10 Things to Watch: Unadilla
Friday, August 17, 2012 | 1:30 PM
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PrintBy Aaron Hansel and Chase Stallo
Homegrown
Whether you’re a spectator or one of his fellow competitors, Justin Barcia has always been a rider to keep an eye on. This is especially true at Unadilla in New Berlin, New York. Barcia is from New York, he’s a big fan of Unadilla and he’s always done well there. He took second in 2010, and finished third overall in the 450 Class last year. After dropping a few points to points leader Blake Baggett at Southwick, it’s a safe bet that Barcia will show up with a bit of extra juice in the tank this weekend. Let’s just hope he stays away from any trees!
The Elements
With the possibility of scattered showers coming through the area on Friday and Saturday comes the possibility of muddy, motocross mayhem. Unadilla is a track where finding the correct bike setup is already notoriously difficult, and when it rains, getting it right can be like finding a needle jet (it’s a carburetor part, look it up, kids) in a haystack. Slick and shiny dirt, a surplus of finger-busting rocks and trademark obstacles like The Wall and Gravity Cavity all conspire against the racers of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship at Unadilla. The varying conditions also make it a tough track to practice for. Teams that are able to nail tire and suspension setup will excel, while riders who don’t will be looking forward to Steel City before the first motos are over.
Marvelous
Due to sustaining a broken bone in his hand shortly before the beginning of the season, Red Bull KTM’s Marvin Musquin wasn’t on the short list of competitors who were likely find themselves battling for a win on any given weekend. But now that he’s had some time to heal up, Musquin’s results have been improving late in the season. He finished fourth overall after leading more than half of the first moto at Washougal and he took another fourth overall at Southwick by way of 2-5 moto scores. Look for the Frenchman to keep building on his solid results tomorrow at Unadilla.
Barcia needs a big weekend in front of the home town fans to keep his championship hopes alive.
Simon Cudby photo
Debut Revisited
Rookies at GEICO Powersports Honda looking to make waves in their professional debuts have big boots to fill. Josh Grant turned heads in his 2004 debut at Hangtown when he ripped the holeshot and proceeded to build a massive lead before stalling. Trey Canard won the first three supercross races of his career in 2008, and even went on to win the title that year. Barcia led a ton of laps at his debut at Glen Helen in '09. Eli Tomac won the very first race of his professional career when he went 3-1 at Hangtown in 2010. At Southwick, rookie Zach Bell kept the tradition of notable GEICO debuts going by taking the holeshot in the first moto, opening up a large lead and hanging onto it for five laps before getting passed by Tomac. Bell’s day ended shortly thereafter when he crashed hard, but he’ll have another chance at Unadilla to show us just how well he can do if he can keep it on two wheels.
Broken Ice
After only racing a handful of races this year due to injuries suffered at the Oakland Supercross and the Hangtown Motocross Classic, Tyla Rattray officialy broke through for the first 450 moto win of his career last week at Southwick. Granted, he had a little help from Ryan Dungey, who crashed, knocked his gas cap off and was later forced to pit for fuel, but a win is a win, and in this case, it’s a fantastic, confidence-boosting highlight in what has otherwise been a dismal year for the South African. Next up is Unadilla, a fast, wide-open and hilly track that is rich in natural terrain, not completely unlike the European tracks that the 2008 MX2 World Champ used to race on before coming to America. Look for Rattray to keep the ball rolling this weekend at Unadilla.
He’s Back
Initial reports have Yoshimura Suzuki's James Stewart making his return to racing at Unadilla after missing the last three rounds with a wrist/hand injury. Since Stewart went down at Thunder Valley Ryan Dungey has been on a tear—winning seven straight overalls. Will Stewart, the only other rider to win an overall in the 450 Class this year, be able to put the brakes on Dungey’s winning streak?
James Stewart makes his return to racing at Unadilla.
Simon Cudby photo
Holding Serve
One week ago, Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jake Weimer trailed Mike Alessi by twenty-three points and was still clinging to hopes of taking over the runner-up position. But after his worst performance of the year at Southwick—due in large part to a number of crashes—Weimer is now faced with having to fight off a charging Andrew Short for third in points (Short trails Weimer by seventeen points). Will Weimer hold serve at Unadilla or will Short continue to cut into Weimer’s lead?
Another Setback
Trying to hold his emotions in check, Honda Muscle Milk Tommy Hahn looked directly into the camera after his third place finish at Southwick and firmly said, “This is for the person that said my career was over.” It’s been a long road for Hahn since winning his first, and only, National at Steel City in 2009. A career that has seen Hahn listed on the injury report more often than the results sheet. Since returning from a broken finger at Thunder Valley Hahn has been impressive. But after nearly pulling off an overall podium at Southwick—a second moto crash would derail his chances—Hahn was injured in a practice crash this week and will now miss the rest of the season. Yet another setback in a injury stricken career.
Back on Schedule
Star Vaill Rockstar Yamaha’s Nico Izzi was scheduled to make his return from a back injury last weekend at Southwick. But as newly appointed team manager Ryan Morais explained in a recent interview, Izzi had travel problems and was unable to get to Southwick in time. Izzi will be back on the line this weekend at Unadilla, hoping to recapture his early season form.
Where It All Started
After capturing the 2011 AMA Horizon Award GEICO Honda’s Justin Bogle made a splash in his pro debut at Unadilla one year ago. The bright eyed rookie, with an infectious smile, provided GEICO Honda with yet another weapon in their arsenal after a fifth overall. But Bogle’s first full season in the pro ranks has been hampered by a knee injury—which keep him on the sidelines for five rounds early in the season. Since his return, Bogle has yet to find his place in a 250 Class loaded with talent. Will Bogle be able to find his form this weekend at the place where it all began?
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holeshot brapppp
OK, I'm old, but Weimer looks about 13 in that photo. :^) And on T. Hahn - I'm bummed. Some riders just have one problem after another, and it's a bummer for them and for us. I can hardly imagine the 450 class if everyone had been healthy this year, or the 250 for that matter if Wilson and Durham were in there too.
Suchhh a bummer for Tommy Hahn, the dude cant catch a break. I wish him well and hopefully hes back riding soon enough! Oh and Stewarts back. Im a happy guy.
will the person who just got educated about a needle jet please stand up
second place is just the first place loser. Dale Earnhardt
You guys didn't even mention Jeremy Martin. He is making his debut this weekend on Star!
YO what the heck. #1 Should be amatuer demolisher Jeremy Martin will be debuting this weekend! Its all on to see who shoulda won the Horizon award this year. JEREMY MARTIN #146 vs. ZACH BELL #167. Dun dun dun
I know exactly what a needle jet is ... but what in the hell does 'holding serve' mean?
I'm somewhat of a writer, and I've been racing all my life, and that phrase just doesn't mean anything to me
Where does the phrase come from?
Nevermind.. i found the meaning online ... why have I never heard that before .. friggin weird
Aaron, What you were refering to was a " Jet Needle ". Come on, where are all the Moto Mechanics on this site?
First, off a shout out to Tommy Hahn. It is always sad that a good dude, who has been working his tale off to reach his potential, can have so many road blocks put in his way!! We will miss the passion you bring to the races every weekend, but take the time to heal up properly, so you can come back as strong and fast as ever!!!
Well now, the Gambler is back to try his hand at the famous Unidilla!! Last time here he was unprepared, I think we will see a wiser Stewart this time out. Question then becomes, if the 7 rolls to the front, does the Locomotive try and run him down, or stay steady and do the smart thing and collect points...
Barcia is at his one of his favorite tracks needing to gain points on Bagget..hhmmm where have I heard this before..To keep the championship exciting, lets hope he has better luck this weekend than last, when one of his favorite tracks reached out and took a bite out of his championship hopes..
What of the points leader, Blazin Blake, same type situation as Dungey, will he go all Chu ka kob ra on the field if he gets a bad start or will he be patient and just limit the damage to his big lead in points...
European style track and several riders from across the pond hoping to keep their new found momentum going and land on the podium in both motos rather than just one of them...
From the Rookies coming out to riders who have had mediocre seasons to those who need to impress for a ride next year to those who are in the championship hunt all signs point to a Thrilla at the Dilla this weekend ...
@Kawi567,, Pretty hard for Martin to win the Horizon Award when he didnt even ride Loretta's...
SpottedMarley Hey spotted dog..............I know there knuckle heads the term is used in tennis must be in context with the US OPEN which also is the state NY also come up real soon... Gay Huh !
Little off subject but when I sat down to take a lunch break, I scanned Direct TV, on the Scfi channel was a movie from 2005, Chupacabra: Dark Seas ..ipremise is what happens when someone tries to smuggle a Chupacabra into the states on a cruise ship.....after seeing some that and what they make a Chupacabra look like not sure Blazin Blake would want to be compared to that little, hairy, scary creature who feasts on warm blood.... Okay yo may now return to your normal programming ....
@ Larry Whitmer, I guess we are the only ones that know about the grass races at Red Budd or Mid Ohio or Uni ! VistaJIM ALSO. i'LL TAKE THAT PASS NEXT YEAR I HOPE !
I'm predicting a Stewart victory this weekend. You know he's not happy about the mxdn team snub so, he'll be riding with a chip on his shoulder. Will he run red, white and blue gear?!
He J !!! He will be running red like tiger woods on a bloddy sunday or was that song !
Stewie will be Playing this song on his I pod thinking of Decoster !
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpFpT5vIzhs
@McMoto; I wasn't going to say that, but now that you mentioned it. Bingo!
@BD25 I'm pretty sure Blake would rather be called Banjo Boy.Hahahaha!!!
@ SpottedMarly.So what is it? Holding serve.I'm pretty sure its a tennis term.
Never mind.
Ummm, no, McMoto, it's a needle jet, not a "Jet Needle". It's one of the jets in a carburetor.
McMoto, my words didn't prompt any comments from mechanics because it's correct, and based on your comment, a mechanic you are not. At least not one that knows anything about carburetors. A needle jet is a passage that fuel flows through. A jet needle is a tapered needle that slides in and out of that passage controlling how much fuel flows through it. The needle jet and jet needle work together.
Geez, if you're going to call me out at least know what you're talking about, haha.
Hey GOOFUS FIGURE IT OUT !
http://www.google.com/search?q=needle+jet+for+carb&hl=en&rlz=1T4GGHP_enUS450US451&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=KKsuUN76HMaIygHQ5IGgCg&ved=0CFkQsAQ&biw=1600&bih=672
Aaron, If your looking for a "needle in a haystack" then you were refering to the "jet needle" NOT a "needle jet". Does that not make more sense? I was probably working on carbs long before your Dad made the 2 pumps and quiver that resulted in you. (sorry about the last statement, I'm just getting to realize that I'm an old worn out MX er)
GeorgeAnimal Steele, you are quick.
McMoto, all in good fun buddy, your comment didn't bother me I was just "needling" you back. And yes, I see your needle point; the jet needle is the actual, physical needle part.
Fred ...Banjo Boy hhmmmm, that is a lot easier to say and spell than Chupacabra...but I will still with Blazin Blake !!!! ..All in good fun Mr Bagget!!
Aaron, Alls good Bud. Sorry again about the verbal jab. Now on to Una effin' Dilla!!!
Amazing the things people choose to nitpick about here. (Actually, I keep saying that, so maybe not.) The "jet needle" thing was a play on words and does, indeed, refer to an actual carburetor part (though injection seems to have mostly taken over that function).
I've notice (too) many comments from Mr. "Animal Steele" today. Top tennis players would probably wear you out without working up much of a sweat. Does that make you "more gay"? In tennis, it's common for the server to win the game in which s/he serves. When that happens, it's known as "holding serve," while if the other player wins that game, it's called "breaking serve." You're welcome.
"Second place is just the first place loser" is a stupid expression, IMO.
Sorry to hear about T.Hahn.
Last forecast I saw was clear, cooler weather for New Berlin, NY. Una-Fin'-Dilla!!! See you there!!!
The Riders equal 8 things to look out for other two are the weather and Hill people I think the animal is in that crowd also.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpDlKyrB9Wk
450 class
1. Dungey
2. Stewart
3. Alessi
4. Ratray
250 class
1. Baggett
2. Tomac
3. Barcia
4. Roczen
@MXmofo1 I think Kawi is refering to the showdown that didn't happen due to Jeremy dislocating his shoulder. I think what he is trying to point out, is that Jeremy "could have" won it had he not suffered the injury. I know he was really bummed that he didn't get to race his last chance at the ranch. He and Zach have been great competitors through the years, trading wins often. Will be great to see the Bullfrog make his pro debute today! Good luck to both the Martin boys!