Going for the W: Four Riders, Four Stories
Wednesday, January 2, 2013 | 3:10 PM
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PrintThe Anaheim 1 starting gate is loaded with talent and potential, but only four riders who have won this championship before. Here are four stories about those four riders—and clues about their chances for another title in 2013.
Ryan Villopoto:
The gang at Feld Motorsports promised to fill the Monster Energy Cup with non-stop action, and they succeeded. The event went by in a blur. By the end of the night, it was hard to remember everything that had happened. But race winner Justin Barcia didn't forget. At the end of the third main event, while holding a big check for $100,000, I interviewed him for Monday Conversation, and he voluntarily added this to his story:
“It feels good, man. It feels really good to come out with $100 grand. Villopoto, he was riding really good that first one. No excuses, he was ripping, so I’m sure he’s always going to be fast and we know he’s a good rider, so he’s always going to be competition out here, for sure.”
No one asked Barcia about Villopoto. But Barcia, who was in second for most of that first race, couldn't forget just how fast Villopoto was going hours earlier. He could have spun his overall win any way he wanted, but he knew the supercross champion deserved credit.
Modern sports medical technology can change sports (but lets leave all Lance Armstrong talks aside, please). No one, not a single person, thinks that RV's torn ACL from last year will be a factor in the season at all. Those days are over—if dealt with properly, knee injuries end with exclamation points and not question marks. So 2013 rests on Villopoto's shoulders, not his leg. If he puts all the other pieces together—bike, fitness, riding—he's still the favorite for this thing. So far, anyone who has seen him ride says he is doing all of the right things.
Of course, the three-peat is a daring feat. Eventually, bad luck is due. But Villopoto actually already went through that—with his ACL tear—while keeping his indoor title streak in tact. If anything, he's due for another good one!
RV is seeking a three-peat heading into the 2013 season.
Simon Cudby photo
Ryan Dungey
Recently, Ryan Dungey chatted on DMXS Radio about the sting (that still stings!) of the 2008 Lites West Championship. He let his emotions get the best of him then. To prevent it from happening again, he works actively to stay level headed at all times. Sucks for those of us that want some drama from RD5, but, it's hard to argue with his strategy. Since the beginning of the 2009 season, Dungey has only not won three titles, and he was in the hunt for each of the ones he missed, too. Subtract a derailed chain and an empty gas tank, add up some points, and you can make a case for Dungey as 2011 450SX and 450MX Champion. Last year in supercross, he was right there again until a broken collarbone knocked him out.
Criticize Dungey for many things—maybe he should be more aggressive, more cocky, whatever—but realize that his game plan always puts him in the thick of the championship hunt. Consider that last year's deep field resulted in a lot of injuries, and many theorize everyone was just pushing too hard. Consider the wild swings you'll see in the standings when you have so much talent to steal points away. Consider all that, and you can consider Dungey's long game is perfectly suited for 17 races in 18 weekends.
Can Dungey capture his second career 450SX title in 2013?
Simon Cudby photo
James Stewart
A few years back, David Bailey and I were doing the TV call for Lucas Oil Pro Motocross. During some down time, among our many, many bench racing topics, I asked David, “What was it like when Bob Hannah came to Honda in 1983? What was he like to ride with?”
Bailey answered simply: “It would be like riding with James Stewart. He was so fast and so aggressive, it would just demoralize you at times.”
Remember, this was Hannah six years after he exploded in supercross, and three years after he had won a title. He was past his prime in many ways, especially since careers were much shorter in those days. But, even an aging Hannah still had “it.” He could still make superstars like David Bailey and Johnny O'Mara look like mere mortals, and even during one glorious run early in that '83 season, he did it at the races. It was called Hurricane II, and Hannah looked ready to own the sport again. Until he crashed and broke his wrist.
Bailey's Stewart/Hannah comparison rings true right now. Hannah was 26 heading into the 1983 season, Stewart just turned 27. Hannah was three seasons removed from his last supercross title, as is Stewart now. Both riders headed into the season leaving their old bike (a Yamaha) behind for a switch to what they really wanted—a Honda for Hannah, a Suzuki for Stewart.
Hannah still had “it” and Stewart could still have “it,” too.
Stewart is out to prove he still has "it" in 2013.
Simon Cudby photo
Chad Reed
We had all written off Chad Reed before the 2011 season. Go ahead, go revisionist history on us now. Claim you had him finishing four points away from the 2011 title when Anaheim 1 opened, and he finished a quiet fifth. Right, sure you did.
Heck, the whole darned industry didn't expect that from Chad anymore. That's why he was on his own privateer bike at that point, racing for his own team. The factories had given up on him—or, at least, they had given up on paying him the amount of money a championship-level rider can command. Because they didn't think Chad could contend for championships anymore!
His setup looked off at that debut race for TwoTwo Motorsports. Add in all the other obstacles stacked in his way—age, new competition, and don't forget a lot of people thought Chad would lose the will to hang it out after he had become a dad and lost his buddy Andrew McFarlane in a short span—and it looked to be over.
It was not over. Not by a long shot. So that's why this time, even with Chad coming back from the longest layoff of his career, you simply can't count him out. You never can.
Trust us, it's never smart to count out Chad Reed.
Simon Cudby photo
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Not a mention of Canard.I think he has as much of a chance as Reed does. Recent history points to the Ryans as being the favorites. Stewart is too hard to predict. Is it Saturday yet??
It wouldnt be smart to leave Justin Barcia out of this..... That kid has alot of will and motivation..
c'mon RV, RD, CR, TC and Shorty! go get em'!
with Barcia being so good off the gate its gonna be interesting!! Not sure if he can go 20 laps right away. I think Trey Canard can go as fast as anyone as well. Gonna be really good. We have 3 of the top 7 all time on the same gate (according to RacerX)..Cant wait until Sat night. I think we are going to to see the JS7 we all want. In the end RV will dominate this series, stamp it!!
im already drinking- cant wait for sat nite
as I stated on another thread, its so hard to "predict" what will happen.....this year more so than the past....so many guys can be in the right place....if RV nails a top5 start - he will work his way up to the front very quickly - as would stewart like they always do....what happend from there is a crap shoot....just have to wait for practice and the heats to see who has it.....and that obviously doesnt guarantee anything....first turn pile ups, take outs, who knows....I cant wait !!
Go JS7!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Of all the top riders, Stewart is the big mystery to me. I'll be surprised if Villopoto isn't in the top three, and if Dungey and Reed aren't in the top five. It wouldn't surprise me in the least if Stewart wins, and it wouldn't surprise me if he DNFs. Very hard to predict that guy the past few years.
awesome comparison between Hannah & Bubba Weedge!!!
I have little doubt that these guys will be front runners, but I also have little doubt that Barcia and Canard will be at the front and will each win a race or two this year. Guys who most likely will not be contenders for wins will be Davi Milsaps, Justin Brayton, Jake Weimer, Bret Metcalf, Andrew Short and Broc Tickle but they should make a hellava battle to finish inside the top 5!
Barcia kind of reminds me of Bradshaw.....he will have speed for sure, but I think once he gets out there with the big boys, he may show some poor judgement and make bad decisions like he has done in the past.....he may have that " im no kid " attitude which he has shown already....so we'll see....I could see him up front for sure.....but think it will happen a little later in the season....but like all of us, we'll have to wait and see....
I cannot begin to fathom how BAD As$ this season is going to be. I just hope for a healthy season for all the riders. Last year was rough with all the injuries. 2 days and a wake up LETS GO!!! BAM BAM ALL DAY
I think it's way too difficult to predict what's going to happen. I'm a solid RV fan but I'm becoming more of an RD fan as time goes on simply because he still doesn't get the credit he deserves for his different (yet clearly effective) approach and he's one of the best role models the sport has ever seen. I love when the grass roots guys who work the hardest have success which is why I find myself rooting for the likes of RV, RD, and in the past RC. Not the most talented guys but definitely the toughest and most determined.
Funny all 4 top pictures, the only one who has tight panties has the expectations to win everything again. Hey RV, lighten up dude lol, look like Alessi on the front of Muscle & Fitness magazine. Gonna be a record breaking season, have fun & ride it like ya stole it. I think one of the new bosses AINT gonna look like an old boss, gonna be a good mix.
2 of these will have better bikes and the other 2 will be more in shape.
Watched that MXA video of Barcia, that bike looks good. Floated literally across the tops of the whoops. Unlike years past, I think winning A1 will be a big deal for the points. Not going to be a shake off the cobwebs kind of race. These guys will need to race for the title right away instead of getting into the groove. Still think the rookie might take it. Those 250 races last year taught him to give no quarter as soon as the gate drops.
Aside from the top 4+Canard, if Barcia gets the holeshot in the main I probably wont take a breath for atleast the first lap...and Weimer and Grant are only a tick off of the pace. RV is def. the best rider right now, but remember the days when Dungey couldnt even keep up enough to keep him in his sight?! He stepped it up with sheer determination. Hopefully others will too. Gonna be CRAZY! Cant Wait!!!!
I also am an RV fan and believe he will be the top dog this year- BUT to do so he will have to ride better than last year. He IS fast but I feel there is a storm coming and its not going to wait til next year. RD will be better, TC- I have watched some races from 2010 and he will be right there by mid season, JB will race the track to win and it won't matter to him who is behind or in front, CR will be as good as last year- which means he will be on RV if RV isn't better, JS will only have to prove he can race without falling and he will be deadly. I have a feeling Brock Tickle will be very fast and there will be the next 5 close behind. I can't wait and am SOOOO ready to see how this year plays out !!
JS7 and CR22 hold the gay-as-shit sun glasses award.
KTM RD & RD Stamp it !
"Subtract a derailed chain and an empty gas tank, add up some points, and you can make a case for Dungey as 2011 450SX and 450MX Champion."
Jason, you should know better. Mess with any thread in the fabric of time and an entirely new sheet will be woven. If those things would have not happened then the championship would have shaped up differently which means riders strategies would have changed and who knows how it would have turned out. There's over a billion different what if's when looking back into history but all that matters is what did happen.
The what if's make for good bench racing smack talk from us clowns in the comment section but not from the professionals.
Cant wait for Saturday night.. My son told me his girlfriend asked what they were doing for Saturday. His response "I dont know what you are doing, but I will be at home watching the race" LOL.. Her response was, "I guess I'll be at your house watching the race".. Good girl--I told him she's a keeper..
^^^ lol. Agree
Two more days....
There's absolutely no way to predict the outcome of one race but I think in the end RV will be on top. The key in doing so is accepting the outcome of a bad start and minimizing damage. I think the reason RV tweaked his knee was pushing too hard to get up front right away and getting sloppy. For RV patience is the key. He'll be out front in enough races to get plenty of wins. Taking a 2nd or 3rd every once in awhile will be okay.
In this field I still think RD is too safe for Supercross. Too many great riders to wait for them all to make mistakes and capitalize. No way RV, JB, and JS will all crash out in one moto. I see JS and JB as the main competition for RV. CR will be a 3-5 place guy along with TC.
No matter the outcome Saturday night is going to be awesome!
731Chopper: I wonder if all the RV fans and media fall back on your "thread in the fabric of time" analogy(which I agree with) while crying about how RV was gonna win in 2010 had he not crashed-even though Dungey was up 15 points before the race? RV crashed trying to beat him for goodness sake! Truth is, in 2011 Dungey had a crappy bike and team and RV had a great bike and great team-especially the 2012 bike Kawi got him in the middle of the 2011 outdoors after RD proved to be faster than him. This year they both are gonna be on proven bikes and proven teams so, hopefully-if RV doesn't crash out again, they'll get to settle it on the track.
I am a big js7 fan, but I really like all of these guys. Yes, cr and rd have won me over. tc will make waves mid season. jb is the big ?. In the end I see rv and rd in the top 3. Epic
Don't get why everyone is so far up BamBam's @ss. He has never beaten RV,JS,RD,CR in a supercross race. The monster cup is a joke and not even comparable to supercross. He has never raced a 20 lap main with those guys on a real sx track. And why does everyone act like Barcia is some tough guy? He cry's when things don't go his way, roosts medics, and the race winners, runs away like a scared girl from a Frenchman who wanted to finish the fight Justin started, the list goes on and on. Barcia isn't mentally tough enough to deal with what's about to come this season. When he's not winning or getting his way, he will brake and so will his season.
I love how Weege says Dungey was there last year to steal points away, oh really Weege? Was that when Dungey was sitting out of the series after crashing and braking his shoulder or whatever?
This season to me will be huge pressure on Dungey. There are so many fast guys Dungey just can't sit back in third and wait for the top guys to crash out of the series. If Dungey doesn't win races or the titles well then, what does that say for him? People like guys like RV,JS,JB because they go all out every race every lap. Dungey likes to sit back and play strategy games, and that's not racing. Dungey would fit in perfectly at NASCAR.
Some of you guys have such a man crush on your favorite rider it's scary. Like a bunch of tweens at a Justin Bieber concert. On the other end of the spectrum are the guys that harbor such hate and resentment for a guy they can't muster one rational thought.
@persona I think you are a little hard on barcia every other rider has had there moments but I do agree with you about dungey If the other guys dont get hurt his strategy fails strategy's more often than not make sports more boring not more exciting like in the UFC its becoming real popular to fight not to loose rather than fighting to win (going for a knockout or submission)
persona: "Dungey would fit in perfectly at NASCAR"
You mean the most popular motor sport in the world? Don't be surprised if NASCAR comes calling the Dunge. For the last several years they have promoted intelligent, professional drivers who can speak at least on a high school level-unlike most of the guys you think are so great-and aren't such stupid glory hounds that they throw away the whole season crashing every other week trying to win at all cost so guys like you say ignorant stuff like "People like guys like RV,JS,JB because they go all out every race every lap". Whooo Wee! NOBODY other than you would insinuate that RD doesn't go all out very minute of every race.
You'd best get used to the Dungey strategy because he's winning championships and making a ton of money by being smarter than a 5th grader like so many are today. By the way, Bam Bam's handlers are slowly teaching him to take a 2nd or 3rd on days when someone is simply better than him that day. Reed has done it for years. The GOAT did it INDOORS his last 3 titles. Why do we crown a champ at the end of the year based on points? Lets just say whoever wins the most races wins the title and 2nd 3rd and so on means nothing. Would that quench your "win or die trying" thirst? Maybe Dungey will be like Stewart and Villopoto this year and ride over his head, crash a few times while taking someone else out, and go a little more gangsta...maybe that would convince people like you that he's a real racer...LOL....
I saw what dungey can do when he "goes gangster" when weimer put him over that berm and I'd be more of a fan if he rode like that all the time
Yo @pizzacorner...you'd probably wear "gay" sunglasses too, if you were endorsed and getting paid well....Anyway, that's not important....what is important is to keep ALL these guys healthy...Think about all the high profile guys that WON'T be on the podium. (Pretty crazy). Also remember, it's a long season and don't make "title conclusions" after one race. If you like football, look how the Cardinals and Bears started and they didn't even make the playoffs.
I'm a Dungey fan because of his riding style. He's a clean racer, rarely if ever a dirty rider, and he plays the long game. He's more than capable of winning every night, regardless of injuries to his opponents, and if RV, JS, CR, JB, TC....make mistakes and he brings it home, clowns like 'persona' say he only won because of mistakes. I could have sworn that was what racing was about. If no one makes mistakes, who wins, there's no such thing as a race where no one makes a mistake.
Rcddblabla,
Don't you think if everyone used Dungeys strategy that it would be
Boring? His plan only works if the other guys crash. I do like Dungy
Though and he might even win this championship, but he probably will
Have to get a little more aggressive
This year or hell be sittin 5 th or 6 th
Real quick
persona Your right, some do like the all out approach, the riders who ride the edge, like RV, JS and Bam Bam are very exciting to watch. Reed and Dungey will also take chances, such as Ryan hand shifting at the MEC, but they weigh the risk and reward, before they take action. In a 17 race series, with so much talent on the track, is it not wiser to sit back and pick your spots, rather than go crazy and risk a fall coming through the pack after a bad start, which could lead to a massive loss of points. They say you win titles on your worst day, if picking up 3rds every race can lead to a title is that not a smart choice, after all, that is the goal.
That's what makes the prospects for the 2013 season so exciting, there are so many different ways to climb the championship mountain. Gone are the days of dominance, each rider, each race will face adversity and how he chooses to react will decide his fate. I am glad to see everyone healthy and line up, ready to prove their way, is the way to a championship. No matter who wins we the fans will treated to a sensational season if the "Six Pack" can live up to its preseason billing!!
Some people did like Reed's chances Jason !
Joe Dirt wrote:8:56pm March 23, 2011
"Joe Dirt picked RV b4 A1 and he stands by that but...... CR is racing for more than this CShip. Dude didn't put his cash all on red (ha ha) for one CShip . A win here against this field would cement his status as one of the best SX riders ever. Thats what he's chasing. Oh and as experienced as 22 i , I get a feeling we've only seen 85-90% of his speed and aggression. Its shaping up to be a two man race.
Dirt "
JimM
Pala374
Some of U Aholes might remember, it took someone like Bailey to figure out that Hannah put his ridin pants on just like we do, he told me that, and there was his dream to go after him, he did, he wore him down and became a Champ- good for U David You'r career was cut much too short. Still remember the smoothest guy ever on a dirtbike. DB, is and always will be one awesome guy and a helluvva rider and Champ!
@RCRDDW
Calm down man...you're losing it! You keep comparing RV with JS??? Huh.....
Have you been sleeping the last few years? RV is the current SX champ by the way....couldn't have crashed too much last year? He had the most successful season in the history of MX/SX in 2011.....not sure how he pulled that off while crashing every other race as you suggested.
I put it out to you last week and got no response.....I say we go through the archives of 2012 and see who actually crashed more? RV or RD?
PS....."glory hogs" ??? I suppose you have no respect or appreciation for racers that want to be the best? You'd prefer they tuck in behind 2nd tier guys and follow them for 10 laps waiting for them to pull over.......sorry buds.....gonna be a long season for RD with this years crowd......unless he decides he really wants to be the best and rides like it!
Both you two chill the f out ... I think most posters will do them selves in before A-1 !!!!!!!!!!! Go take a long run and get back on your meds !
Just saying JS7 is the coolest lookin then Dungey and I dont know what RV2 was thinkin in that pic and Reedy was caught off guard. Smile reedy you own a team dont you.
By the way dont sleep on dungey. he has upped his game and has all the confidence. I said it b4 he may just be the favorite why you ask
1. he has the confidence after running and closing in on JS7 hangtown and freestone.
2. Dungey was fastest qualifier at MEC thats right people faster than RV on a SX track.
3. He is the healthiest without question. How will Reedy and Rv's knees hold up. Is JS7 wrist completely healed?
Again not a fan favorite but statistics point out to Dungey and therefore he is where you can put your money at unless JS7 becomes consistent and stays balls out Dungey is the favorite, the reedy consistency then RV and JS7 comes in 4th bcoz of consistency. JS7 might win more races than anyone but not the title.
I think RCRDDW is actually dungeys mom
just watch how many times RV passes RD this year and than you come back and tell me how many times RD (passes RV while rv is on his bike)
I'm not going to predict anything, BUT...
Barcia
Dungey
Reed
Stewart takes out Villapoto, in an accident, who struggles back to 4th
no wait,
Villapoto
Dungey
Reed
Barcia takes out Stewart, T bones him right off the track...
no, no wait...
First turn carnage...
Dungey
Reed
Barcia
wait, wait...its coming to me..
HEY JUST IN JS7 DEBUT HIS GEAR TODAY. I THOUGHT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE SOME TIME IN FUTURE BUT APPARENTLY GONNA BE WEARING IT THIS SATURDAY. well ive only seen it in yellow black and the one on video riding. I cant mention but its posted today on the other MX site. they got full ads and everything so its official. i dont think he should have gone with the name SEven but oh well. Somebody tell him that its gonna be weird having riders who have different #s on thir bike wearing a gear w huge #7 on it
BBam and Bubba will put on a show up front until they park each other in the first row.... The Dunge will ride away with the win when RV blows a corner on the second last lap, and CR3 ( three is for his best position of the year) is a distant 3rd.
You saw it here first Race Fans.
why has racerx not reported on stewarts new "seven gear" mx apparel line yet?? or did I miss something??
JS7 is going to WIN the 2013 SX title!
Who cares who comes in second, the first looser.
MS32 West Coast Lites Champion!
Man Saturday cannot be here soon enough. I'll say come practice Villopoto, Dungey, Stewart, reed and maybe Barcia will round out the top 5. I enjoy seeing Barcia ride, but too ragged and if he rides like that he will become like Stewart meaning unpredictable. Friom what I seen at theMEC i'll say the top 5 will be
1) 5
2) 1
3)22
4)7
5) 51
I'd like Reed to pull it off, but i'm being reluctant to say he will take third in the series. See you at Anaheim 1 compadres.
RV#2 is going to run the season again.
Barcia annoys me in his interviews so much, I wish him sent off the track by a vet to teach him a lesson in respect..
That way I dont hear that douchy accent or see the hair flip at all. : )
I think everyone fergot about reed's last ama sx race in america.Sure he crashed but man he had some speed and momentum and was all over villapoto.
Every year chad has raced he has alway's been in the hunt and I think this year will be no different.
Rip it up reedy !!!
Im glad he mentioned that Dungey could have been 2011 sx and mx champ had it not been for the chain and the gas issues. I feel like I'm the only person that realizes that.
The scary thing here is all the bench racing going on and on about the top 4 ! Yeah Canard is back and healthy and Bam Bam is lining up with the big boys for the first time. Just think for a minute if these 6 riders all end up injured for a time during the SX season ? Quite possibly there could be a new, first time, champ at the end of this thing ! It could be Shorty or Tickle or MA800, hell maybe even KDub and a send off championship into retirement. There is so much uncertainty leading up to the opening round. So if you were given a $100 to bet in Vegas who would it be ? My bet would be Dungey, better odds for a higher payout and he's be in it the last three years.
Ima tell you how this is gonna end :D
Barcia wins A1 but he's overmotivated, rushes it and crashes out of several podium finishes - maybe even injures himself.
Stewart will show speed but crash out at least every second main event.
Reed and Dungey will be on top the first half of the series because of consistent top 5 finishes.
Villopoto is gonna start slow with top 5's and be a tick off CR and RD after 6-8 rounds but then drop the hammer and get in some more wins and put together the title in the end.
Canards gonna finish a quite 3rd after reed will have some problems in the last rounds.
that's how its gonna end trust me :D
Please let's not start the what-ifs already. All part of racing or any sport for that matter. Should we add that Reedy was leading the MX series (and kinda dominating a bit) when his back wheel slipped out at Millville and he went flying through the air? Anyone recall RV crashing on a start and getting run over and all wadded up? Many a title have been lost due to mechanicals. Anyone recall MC getting a flat tire in SX on the Suzuki and losing the title to Emig by how many points? It happens
I still think that Barcias' holeshot skills are going to give him a big edge in avoiding danger, and unlike Alessi, he has SX skills to stay there. I'm not a huge fan of his, hate his interviews, hate his look-back-cross-track moves, but I cant forget how good he goes indoors. And when was the last time you've seen anyone hate to lose as much as him? Ricky Johnson comes to mind.
Yamaha has dropped the ball much like snowcross. They need a contender.. I think they should pull a 250 rider up like Tomac and pay handsomely. I'm suprised Yamaha hasn't investe more in supercross
@rick
I agree. Yamaha has some serious talent up and coming as of right now. The uneducated write off the YZ250F simply because it has a carburetor, but it is more than capable with a real contender and those bikes make a lot of power when strung out like the rest of them, more reliable too as per usual with Yamahas. Webb and Rodriguez are hauling in the amateurs, and we can't forget Osborne's performances last SX season while he was visiting.
@Weigandt; It's a tough crowd again tonight in the front row. Do you ever feel like Rodney (no respect) Dangerfield? Just a mild mannered journalist trying to create a little hype amongst the natives before the first battle of the year after a long dry spell. Kinda like Rico Rizzo in the cross-walk of life.
Well with two more days before (our) first fat lady sings for 2013, I think your, "Quatro Hombres" may even have (more) company to keep them honest, or is it dishonest for the big show.
"Illegitimi non carborundum." ;~}}}
The reason these 4 were highlighted was because they are former champions of the class. It only said that in the first paragraph, but I didn't notice it right away.
Still surprised how off the radar Canard is in the comments. I guess we haven't seen him healthy for almost 2 years, so its easy to forget he was beating all these guys on his good days.
@Dgizzy @starplaya--keep your racism away from here.. We saw how you guys really are on another post.. Racist period,
Dungey will surprise
Everyone look at those twos comments plus prestons comment on Jan. 1st The Stewart number 4 supercross rider of all time .. Their post says alot about them.. they are racist..
@realmofo
I think Preston might just be a troll, there's no way someone can actually have that intellect. Here he comes, James Stewart pom poms a blazing!!!
Or how about K-dub's crazy fast pace before he crashed his brains out.
Yes--K-Dub isnt getting alot of hype now.. I hope he comes out and freakin' kills it.. Podiums first race, that would rule..
Absolutely agree about K-Dub. He barely gets mentioned at all in the podium discussion. The last two times he was really on pace, he crashed hard. Hopefully that won't be in his head. Especially on that slippery hard pack that we often see at the first few rounds, he can be right up there with anyone.
Dungey is very fast. As evident by RV has to make a last turn pass on him in the 2011 outdoors at Steel City.. And Dungey was in the mix last year in supercross..
RV's speed didnt cause his injury last year.. If you watch the tape, RV hooks his foot in a rut on the first turn, his foot twist badly. Pretty sure that tore his knee, he went down from the pain.. He just simply fell over, that didnt damage his ACL, that was from catching the boot BEFORE he fell over.
And if that speed caused RV to miss all the time, what caused Dungeys collarbone problem last year in supercross??
@pinkfld42....... Bingo!
@Red44......They all get hurt at some point or another, comparing RV to RD's only - and pretty minor - injury since going pro. Not even in the same ballpark for comparison. I also heard through the grape vine last season that RD's motors were barely making it through the events and that a grenaded motor is what put him on the ground and broke his collarbone. Not saying this is the truth but I did hear it from someone in the industry.
Correct me if I am wrong, but I thought Dungey finished the race that he was injured in.. Hard to do if the motor was "grenaded" But I may be mistaken..Dont get me wrong, I do like Dungey..
when RD runs down RV (in SX) and passes him ill give him the credit (in sx) that you already give him RD gets caught and passed by everyone and he rarely does any catching and passing of his own just think back to 2011 SX how many races did dungey win? yeah go ahead ill wait dungey is more comparable to these guys outdoors but indoors his patient safe style doesn't work in a 20 lap race but you'll see soon enough
I would have to say this is Bubba's last chance for a title and i say he gets it done! Despite his history, and we all know about that, he probably knows his self that if he cant stay off the ground, next year will be 10X harder. RV1 will be hard to beat, RD5 will be consistant(as usual),CR22 will do good(podiums),TreyC will show he can still run the pace, and the guy that will mix it all up and show unreal speed, BAM BAM BARCIA wins at least 4 main events! This SX season is going to be EPIC! No Doubt! Go Bubba!(show us U are still "The fastest man on the planet", one more time!)
@ mofo ... He got hurt practicing, not racing.
@ jeramey... Staying healthy and consistent is part of racing, may not have the raw speed but he uses his head. His resume doesn't lie, different approach but at least he survives series to series by not riding over his head too often like some others. I'm sure he could go bonzai speed and crash more frequently as well like the others.
I am sorry but Stewart is no Hannah. If Hannah went down he was right back up and winning. I am no Hannah fan but I watched him enough back in the day to be able to say that Stewart is definitely no Bob Hannah.
In supercross Ricky Carmichael use to say he was never the fastest guy - just the best guy at winning championships. Maybe in the present era, Dungey is that guy- only time will tell.
WFO--Rc was also one of the most humble guys, if he wasnt the fastest, he wouldnt have had all the wins to go along with those titles..
Outdoors no one was even close to his speed- but indoors he struggled a bit more- like 2003 when Reed beat him straight up (oops I said it) 6 times in a row to close out the season. He insisted that he was trying to win every week- even though he only need second places to clinch it. If he woulda battled Reed hard he might have lost it- he was smart about it- like Stewart was at vegas '09. Fast alone isn't enough- have to be smart too. Ricky was very smart. GOAT smart.