out of 10 was killed by all allies together (USA, GB, frenchies etc) Talk about bailing someone out.... USA did help tremendously though to Britain and Russia with supplies and then they joined them. I don't blame anyone for not knowing, cause that's what they teach you in high school here. Now in college is another story.
Now on subject.... DeCoster is the Man. He knows about racing more than all of us together. More than dc, weige, ping & matthes together. I stand by his choice. Lets not forget that this is MX we are talking about. Anything could happen and it wouldn't be his fault. Hopefully, this year team USA doesn't have to go through any drama like couple of last years ( issues with turbo trey or blazing blake)! Go USA!!!
@euro guy
Go to sleep!
René-Benito De La Van Der Von Poulos - Who the Hell has a name like that. Poulos, is that like, Puto.
@ Euromike, While you may or may not have interesting points about the politics of the world, they have little to do with the site you're posting on.
I don't think Teams Belgium, England, France, Australia or even Team U.S.A. are worried if Iran is enriching uranium to weapons-grade status.
You've been pretty consistent in bringing the anti-U.S. perspective and I have thick enough skin to hear you out appreciate your opinion for what it is, out of courtesey.
My question is, what about the race? What is your opinion of the MXdN? Is Team U.S.A. so awesome that you're leaving the bench racing behind for political rhetoric? That's what I think it is.
Also, don't be too bummed about Roczen. He's doing very well for a rookie euro (that's not meant as an insult). He not only won a SX race but, he didn't get killed in the process (win) and it looks like he's going to finish the year top-five in MX and uninjured (win). He's a great kid on a great team and still has a ton of upside. He'll make you proud eventually.
Now here's where I make a joke: Wouldn't it have been funny if Roczen went 24-0 in the nationals and before you could tell everybody to suck it, he denouced europe and applied for U.S. citizenship? That would have been funny right?
... thinking that team usa should go with the best of the "new" riders every year in order to give more racers the chance to represent ...
I have to agree with HandlebarDragger... pizza corner brings up one of the main reasons that our country is goiong to hell.
@ rene van der board or whatever you are!
Your name sounds pretty much european! Are you a whore??? :) what are your rates? Lol
The recent RacerX poll regarding the MX3 pick was for Barica. If the people's vote counted, he got the nod. http://www.racerxonline.com/2012/07/16/dungey-is-the-favorite-for-the-mxon-mx1-ride-who-would-you-pick-for-the-mx3-ride