Racer X Race Report: Phoenix
Sunday, January 13, 2013 | 2:55 AM
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PrintBy all accounts, considering it was his first-ever 450 race in Monster Energy Supercross, Justin Barcia had a good Anaheim 1. He won a heat race, and ran third for most of the main event before a quick tumble sent him back. And yet, most in his camp said he had much more than he showed at the opener, as nerves slowed him a bit at Anaheim.
At round two in Phoenix, nothing slowed him at all.
You knew Barcia would be a contender once he topped the first 450 practice session, since he usually only does so-so in practice and then gets faster once the races begin. Indeed he did, winning his heat race by a big margin, and then grabbing the Nuclear Cowboys holeshot in the main event and and checking out immediately. There were really no challengers for the Muscle Milk Honda rider, who led every lap at Chase Field to take his first-ever 450 victory (and in just his second try). Make that two different winners this year (last week's winner was Davi Millsaps), with neither coming from the much-hyped foursome of previous supercross champions.
Behind Barcia, a battle raged. Defending two-time champion Ryan Villopoto (Monster Energy Kawasaki) spun out and crashed while running fourth on the second lap, leaving last week's winner Millsaps (Rockstar Energy Racing) and Chad Reed (TwoTwo Motorsports Honda) to battle for second and third. Eventually Barcia's Muscle Milk Honda teammate Trey Canard arrived on the scene to make a three-rider battle, and Villopoto recovered to join the fight, too. The four of them raced hard but smart, as they were in no position to make a run at the fleeing Barcia.
Barcia and Millsaps led off the start, but Barcia was on the gas and started opening up a lead quickly.
Millsaps and Reed battled for second early.
Villopoto fell, and eventually Canard passed Reed and Millsaps to get to second. Then he fell on the last lap, and Villopoto took second.
The racing is awesome and close early in the season, and we love having photos like this to run.
About the only spot that wasn't hotly contested was this one: Barcia won big.
Cudby photos
At one point Villopoto caught Canard for fourth, but then Canard sliced inside of Reed to take third. Villopoto then passed Reed, too. Then Canard got Millsaps for second, and eventually Villopoto followed suit. On the last lap, Canard held a slight advantage over Villopoto, as the two had exchanged different fast laps. But then Canard bobbled in a rhythm lane and crashed with a half lap to go—costing him three spots with Villopoto, Millsaps and Reed getting around him. This also allowed Millsaps to re-wrestle the points lead back from Canard, and made the final top three read Barcia, Villopoto and Millsaps. Reed was fourth and Canard fifth.
Jake Weimer (Monster Energy Kawasaki), James Stewart (Yoshimura Suzuki), Ryan Dungey (Red Bull KTM) Andrew Short (Chaparral Honda) and Josh Grant (JGR Toyota Yamaha) rounded out the top ten.
Expected title contenders Stewart and Dungey didn't have their best days. Stewart was still dealing with a knee injury suffered last week, but he was fastest in qualifying and won his heat race. It was very cold all day and night in Phoenix, and Stewart admitted to us after the race that the cold had an effect on him. Dungey crashed on the first lap of his heat race and missed the qualifying cut, sending him to the LCQ where he got another bad start and finished second to Jimmy Albertson. A bad start in the main set Dungey back again, and he was able to claw from about 16th to eighth.
In the 250 SX class, there's less drama, as GEICO Honda's Eli Tomac is proving to be a level above the competition so far. The defending West Region SX Champion didn't get a great start in the main, but was able to work his way forward to his second-straight win.
Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki's Martin Davalos started the night with a huge, huge crash in his heat race, but bounced back to win the LCQ and then grab the early lead in the main event despite the terrible gate pick. But Tomac was on the move, starting about top five and then working up to second. He then carved into Davalos' lead, took it and checked out. Red Bull KTM's Ken Roczen then managed to catch Davalos with two laps to go, and they collided at one point, and then on the final lap Roczen was able to make the move and steal second. Davalos, banged up from his big crash earlier, held on for third. Cole Seely (Lucas Oil Troy Lee Honda) and his rookie teammate Jessy Nelson rounded out the top five.
Tomac (1) got buried off the start but that inside gate selection helped him slice into the top five.
Tomac eventually caught and passed race leader Davalos, and it was over from there.
Roczen started even worse than Tomac but came through for second.
Davalos had a long night--big heat race crash and an LCQ win. But he managed to dig out a podium finish.
Cudby photos
After drawing 50,000 fans in Phoenix, Monster Energy Supercross next heads to Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California, again next weekend for round three.
450SX Class Results
1. Justin Barcia, Ochlocknee, Ga., Honda
2. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki
3. Davi Millsaps, Murrieta, Calif., Suzuki
4. Chad Reed, Australia, Honda
5. Trey Canard, Shawnee, Okla., Honda
6. Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki
7. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Suzuki
8. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM
9. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda
10. Josh Grant, Riverside, Calif., Yamaha
450SX Class Points
1. Davi Millsaps, Murrieta, Calif., Suzuki – 45
2. Justin Barcia, Ochlocknee, Ga., Honda – 39
3. Trey Canard, Shawnee, Okla., Honda – 38
4. Chad Reed, Australia, Honda – 36
5. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM – 33
6. Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki – 31
7. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki – 27
8. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda – 27
9. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Suzuki – 27
10. Josh Grant, Riverside, Calif., Yamaha – 21
Western Regional 250SX Class Results
1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda
2. Ken Roczen, Germany, KTM
3. Martin Davalos, Ecuador, Kawasaki
4. Cole Seely, Newbury Park, Calif., Honda
5. Jessy Nelson, Paso Robles, Calif., Honda
6. Zach Osborne, Chesterfield, S.C., Honda
7. Ryan Sipes, Ekron, Ky., Suzuki
8. Kyle Cunningham, Aledo, Texas, Yamaha
9. Joey Savatgy, Thomasville, Ga., KTM
10. Christian Craig, Wildomar, Calif., Honda
Western Regional 250SX Class Points
1. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda – 50
2. Ken Roczen, Germany, KTM – 44
3. Cole Seely, Newbury Park, Calif., Honda – 38
4. Ryan Sipes, Ekron, Ky., Suzuki – 29
5. Zach Osborne, Chesterfield, S.C., Honda – 29
6. Kyle Cunningham, Aledo, Texas, Yamaha – 23
7. Tyla Rattray, South Africa, Kawasaki – 22
8. Max Anstie, England, Suzuki – 22
9. Martin Davalos, Ecuador, Kawasaki – 21
10. Joey Savatgy, Thomasville, Ga., KTM – 20
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Villopoto on a Honda?
Yeah, that's a big mistake
I predicted bam bam will dominate this series and barring injury he will. Stewart is running about where I believe he will finish out his career, back in the pack with dis dat and de odder ding always keeping him from provings he is de fmotp :)
Canard looks solid and RV will challenge but won't be able to match a young, charging barcia. Reeds done in terms of wins but has a few podiums in him yet. Milsaps was a one shot wonder; the press day exclusion looks legit now. RD will slowly recover and contend with RV and barcia for the title. Great series. It's going by the book....
"Millsaps was a one shot wonder"
Even though he podiumed and extended his points lead
Yeah running 75% of the race in 2nd sounds likes one shot wonder to me
RD had a rough night, Barcia looks great and so does Canard.....looks like a changing of he guard....If Davalos didn't pick himself up I think Mitch would shave his head.........DV18 was still impressive.
Millsaps is for real. He finished second overall last year and will be top 3 this year too. Dungey is not looking too comfortable on the bike this year. He couldn't even pass in the last chance qualifier to take first. He is fighting that KTM in my opinion.
That's a great ride from Dungey Salvaging points and minimizing damage on a very tough night caused only by a bad start in the heat which caused some bad luck. He's still looking better than anyone else for the title at the moment, but he has to come out swinging in rd 3. Considering he's got a bad night out of the way and all ahead of him in points have some big question mark attached to them, he's in great position.
anyone else notice the way carmichael kept saying davalos... i was waiting for a ronnie mac goon over the finish in the lcq but no such luck
@tracks needs to do the world a favor an go play in traffic before he post another dumb comment...
Albertson did a ronnie Mac over the finish.. It was great!
Barcia looks pretty solid
Dungey had no interest in passing Albertson. There is no difference in the 19th or 20th gate pick, he just wanted to be safely in the main
RV is having 2008 flashbacks when Canard came in and kicked his ass.
Dungey needs to pick it up a lot, he couldn't even pass #55 on the last chance, looks like his waiting for others to make mistakes attitude is not going to work.
JS still real fast, who knows how bad he is injured, but still a smart ride.
Great season.......Enjoy the races
Warrior, Dungey is looking better than anybody else for the title? The way he "sliced" through the pack and beat everybody he is in battle with for the title? I think you are right about 1 thing, he better come out swigning at A3.
@warrior not sure what you mean by dungey being in the best spot last night showed what is to come of this season he was lucky to make the podium last week do you know what has to happen for dungey to win the title RV,JB,tc,JS,dm,and possibly even reed would all have to get injured do you really think that bad luck is gonna strike all those guys down? Not gonna happen dungey's strategy will not work this season and quite frankly it's garbage anyways leave that crap for other sports when I watch a race it's to see who was the best who was the fastest all I see in dungey is a guy who's success on the 450 came from others misfortunes you will see there are 15 rds left dungey is bound to grab the holeshot so there won't be any excuses he will be caught and passed by no less than two of the names mentioned above stamp it
@rick you are wrong he was trying to get around him he just has a problem pulling the trigger
Oh and ronnie Mac the guy he couldn't get around finished 19th in the main fyi
Wow, Sasquatch got a good start and puts in some fast laps to win 450 main. Everyone is looking for him on discovery channel but guess they did not think to look for him at a supercross race. I give JS7 kudos for hanging and fighting through this. Racing is always better when everyone is in it. Villo is finding the groove. Only tasted dirt once this time! Canards crash is a heart breaker but I am impressed how quick he has come back and how much speed he has after injury and being out for so long. All in all its some of the best racing we have seen. I hope everyone stays healthy!!
I keep talking about a scenario of going into Vegas where 5-6 guys can leave with the title and although its still early it looks like it could happen if everyone stays smart I don't see anyone just running away with it
Jeramey- there is a reason Dungey is racing and your on the keyboard.
You said the guy he couldn't get around finished 19th right? Well Dungey started DEAD LAST after the first turn, and he pushed all the way to 8th. (He passed Albertson on lap 4) then passed another 9 riders where Albertson pretty much couldn't move forward. Where is your logic Einstein?
If Dungey attempts passing Albertson in the lcq on a slippery track and loses the front end, he doesn't make the main and his season is over. He was smart.. That track was brutal.
Stay on the computer brainiac.
I think Barcia is a lot better than anyone realized, including me. He is extremely fast and aggressive and he wants to win badly. If Barcia gets confident, this could be over soon if Barcia does not auger himself into the ground.
When Tomac moves up next year we could see Honda run that tables for several years. This season is not going according to anyone’s predictions.
Why do you think it was so important, so critical, so necessary for Dungey to win the LCQ? Apparently you think the LCQ is just as important for the main event and Dungey needs to prove his supremacy by passing a rider that barely qualifies. There is a reason Dungey is never hurt, rarely misses mains, rarely throws away points like RV and Stewart, and wins championships. You call it misfortune of others, I call it smart.
Bowyer was right last thursday when he said RD was going to be a 3-5 guy all year.It's obvious he's not wanting to learn to stay aggressive..
RD needs to take that stupid shock off!!
DM
RD
CR
Series ending standings.
Say what you want the best will win the title not the safest this year and probably from this year forward because there will be even more fast guys coming up next year and when you have that many guys who can win they aren't all gonna crash themselves out like dungey fans hope they do
Jj77 first he want running the air shock and second unless reed and dungey get with it they are not gonna be as close as you think you are seeing a trend of the front runners dv,JB,RV,tc so that leaves 4th place and on reserved for the rest and. Stewart maybe just getting warmed up everyone better hope that's not the case because we've never seen Stewart use his head and that could be dangerous
https://twitter.com/racerxonline/status/290153850688634882
Barcia: Though it is early in the season and lots of racing to go, Bammer is now full of C&C, Justin just became the biggest threat to take the #1 plate..
Canard: So close, all he needs to do is clean up those little bobbles that keep sliding him back.. once that's done he should win one..
Dungey: Salvaged at bad night at the races, 18th to 8th, needs to work on starts all week in prep for A2 ..Behind Stewart, now the most bagged on rider on this site..
Millsaps: Pressure of the red plate may have bothered him a bit, all in all enough speed and savvy to keep it, for at least another week..
Reed: He does not look comfortable, so he is still not up to speed, but Chad is getting better and will be up there battling for the podium soon..
Stewart: New Stew is riding smart, collecting points and not risking further injury to the knee, better heal soon, cause he is going to need some wins to catch back up
Villopoto: Except for a small mistake, looks more like the rider who won last year, even smiled on the podium..Look for some 1-51 battles in the near future
If this is a new strategy for stew I wonder who came up with it. He always talks about the pressure of always being expected to win but in this case he takes the pressure off by having people think "well we're just glad he's here" meanwhile he's focussing on just putting in 20 laps with the rubber side down who knows but either way I said it a couple weeks ago I think whoever holeshots is more than likely gonna win because the battle for second and third are gonna allow the guy in first to skate
The 450 class "big four" may be in trouble if Barcia and Millsaps are winning already. They useally do better on the east coast type tracks, with ruts and tacky dirt. Bam bam hasnt even raced these west coast stadiums before but he has looked good out here. It's only going to get tougher with Tomac and the other kids coming in to the class next year.The 450 class is changing fast.
speaking of east coast, it would really be good if tomac got out on a 450 for a few of the races. he's a big kid and would do very well..Trey needs to slow down alittle.riding over his head as is villo..
@tonewall....Hmmm, RC said the same about RV's bike that I did and RV admitted on the podium that his bike needs work. Still think it's in his head not the bike? I bet RV wishes he had one of those slow Hondas.
Feld is so lucky that some SX watching lawyer doesn't get the riders together. Yet another problem with shit on the side of the track. Racing SX is dangerous enough without worrying about getting taken out by tuff blocks or metal scaffolding. What is it going to take to get whoever is in charge of this to do something? It is COMPLETELY unacceptable. In ANY motorsport the track and fellow competitors should be the only dangers. Anything put near, on, next to or above the racing surface CANNOT be a danger to the rider/driver at any time, even if the rider goes out of control. Just like what happened to RD. To me this shows that the riders safety is the last thing being worried about. AAAARRRGGGGHHHHHHH!!!
Good job by Barcia......but lets not jump to conclusions. He will have bad nights like everyone else. The field is just too deep and fast for him not to get caught up in some battles. I do agree with an earlier post.....holeshots are more important this year than probably ever. Will be so many battles going on the leader is gonna check out....especially when you have guys like Alessi running road block.....that was brutal!
He was lapped around lap 12.....guy needs to get out of the way of the race.
KTM 450 is a big hunk of junk, I am sure next year there will be a "brand new Version"
Wow 'Tracks', glad you know everything. Millsaps is clearly NOT a 'one-shot wonder'.
Aside from that, though, who would've thought that the 'Big 4' would be 4, 5, 7 & 9 in the standings after 2 rounds? Wow! What a season it is and will continue to be.
I like how JS can find some extra speed when RV is behind him and he knows there will be camera time involved. Soon as RV passed him, his pace falls right back to where it was. The Legend Of the Mysterious Knee injury continues... Not stoked
Way to race behind you 800, again proving you are a master of holding up the field (heat race). Got to give it to him, he is a champion blocker. I wonder if he wanted to hug somebody afterwards. - Not a fan... never stoked
Stoked for Barcia, RV better get better starts.
Stoked for TC doing way better than I figured he would coming back
Not Stoked on Reed, hope to see him get faster
Good Job RD salvaging something from a bad day - Semi-stoked
Millsaps is a pleasant surprise - Stoked
RV - Stoked on the 2nd place considering he went down. Had he not, we could of seen a sick JB/RV battle
Stoked - Davalos made it over the berm instead of a head-first-pile-drive into the berm..that was gnarly
Eli - Stoked
Hansen- in the words of Nelson Muntz " HA HA" - Not stoked
My views aside, thank you to all riders. You are all warriors.
@Dirtyninja--I really feel that Stewie gave it a good shot when RV was behind him, once he got passed he smartly realized with a bad knee he wasnt going to be able to keep pace and stay up.. He wisely backed off and lived to race another day.. smart on my opinion..
wow.... everyone talking about dungey and last chance....... he doesnt ride with albertson, he doesnt trust him. why chance it. so mush laygayness
Barcia rode a great race and I was surprised that he checked out like he did. What I don't understand is what is going on with Poto. He seemed to be putting on the charge but these little mishaps are costing him. I glad to see James keep it on 2 wheels and hanging in there, just don't see the James of the old putting in that charge. I was hoping this would be the weekend when we would see some bar banging to the finish line. Glad to see Reed hanging tough and Trey putting in a solid ride. The talent field is so stacked, so it will be a good season.
dirtyninja = tool
Dried-out, slippery track with a narrow racing groove.
The battle royale everyone is expecting is not going to happen on that track. I saw RV trying very hard to move forward, and paid for it with a fall. Everyone else took a rather conservative approach and settled for what was given to them. Dungey had to charge to get to 8th, but in all, a conservative approach.
"This ain't checkers, it's chess". Even the blazing fast, young gun Barcia will talk about being smart and it's a long series. That's because smarter people than him are managing his progress. IF the experience of Jeff Stanton can be taught to Barcia, then he will surely be a threat for the title at the end.
I get a laugh out of people claiming Alessi & Grant are these evil, blocking jerks. Holding your line (the narrow groove that was the racing line in Phoenix) does not make you a blocker. It was difficult for EVERYBODY to go outside the groove and make forward progress.
@warrior ,,,,,RD COULD NOT PASS Albertson in the LCQ!!! Yeah he looks GREAT!!! LOL
.RV is still the man IMO. He just needs to stop making little mistakes and he will be fine. I said it before the year started that Barcia because of his starts he would be trouble!! Reed is still WAY off the pace, RD STILL can't pass!!! TC is looking REAL good but need to clean it up like RV and stop makeing liitle mistakes. Saps went backwards like I figured he would but is still looking VERY good this year i just don't think he can do it all year but time will tell. JS I hope can heal up.
What team is Tomac gonna ride for next year? Assuming Carnard stays healthy, he will be going for wins in SX and MX. Factory Honda will want to keep Canard. They will surely want to keep Tomac too.
Does factory Honda run a 3 rider team?
Does Geico run 2 450's knowing that it's KW's last year
Does he go to Reed's team?
you fu$ks havent a clue. once villy settles down he will be tough to beat over the long haul.lets not discount the heart of a champion!
The RD fanboys need to step back and take a deep breath. First off he wasn't running the air shock last night so you can't blame his results on that. You have to be truly delusional to say he's in the best place to win the championship in 5th. He hasn't shown the speed to make passes on the top riders. I'm not saying he can't do it but being in 1st place is the best way to win a championship. I'm a fan of RV but I'll readily admit 7th is not the best place to be. RD is one of the greats outdoors but indoors he's a little off the pace like Baggett and that's okay to admit. In my opinion the outdoors is the only real MX anyway and is more important.
I said before the series started Barcia would be a serious contender and I think at this point he is the one to beat. He has competitive speed and more importantly is a consistently good starter. I also think Canard is in it for the long haul. Millsaps will fade a little (you can only got backwards from 1st) but remain a top 5 guy. RV seems to be having bike set up issues but did turn in the only sub 51 second lap last night. If he'll quit making bone head gate picks and get a top three start I think he can make up some ground. I think Reed is going to hang around getting 4th or 5th place finishes all year.
Too bad Tomac can't race both classes.
Lets hear it from all the naysayers who "stamped it" Milsaps would not leave Phoenix with the red plate.
Super pumped for Davey.
In other news is it not a requirement to buckle your helmet before racing pro super-x?
Dungey on point with damage control,looking forward.
Wanna give a shout out to Roczen
who would've won with a start.
DM18 +6
http://www.vitalmx.com/photos/features/Vital-MX-Pit-Bits-Phoenix,37195/Ryan-Dungey,63420/GuyB,64
@jeramey im sure you have this whole thing figured out ! dungey at age 23 is washed up ! he had a off night and was luckey to not get hurt in the heat . he had the most passes all night but yet he cant pass ! all these guys will have at least one off night. lets hope that all these guys make it safely thru there off night . we will see where dungey ends up at the end of the season. one thing ive learned is that in racing anything can happen
Just some interesting notes here. The fastest lap of the race was made by Villo,@50.880. On lap 14. The 2nd fastest lap was made by Barcia @ 51.459 on lap 5 then it looks like Bam,Bam put it on cruise control and enjooyed the race. Then the 35rd fastes lap of the race was made by Canard @51.702 and he did that on lap 17! Nobody else broke into the 51's dring the race. I think that tells a bit of a story. The rest of the fast guys got close but never broke the 51 second barrier.
No Chase Stallo I am not trying to take your job!
Nevermind
just read on mxa's site where Canada got black flagged for helmets straps flapping in breeze.
thanks jody
@srp140 No RD is not washed up, but passing from 16th to 8th is not quite the same as going from 8th to 1st. In order to make up points on TC, JB and DM he has to finish ahead of them more often than not. For RD to win RV, JB, and TC all have to have a bad night at the same time, and I don't see that happening.
@ texag RD was listed as 17th place on the 2nd lap of the race and yes he passed up to 8th just behind JS7. That is working your way throgh some pretty fast puppeis and kepping it rubber side down!
@jeramey youre disdain of Dungey is starting to sound like people who used to write chad reed off. Do yourself a favor and recap the past few years' race results, the stats say the #5 will be just fine. Were on round 2 of 17 and the track last night was a slot car track, RV was the only one who appeared to be making his own lines to me. Tons of racing left, good ride for Barcia.
Bam Bam! It's Barcia Time!
Historic day in Supercross, Magoo O'Barcia first win in AMA 450 SX!, sorry Bam Bam's haters ...
@tbagmx everyone is just giving their opinions relax, who really cares what happens, happens.
Last night was as much about the track as anything else. It started in "good" condition in the 250 heats but turned into the typical ice skating rink that Phoenix is known for. The camera shots from the roof showed how narrow the race lines were, especially in the corners. Almost like an indoor version of Carlsbad.
Making any conclusions about the season from last night's results doesn't make much sense to me. IMO all those in the mains just wanted to take what they could get and get out of Phoenix healthy.
RV pushed it a litte too much early on in traffic and lost the front end. After that, he appeared to only push when he wasn't trying to make a pass. RV was quick turning some laps in the 51s, but didn't Barcia turn at least one in the 50s? The point being that Barcia had a pretty clear track most of the night and RV only had a few laps of clear track.
Dungey did a good job passing up to 8th given the track. Being impatient last night was a ticket to crash. As RC stated, getting out of CA healthy is the goal if you want to be a contender in May
@retardcross I just want the dungey fantaics to realize that this is 2013 not 2010 there will be no more gifts more contenders showed up this year than was originally expected his strategy will not work against a field this deep he will have to adapt the question is, can he?
cr500 Im almost positive that he did I guess they forgot that or the commentators were wrong
1/19 A3 Predictions 450
1. Villopoto
2. Barcia
3. Millsaps
4. Canard
5. Reed
6. Stewart
7. Dungey
8. Weimer
9. Alessi
10. Short
11. Grant
12. Windham
Was there more than 1 SX on last night ? Seems like just about everyone here saw something different. Welker-- you can't type good enough to take Chase Stallo's job.
https://twitter.com/racerxonline/status/290297700891631616 barcia had the fastest lap of the night according to racer x
@kcrosset solid picks except I think canard is eventually gonna put it all together and finish ahead of davi so those are two that id swap places
@misoeye....Looked like it worked just fine to me...and he admitted chasing settings...heres a shocker they are ALWAYS chasing settings as the better it gets the faster you go and it starts all over...I think HE maybe is just starting to find his groove...He basically caught and passed everyone he got close to..and that balls just started rollin.....when did 8th become 'smart' or crashing and making mistakes 'a good plan' ..only Dungey guys seem to feel that way..lol....yeah ,keep riding conservatively and see where that gets you this year ....I like Dungey but 51 ,41 18 and 1 are gonna push it...and Havoc and Reed are just lurkin around which is also dangerous....good luck....great racing and announcing..love this season.......T-mac=gone. @tracks .thats good comedy and spot on...said no one.....
true rd is a bit off the pace but like cr they will improve . enough to take the title straight up ? i dont think so ! i feel tc,rv both need to settle down . rv and jb will be the the two in the end with rd,tc,dm,cr all battling . js it all depends on the knee ! they all will battle for wins at some point during the season and thats all i want to see !!
Anyone else see it like this.........
Goin off how everyone looked last year, before most of them got hurt. It seems to me that Barcia and Milsaps are winning because Poto, Reed, Dunge and Stew have all slowed down a notch ?
Yeah, congrats to Barcia, Canard and Milsaps for thier early found speed and sucess, but I really think its because the others are off thier game right now.
Clearly, Poto looks the fastest out of all right now, and he even looks slugish to me??
What say the rest of you guys?
@tonewall..I think you might be blind in one eye and can't see out the other.HaHa. It's only 2 races in and it looks like RV and Barcia are going to be the dudes to beat. If RV is that fast with a poor handling bike can only imagine how fast he would be on a Honda, I mean when they get it sorted out. I'd let you work on my motor but stay away from my suspension. Just kidding, I wouldn't let you work on my motor either.(joke)
@ jeramey Well all I know is what AMA live timing shows and on lap 5 Bam Bam did a 51.459 and then on Lap 14 Villo did a 50.880. Well that is what the live timing says? I know I cant typetoo mmuch arthritis.. So lets see what Chase says? I am just pointing out that RV was still pushing while Barcia was on cruise control. Go to Live Timing and see if I am blind also? Oh I am kinda bad with this smal print.
i like how villapoto rides wide open.
im a dungey fan but i will be the first to say that if he doesnt grow a sack and step it up a few notches with the aggresiveness he will have not shot at the title this year. maybe he could do that if it was just him and stewie but there are six guys out there that want it just as much as him but are willing to ride more aggressive to gain position than dungey is. He needs to change starting next week if he wants any chance at all at the title.
I wonder what the longest streak of having diferent winners is in a supercross series is? Last year we went 4 races with 4 different winners winners. The next 5 races could have more first time winners this year because I think given the chance we have the people that could do it. Just hope everyone stays safe! Winning can get addictive!
Jan.19th A-3 is going to be interesting. Millsaps is really impressing.
Isn't Jan 19 when the muslim brotherhood takes over?
@welker maybe they only count the main event and thats fine because barcias was in his heat race but they shouldnt paint the picture that RV was faster which do I think if they were 1 and 2 RV would win? yes on most nights he would but barcia was on pace last night for sure
Another great Saturday night.
Congrats to JB. Way to execute. Can you feel RV breathing down your neck? DM and the red plate for another week. All eyes on you. Leave nothing on the table.
CR- 4th equals 18pts. times 17 brings the total to 306. Not likely to get it done. Plenty of races left to get it done.
RD- Got your bad race out of the way. Time to pass 19 riders in one shot. The rest will take care of itself. ( Playing it conservative in the LCQ very smart. Stay the hell out of there even smarter.)
TC- Praying gives you wings. Stay the course.
JS- You have been tested before. This is the finals. Don't get distracted.
Why is everybody calling next weekend A3?
Barcia, you did great ! Dist. # 34 may produce a National SX Champ, wow!
ALESSI need to quit ! Maybe welker can suit up !
I think this post is one lined and groved GET A LIFE PEOPLE
@BILLC--You must really be hating it now sonce Barcia won.. I know you hate him, you said so yourself.. You posted once "I hate that kid, he is nothing but a punk" Well that "punk" is going to be around a while, so you better get used to it.. You used to argue with anyone that defended him..
Let me summarize the 450 main by saying: Barcia rocked the house. There's not much more to say. The boy is catching fire, and everyone else is going to have to pick it up, or throw in the towel.
There are only 2 things that I know for sure:
1. With 4 rounds left, Dungey will have a shot at the title and have placed himself wisely within the leaders. He makes WISE decisions like NOT trying to pass Albertson in the LCQ risking a potential DNS from a slippery track. Anyone that doesnt realize Dungey had nothing to gain from passing Albertson, must not understand how the qualifying process works. He saved energy, made it to the main.. and passed over half the field.
2. Barcia is chomping at the bit to get into a scrap with RV.. Barcia lives for playing dirty and going for the throat. I cant wait..
RV dropped that 50.8 on lap 14, but he had 6 other laps in the 51's.....and several that were low 51's. Only Barcia and Canard had close to as many 51's....and they were all high 51's except Barcia's fastest lap which was around 51.45 No one else had a SINGLE 51 during the race. No one. RV actually had at least two laps that were faster than Barcia's fastest and several more that were right around that 51.5. BUT, that is not to take anything away from Barcia because he rode great. Also, let's dispell that Barcia was cruising as he was doing 52's right up till lap 19 with a few 51's thrown in (lap 12 and 18). I know people have their hopes up that there is something wrong with RV...or his bike....or whatever, but the dude is the fastest guy out there. I say if there is something wrong, thank you for that, so we have some good racing for the wins! I also say again that he is finding his groove and how fast he has to go to win these things. It should be a little scary to all of them that RV kind of crapped the start, FELL DOWN, and got going and caught and passed all but one of them....and that happened to be the guy who got a clean holeshot and had a decent gap after lap 2.
I'll give you Dungey guys credit for one thing: you are not afraid to use the EXACT same excuses you beat JS7 up for. Ridiculous. You're going to say RD5 rode well last night? Really? It was pathetic. Chasing Ronnie Mac around the LCQ? Some champion. lol
Most of you guys look like fools now with all you pre race BS !! Heres egg in you eye !
Absolutely ridiculous to be giving Dungey grief for the LCQ. He could have pressed it and fallen on a slick track and failed to qualify. See what Anderson had just done in the 250 LCQ! Plus, he was in the LCQ thanks to Grant clipping someone and not his own doing. Getting an 8th from last is a pretty good salvage job against this field and again on a slippery track. See what RV just did at the last round. 8th is better than falling back to a 16th trying to get up to 7th. So many times people disregard any form of analysis of what happened during a race and just look at the outcome. Simply having 4 former champs lined up is not something many have dealt with over the years. Dungey's laps were way off pace but that happens as you work to get around Brayton, Chisholm, Short, Grant, and the rest that he had to pass. Dungey is a threat until I see him get a holeshot and get dropped back to 5th one by one. As it stands he's only 6 points out of 2nd place after that salvage job.
bd200 I never said I hate the kid, I did say he acts like a PUNK and I have a lot of proff to be saying that.(am I a BIG fan?...NO... but I do not hate anyone out there) Now as for me hateing him winning?? If you have been reading my posts the last few months I SAID HE WOULD BE WINNING. I think it's great because like I have said many time the more fast guys the better it is for us all!!.
Now to the RD fans that say RD was "smart" to not pass Albertson I say MAYBE you could sell that to me but if he was not trying why was he so close and putting himself in a BAD BAD spot if Albertson goes down?? If he was REALLY planing on staying in 2nd why not back off and "BE SAFE" ?? Even RC said it was a DUMB move to stay there like that.
One more comment on the whole fan perspective. When racers ride smart and settle for good positions, certain fans bag on them and say they suck because they can't pass so and so. Then when racers go mental and crash their brains out trying to pass so and so and get hurt leaving NOBODY left to challenge for the win, they all complain how sucky and boring the season is. I want every guy lined up last night to be able to race every race from now until Vegas, and could really care less if anyone settles for a position in the LCQ or heat race. It means absolutely nothing that Dungey didn't pass for the LCQ win. We're just lucky he wasn't hurt when he got taken out in his heat. Could've been real bad. Didn't Grant land on Tedesco last year and take him out of the series?
BillC, I'm still stuck on RC saying "preparate" last week. You've raced and don't need RC to tell you what is up. It's Dungey's M.O. and one reason why he will always be in the hunt even if he loses more often for not taking chances. RV and a host of others would have done everything in their power to get around Albertson asap but then again, if RV hits an LCQ you and me are going to be holding our breath as RV fans as he tries banzaiing his way to 1st because we know there is a distinct possibility that he fails to qualify doing so. I had no doubt RD would qualify unless his bike broke last night in the LCQ. Did you have any doubt? Remember Jacksonville and RV's LCQ? Not pretty.
I think the Dungey haters are missing an important point. Dungey had a bad crash in his Heat race. That same cash would have sent a lesser rider to the showers for the night. You simply do not crash that hard and feel no pain. For Dungey to go from 18th to 8th in the Main after that Heat crash is impressive.
I agree with @rickamatuzio, RV will get frustrated and start rubbing paint with Barcia. RV got into it with Lawrence big time and Barcia is way better and meaner than little “gimme a bite of that ear Lawrence.”
Yes but B-KR don't you think RD being that close to Albertson was not to smart? He put himself in a vulnerable position. Had Albertson made a mistake RD is going down also. Thats my point I believe RD was trying to pass him otherwise he would have hung back. If he was just hanging there it was not smart to do it so close, back off 3rd was WAY WAY back. and believe me I don't base what I say by what RV says that 's for sure. I preparate on my own!! LOL
JonR145 yes RD passed 10 guys, But what guys?? do you ever see him Pass RV?? JS?? if he started 8th he would have finished no better than 6h is my guess. No hate here just what history has shown. If RD holeshotys he can win any race for the most part but I have not seen him Pass RV in 3 years but RV has passed him.
@BillC, refresh my recollection. Where did RV finish at A1? He crashed his brains out trying to pass mid-pack guys. You also said RV and Stewart would win 75% of the races this season. You said Stewart would pass RC for wins and RV would win at least 8 races and the Title. I think RV is awesome but all these guys have different styles and strategies.
We know based on your comments you think RV and Stewart do no wrong and are beyond reproach. That is why your comments come off as narrow minded.
Lol ok we got it people, everyone has their own predictions, rv is faster but not as consistent as everyone else he has never been consistent enough to say that. He either wins the championship or he hurts him self hes playing the odds. Ya great hes always fast but eventually going that fast bits you. In my opinibikeon Rd and Cr are the smartest riders to throw a leg over a dirt bike. I can only hope that Rv and Jb try and go mach10 to pass one another and both crash and take eachother out ofthe pnts
lets not forget that reed and dungey crashed themselves out before villopoto last year fact!
and another thing i'd like to add both RV's recent injuries could have happened to anyone when he broke his leg they all said it was down to concrete their and the knee thing was a fluke so its not like he's been crashing his brains out on a level thats even comparable to stewart
Davi Milsaps is a talened fella. On the podium last night in Phoenix and quarterbacking at Gillette Stadium now for the Texans.
HAHAHA ryanwagopoto, I can't help thinking the same thing every time they show a shot of Schaub!!!
How would anyone know for sure that JB wants to start crap with RV? Just because you understand how a camshaft works does not mean you are a mind reader, please stop the rubbish.
@jeramey, why the RV crash comparison to Stewart?? Gotta be careful with that so far this year, i think RV has something like a 4-0 lead on JS in that department......juuuuuust sayin'!!
RD wanted to make the pass. Just not willing to push it in this instance. Really don't know what he was feeling or thinking. Bike not dialed in? Confidence shaken? That earlier get off looked like a bruiser. He could have blown the main if Albertson went down, more likely to washout pushing it. Overall still one of the capable out there.
RV Alpha Dog
JB Young Buck
JS Wild Card
TC Holy Roller
CR Sly Fox
RD Steady Eddy
DM New & Improved
Different strokes for different folks. (fans) All can get on the podium.
@misoheye.... I could even tune your big wheel not to push the front end ..even on slick tracks like Phoenix , theres nothing I can do for the motor.......RV's problem isn't the bike as much as his starts ... #51 is a GREAT starter.so is 41..helps the Hondas look good and they DO look good....like you say alot of racing left...alot of GREAT racing i hope..
difference is if something on stewart touches the ground he's got a broken this a dislocated that, a sprained this etc.
I guess the biggest mystery of the night is how the heck did Dungey finish ahead of Albertson in the main? I mean, according to this blog Albertson was just as fast In that lcq and Dungey was peaked out and stuck behind him.
Albertson really must have been off In that main.
Geez, bringing up Lawrence bugging RV from what....2007 or 2008?
Why not bring up how Alessi owned RV in the minis, too? Has about the same bearing on 2013. I remember when I was faster than RV, Barcia, Dungey, or any of them. Of course, none of them were BORN yet! Barcia will soon have his bad night where he is roosting medics and jawing at some lapper who he tangled with. Just kidding, but I do think they will all have that one bad night Still, he could end up being RV's biggest competition this year the way it is shaping up.
@jeramey if RV is so durrable why is it he has only raced one year out of four in the nationals? @BillC you mentioned earlier this week that if RV got a top 5 start he would win. Well he started 4 and ended up a gifted 2nd after 19 laps. I am a huge fan of RV but he has all he can handle with both Canard and JB. RV passed a 7th place JS and CR who is not up to speed yet.
I dont think RV's gate picks are the problem.He just isnt getting good starts!Think if he started in the middle with those starts.Who knows what kind of carnage he could have got into in the first corner.I think his setup is off a little.Did you notice how many times in his heat he was sideways out of corners?
Also,what is up with Josh Grant?He see's RV or Stew,and all of a sudden he wants to trade paint! Its cool to race hard.But,he doesnt seem to as much with other guys.Starting to remind of Alessi.
@Sherpa.Dude,You say that reed and stewart are not up to speed.I agree.I also think it is pretty safe to say RV isnt really even close to being up to HIS speed yet.I dont think there is any other rider with his intensity,and drive thrue the pack when he does start poorly.I really dont see Barcia,Canard coming thrue like he does.They are awesome,as is RD,reed and stew.But they lack the drive of RV.In my opinion.
CR is about normal for him at this point in the season and in great position, he is simply racing against more and faster riders, he will be fine and ride a little better each week.
RD WAS trying to pass for 1st in the lcq and that is clear just watch him trying to cut down and show a wheel repeatedly. The other side was he had very little to gain and perhaps was not urgent in his attemt's. He rode much more aggresive in the main where it really counted and he also will be fine and better each week.
RV did a fantastic job of staying in control once he slid out and realized the limits of traction. He was very patent in picking off the fastest riders one by one until he got a clear track and once he did he layed down the fastest laps of the race and was reeling in both TC and Barcia at a pretty consistant 1 second per lap.
Js did a great job and did very well to hold up RV as much as he could which will only help him. He knows RV is the biggest hurdle to overcome in this title hunt and is learning Barcia is the #2 guy to beat.
Barcia is really doing what I expected and I feel is the best starter out there. I think he knows RV would have been on him about lap 10 if he hadn't slid out and also know he would have been on him in 3 more laps. He will only improve. PS. Jason this is not his second SX - he ran several last year.
Good to see SX in AZ, but perhaps a better track next time?
If u remember villopoto in his first year he got spanked untill later in the year Barcia is miles ahead of where he was at the same time we are in for a changing of the guard and tomac is the fastest of all every week on his 250 nobody has his cornering speed these Honda guys are gonna be winning a lot in the next few years!
I was in Toronto when Barcia one his first supercross race in the pits he took the the time to take a picture with my son and sign autographs he was very gracious knowing without fans there's no supercross dean Wilson with his fake Scottish accent was not as gracious or was pourcel !
As to question regarding Honda Running a 3 man team this year, hooking in Elli Tomac..
I guess big possibility...
Honda did it with Shorty, Millsaps & Tedesco...
With JB, TC & ET, hmmm... that's a very lethal force...
Warren Young
Stay off the site unless you can spell douch'e BAG
It's "WON "" not one !!! MOFO
JonR145 I NEVER said RV would win 8 races or most of what you just said!! You must have me mixed up with someone else.
I think the Mains should be changed to 19 laps.. Signed Trey Canard.
BillC
shut your pie hole or skeddy face
I said and still say RV has the best chance at winning 8 races this year, I don't remember Billc saying that.
Great racing in PHX... I was there all day and aside from my frozen hands, the day was awesome.
Barcia was on it all day for sure, but he sure had some close calls...He has the wild edge that can turn on him, but a holeshot like that in the main was the perfect scenario for him...Good Job Bam Bam.... RV needs to work on those start. Two weeks in a row he picked the far inside only to have it back fire....Seeing Reed up front early was the fuel he needed, so I thought, but he didnt make anything happen and another throw away from his Honda boys (Canard this time) on the last lap gave him a better position than he earned.... Stewart looked great in practice...pretty darn smooth with the exception of dumping it over before the finish line during qualifying practice #1...but you can he is still laboring that leg....he isnt "attacking" like he normally does....The Dungey , Stew, RV and Reed pts are pretty close...but Bam Bam and Saps are pulling a bit.....will Barcia be there every week? Hard to say...I think he will have his bad nights for sure....so we'll see...but i like 2 races down....2 different winnners and none for the favorite 4 yet...A2 will be awesome...
Sick of RV so it is nice to see differernt winners a wide open points race. Go Canard! After his luck the past few seasons Canard is probably my favorite racer in a long time. Love that finally the top 4 or 5 riders are going close to the same speed. Canard, Villipoto, Barcia, and you have to assume Stewart and Dungey will be in that mix soon. To soon to tell for Millsaps in my opinion and Reed seems just a pace off. Very exciting after last seasons snoozer.