by Andy Bowyer
Rev Up: RV Park
Friday, December 7, 2012 | 12:30 PM
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PrintHello, everyone, and welcome to the Rev Up. Getting to the top of the mountain in professional motocross and supercross rivals winning the Super Bowl, The F1 championship, or the FIFA World Cup. I’ll put up what Ryan Villopoto has done, and is doing in our sport, up against any athlete on the planet. With the 2013 Monster Energy Supercross season right around the corner, Villopoto is the guy. What makes him special among the other greats and what will make us remember him years from now?
I see a lot of different characteristics in Ryan that a lot of the old timers had. He doesn’t have the mouth of Bob Hannah, but his all out attack on the bike reminds me of The Hurricane’s charge. Neither is afraid to hang it out and slip a peg a few times per moto. Both are super fit, and ride their bikes a ton. The two have an unorthodox riding style, where Bob used to lock his legs standing up, RV rides with his head and elbows down quite a bit. Villopoto also has the technical aspect of a McGrath or Stewart. He can scrub as hard as anyone, and nail timing sections impeccably. Oh yeah, he also gets great starts.
Villopoto has been testing in Florida to get ready for the 2013 season.
Simon Cudby photo
How did he get so gnarly? I think some of it can be attributed to the years he spent getting smoked by Mike Alessi at almost every amateur national. Getting beaten by a rider you hate builds something inside that can be channeled with the right timing. Although getting past Alessi only provided him with a breath of comfort before the Jason Lawrence trouble was on his back. Both of those things can push a racer down roads he doesn’t want to take. The mental strain of drama is too much for some guys and their confidence fades. But it only hardened Ryan. He overcame the challenges of those riders in the 250 Class, and when he emerged on the 450, he had become something bigger, faster, and stronger.
The 450 Class is a big step and has provided trouble for some of the all-time best. Damon Bradshaw came in and won immediately, but crashed and was never able to win the title. Ricky Carmichael was almost laughable for his first two seasons. Many, many 125/250F sensations have failed to deliver on expectations. But Ryan has been methodical through his first three seasons and is now the two-time defending 450SX Champion. Staying healthy has been the shiniest bullet in his gun belt. Like Carmichael, a knee injury clipped him and like Carmichael the first time he got back on the track he decimated the competition. Do recall RV on the track at Las Vegas in October. Yes, he had a weird crash and smacked his head, but rest assured he has dusted that off by now and is back to invincible status. Go ahead and take a look at who can beat him. I think he’s faster than Chad Reed, Stewart, and Ryan Dungey. He's already proven he can go that speed for the distance, too. Does Justin Barcia have the speed to run with him for 20 laps? I don’t think so. I almost don’t want to talk about Trey Canard in this speak as I hope he just stays on two wheels and safe. Of course, the saying goes, “That’s why they run the races.” That said, the races are going to be tough in 2013 unless your initials are RV.
We have created a pretty terrible monster with RV Park. I call him that because of his product as a whole. He’s an amusement park of speed, stubbornness, and iron will. It is his unbelievable corner speed that gets me. I don’t know if you can call it textbook style and it looks violent, but that is how he gets them. He is quicker into and out of almost every corner on the track. And if there is a decent berm, forget about it, Elvis has left the building.
Villopoto is seeking his third straight Monster Energy Supercross title in 2013.
Simon Cudby photo
Off the track I’m conflicted with the way he is under the radar. He doesn’t go off on Twitter, hasn’t been in any trouble to speak of and aside from blasting some wild life, isn’t very wild at all. He’s a married man that takes care of business at the racetrack and steers clear of static. Kind of boring to me, but how much does the public really know about him? McGrath championed the video craze to broadcast his personality. Carmichael had his video games with THQ and eventually took a leadership role at the top, but we haven’t seen a lot of what Ryan is really like and he isn’t as big of a name in the mainstream. Being somewhat socially aloof may add to his success as a racer though. If you want to question anything about Ryan Villopoto he can just point at the scoreboard. He has the program figured out and he is the one everyone else is aiming for.
There is a new season coming. We’ve been growing every year with television, and with social media on the rampage more people in the world are going to know more about Supercross than ever. More people are going to learn about Ryan Villopoto. It’s his time.
Thanks for reading, see you next week.
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Love the way he is always attacking. Go RV!
I would say RV and Casey Stoner aren't that different
Someone has a crush. This season wont be a run away. Too much talent. Dungey was fastest at MEC. Just had badluck. Sorryboutit.
YUP, if healthy I don't see him getting beat for the title. No one can match him every week. You my beat him once in a wile but not every week.
thetoothperry116 how was RD the Fastest at the MEC?? he did not win one moto. RV put 15sec on barcia in moto 1 and Barcia beat RD straight up in moto 3.
.RD is fast and hard to beat when he gets the holeshot but put him at the back from the start and game over!!
I think Bowyer may have coined a new phrase when describing Poto " Violent " that is a great word. I have always seen RV as one of the most aggressive looking riders ever. The way he attacks the track just looks different than everyone else. I thought maybe that look was due to his size. However his size is very comparable to RC or JS and RV just looks different on the bike.
In any case " Violent " is a great description and pehaps RV stands for Ryan Violentpoto!
I think for sure he is the fastest-and that is a great badge to have - especially in this era...but don't get to misty eyed about RV Clint - How many series in the last 3 seasons?
2009 Nationals - 2010 Nationals (and1/3 of the SX Season) - 2012 Nationals...
Getting the picture? That "speed" comes at a price...
Some crucify Stewart over such things and yet RVgets a pass. Not wishing to start a huge debate but on its face it seems a little odd. I do have to say however that RV's character as a champion and embassador for the sport far outshines Stewarts mecurial and sometimes troubled status.
He has 6 national titles, so yes, he can be considered one of the greats...but it could have been nine...here's to 2013?
Meant to say how many series has he missed in the last three seasons?
Overall though the man is a Beast...and for sure the fastest through the corners...shoot i've been saying that since 05" so there Boyer...you are late to the wagon train...just kiddin'
Dino
Really don't see RV as crashing any more than anyone else? Some guys just don't have as much luck.....look at Stewart.....he should be in a wheel chair from the crashes he's had. Dungey had some good get-offs last summer and walked away?
RV's last injury had nothing to do with speed! But yes you are right he could crash out just as anyone of these guys could.....but he's shown if he doesn't crash out.....he wins!
@toothperry116 you're the biggest RV hater so you have no credibility, and saying dungey was faster is a joke look at the laptimes buddy. Hell barcia and tomac was faster than dungey.
Just saying he has missed 3 major series in tha last three years. If you feel it has nothing to do with going fast that is fine. I crash all the time going slow - sarchasm intended btw.
Good points on all accounts however. What I was really trying to say as I alkluded to in my post comment comment was that I feel that the three series he missed he could have won as well. That would have placed hin 9in championships) to the GOAT...he would be more noticed then I bet...
I regress...in 05' there were three bad dudes on 250's that went throgh the corners pretty fast so I may have to rescind that comment and reinstate it starting in 2010
I think there will be a LOT of crashing this year!! Way to many fast guys who want to win. Look at how 06 went with RC and JS!! RC crashed more that year than any other (except maybe his first year) because him and JS were pushing so hard that year. This year will take pushing it to be up front.
God...typing is terrible today - placed him with 9 championships - second to only RC.
God...typing is terrible today - placed him with 9 championships - second to only RC.
BillC - I strongly agree with your post.
toothperry116 is talking about Practice!!! and we all know how important that is!! LOL
Billc kills it
Quite a while back, someone said that RV rides like he's angry at the track. I always thought that was a good description.
Now that he's been officially declared the favorite, he's jinxed. Of course, its bad luck to be superstitious.
There is little doubt RV is the fastest in SX. JS has the speed if he can stay upright. Maybe the RMZ will help. I don't blame all of his trouble on the YZ but he's not the only one to get bucked off. If you watched the Inside the Outdoors that featured Izzi he complained the YZ bucked him off unexpectedly anytime he pushed it until they made major chassis adjustents. I think RD will be right behind
V
Cont., RD will be right behind RV waiting for a mistake. Once they get outdoors RV, RD, JB, JS, and TC all have a chance.
In the big picture the "all business" nature of both RV and RD is what sets them apart.
I was watching some of the early 2011 races...man, it was clear RV and JS were the two top guys until the halfway point, things went downhill for JS and he hasnt really seemed to recover...so I hope that the Suzuki gives him that last bit of whatever it is he needs to give us a full season of great races with JS and RV at the top...Head to head, JS and RV would come out 1 and 2..RV has that little extra that will keep him on top.... Dungey will be right there and win when others blow it.....Reed will sneek a win in I think, then fall back on the " im the old guy" ....Barcia is a wild card....I fear he may ride over his head and find himself on the sidelines watching..at MEC he had a few close calls and looked to be giving a little too much, while the others were playing it cool.....Starts for JS seemed to kill him on the Yamaha, but he did quite well with starts on the Suzuki outdoors.....the less passes JS has to make with these 12 minute mains the better....by I predict RV in 2013...hopefully JS is a close 2nd
@billc haha were we not watching the same race. If i remember correctly Dungey was on rv when he bent his shifter and when rv crashed. Im not an RV hater. I just think hes overrated @pinned22 idont HATE any pro rider. I just think RV wont ever pass up Rc or JS on any win list.
KEY word RD was BEHIND RV...How did he get there?? RV Passed him!!
.If you want to get into overrated how about how after RD won the 2010 title eveyone said he is the top dog now..But in the last two years he has only 3 or 4 wins and all but 1 of them came when RV, JS and CR where not at the race!! LOL good times!!
RV corners like he has 4 wheels. Love watching him in big bowl corners.
@billc...No doubt the riders will be pushing it to the limits this year. I think Chad and Stewie are in a last chance scenario and RV isn't so he may not push it to the max every race wanting to last the season and be healthy for mx. Too bad it will probably come down to who doesn't crash.
Maybe my memory needs refreshing. It often does. What was the J-Law trouble mentioned above? I remember his issues with RD but not RV.
@billc you think im a Dungey fan or something? I know 2010 was a fluke, but in 2011 he wouldve won both titles if his bike didnt break in both series. Put RV and JS in a race by themselves whos gonna win? That answers who is the FASTEST. Not most consistent. Dungey was on it at MEC and he was robbed. RV gets all the glory because Dungey isnt aggressive enough to put a pass on early. JS 2012 SX champ.
I think everyone but TC was there when Dungey won at Phoenix last year. Just thought I mix in a few facts into the discussion, just to add some variety.
2013*
Dungey was beat fair and square by Tomac and Barcia...two guys nes to the 450's....common Perry Mason....thought you were a detective.....hahaha
No way you're old enought to even understand the reference....
For me RV's ability to make passes early is also one of his best qualities.
It is something MC, RC and JS did at their best.
You cannot win the race in the first 5 laps but you can certainly give yourself the best chance.
RV is always aggressive early and puts himself at the front.
That for me more than actual speed is why RD does not win so much.
Then if you look at the nationals when the races are longer RD often came back at RV.
All racers have different qualities and RV making things happen early in races suits SX.
Going to be epic this season.
I also think JS7 might have more to say in the champioship this year.
He seems to be quietly going about his work and getting ready.
I am an RV and would love to see him go 3 in a row.
But that is a tough tough thing to do.
And with this field maybe tougher than ever before.
My prediction,
1 - JS7
2 - RD5
3 - RV2.
Hope i am wrong but either way it is going to be great to watch.
Ever see him NOT pass somebody he wanted to....ITS RARE. Hes a bad ass and IS as fast as ANYONE if not faster during a race.....He will be hard to beat..but it WON'T be a cakewalk for anyone this year.and that is a fact. @Tooth woulda and shoulda are nowhere in the records...i can't find them.
One thing is fore shore. The winner of the series will be ridding at LasVegas.
If RV lets the races come to him I would bet on him.If Stewart can stay healthy for awhile don't try to prove you can beat anytime you want. No one can stay in a series ridding like that.He may be the fastest man on the planet but he is a poor bet for a series championship so let him take care of himself. I'm sorry but the other guys don't have the speed to win in a series where everybody stays healthy.
@endoman38
In 2007 Jlaw was getting aggressive with RV and it came to a head at the opening round of outdoors when in practice Jlaw began blocking RV so RV lauched his bike at JL and then they got into a fight on the track. They were fined and JL was put on probation.
@thetoothperry we already went over this shit on our twitter arguement. RV is the fastest guy no question and in 11' mx RV had twice the wins dungey had and the last 3 years RV has 24 sx wins stewart has 8 dunge has 11 lol. RV is the best bottem line
I dont like RD but wasnt he stuck in 2nd gear the whole MEC?
I agree with FirstOrDirt! I want to see a straight up fight between RV and JS. In my opinion, there are no others in their league. Dungey is fast but I never see him go that extra which is required to really be that fast in supercross. Outdoors, he moves it! Reed has a chance if he can start right back at the level when he was on RV's tailpipe before he went down. I hope he can if he really wants it but I dont know if he wants to after being hurt like that!
RV didnt pass RD at MEC until RD hit the tough block and couldnt shift anymore......has everyone forgot the launch a triple suicide (hand) shift dungey did in 2 motos,but dont worry for all you RV foamers he is a better sx rider than RD, just not as great as you spout
Not4show no one said he can walk on water, just that he is the fav right now.
.Yes RD is bad ass for doing what he did, Not the smartest thing cuz he could have got hurt for nothing...but still bad ass to not give up.
thetoothperry116... RD DNFed one SX and RV DNSed one SX, RV won 6 or 8 races, RD won 1... RV was better in 2011.
.Outdoors in 2011...With 8 moto's to go RD was 1 point behind RV,......Then what happen?? RV won 7 out of the last 8 moto's or somthing like that in cluding that last corrner pass that broke RD..... a move RD would NEVER have tried.....RV was better.
I like how Tonewall put it
The Firecracker is the Champion, Ryan has won two Supercross titles in row, and until some one consistently beats him, Villopoto will be the Champion!! Their are 5 guys who can beat him, but they will have to work hard to do it week in and week out! This will be a very interesting season, enough guys at the top, could keep the points close all season..
Villopoto is the strongest guy right now indoors- with momentum of back to back titles he has a lot of confidence. He knows he the best- and everyone else is just trying to prove there the best. If he wins it again- he is joined with Hannah Carmichael and McGrath. I think it will all come down to who gets hurt and who doesn't. It would be a miracle if all the top guys made it to the outdoors in one piece- But if they were tring to ride conservative in supercross to save themselves for the outdoors [aka mike alessi] that would take away from the intensity that we all love so much. As it is - they act like its the last series on earth- and thats what makes it so great these last couple years. If the outdoors came first- no one would make to supercross healthy- and supercross is where the real money is at. Regarding Villopotos corner speed- Reed used to say the same thing about Stewart and Carmichael. And DeCoster said it about Dungey. I do love Villopotos techniquie of using the throttle to turn the bike around- he is a great rider no doubt about it- and I wouldn't be surprised if he won it again- but I'm picking a darker horse this year. I feel that a change is comin. I think Dungey will be way more competitive this year- and he could win the title. And yes I do think some of them will crash out- but a title is a title. I think that Dungey could develop into a better passer and a more agressive racer- and I think he will do it if the championship comes down to it. Stewart will be an interesting topic for discussion like always- as quiet as he has been lately maybe he has something up his sleeve. Him being on a zook definitley makes it more interesting- it will answer the big questions. Its make it or break it this year for Stewie im afraid. Reed sure is going fast at 31 years old. Canard is always exciting- it will be good to have him back. Barcia will be in there somewhere every week- mixing it up with the big boys. Too bad Wilsons not there too- that would have been epic for sure- the battle within a battle. But as excited as I am about Anahiem- the riders will play it down and say 'we just want get out of here in one piece' - 'we just want to see where were at'- 'we cant win it at A1 but sure can lose it at A1' -and stuff like that. I dont care I cant help being excited anyway just to see the riders again- some have been gone for a good while now. so Bring it ON!!!!
It's funny how some of you say that RV is fast indoors. Rd was at the same level in 10, even through Rv had double the wins, it was really close speed wise none the less. In 11 , specially in 12 he separated himself from the pack. That 2 nd round, coming from dead last to 3 rd through super packed field tells us something about him. And outdoors.... after they got 12 kawi he passed RD in almost every moto! And RD is true champion.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=7-u49h3BP0Y
@wfo_...Dude. Paragraphs. Totally agree, though.
@meankx...What's so funny? RV gained a trainer and a whole 'nother gear between '10 and '11, becoming practically Stewart's speed, while Dungey stayed the same. Then he went and gained ANOTHER gear for '12, while Dungey gained maybe a half-gear (and while Stewart lost one.)
For those of you keeping score, here was their speed by year on a 1-5 scale:
'10: RV (4.5); RD (4.4); JS (N/A); CR (N/A)
'11: RV (4.7); RD (4.5); JS (4.8); CR (4.6); BONUS: TC (4.666 repeating)
'12: RV (4.9); RD (4.6); JS (4.7); CR (4.8)
'09: RV (4.3); JS (4.9); CR (4.8)
Regardless, this season is going to be epic. Hopefully...till riders start dropping like flies like every season. https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=q4TOm-F8TX4
Oh, and hopefully:
'13: RV (4.9); RD (4.7); JS (4.9); CR (4.8)
You guys see James' new go-pro? Looks good in the corners.
Whoops, toothperry's got it.
According to Andy's man-crush rant here, we might as well give the title to the "invincible" RV!! Wow!! This was just a tad over the top, Andy!! LOL
Over the top? Like his MXdN "prediction"? You're beginning to sense a pattern...
It's called rev-up for a reason.
If RV, Stewart, and Reed are all up to speed and riding at their best, it will be a battle. The night Reed got hurt, he had RV covered. We know Reed and Stewart have had many close battles. Dungey just might be there too (espacially outdoors). Trey, if he is up to speed will be in there too. Barcia is not afraid of anyone, but can he run the Stewart, Reed, Rv pace? Maybe...plus who else might step it up this year? Maybe even Hansen....he has the talent...can he find the drive? Does he find a ride? In any case it will be interesting.
Now if we can only find J Law, and get him out there and up to his old speed...
Sorry @Whoops- that was a rambler.
Thanks for being patient.
And I think you are correct about '13 speed.
RV is the F****** man!!!!
Don't look at all of his titles and race wins and all of the competition he has smoked, just look at all of the stew tards and dungtards talking sh** about him. That's all you need to see to know that he's the man and has been for awhile and will continue to be. :)
Go RV!!!!!