10 Things to Watch: MEC
Friday, October 19, 2012 | 2:00 PM
Atlas Brace Technologies was founded in 2011 and is the home of the first racer designed, racer tested next generation neck brace, the Atlas Brace™. The Atlas Brace™ was uniquely designed and engineered to be only of the highest level of safety, comfort, mobility, and forward thinking ideas.
Tweet
Advertisement | Advertise with Us
Share
Comment
Email
PrintBy Aaron Hansel and Chase Stallo
The Amateur All-Stars
Sure, we’re all looking forward to seeing the superstars of the sport go at it in Las Vegas this weekend, but there’s some real star power in the Amateur All-Star class as well. Mini-cycle prodigy Adam Cianciarulo is scheduled to make his long awaited big bike debut and Cooper Webb, who is fresh off of a Loretta Lynn’s 250 B Stock Championship, will be also be racing. Rising star Shane McElrath, who came out of nowhere at Loretta’s this year to take second place in both the 250 B Stock and 450 B Modified Classes, will be lining up as well, along with many more of the nation’s fastest amateurs. We're bummed to hear GEICO Honda's Matt Biscgelia, a double B-class champ at Loretta's, it out with a bum shoulder, but with all this young talent in play, this race still has the makings of a barnburner!
The Transfer Master
Last year Kevin Windham admittedly showed up at the MEC slightly underprepared. His starts were subpar, and he was even forced to race the LCQ after failing to qualify in both his heat race and semi. At one point Windham even uncharacteristically took another rider out when he put Vince Friese on the ground with what looked like a fair amount of attitude. K-Dub wasn’t very happy when he left Sam Boyd Stadium that night, and you can bet that the veteran will come into this year’s MEC wearing his race face. Oh, and of course, expect another wild, multi-lane leap from the Transfer Master during the opening ceremonies.
Ryan Villopoto will be back in action tomorrow.
Simon Cudby photo
Repetitive Motion
Unless you’ve been living under a rock in the Sahara, you’re aware that Ryan Villopoto swept all three main events last year to take the Monster Million in the inaugural running of the MEC. Now, with the 2012 MEC upon us, the question on everyone’s mind is, can he do it again? We certainly wouldn’t bet against it, although with Chad Reed back in action, and Ryan Dungey’s KTM all dialed in, hitting the triple is going to be a bit tougher for RV. There’s also the fact that he hasn’t raced since tearing his ACL during supercross earlier this year, although you know Villopoto has stayed in shape, and the short, 10-lap main events might be just what he needs to slide right back into his winning ways.
The Go Kart Guy
Like Villopoto, Chad Reed hasn’t raced since getting injured in supercross earlier this year. If you’ve been following him on Twitter, you’ve seen some of the jokes he’s made about not being ready, such as asking MEC track designer Ricky Carmichael if the 10-lap mains can be lowered to five laps. He's also hinted that he's had so much fun on his new g-kart track that he didn't miss the bikes as much as he should. But make no mistake, Reed is a true competitor, and when he lines up behind the gate, he’s not thinking about second place. He's also a poker player, and it's hard to know how serious his threats of not taking racing seriously anymore really are. Will Reed’s return to racing be successful, or will he wish he’d stayed home and burned more laps on his go kart track?
The Joker Lane
To our knowledge the Joker Lane, a sandy detour that each rider must take once per main event, is a first in motorcycle racing. The new section is sure to add a new degree of strategy to racing, and it’s going to be extremely interesting to see how the guys handle this never-before-seen racing riddle. What if too many guys try to take it at the same time? What if someone goes down and causes a traffic jam as the leader goes through? What if the race leader forgets to take the lane? All these questions and more will be answered on Saturday night.
Chad Reed is also making his return to racing tomorrow.
Simon Cudby photo
Missing in Action
While the second-annual Monster Energy Cup will be packing plenty of star power with the likes of Villopoto, Reed, Dungey, Barcia, Tomac, Baggett, Weimer, Brayton, Grant and more, they're a few notable stars missing from the field. The Red Bull KTM duo of Ken Roczen and Marvin Musquin both opted to have off-season surgery to fix lingering injuries from this year ((broken arm for Roczen, broken hand for Musquin). Yoshimura Suzuki's James Stewart has also pulled out citing a lack of preparation due to his finger injury suffered at Unadilla. Stewart's former JGR teammate, and the newest addition to the Rockstar Energy Suzuki team, Davi Millsaps has also elected not to race. Millsaps' new teammate Nico Izzi will also miss the race due to a knee injury. Privateer Weston Peick is a late scratch after suffering a concussion earlier this week testing. And last but not least, Josh Hansen will not be in attendance.
Welcome Back
While Ryan Villopoto, Chad Reed and Kevin Windham have garnered the headlines after each was sidelined early in 2012, the Monster Energy Cup will also see the supercross return of PJ Larsen, who missed all but two rounds of Lucas Oil Pro Motocross after tearing his ACL at Toronto Supercross, and the return of Gareth Swanepoel, who sustained a broken leg at Millville. Swanepoel has signed with the TiLube/N-Fab/Foremost Insurance team to compete at the MEC. Neither Larsen nor Swanepoel is expected to challenge for wins, but they should leave Sin City with top-15 finishes in hand.
The Wildcard
If there were ever a supercross for Mike Alessi to win, it would be this years Monster Energy Cup. It’s no secret that Alessi’s kryptonite in supercross is the whoops. Well, there are now whoops on this track. Also the short races (three 10-lap main events) play right into the hands of the notoriously quick starter. Although Alessi may not be the favorite heading into the weekend, don’t be surprised to see him up front early. But is always the question with Alessi; will he be able to hold on?
Justin Barcia will be making his Muscle Milk Honda debut tomorrow.
Simon Cudby photo
Big Red Machine
There’s no denying the fact that Justin Barcia wants a win in Vegas this weekend. The new Muscle Milk Honda rider talked to the DMXS Radio folks this week and never mentioned “getting my feet wet” or "just trying to learn." Nope, he’s going for the W and has no problem saying it. But wanting to win and actually winning are two very different things. Will Barcia, who’s very, very comfortable on the 450, be able to snag a main event win in his debut? And what about Barcia’s former GEICO Honda teammate Eli Tomac, who’s making the jump to the 450 as well? Will the other half of the GEICO Honda 2012 Lites SX sweep be able to make an impact on Saturday night?
Lowered Expectations
With no other legitimate threat to win a moto on a 250, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasakis Blake Baggett will be carrying the torch for the little guys at the Monster Energy Cup. While it would be improbable for Baggett to overtake RV, RD, Reed, Barcia, Tomac, Alessi and Windham on a 250, it’s not impossible. Remember Jake Weimer’s wild victory at the U.S. Open in 2007? The odds are stacked way against it, but it will be interesting to see how he does--and how he looks sporting his new number four.
Did you like this article?
Check out ON TOUR
in our Latest issue of Racer X available now.
The Monster Energy Supercross tour is staffed by an intensely dedicated group of sponsors and support staffers. Here’s what life is like on the SX road. Page 136.
Look for the verified symbol 
Impulse Studios
'At one point Windham even uncharacteristically took another rider out...' Serious? Did you not pay any attention to Windham until then? Friese had been messing with him all night! Friese, once again, had that coming. I got pictures of it frame by beautiful frame. Windham will punt you if you mess with him, just ask DV12.
Barcia and RV are my picks to make the most noise.
What if someone forgets to go through the Joker lane?What is the penalty for that?
I think Tomac is going to definitely shake things up.
@Billy C I agree.I think it will take Oldman Reed a few races to get going good.
Crap, I hate Barcia but he might be the man.He is a good starter and short races.
If you take the Joker lane too early, you'll have to fight your way thru more traffic. I'd look for the fast guys to wait 'till the end.
Also, what's with all the up and coming "B" riders. Aren't there fast guys from the "A" classes?? Guess I need educatin'
What about "works bike" trickery?
We know Honda has had traction control for a while (just ask ex-holeshot master Andrew Short), there was a big stink about the telemetry on the JGR YZ's not too long ago and the connection with teams Red Bull KTM euro & U.S. are not so far apart that they couldn't have a little something up their sleeves as well..........maybe bring over the works 350 to wax the field?
Barcia, E.T., Reed, Windham & Short all on electically-stimulated CRF's sounds like there might be a lot of red at the front.
Maybe #800 will bust out the 65HP RMZ and blast-off on the rest of the field.
I have a feeling Kawasaki isn't going to be left out of the "gadgets" equasion, I just don't know what it could be.........maybe a little something on top of their holeshot-ignition? introducing double injectors to the big bike? They've been pretty good at keeping stuff on the D.L. so, we will see............
The joker lane has the potential to bring down the server of this website.
Barcia's debut 'tonight'? I think you mean tomorrow night. And there are whoops on the track 'now'? - 'no' whoops, right?
#4 rides again.
Overlooked was J-Law's return tomorrow night. He'll be breaking into cars in the parking lot.
Aaron & Chase - Your photos of Reed & RV are reporting the WRONG night. They say the race is tonight. It's Saturday night for all interested...
I really hope it doesn't turn into another Villopoto run away. I'd like to see some good racing at the front.
@Fred says "I hate Barcia" How can you hate a kid that you dont even know?? You are such a douchebag!!!! I think Barcia has the ability to shake it up for sure.. But I think Dungey is going to be up towards the front just from racing so much.. You can practice all you want, but you get faster from racing.. You can take all the best lines in practice.. When you race its a different story.. I think it gives Dungey a leg up for sure..
I would take the Joker Lane on the first lap, before the sand gets destroyed.. It would be the fastest time through..
I believe you have to complete one lap before you can use the joker.
There are no whoops, but due to a miscommunication with RC, there are a few hoops on the track.
Ahhhh, finally some racing meat to talk about. I love all of the opinions, factoids, random thoughts and outright ADD induced brain scabs from us, the highly edificated, thoughtful and spiritually sensitive masses yearning to be free...
therealmofo don't be so quick to give RD the edge, remember A1 in 2011?? RD on the same Suzuki he won the title on the year befor, Racing all summer wile RV had a horribly broken leg and did not race for 8 months but come A1 RV won it hands down!! never count out the ginger!! LOL
I can't help but think the funnel where the split start merges could get nasty. On the map at least, it seems riders could be swinging wide from opposite turns with intersecting paths. We'll see...
@ LastBikeRM250, in Highway Patrol / Tow company jargon, they call that area of the road, "Gore point"....................should be interesting...........
If there's as many Monster / Dancer / Performer / Whatever girls as there were last year...................................should be interesting..................
BillC: BIG problem with your last analogy Bill. When RD came back on the "same bike" he also came with a new team (manager and a new technician). That new team lacked compared to the other top teams and let him down many times. He's just way too classy to say that. RD was never as good in 2011 as he was in 2010. That is just a fact. He started getting better after a few races outdoors but then his new team let him down again-along with the fact that Kawi gave RV a 2012 bike at the break. A new bike during the 2011 season I might add. Imagine that had been Dungey who got a 2012 bike in 2011 to beat RV. These boards would have been lit up with all the, "what ifs" and Yeah buts". I love RV but I just think people (even guys who know the sport very well and give Dungey credit like you) tend to overlook what Ryan Dungey has accomplished the last 5 or 6 years.....
therealmofo: Yes but guys like CR and RV have been preparing for this specific race while Dungey was oversees racing in that crap hole at Lommel. He, Baggett and Barcia have had less time to prepare themselves and their bike for this race. Plus those 3 raced a full outdoor season which is very demanding. Dungey is bound to be worn out-at least mentally.
i cant wait....got live streaming....only problem is ur like 10hrs different!!! will have my match sticks ready for my eyes!!!....
i think JB and ET..could get it done....good starters and raw speed and 10lap motos....
RV is the guy who sets the bar. It will expose the rest to whether or not things have improved for themselves and their team efforts. With that said, it will be interesting to see who is willing to ride the edge for the glory and the $$$$.
@BillC. I didnt say Dungey would win, I said he would be up towards the front.. All the post I am reading nobody is mentioning his name at all. I think he will podium every race myself. But my money is on RV1 for sure to win the overall.. Plus I am biased, he is my favorite racer right now..
RCRDDW-- Good point but dont forget that Dungey passed RV1 at Washougal, and RV1 had to make a last turn pass on Dungey at Steel City while he was on the 2012 Kawi.. Dungey was there all year with RV1.. Dungey doesnt get near enough credit for his speed.. He ran with RV1 outdoors all season long.. Remember those 2 just flying side by side throught those whoops at Pala at the last National of the year in 2011.. Dungey can haul as$ too..
And I am sure Dungey still has his setting for his KTM for supercross.. His bike prep will be fine, and her has had a small break since the Des Nations, I am sure he will be fine..He doesnt seem to get to rattled..
How does Hansen, a supercross only guy, miss this race??? Is he hurt?
Hey to Mr. MX !
RD ...........................MXDN !
JImM
Pala374
RD only having to really race alessi all summer probably did not do him much good he may be in for a shock and you can say what you want in disagreement but you will see dungey's fans will be more disappointed than Stewart's fans this season this sx season is gonna be a lot of honda and a little Kawasaki with a splash of Suzuki here and there till he cartwheels himself out of the series
RD only having to really race alessi all summer probably did not do him much good he may be in for a shock and you can say what you want in disagreement but you will see dungey's fans will be more disappointed than Stewart's fans this season this sx season is gonna be a lot of honda and a little Kawasaki with a splash of Suzuki here and there till he cartwheels himself out of the series
"bunch of gibberish act like they forgot about Trey"
@rcwhatever this isn't the outdoors no doubt dungeys quick outdoors I think he still looked way better on Suzuki but whatever he's just always seemed to be a step behind in sx
@rcwhatever this isn't the outdoors no doubt dungeys quick outdoors I think he still looked way better on Suzuki but whatever he's just always seemed to be a step behind in sx
My Six Pack;
RV will be on it, I think he will hole shot one moto, his aggressive style helps in this short sprint so he has to be the favorite for the overall, after all he is the defending champ!!!
Barcia just has that buzz right now, he is confident, gets great starts,and Justin has something to prove to lose that chip on his shoulder from Nations. He will hole shot one and be on the podium when the night is done.
Dungey, to has a sour taste in his mouth from Nations, one he would like to wash away with some champagne. Don't see him hole shotting, but his three moto scores get him a podium spot.
Reed says he is not as prepared as he should be, don't believe him, he will be in contention to the end.
Tomac could surprise us all, remember Hangtown few years ago, his kid can fly when he is on.
Alessi will get the other holeshot, lead for a lap or so, then fade back to sixth or seventh, and take home some pretty good money for his efforts.
Like the rest of you, I really have no idea of whats going to happen, I just hope we get to see some great racing and every one goes home happy and healthy looking forward to A1....
By little Kawasaki only meant because there's only one RV not that he won't win a lot because he will (just to clarify)
I'll continue to say RD's style just doesn't fit the format. If he gets a hole shot he is fast enough to win, but I don't think he is aggresive enough to make a bunch of passes in 10 or 11 minutes. I also think MA will fair better than most seem to think. If he gets a great start and rides the best lines (wide bike) I think only RV, JB, and BB are aggresive enough to make the pass. It will probably take a bonzai move. Maybe ET could get it done too. I'm predicting MA on the podium. Who knows though they could all come together at the start and take each other out.
@carlsbad, we call that little merge Death Valley down in Greensboro, NC.
IM gonna go out on a limb and say RV goes 2 for 3 and honda owning 1 of the 3 Its hard to say because they all arent starting on the same gate so anything can happen If tomac,reed,or barcia hole shots any 1 of the 3 they will most likely win
Guys are gonna blitz that first straight, run wide when the lanes merge and take out 5 to 8 riders. Not to mention that following the merge is a another long straight followed by a sharp 180 turn that's liable to cause carnage as well. Imagine a pack of riders going full throttle then slamming their brakes in sequence, all while aiming to get around the first turn first. The merge is likely to take out a bunch of poor starters, but I think that first turn will take out contenders.
How are they gonna show the start with a split gate? Are they gonna focus on the more "stacked" side, go for a panoramic shot, or do some sort of split screen?
What ever happens the first race might be the best because everyone needs to win the first one to have a shot at the Mill so they will all be going for it.
.Texag i have said the same thing about RD, He will need holeshots to win in 10 laps unless he really turns it up from the norm.
.RCRDDWI hear what your saying but it was only a few weeks after Roger left so it's not like the bike fell apart as he walked out the door!! It was the same bike he raced all year.
@ CurseofDracula
Right back at you Mr MX. I extend a big shout out to all the individuals who are passionate about MX/SX. Any York Pa./Md. residents on here? My zip is 17329.
This site is what I look forward to. Its gonna be along gap till the new season starts.
@Blackjack Mr-Mx sends his regards to you and BD-25 and all the rest . We were in the Venitian we lost our asses last night in a big poker tourneyPAI GOW POKER Mr-MX lost n $ 3700.00 I think we hitch hike home ...LOL X-citment in the air about the race It should make for great tv and for all that are here live ..Enjoy the show..Like you all say it's a long dry spell before A-1 get out and HARE SCRAMBLE OR GNCC SOMETHING LATER.....................