by Andy Bowyer
Rev Up: Monster Energy Cup
Thursday, October 11, 2012 | 11:15 AM
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PrintHello, everyone and welcome to the Rev Up. Who likes to party in Las Vegas? I certainly used to. And I was pretty good at it, I’ll have you know. In fact, there was a span during the late 90’s that I look back on with both of my eye brows raised. Those long laps around the circle bar at the Hard Rock. Those weird mornings walking into the MGM lobby and having to dive into the gift shop to avoid mini riders' parents on their way to breakfast. The awards banquets, video premieres, and moments at Studio 54 where you literally could walk 10 feet feet in any direction and make out with a hot girl...I mean any guy that raced moto and had black hair could. 12 years later, I know that time really happened, but can’t imagine how. Las Vegas, baby.
Who is ready to watch some Supercross in Las Vegas? Ho, ho. Personally speaking, I can’t wait to watch Ryan Villopoto and Chad Reed race their motorcycles again. Anyone reading this has seen videos of them at their practice tracks and pictures of them getting ready. There are a couple of agendas there. One, they’re fresh off the knife and are fortunate to be back doing what they were born to do. Secondly, every lap they have spent during those lives has been, in a way, for next Saturday night. Winning a million dollars is kind of a big deal. I don’t care if you’re Robert Griffin III, Shaun White, Jimmie Johnson, Lewis Hamilton, or anyone. That kind of cake tends to quicken the spirit. It is a good thing for the, ahem, sport.
Let's just say there shouldn't be any lack of motivation.
Cudby photo
Let’s talk sport.
What about these young lions that made so much of themselves during the 2012 Lucas Oil Outdoor Pro Motocross Championships? I’m taking about Eli Tomac, Blake Baggett, and newly crowned “King of the World x3” Ken Roczen. There was an air about their prowess this summer that had some of the old silver backs scratching their chins. The wolves are coming, folks.
Veterans in the mix like Davi Millsaps, Andrew Short, Josh Grant and Justin Brayton bring noise to the madness. Of course, there is Ryan Dungey. The only big thing left for factory KTM is the Monster Energy Supercross Championship. Dungey, Roczen, Cairolli, Herlings, and Roger Decoster have somehow defeated every giant in their path but one. Dungey is at a crossroads in his career. He has already raced himself into the “Hall of Fame” as one of the best ever. He has all of the rings a racer could ever dream to have. He is involved in a quest, though. KTM has been around as long any manufacturer. They own World Championship legends, and newfound American motocross glory. But they don’t have the crown jewel.
That effort has nothing to do with this race. Or does it set a platform for what is to come? I wouldn’t underestimate them at this point.
I’ll tell you one thing, it may not be Ryan Dungey that earns it for them. He has what it takes to win it in 2013, but if he fails, Ken Roczen is somebody you should begin to consider as the potential 2014, or maybe 2015 Supercross Champion. He’s gnarly and hungry, and he'll be in the main class for the Cup.
The bright lights of supercross and Las Vegas will be here before you know it.
Cudby photo
Add, Justin Barcia and Blake Baggett to the list. Barcia is a better supercross rider than he is outdoor charger. Somehow. It may take a couple seasons for him to acclimate to the 450, but I don’t forecast it. He has been and will continue to be at home on the big bore. He’s another man you should be pushing some of the heavier chips towards in this dance. Baggett on the 450? The silent killer may be louder after this Saturday night.
We also have Mike Alessi and Josh Grant. As my sleepers, both of these guys have the ability to steal a holeshot and complete a ten-lap dash. Both are great starters and have enough speed, but one is a phenomenal starter and has something to prove. Never, ever, underestimate #800.
Kevin Windham. What do you have to bark about with old man, Windham? The last time we saw him he was racing against some of the fastest supercross riders of his career when he carted huge over-scrubbing a triple battling James Stewart. Perhaps the scariest thing I saw in all of 2012, my old friend Kevin is a rare breed. He wouldn’t be showing up unless he was ready to race. As gifted as he is, he could show up at 80 percent and make it happen for 10 laps. It will be good to watch Windham race supercross again to say it in the slightest.
Hold on a second though. I only mentioned his name briefly, but allow me to retort. Ryan Villopoto will be making his return to professional supercross racing this weekend. The defending badass of modern motocross will push his motorcycle into the gate. The first “Million Dollar Man” in motocross history is back. I bench race with a lot of people and a couple of years ago all of them concluded, “Ryan Villopoto is the man.” He is the reigning Monster Energy Supercross Champion, the 2011 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Champion, and the inaugural Monster Energy Cup title belt holder. How much do you think a man loses (or gains) with an injury? The beat of a professional motocrosser is something unlike any in motorsports. The training, travel, and times of the trade wear even the most steadfast down. An injury is an evil blessing at times. Anyone remember what Ricky Carmichael did to his peers after he got his knee fixed? Not that Villopoto needed to be any motivation, but, better hide the women and children all the same. Ryan Villopoto.
Fittingly, MEC marks the return of the first "Million Dollar Man" in motocross.
Cudby photo
Enter Chad Reed. A similar pedigree to Villopoto, I give the nod to Reed in the fact that he battled and beat the greatest of all-time. Chad is aging and he is coming off a huge injury that dusted most of his body. Everyone remembers him peaking last season when he went over the bars. What does “The Thunder” have left in the tank? Chad isn’t a recluse type of person. If you have been following him on twitter, you know he has been waiting to race since he crashed. Chad Reed is showing up to win a million dollars. Reed is crafty and has a lot at stake being a team owner, but something tells me he is going to surprise people. I’m rooting for him. Go get you some, Reed. Be the man.
Anybody ready to party in Las Vegas? American supercross is ready to get back on the board. Elbows up, son! A teaser for the upcoming season, or a stand-alone thriller? This is a big deal, folks! I’ve had the most amazing perspective of this sport you can imagine. What that has done is create this riot in my bloodstream that makes my arms twitch trying to finish off this column. I love it. The countdown has begun and Supercross is back in a week. Chad Reed, Ryan Villopoto, Kevin Windham, and a snarling pack of wolves are set to charge! I can't wait to unleash the hounds and watch this go down.
Thanks for reading, see you next week.
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Love the REV!!
I was really needing a moto fix last night so I went to YouTube last night and watched the 2011 MEC all over again.....gotta say, if RV is anywhere near to the form he was last year at this time he's looking really good for another cool million. He was 10 secs ahead and just cruising by the checkers in all three motos!
Hope Reed has shaken the rust off and Barcia is in the mix......next weekend should be good.
"But they don’t have the crown jewel"
I would have added "Yet".......
Betting against KTM, Roger D and company is fools work.
I will be pulling for RV but Barcia with his starts and only 10 lap mains could be trouble, Lots of these guys can be trouble for 10 laps. I hope I am wrong but I just don't think Reed will be up to full speed.Either way i can't waite till the 20th
When would you take the Joker lane?
.hard call..... I guess if i got a bad start i take it early, If in the top 5 see what the others do, If ya holeshot....very hard call.
I say the leaders will try and seperate from the back as much as possible in the first 5-6 laps and take it then. They say it will add 6 secs but I don't know? If you ask the Euros they'll tell ya Dungey and Barcia will crash in the Joker section and get lapped...haha
Personally I think it's pretty goofy......these guys perform their best when they just go out and race....now they'll be forced to think and strategize....yikes.
RV winning the million last year wasnt completely unexpected. Other than Dungey on his two week old KTM there was no one else there. I will be shocked if anyone wins all three this year. I just dont see it. I think its more likely we'll have three different winners. Is Bubba the only guy not racing in Vegas?
It sure will make the next two months to A1 even more interesting. I do think Barcia is going to win his share this year.
The opening wouldn't be cool without KDub! Best stoppies ever.
I would do the joker lane when the guy in front of me did, because I can never remember not to follow.
RC has made a more traditional supercross style track this year for the big dance! The riders will see just a few new twists and turns when they hit the floor, enough to keep us guessing and on the edge of our seats. I have not seen the Vegas odds, but here is my take...
Red Riders-Tomac should be able to get a start on a 450, if so he will be a serious threat. 7:1 Barcia has great starts to go along with the ability to ride a wide bike, in a 10 lap sprint, he will be in the mix! 5:1 Reed has the speed and experience to do well, plus he would love to put some cash into 22 Motorsports account. 3:1
Orange Bricade- Dungey has settings to start with this year, but lack of supercross practice time, but we know he will give it his all. 4:1 Roczen, full of confidence and a lot of talent should make him a front runner. 6:1
Green Team- Baggett, he will be a bit of a wild card, short races don't play into his favor. 10:1 Weimer better at supercross than the outdoors and always solid. 8:1 Villopoto has the combination of speed and aggression, even coming off and injury, the supercross champ has got to be the favorite to get er done! 2:1
Yellow Bikes- James is not confirmed, but will be a serious contender is he does show up. 3:1 Milsaps is new to the bike and would like to shock the world and show he still has some skills. 9:1
The field is full of a lot of talent and in a race like this anything can happen, as long shots do come in!! The only sure bet will be, that we will see some great racing with a few surprises thrown in the mix. So lets all enjoy the Monster Energy Cup, the last tango before the 2013 Supercross season begins...
Eli is the one to watch for, Dungey is done as always with the Big guns back RV, CR. Watch in sx 2013 the top gunners are gonna be JS7, RV, CR,TC, JB then poor as Dungey. He has never won a championship with all the heavy hitters racing the whole series.
KTM n Roger D better pick up Eli after this season. It would be good for KTM to grab Christophe Pourcel as Dungey's side man for 2013.
No JS7 for MEC? Thought he would be healed up by now...
@ Star Playa 4 Life
starplaya4life David Weak loves ya
I agree Ripdown , Not a big fan of the joker lane, don't need gimicks. what next a pit stop??
Star Playa 4 Life Lets hope the "Big Guns" don't turn in to the "Brittle Bunch" and can stay healthy for a whole season, something they have been unable to do, with the exception of 2011, when RD5 missed repeating as the outdoor champ by 12 points and repeating as the supercross champ by 10 points.
No one succumbing to injury would be a wonderful thing, plus it would provide great racing for all of us to see!!! Ryan might not win, but I bet Dungey would still be a Star Playa 4 the title,
They should make Villopoto take the Joker lane EVERY lap, just to make it fair !!!
Wish I had a spare $2,000 to fly to Vegas and watch this. My overall top 5;
1. RV
2. JB
3. CR
4. RD
5. ET
*ET would be further up but his starts...
Alessi will get a killer holeshot, but since he can't stand RV2 he wall wad in front of the entire field taking nearly all the front runners out. This will result in Eli Tomac actually benefiting from his $hitty starts, and he'll take home the entire prize. That in turn will cause Barcia to make some nasty tweets, and the Kawasaki dweebs to declare war on Motoconcepts.
Oh yeah... I forgot to add that RC will comment from the booth... "Ya know, its like this... If ya can't win it, wreck someone that can." Fro will say, "No doubt about it!" Shaheen will say, "How 'bout that Rock Hard Ride Hard Award coming in May 2013." Erin will ask a pissed RV, "take us through your thoughts when you ran into Mike Alessi..."
Go Kdub!
Obviously the short format favors a good starter or at least someone who is aggressive and can get up to speed quickly. BB and RD were both slow starters in the outdoors, and BB never really rode well in SX. It took RD 15 or 20 minutes to pass Alessi. In a 12 minute race that won't cut it. I haven't seen RD throw caution to the wind yet and go for it. Reed's injury was alot more severe than RV's so I think he will be a little rustyand tentative. I think RV, JB, ET and KR will be the ones to beat. I also think if MA gets a great start, which he is capable of, he will be able to hold on for 10 laps.
BillC In the Prater interview, he mentions that they have joked about adding a pit stop to supercross, so it would not surprise me to see it show up at next years MEC.. Besides the Joker lane, I am concerned about the split start, in looking at it, I hope it does not cause a big cluster duck, when they all meet up at speed to head down the straight...I really like the Talladega turn, it might be a nice addition to the real supercross series at some of the venues, if they can get past the insurance issues. Has any one heard if any of the riders will have their helmets wired? This is also an addition I would like to see come to supercross. It could be used in many ways, besides rider to pit communication. An official spotter could get in the ear of rider who was going to be blue flagged or warn of a downed rider to the field before they got to the yellow flag...Any thoughts???
Chowderhead gets my laugh of the day! Regular supercross series with a joker lane and audio contact between rider and crew? Sounds too much like nascar to me, for less than 20 minutes of racing!
Star Playa 4 Life: First post I've ever read of yours and I'm glad I did. Now I'll know to not read anymore of your moronic gibberish. You are probably a child and, if so, forgive me for being so blunt. Either way, get used to the Dunge winning.
I can't remember the last time I've been so excited to see a race!!!!!!!!!!!!
@RCRDDW I think RD will continue to win just not the MEC. The format doesn't suit his methodical style. Unless he manages a holeshot I don't see him winning.
CZmark I have never watched more than 10 minutes of a Nascar race, so I am not sure how it use there, but I can see some safety benefits to using wired helmets. With all the injuries and near misses, anything they can do to make it safer makes sense to me.
Along with the yellow and blue flags, verbally alerting riders to a downed rider and verbally warning them of getting lapped, that way, the "I did not see the flag " excuse would be gone. Couple more changes I would like to see, a rule that if your 3 laps down or your lap times are 15 secs a lap slower than the leader, you should be taken off the track,and scored in that position. The guys just rolling the jumps endanger the others. They need to bring back the simi's , as you pointed out, the riders only get about 25 minutes of race time..the fans who pay out the big bucks deserve to see more racing!! Boy good thing I am not in charge..to many ideas...lol
They call it joker lane because it's a joke. What's next pit stops and restrictor plates in the bikes? Feld will have tanks full of sharks between the triples before you know it. The split lanes are a joke also.
Why would anyone put Alessi as being a contender? Mike is not a top 5, he can get a holeshot but he will drop back to 7th or 9th by the time the 10 laps are up. Hopefully Dungey starts in front of Mike or Dungey won't have a chance, he takes way to long to get around him. Mike is just a road block to the top 5 guys, Mikey still thinks he's in the amateurs. I say punt him out of the way and show him who's boss Dungey, stop being so nice.
Tomac will surprise some folks, that kid is on it and has the speed.
I can't believe Andy put Alessi and Grant as sleepers, unless that was the humorous part of the article and i missed the humor
Glad to see Kdub14 back.
@BD25- I am all for saftey here and if a rider is 3 laps down they should be pulled off. As for bring back the semi's, I am all for that. There tends to be way to much dead time between the heat races and the mains. But you are corrrect about being in charge, too many ideas and headaches. Hopefully and collectively enough voices will be heard.
factory1 &Chowderhead;, that's some funny stuff.
@ Star Playa 4 Life, I'd like to hear your logic for CP & RD becoming teammates. I like the idea of another contender on an orange bike but, there's just SO much baggage with C.P. that it seems counter-productive. Spoiling the bunch (RD, MM, KR) with one bad apple (CP) would be catastrophic for DeCoster and such a bad idea in hindsight that it almost would be like a "told you so" moment.
I'm really undecided on that one. Seems like a potential good fit but in my mind, the pluses and negatives are numerous and confusing.........if there was some way they could put him off in his own box-van away from the team rig or a satellite team or something.
RV will do what RV does......Pin it and win it......
Good Rev up Andy. I think Ryan Villopoto will get the overall, but I am really interested to see how Ryan Dungey handles himself. I believe confidence and self belief are worth a few hundredths a lap and after Lommel ( I know , sorry to bring it up ) you have to wonder how that makes him feel. If he does step up and challenge then to me that is a true champion.
Predictions, Schmedictions....
This is Motocross (well sorta)!!
You don't predict the Americanization of Motocross.
You wish all the riders the best.... and hope no injuries occur!!!
Or was not the 2 week old MXdN enough for your subjective bragging rights!!!!!
Reality, not (your) perception of (future) reality Hello!
Do I have my favorites, Hell ya!!!
Would I (curse) them with some mindless prediction of who my preference is???
I think not!!
Ride hard, ride fair, ride safe....
Good Luck Gentlemen!
what TV channel and time is this?
I believe it's on Speed , 10pm ET
.Like I said before it will come down to starts, 10 laps is not much time. There are a lot of guys on that list who can hold it on for 10 laps so there will be some bar banging for sure. If the 800 gets out there he will try to hold everyone off and there will be a big log jam behind him!! He tried to hold RV up last year but there was no way he could but now with a lot more fast guys it could be fun to watch.
I am leaning towards Villopoto and Barcia. I am still waiting for Barcia to remind Dungey " We ain't playing here, this is The Big Boys"! lol
BD25 I tend to agree with your prediction, but I would give RD a little better odds, yes he was racing the outdoors with only MA and JW for comp this year but he will finish top 3-4 at mec I think. It is so hard to predict where the new blood will place. I can't get a feel for CR but JB has a very good chance of unsetting RV.
RV, JB, RD, CR, KW, ET
also if i got a bad start I would do joker lane first and then focus on the track. If i got a good start I would try to put time on guys and then do it about 7 laps in
I think its funny how so many people write off Dungey like he MIGHT get a top 5.
Top 2 riders are RV and RD period. With no whoop section watch out for Alessi to have the speed to crash a couple guys.
When the track design was announced about 2 weeks ago is when I decided I had to go. I really wanted to see the top riders back in action, but did not want to drop the $2k needed to get there. After hearing about the split start and the joker lane I had to go. I booked everything immediately. I go to 3 nationals and 1 or 2 supercrosses a year. This will be a great way to see something new and see how the riders handle it. It will also be a crystal ball look into the future with the 250 guys riding 450's and all of the amature riders riding together in the amature race. Not to mention all of the other entertainment/talent scheduled to be there for the pit party. But for everyone complaining about the split start and the joker lane, that is what made the decision for me to go!
Nice write up Andy...Can't wait going out for the week for work and will be at the event. RD5 will be on it and wanting revenge after MXofN event...RV 1 will be sharp, and prob win it. Don't count out Allessi..BD25 good idea. I have been in favor of having radio
comm between rider and mech along with spotter. It would help make it safer, but in another spin it could be dangerous to distract a rider with radio chatter.
Larry I agree it might be a distraction at first, but if used while they practice it should become second nature and easier then trying to read a pit board as they flash by..Problem I see is getting it to every one, for the factories, it would be no big deal, but the expense would be one more a privateer does not need, so the sanctioning body might have to pickup the tab...
Will Herlings and Cairoli be there?
Some of you guys really crack me up.
Thanks for your humor and keep it coming.
If I hear Poor CEL's name one more time I think I'll puke.
Give it up the princess is finished. McGrath is still fast , but , could never podium in either series. Same for poor cel.
( name intentionally misspelled for descriptive purposes)
I have to agree that Barcia will be a threat, he seems to be kind of a supercross specialist.. But he is on a 450 now.. And that is a whole different animal in supercross. Ryan Dungey has to be a favorite, and RV1 maybe.. He hasnt been racing, so he cant be as sharp as normal..
And some guys talking about the supercross season top dongs.. I have noticed a few guys are saying Dungey isnt a real top guy because he hasnt beat top guys for his titles, but they include Stewie as a top guy.. Am I wrong in saying that DUNGEY HAS FINISHED AHEAD OF STEWIE EVERY YEAR HE HAS RIDDEN A 450!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Stewart has NEVER beaten Dungey in a full season, and the only "top guy" STewart beat for a title was Reed.. And Reed has been head and shoulders above Stewart the last few years.. Dungey is every bit a top guy in the series, I would rate him to finish ahead of Stewart every time, until Stewart proves otherwise.. A 4th place in 2011 and worse in 2012 doesnt put him ahead of Dungey in my opinion..
@frita_kx450f
you got to be kidding me, Dungey is going to finish atop everyone, and he is only going to have a problem with is RV, and Baggett will no doubt be in the top 5 over ET. but you are right on ET's starts.
and CR and JB in the top three, really dude CR is just getting back from injury and JB will have no chance, at best he will finish in the top ten if that.
My top 5:
1. Dungey
2.Villipoto
3.Baggett
4.Reed
5.(maybe) Tomac
then it will be a battle for the last spots in the top ten, all three races.