Who is your early pick for the win at the Monster Energy Cup?
Monday, September 17, 2012 | 4:00 PM
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PrintWho is your early pick for the win at the Monster Energy Cup?
Ryan Dungey 2767 votes - 30.4%
Ryan Villopoto 3013 votes - 33.1%
Chad Reed 957 votes - 10.5%
James Stewart 1308 votes - 14.4%
Justin Barcia 455 votes - 5%
Eli Tomac 283 votes - 3.1%
Ken Roczen 98 votes - 1.1%
Mike Alessi 80 votes - 0.9%
Jake Weimer 26 votes - 0.3%
Josh Grant 30 votes - 0.3%
Justin Brayton 29 votes - 0.3%
Davi Millsaps 52 votes - 0.6%
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Its going to be a tough pick, but I have to go with the guys who have been racing.. Dungey or Stewart.. I know RV1 and Reed have been riding, but nothing can prepare you for real racing except racing.. And those are the two who have been racing this summer.. I know Dungey has been racing more, but Stewie has been on the bike all summer too. So I am going to cheat and pick two.. I hope RV1 gets the win, but I am just being realistic..
JT - Jason Thomas baby...
Why isn't Baggett on the list?
Of the people that we have to choose from, I picked RV2. I do not think KTM will have the SX setup dialed for racing until about round 4-5 of the SX season.
rv is the best bet, no way stewart will show and even if he did could not put 3 solid motos in a row together , reed has said its not set in stone that he will make it either , and i doubt any of the others will show for that matter as they are not contracted to, rv has to, dungey aint no chump so he'll be there but dont hold your breath on any of the other top5-6 guys
Pretty disgusting that Baggett's not on this list, especially when you consider guys like Brayton, Alessi, etc. we're included. The guy just won the most the most competitive championship in recent memory and smoked 4 prodegies in the process, while riding consistently faster than the 450 guys. What does the guy have to do to get the recognition he deserves?
@TRW54
Well said, sir, well said.
RV for sure. All I have to say is A1. The guy knows how to turn up ready even after injury.
Also what bike will Millsaps be riding? The new Zook I hope!
What, no J-Law?
Why do guys keep mentioning Bagget?? You guys realize that the MEC is Supercross right?? How has Bagget done in supercross in the past?? Not too well.. Tomac or Barcia would easily have a better chance than Bagget..
@bd200 these will be the same guys just down right astonished when he's not killing everyone when the SX season starts all asking "whats going on?" lol
@bd200 I agree with you, there is no better training than racinggg
You can't really argue with consistency here. Dungey and Stewart have been signing up every weekend but only Dungey has left every race in one piece. Stewart has got to be setting some sort of record for time spent on the ground, no doubt he's got speed, but zero consistency except for consistently crashing. RV and Reed will be much more of a threat, those are two guys that never really seem to lose any speed when they take some time off, especially RV. As far as bike setup, Roger D and the guys are not newbies, they'll for sure have Dungey set up and ready to go. You can bet Stewart is probably already testing supercross setups, which means he has plenty of time to practice nac-whips and ruin the RMZ before the end of October. I look for Dungey and the Defending champ RV to be the heavy hitters here with maybe a side of Barcia to round out the podium.
And as a side note @ bd200 Baggett has had speed in supercross. Yes, he mentioned multiple times this year he was really having trouble finding his groove in supercross. If you remember back to 2011, Baggett was on the podium every race except for two or maybe three rounds (Ontario and Jacksonville?) And I believe won Daytona. So he's had supercross success, this just wasn't his year. He has the potential to be pretty tough at MEC
JS7 NO WAY. That guy isnt gonna win but hurt himself some more. Eli Tomac is favorite if he rides 450, then Dungey and Reedy.
im sure everyone can agree on one thing, if everyone showed up to this race it is almost impossible for one guy to win all 3 races and win the million and im sure thats what monster had intended than last year everyone backed out last minute while dungey who was never supposed to race entered last minute it almost garanteed the victory for RV with that said I think it will be a few years before someone wins again unless nobody shows
Have to Say RV, he knows how to win these things and pr'lly very eager to throw it down. I'll be mildly surprised if Reed shows up (but way stoked if he does) and Very surprised if Bubbtastic does (dont care either way). RD will be right there testing his SX set up making sure he doesn't ruin himself before SX season but will go for a win if the opportunity presents itself. Very curious to see what Barcia does and would party for a week of Grant wins one. Alessi will just get in the way for the first few laps with a possibility of a spaz attack. (he's overdue). Bagget pr'lly not so much, he rocked the 250's this summer no doubt but dont see him better than 5th place. Which to me would be awesome.
If Eli is on a 250 then Rd is fav and then reedy and RV and trey. If its motocross style track then its Dungey then Alessi no matter who shows up. remember JS7 was trailing Alessi b4 he crashed and Red Bud Alessi was 2nd so everyone saying Alessi is lucky thats crap Alessi has upped his game big time and he can run with the top 5 any day on outdoor track.
Agreed no one person is gonna win the million this yr.
I'm gonna disagree with everyone about someone winning the million. If you think about it, Dungey got on that KTM last time and raced it after only four days testing...and got second. On top of that RV2, CR22, JS7, etc. have only been testing...and not running at race speed. With a whole season behind him ( and a 450 title ), I'm betting on Dungey to bring home a million dollars worth of bacon.
I dont know about the mill, but i say dungey. AND WHERE IS ADAM CINCARULO (I KNOW I SPELT IT WRONG) he is in isnt he?
im gonna go out on a limb and say js,and reed dont show up
so rv,barcia,dungey a moto a piece
if anyone of those guys goes 2 for 3 it will be rv but I dont see him beating dungey all 3 motos this time around
if tomac shows up on a 450 he may have something to say about one of those motos but who knows
@pizzacorner and others, you guys do realize that Dungey won 4 supercrosses this year, 2 of them when everyone was there? I think he and KTM will be ready.
I hope Barcia doesn't choose Bercy again...that decision didn't really work out for him last year.
Baggett really should be on the list. He's won SX races before and notched several fastest laps over the likes of Barcia and Wilson, and that's before you even factor in his Daytona rides. You can't ignore that the guy hauls on these mx style tracks, and he sure as shit deserves a mention before the last 5 guys on the list.
It's pointless to guess, but I'll say that the 250 guys probably won't be able to run the pace right away on the big bikes and...yeah, I guess Dungey could surprise. Won't be easy if RV/CR/JS are looking good, though. Get Stewart with his new Suzuki on a simpler SX track with no ruts and LOOK OUT :)
No way Cianciarciallo is out there yet, unless he wants to show up on his mini again.
@BD200 Baggett should be on the list because MEC is a cross between motocross and supercross. Daytona is the only thing camparible. Baggett smoked em in 2011 Daytona and almost (had there not been two tip overs) won 2012.
I'm pretty sure Red Bull has given Dungey MAJOR incentive to do well at their competition's event.
I'd like to see all the top names there, healthy and remain so for A1 but, only one can win so, I'm picking Roczen on a 350!!!!
You heard it here first, stamp it!
Of course Baggett should be on the list, an AMA champion in a hybrid event has to be on the list, no question. After all, how many supercross events has Mike Alessi won? A top rider though and deserves a spot.
The winner this year though? My money's on Eli Tomac, he has the skills equal to the top guys, he certainly can produce speed as we've seen this summer, and lets not forget he is the current 250 East Champion. He must be the only 'fast' guy that hasn't had his real speed accounted for. 3rd outdoors? With fastest outdoor lap times, not just in class but overall. He'll want it, they all do, but he wants this result more. Eli's already indicated a desire to get in the main game that will likely see him race 450 outdoors next year. Young blood, able, and with more confidence to gain, against proven top guns that have achieved all expectations at this end of a season focused more in preparing, pacing for an outright war 2013. ET phone it home buddy, and bring the W home.
NZ '09
Why isn't Jason Lawrence on the list!!?
put Baggett on the list, and ill vote him.
he is on a confidence high, in shape, and going to do well.
like always in supercross, unfortunately, it will come down to starts and Baggett will have a fast bike.
put Baggett on the list, and ill vote him.
he is on a confidence high, in shape, and going to do well.
like always in supercross, unfortunately, it will come down to starts and Baggett will have a fast bike.
I actually went on a limb and said Tomac, but won't be surprised if someone else wins it......RV, Dungey......even Stewart. It should be some real good racing.
I'm going with Stewart, he really needs the win to get his head together. Then
A1 and the 2013 SX season will even be that much better!
JS7 wins the 2013 SX championship!!
You heard it here first, stamp it!!!
Had to use if Carlsbad, LOL!
Wow, not many people calling on Reed. I think the guy has proven that he has a ton of speed. If anyone can recall he was catching Villopoto very quickly in the race where he got hurt. he also has speed outdoors to run up front. Also, him getting up and finishing 14th after the Chadapoult at Millville was the most nfg thing I've ever seen.
As for the 250 guys racing MEC on big bikes. These guys weigh 160 soaking wet. thats not much weight to be able to throw a 450 around with, and they will not bulk themselves up just for MEC when they have a 250 SX season coming. By the 3rd race they will all be very very tired.
Why don't the lites guys run their 250s? They've proven that they can run the same times on them and I can't think of any Supercross track this past season where the fastest lites weren't doing a line the 450s were doing because of inadequate power.
I'd like to see Baggett in nutjob "el chupacabra" mode in a supercross race but since his 2012 supercross was pretty floppy... I'm not holding my breath.
The racing at the MEC will be, as Arte Johnson would say "Veeerrrryy Interesting"!!
As mentioned, the last 5 guys on the list would be long shots at best, while great riders, it would be a shock if any of them made top three, let alone win the Cup.
Baggett's name should have been included, as he has Blazing speed, but first time out on a 450, against this strong competition, it will be a real eye opener if he were able to make the top three. Roczen, on the 350 has done well in the past and could surprise us, but I would see him more as a top 5 guy.
Tomac and Barcia, both supercross champs in the lites class, could be serious contenders on 450's. I give the edge to Barcia, because he is a better starter and can ride a wide bike on what may be a one lined track.
Betting on Stewart would be a gamble, he has the speed an skills, but will he show up, is he healthy, how strong is he mentally after a rough summer? If he shows, James could easily be top three or crash and leave with more questions than answers. Reed, I think, will sit this one out. He has been back on the bike for awhile, but he may be better served to wait and be on the top of his game for A1, as at this point in his career, the supercross championship is what he is after.
Now for the two Ryans: Dungey and his KTM have had a year now to figure things out. He won a couple supercross races with everyone racing and has to be very confident. Villopoto, however is the defending champion, he is healthy and rested, that could be a deadly combo for the competition. After all this analysis, its is still any ones guess, as to who will win, mine is Villopoto, Dungey, Barcia for the top three. Only sure thing is, we are all looking forward to some great racing!!!
Please, Bagget's Ok, but not 3 motos on a big bike. Tomac would be a better choice. As for Stewart, the guy can't even put 2 motos together.
Yeah, first 2 outdoors, but then look what happened.. If he gets a hang nail,
he's not one for toughing it out (definetly not RC like)
'nuther million bucks for the moose hunter!!
Reed isnt racing so he his out.....With RV Dungey and Stewart on the gate....it could be anyone of them...However I dont think we will see anyone win all 3 again....if that happens, it will be RV.....Stewart will no doubt be a threat for 1 or 2 wins ....but the 3 for 3 is tough to see happening considering his crash ratio.....Dungey had a great outdoors, biut I think RV will still have him covered in SX....Stewart came in to the outdoors on a new ride....not too much time on the bike and was beating Dungey......yes,he crashed out...but that doesnt mean Dungey is a shoe in to beat them easily in SX....it will be a good night of entertainmnet, that is for sure....nobody will want to risk it considering A1 is around the corner....
@ starplaya4life, no worries bud, actually we're both ripping off a Matthes-ism. I'm pretty sure it didn't originate with him but, for conversational purposes, he owns it.
I keep hearing names that may or may not show up. I'm not discounting anybody but I do agree with what BD200 said about giving the racers that are racing the edge.
My official position regarding the KTM's is: They are ready for prime-time. both 250 & 450 have had a full SX season to set up and work out any issues so, there is no "lack of setup time" issue there.
I'm also interested in seeing the '13 CRF450 perform. They look trick and reportedly are much-improved in the handling department. IF he shows, I would very much enjoy seeing T.C. #41 winning it all. That would blow some minds and give him the confidence and momentum for A1. He could also use the win to keep from being overshadowed and rendered obsolete by the 450 Rookies.
E.T. pulling off the win on a 450 would present a conundrum for Honda and their GEICO satellite team. What to do with their 250F star when he's too big for the bike and still has a year to go on his contract?
rv said he would be 110 come a1 for mec i dont know but i remember him being two full seconds PER LAP faster than dungey and reed hurt himself riding over his head he said it himself the round before that he was happy because he could see rv in the final laps of the main event and that was only because rv got caught with lappers that night so im going with rv all the way for the overall and if he gets 3 good starts he will win that million again
I really hope there is more room for passing than there was last year.
JS7 should be at the top of everyone's list.
And that list is entitled "most likely to cartwheel into the crowd"
Nealio SHOOT MOTHER TRUCKER
@Nealio....Good point. the way stewart races, theres no chance. i think CR22 isnt gonna race, and RV2 and RD5 are gonna be back and forth but no one will take home the million. (if anyone does its RD or RV) Davi and both Justins don't have a chance. Stewart just sucks.
and why is Baggett not on there, thats my best friends cousin, and he deserves it more than JB10 and DM18, and i dont just say that because i know him,its because he shows more speed than most 250 riders out there, and he can handle a track that combine MX and SX. last year was just a unlucky SX year, he definitely has speed in MX and SX.
If Stewart shows up, hopefully he shows up with his RMZ set up like Dungey had it setup the last time he rode a SX on it. Stewart comes from Kawis and Yamahas that aren't as sharp turning / quick in the front as the Suzuki is and his time-tested mods of super-stiff front and lowered rear don't work on the RMZ..............as if we couldn't tell.
@carlsbad I just picked up a 13 crf450 on friday its so nice, I love it but IM coming from an 06' and an 07' but my friend has a 2010 and he rode it and said he liked it and it definately felt different
I wonder if stewarts ever even attempted to try something new as far as setup goes? they said charmichael was stubborn for a lot of years and than finally tried something new my guess is thats when he actually started hitting the whoops without showing all 3 number plates
Thanks endoman38 - I laughed out loud at your J-Law comment. And to the next guy who kept saying 'Bagget' - it's BAGGETT... I don't know how a few people can see these guys' names over and over and over and still misspell them.
@ @ starplaya4life What up ! Dave { Weak } LOP YAMAHA 125 loves ya
haha on the spelling issue. If you notice, plenty of people 'defiantly' love 'there' favorite MX rider, often find themselves 'loosing' races, and.........wait until they have to spell out AC92's last name.
Whats so great is that the fans actually have so many great choices to cheer for again..Are you kiding me???? look at that line up..who cares who wins..My heart rate will be red lined when the gate drops for the 1st moto of this one..wish I could go...but Ill be at A1 for sure....
Please !!!! can all you guys do your best to stay healthy an not get hurt before A1..Cant wait..Im really intereste to see Barcia and Wilson line up with RV RD JS7 REED CANARD WINDHAM..BRappppppppppp
I'm going with Dungey. I think his consistency rules in this case. RV2 may be healthy and rested, but it ain't racing. I'm sure he'll be fast but I still think RD5 will win. I'm not even counting Stewart or Reed. Tomac or Barcia could be in there as well. Should be fun to watch!
@codjh9 thank you, if you see the name on different comments and storys etc. you should know how to spell it.
and yamyblues is right they are going to have fun with Adams last name
AC92 ON THE LITTLE BIKE,PROBABLY DUNGE IN 450...
tv coverage?
may just have to go again,was there last year...
Dude it is so fun to go down there for the race, already got my money on RD on at least 2 out of 3 races ( would be better if he got all 3). bummed on not going out there this year.
GO DUNGEY! RD1 ALL DAY!
Any body else thinking on racing the Lucas Oil westcoast classic?