450 Words: A1 Press Conference
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PrintChad Reed, now entering his 11th season in the premiere division of supercross, summed it up best at yesterday's Monster Energy Supercross pre-season press conference. “It's funny,” he started. “Every year it's the same thing. Everyone is so serious. Everyone's bike is the best it's ever been, they're in the best shape they've ever been in and all of that crap. I just want to be here surrounded by people I like being with, and race my dirt bike and have fun.”
And thus this year's push and pull began. The fans, press and industry people—and certainly the series promoters—want some drama, some fireworks, some trash talk at these things. They want mustard on their press conference. The riders? Well, if you're a genuine title contender (and anyone who gets to take to the stage at the press conference is) you don't want any of that. You want everything to be low key, because it's a long season, and if you get too emotional or too excited at any point of it, you could go down. So they just throw in some standard comments and move on.
“I set a goal this season and that’s to [win championships] three years in a row.” - Ryan Villopoto
Simon Cudby photo
That's especially true after last season. The five riders who won races in 2011 all missed significant time with injury in 2012. All of them. So it seemed like everyone is focused more than ever on staying on two wheels, staying consistent and not getting too high or too low.
Reed and Ryan Dungey are known best for their consistency, and while some pine for them to hang it out more and get crazy, they seem to be further entrenched to their old style. “You have to be there every weekend and have to be in it to win it,” said Reed, repeating the mantra he's carried his entire career. “I’ll just try to do my thing as always and be there in Vegas with a shot at this thing [the championship].”
Dungey was asked if this year's deep competition would force him to up his aggression and get out of his comfort zone. He sidestepped it. “It’s definitely going to be a tough year, there’s no hiding that,” he said. “Testing has gone well and I feel strong mentally, but time will tell on Saturday night when we line up and for the next 17 rounds everything will be settled.”
Yes, to the riders, round one needs to be treated no differently than round two, round 10 or round 17. Anaheim 1 is just one piece of a large puzzle, so they resist the urge to oversell the opener. We, on the other hand, keep asking for more.
“I set a goal this season and that’s to [win championships] three years in a row,” said Ryan Villopoto, the two-time and defending champion. “But, we’re here in Anaheim and you have to take it weekend by weekend, and that’s what’s driving me to keep doing what I need to do and be there in the end.”
“I'm sure you guys will tell me everything that I'm doing wrong, there's no secret with that.” - James Stewart
Simon Cudby photo
Maybe the only one with a statement to make was James Stewart, but his words weren't aimed at the competition, but rather the press itself. “I'm sure you guys will tell me everything that I'm doing wrong, there's no secret with that,” he said. “I feel like if I just focus on what I'm doing, and I had a good off-season with the guys. I feel like I do things right. This off-season has been perfect, so I'll just let you guys worry about what you guys worry about, and I'll worry about myself.”
As for the racing Stewart had a much less pointed comment. “I don't know, we'll just have to wait and see, I guess.”
It's easy to get mad at the riders for not stirring it up more, but it's a necessary evil to build a championship. Last year, intense competition led to four winners in the first four rounds, followed by a mass exodus with injuries. Seems like this year might start with a little less drama—but hopefully it will end with a lot more.
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For some reason I'm seeing a yellow bike with Fireworks exploding overhead???
The JS7 "haters" better hope he hits the dirt hard because I think James likes his Suzuki and is healthy and if he gets on a roll he could rip off a string of wins making the championship a race for second place.
Ripdown - it i sall possible! He actually looks (to me) kind of pissed like he his just barely hiding a anger....when i looked at the interview of ryan Dungey from MXA the (side shot) Stewart is just sitting there with this "F@$K you all" look on his face...wonder how that is going to work out...
For entertainment purposes - reed was golden - but that is his usual.
I think it was a mistake leaving Canard out - he is the one that all of these guys need to consider - he as at no point in his career (after so many setbacks I might add) had a problem running the pace and winning...this weekend is going to be soo good!
The poor 250 class is definately the sideshow this weekend (but will probalt produce a better race as usual - especially if Eli gets a bad start)
And ripdown lights the fuse - prepare for the explosions in form of anti-Stewart rants....hahaha....I can picture just about any color bike with fireworks overhead this year...You cant predict anything this go-around...I wold like to see JS7 or RV take it.....but we'll see what happens....By the way, Stewarts comments were probably the best and " saying it like it is" .... RV and Dungey were their normal selves and Reed was trying too hard to be class clown as he said.. If its a joke to him, why participate?....
I think it took longer to get the sound right for the conference than the actual conference itself lasted.....
I think JS will do well this year....but no-one is gonna rip off a string of wins...not even him. I do believe RV has the ability to ride on the edge the same as Stewart but with better focus.....these two, on a week in week out basis will be the alpha dogs! But don't rule out Barcia and Canard (once he gets his confidence) Reed and Dungey will do what they do best.
Regarding the press conference: "Sh&*t's weeeaaak"! So canned, staged, it just plain sucked. Sorry, but it did. I think Emig and Sheheen did the best they could, but where were the hard hitting journalists, c'mon! Bunch of Grandma's boys. lol
Im not a stew fan nor a hater, but Im pulling for him to have a good season and stay off the dirt and somewhere on the podium!
We needed Matthes to ask some off the wall questions....
I just think that JS has more to prove tomorrow night than the rest do.....and yes I would agree that he does seem somewhat perturbed. The others will or atleast should play it smart and go for a podium spot. That being said....if RV gets a good start it might be lights out for the rest?
I know it's early in the day but I think I may go to bed now....so tomorrow gets here sooner......
Looking forward to A1 and being there. I wouldn't rule James out yet, but it will be exciting to see who lights up the candles. Best of luck to all.
I think Stewart has alot to prove, or HE thinks he does.. He doesnt seem thrilled with the media for some reason.. Dont know why the media has always catered to him.. But I think he is pretty down the way the last few years has gone and he feels he has to prove something to everyone.. He seems determined.. I think he will have a better season than he has in the past. If he doesnt start well he will struggle. If he starts well he wont push so hard and he will have success.. Just my opinion.. He kind of panics if he isnt winning right away, and that spells trouble for him.. If he is having fun and winning, he can beat anyone, anytime..
Matthes: So James you look kind of pissed...almost like you want to punch Dungey is the face....IIs that true?
James: Yes.
Mathes: Hey RV how is latest course of EPO and HGH that Aldon has you on?
RV: Good feeling stronger than ever.
Matthes: Reedy you still hung over from last night?
Reed: f#*ckin A right!
Matthes: Justin tell us a story...
Justin: Weel you know for sure I am feeling good riding loose and ready to Bam Bam these b#@&ces;...
Ha ha!
WFO_UFO & Tonedeaf
You 2 better get that condition checked out before you lose all bowel functions !
Stewy said you can be the wash boys for the Sx starter
Fo-fitties:
1. Barcia
2. Canard
3. Villopoto
4. Dungey
5. Stewart
Deuce-and-half
1. Tomac
2. Roczen
3. Davalos
4. Seely
5. Somebody on a Suzuki
d@mn we are friday! I waited for the lap times' results! can't wait tomorrow ...
Riders- tucking your ears into your hat makes you look like an idiot. Stop. Now.
I hope we see a Stewart that is comfortable. Like he was on a Kawi. Chad Reed fans should remember that quite well.
@dino...Funny stuff. Funny because it could be true.
I watched the press conference via stream and after all that set up with cameras tables/chairs food,passes bike placement etc.....it was a joke and quickly over.I would be dissapointed if I was in charge of the press conference.Big let down with the exception of the guy with a personality....REED.
I'm not trying to fire up the JS7 fanboys or anything but I didn't find James's gangsta attitude towards the media very endearing, considering the amount of tokeing on James's pork bong they have done, I found it 'biting the hand thats feeds you', I'd like to see Bubba front up with a smile and that blazing speed and style that kept me glued to my seat.
Drop the attitude or you'll look silly if you don't back it up.
@misoheye - didn't think that through...might be a bit of a touchy subject...
Matthes: So RV...shot any innocent animals lately.
RV: Nothing is innocent...
Fo-fitties:
1. Narita
2. Villopoto
3. Barcia
4. Dustin Pipes
5. Teddy Parks
Deuce-and-half
1. Buddy Bruner
2. Johnny Buller
3. Broc Shoemaker
4. Dylan Schmoke
5. Chris Proscelle
6. Bracken Hall, 7. Brett Hottel, 8. Blake Savage, 9. Joey Savatgy, 10. Chris Plouffe, 11. Conner Stouff, 12. Preston Mull, 13. Jon Paul Powell, 14. Brandon Rangell, 15. Mattas Inda, 16. Ryder Steffy, 17. David Pulley, 18. Kevin Weisburch, 20. Bryce Stewart or Trevor Carmichael
I watched the PC, it lacked drama cause there were no poignant questions. Weege asked the only slightly interesting question to Villo about the time off... Weege you're the best, but why not ask Reed how he'll react if Barcia races aggressive, or why Stewart is so sensitive. Ask RD if Barcia can rattle him like J-Law... or even if Barcia will be a factor...ask Barcia if he'll race the elite guys the same as he races the 250 guys... or if he thinks he can beat JS straight up... or if he's worried about Wiemer or Canard... or find out if RV is peaking now or later? Does the cycling fallout cause any skepticism toward Aldon? what does RV think of Canard's injuries healing so quick? ....there's so many interesting talking points...
That type of thinking rattles to many cages Jesus...that is what got you nailed to the cross...
Press conference = the last place I want to hear anything the riders have to say.
In a little over 24 hours, all the talk will be meaningless.
I think it's funny Stewart was calling out the media, but honestly it's probably those of us on the message boards and in the comments sections that spend more time critiquing him than the media!
I know Stewie can win. He is Fast. The only thing that we need to worry about is who he will take out when he does crash and who will end there carriers because he thinks everyone needs to move out of his way. I know. When JS7 retires he can drive a Bull Dozer and move heaven and earth with it.
And fake SrcubThisLoser Poser- If you are indeed my 'prostrate' now- then I just took a greasy shit all over you.
ENJOY!
Good for Stewart. I think he means "you guys" as everyone.... Media, bench racers other riders...Usually James is a little more flashy or humorous which people usually knock him for, so he kept it simple....He is either saving things for the track, or just learning and maturing .... Reeds too cool for school attitude is kind of lame
Oh... And Reed totally ripped off JS7 boot colors.... Haha.... (sarcasm) Just a joke for all those Moto fashion experts who came out of nowhere this week
@DinosaurMedia - Perfect! Just perfect!
Stewy said he wants reparations !
Ripdown said: "Reed and Dungey will do what they do best."
You mean win championships while the other glory hounds crash like a bunch of, showoff, immature children? Reed and Dungey should just tell the other big 4, "I double dog dare you to go as fast as you can no matter what!" They'd all crash the first lap.....Lol!
its funny how people are like "oh barcia is gonna get put in the cheap seats" lol who exactly do y'all think is gonna do that he's not exactly a small guy he may even be taller than dungey so rv or stewart will be like dwarfs compared to him the only two that will even have a chance at taking barcia out are the two riders who have had plenty of dirty moments themselves which is reed and stewart but i think they will be to busy taking each other out
dinosaurmedia: Here's my take:
Matthes: "Dungey, how does it feel to be the only adult of the 5?"....
the battle for second this year is more than likely gonna allow whoever holeshots to checkout
Jesus:
Dungey would've just said, "who the crap is J-law? Oh wait I think I did know that boy years ago before I won my 5 AMA championships. Tell that kid hey for me if you can find him."
SeattleMX wrote:
"The JS7 "haters" better hope he hits the dirt hard because I think James likes his Suzuki and is healthy and if he gets on a roll he could rip off a string of wins making the championship a race for second place."
No need to hope for the inevitable.....
^ hey momma dungey! I see you're still fighting the good fight for your boy
DaveyCoombs you are a dick. WFO_UFO says it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Suck on a burrito Breath!!!! Ya alllll
@momma dungey you prepared for a bet for your boy that involves a toilet seat and your tongue? jsloan tried it but disapeard when it was time to annie up but something tells me you remember that bet
Starts are going to be more important in this year than ever. And for that reason Barcia will be dangerous. Also if you get a bad start there so many fast guys to pass to get to the front it's going to be very difficult. If one of the top guys can holeshot a lot you could see a string of victories. Can't wait
RCRDDW- love the Dungey /JLAW comment... RV and Dungey must laugh themselves to sleep anytime that kook is mentioned.....
But....didn't Reed crash his balls out and end his season trying to run with RV in Dallas 2012??RV was victim of a bike tip over and it took his knee out....Pretty freak if you ask anyone.... Aside from that, he was pretty damn dominant and stayed off the ground the entire series....
I agree bill c its gonna be hard enough getting around the guy in second and by the time you do 1st may be gone
Bill C - dude, don't ruin Emigs key to the race... Haha!
But indeed, starts will be very crucial as always.... But if possible, more so this year... Barcia got good starts in the 250.... But that may not carry over to the 450.... Hopefully Stew worked on starts ... He can work through the pack like only RV can.... But the pressure to get up front under the 14 minute main event causes the obvious
Bill C - dude, don't ruin Emigs key to the race... Haha!
But indeed, starts will be very crucial as always.... But if possible, more so this year... Barcia got good starts in the 250.... But that may not carry over to the 450.... Hopefully Stew worked on starts ... He can work through the pack like only RV can.... But the pressure to get up front under the 14 minute main event causes the obvious
JS7 will win the 2013 SX Championship!
MS32 will win the West Coast Lites title!
TEAM STEWART!!!!
My pics for A 1 are.....
1.Tony Hawk
2. Christain Hosoi
3.Mike McGill
4.Tommy Guerrero
5.Lance Mountain
6.Steve Caballero
err... wait... wrong sport.... lol for a minute there I thought i was back in the late 80's.
Star Playa 4 Life
Never make it off the shitter !
I personally don't believe Dungey needs to be more agressive.He just needs to keep doing what he's been doing for years.At the end he will be right there in the thick of things as usuall.
lol just the mention of J-Law gets the Dungey camp all fired up. What happened to turning the other cheek?
I guess it's hard to let go of loosing a championship to "a low-life" like J-Law
;)
Who could possibly know the keys to the race before it actually happens?! I have a feeling tomorrow's keys will be:
1. Get a mid-pack start. Hang back a little, don't be in such a hurry.
2. Coast into the corners, then wheelie out of them with your feet off the pegs.
3. Finally, and most importantly, it's gonna come down to the rider who makes the MOST mistakes.
I've been waiting a long time to finally hear it, I'm counting on Ralph Sheheen to step up and say about the only stupid thing left he hasn't said.fingers crossed.
nicely put dinosaurmedia! they could of easily made this a ten rider press conference and really got under some skin. anyway your comment on canard is so on and i am really pulling for this amazingly commited rider who has already proven himself plenty. i pic podo,stewart,dungey,reed,canard top 5.
STILL.....After all these years! NO ONE is faster than JS7. When he can keep it on two wheels.
I hope he truly is back so we can see where the level of competition has come!
Don't want to wait til saturday night.
How far west do I need to travel to watch this race tonight? ( 1/4/13) UUUUGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
even if js is top 5 would mean we are in for a very dramatic night of racing...brruup!
I'm sure the 5 best guys would be perfectly happy to just come out and finish in the top 5. Burn off some of the first race nervousness and get this show on the road. 17 races is a lot of Super-X's .... no need to risk throwing it away at round 1. Four of the five have thrown away seasons to injury .... they must be thinking a little more cautiously now. Sponsors bonus's for winning the series is in the millions, bonuses for second place are a few hundred grand max.
Funny shit chromob!
To sit back behind and wait for people to crash out ain't gonna work. Sure, it is a long season, but EVERY point is valuable. Does anybody see a dark horse snatching a win? Kdub, Milsaps, Weimer??????????
My podium in no particular order is RV, JS and JB.
Dark horse, yeah, milsap OR a 250 W rider riding a big bike on the east coast. Specifically Roczen @ Daytona. Crazy?
When there are only 3-4 true contenders on the track, the "sit back and wait" for things to happen can work out for you. We have seen Dungey use this strategy many of times and sure enough, Stewart for example will throw it away or perhaps RV...or Reed last year at Dallas and Dungey gains those precious spots ...but if your sittin in 5th place half way into the race not known for your passing and you have 4 hungry and fast guys in front of you and the same number behind you - you'd better "make" things happen rather than "wait" for them to happen...... Tickle, Milsaps, Grant are just a few dudes who may offer a little more of a fight for any of these guys if they are mired in the pack.... we saw RV and JS7 a few times come from waaaay back to top 3 or 4 rather simply last year and my guess is they could do it this year as well.....but some guys get stuck back there and dont move forward....14 minute mains boys
killomoto you are a MUPPET ! one thing that I can say about reedy id that he will be there come the end of the season. Bag him out all you want , but reed will win races.
I've seen people post 14 minute mains??? Are they talking lites, or has the 20 lap format changed??
KilloMoto: Yes Reedy definitely pushed it over the edge there as well as the huge crash outdoors trying to out pace one or both of the Ryans. But both those were out of character for him and I'll bet you don't see it this year. That's why he has so many wins and is in the hunt every year. I think RV's crash last year was a freak thing and I think he will crash less in the future also but I do think he has had hurt himself a lot in the past by the being overaggressive.
Anyway, I was just trying to give the dude who calls himself "Jesus" a little ribbing. I'm an RV fan I just pull for the Dunge a little more than the rest.
Jesus said: "I guess it's hard to let go of loosing a championship to "a low-life" like J-Law"
Exactly. ;)
CR22 always the best interview in the pits!! no PR crap, just says the way it is.
KilloMoto: I do understand what you're saying about the "sit back and wait" strategy this year but the only recent times their have been 4 or 5 top riders in recent years was 2011 and last year. In 2011, Dungey had a new team after losing Decoster. The bike and team were bad that year. Cost him a lot of points and even races. In 2012 Dungey again was on a new team and this time a brand new, unproven bike as well. They struggled in the whoops terribly at times and that rear end was all over the place. This year Dungey has the same bike and same team returning for the first time since 2009 when he won both MX and SX Lites championships. They have the bike set up with a history of specs utilize at each race. He is much more comfortable and confident this year than the 2 previous. He won't be sitting back waiting. I think everyone is going to be surprised at what happens this year.
^ lets hope you are right because as a fan of good racing I want to watch the best (compete) not wait for lady luck I know RD has the same potential as any of those guys he lines up against Ive seen flashes of it from him but he has to grow a pair he is way to insecure if you saw the MOTO4 you know what im talking about I dont care who wins as long as they truly are the best not just the luckiest
This just in: "Stewart will be fast. Stewart will win races. Stewart will NOT win the title."
Why would the press be critical of James "snatching mediocrity from the jaws of greatness" Stewart? I mean, look at the great seasons he's had the last few years! No one needs to lecture him about how to avoid run-ins with the police, keep it on two wheels, ride smart, consistency, or, how to win titles. No siree, he has all that covered.