Sign of the Lap Times: Phoenix
Tuesday, January 15, 2013 | 9:30 AMTake a deep dive inside the lap charts with this week's Sign of the Lap Times.
450SX Class
| Lap Rank | Finish | Best Lap | In Lap | Avg Lap Time | Rider |
| 1 | 2 | 50.880 | 14 | 52.506 | Ryan Villopoto |
| 2 | 1 | 51.459 | 5 | 52.424 | Justin Barcia |
| 3 | 5 | 51.702 | 17 | 52.338 | Trey Canard |
| 4 | 3 | 52.114 | 13 | 53.001 | Davi Millsaps |
| 5 | 7 | 52.231 | 5 | 53.784 | James Stewart |
| 6 |
8 | 52.298 | 15 | 53.634 | Ryan Dungey |
| 7 | 4 | 52.341 | 6 | 53.049 | Chad Reed |
| 8 |
6 | 52.510 | 8 | 53.670 | Jake Weimer |
| 9 | 9 | 53.273 | 17 | 54.014 | Andrew Short |
| 10 | 15 | 53.401 | 15 | 54.084 | Justin Brayton |
| 11 | 10 | 53.438 | 8 | 54.473 | Josh Grant |
| 12 | 12 | 53.647 | 6 | 54.458 | Broc Tickle |
| 13 | 14 | 53.847 | 7 | 54.770 | Weston Peick |
| 14 | 20 | 53.875 | 17 | 55.200 | Mike Alessi |
| 15 | 11 | 53.915 | 11 | 54.648 | Kevin Windham |
| 16 | 13 | 53.942 | 6 | 54.791 | Kyle Chisholm |
| 17 | 16 | 54.005 | 12 | 55.019 | Matt Lemoine |
| 18 | 17 | 54.331 | 10 | 55.955 | Matt Goerke |
| 19 | 18 | 54.729 | 13 | 56.232 | Vince Friese |
| 20 | 19 | 54.797 | 5 | 56.422 | Jimmy Albertson |
450SX
- Ryan Villopoto set the fastest lap of the night with a 50.880 on lap 14. RV was the only rider in the field to have a lap in the 50-second range.
- Villopoto lead the field with seven laps 51-seconds or lower. Justin Barcia (6) and Trey Canard (3) were the only other riders to have laps under 52-seconds.
- Ryan Dungey, James Stewart, Chad Reed, Jake Weimer and Davi Millsaps all failed to break the 51-second mark.
- Only four riders in 450SX had lap times over one-minute: Jimmy Albertson (laps 2 & 19), Trey Canard (lap 20), Matt Goerke (laps 4 & 19) and Mike Alessi (lap 9).
- Andrew Short, Trey Canard and Mike Alessi tied for the latest fastest lap set in Phoenix. Canard topped the group with a 51.702 on lap 17. Short was second with a 53.273. Alessi was third with a 53.875.
- Only four riders achieved the feat of NOT having a single lap over the 54-second mark: James Stewart, Davi Millsaps, Chad Reed and Justin Barcia.
- Lap times, on average, were quicker in Phoenix than at the season opener in Anaheim. Davi Millsaps’ average lap time was 56.812 en route to winning last week. This week, Justin Barcia’s averaged a 52.424.
Ryan Villopoto vs. Trey Canard (laps 16-20)
A last lap blunder by Trey Canard cost the Honda rider the points lead, and his second consecutive second place finish to start the season. Ryan Villopoto was there to pick up the scraps, but the hunt for second had begun laps earlier. RV moved into third on lap 16 (first full lap in that position) and put in a charge, but Canard responded with a fast pace of his own. Villopoto was only able to shave tenths of a second off Canard’s lead until the final lap. Let’s take a look at a side-by-side comparison of how each rider fared down the stretch.
| Lap | Ryan Villopoto | Trey Canard |
| 16 | 52.365 | 51.86 |
| 17 | 51.734 | 51.702 |
| 18 | 51.121 | 52.059 |
| 19 | 51.993 | 51.797 |
| 20 | 52.393 | 01:07.0 |
| Avg. | 51.921 | 53.497 |
Disregarding Canard’s 1:07.027 last lap, the average for RV (laps 16-19) was a 51.803, with Canard right behind with a 51.854. Villopoto fired off three straight 51-second lap times (laps 17-19), but Canard matched him ever step of the way—even setting his fastest lap of the night (third fastest overall) on lap 17!

Villopoto was the only rider with a lap in the 50-second range.
Simon Cudby photo
250SX Class
| Lap Rank | Finish | Best Lap | In Lap | Avg Lap Time | Rider |
| 1 | 1 | 51.845 | 6 | 52.875 | Eli Tomac |
| 2 | 2 | 52.411 | 10 | 53.498 | Ken Roczen |
| 3 | 3 | 52.567 | 3 | 53.953 | Martin Davalos |
| 4 | 4 | 52.929 | 6 | 54.421 | Cole Seely |
| 5 |
8 | 53.384 | 5 | 54.466 | Kyle Cunningham |
| 6 | 7 | 53.511 | 9 | 54.692 | Ryan Sipes |
| 7 |
5 | 53.724 | 3 | 54.673 | Jessy Nelson |
| 8 | 11 | 53.744 | 13 | 54.850 | Max Anstie |
| 9 | 12 | 53.810 | 11 | 55.266 | Tyla Rattray |
| 10 | 6 | 53.833 | 12 | 54.591 | Zach Osborne |
| 11 | 18 | 53.866 | 5 | 56.089 | Malcolm Stewart |
| 12 | 20 | 53.981 | 3 | 55.703 | Jake Canada |
| 13 | 9 | 54.128 | 10 | 54.942 | Joey Savatgy |
| 14 | 10 | 54.179 | 14 | 54.869 | Christian Craig |
| 15 | 13 | 54.626 | 8 | 55.840 | Austin Politelli |
| 16 | 17 | 55.225 | 5 | 56.562 | Michael Leib |
| 17 | 19 | 55.617 | 3 | 55.850 | Topher Ingalls |
| 18 | 14 | 55.718 | 3 | 57.321 | Josh Cachia |
| 19 | 15 | 56.105 | 8 | 57.465 | Travis Bright |
| 20 | 16 | 56.293 | 4 | 57.899 | Tevor Reis |
250SX
- For the second consecutive week the fastest lap in 250SX belonged to Eli Tomac with a 51.845. This was only 51-second lap time set in the class.
- Christian Craig set the latest fastest lap of the night with a 54.179 on lap 14.
- Tomac was in the 52-second range for 10 of 15 laps—including nine straight laps (3-11).
- A poor start relegated Kyle Cunningham to an eight place finish, but the Star Yamaha rider sliced through the field after a 15th place (after lap one) start. How did he make up so much ground on the field? In laps 5-13, seven of Cunningham’s lap times were in the 53-second range.
- Interesting stat of the night: Christian Craig reeled off 11 straight 54-second lap times to close the race (laps 5-15).
- No rider was able to keep ALL of their laps under the 55-second mark. Tomac was the closest with 14 of 15 laps under 55-seconds. His 55.307 on the last lap broke the streak—but he was no doubt cruising at that point.

For the second straight week Eli Tomac set the fastest lap in 250SX.
Simon Cudby photo
Share this article:
Did you like this article?
Check out BAD BOY CLUB
in our Latest issue of Racer X available now.One of Europe’s fastest young racers, 18-year-old Dutch Red Bull KTM rider Jeffrey Herlings talks about his life, his career ... and his occasional outbursts. Page 160.




I love this Nascar style of posting lap times.
It really looks like RV and Turbo Trey are the ones to beat.
Is JS7 on his way out ?
Is BAM BAM For Real ?
I know its only heat races but Barcia did set the fastest of the entire night at 50.780 in his heat race. Also Roczen set the fastest 250 of the night at 51.396 in his heat.
Again just heat races, not trying to show much here other than the data. But the only safe thing to say is Barcia is wicked fast and Roczen for sure can run with Tomac. I really hope next week Kenny pulls a holeshot and Tomac rounds the first corner right behind him. That would be an unreal race I hope!
Not to many surprises here, "Sensational Seven" have the fastest times of the field.
RV comes away with the fastest lap time, what we have come to expect from him. Barcia, is fast and could have gone faster, with such a big lead, I think he was in manage mode.
Canard, The Reverend showed he could step it up and match Poto, the Duck is back.
Millsaps says he was not comfortable, lap time says 4th fastest, red plate says he was fast enough.
Stewart New Stew nurses an sore knee and cold hands, when temps rise, his time will lower, and he will move up on the chart.
Dungey 18 to 8, never had an open track, never got out of his comfort zone, needs to widen that zone..
Reed, when he is searching for settings, he is not comfortable and it shows in his lap times, slowest of the SS..
Only race two in the books, lots of racing left, the next three will start to tell the tale
RV still the Sheriff!! Now he just needs to stay on two wheel's!! LOL
The race is 20 laps against the other riders, not see who can do the fastest lap out of those 20. Lap times are only good during the race to judge if a rider is losing or making up time or for the endless if's and but's that will surely follow.
Hope to see RV and JB through down this weekend!!
to me Canard is the biggest surprise this year, Sap's I knew could be fast at time's but 2 weeks in a row now maybe he is here to stay?? I figured Canard would get the speed back just not this early in the season. Man what a GREAT year this is shaping up to be.
@ BillC
True, thats the same sharif that has fallen from the horse many of time..
To the people taking jabs at Villopoto for having a couple issues...be happy.
Y'all would be whinig that the season was boring if he hadn't had issues 'cause he would have smoked everyone else so badly.
True Dat Red redrider......true dat
Maybe if RV got a holeshot he wouldn't have to work so hard and take as many risks in traffic. And I have to agree with BillC Biggest surprise is Trey. I just think he needs to concentrate on podium over the win. A few more races and we will know if DM is going to be a front runner each week. I looks like he might have the best bike out there as far as setup goes.
BillC been snow mobiling yet? I'm trying to go up to Maine this weekend.
There's snow in Maine? I'm in the Toronto area and it's nothing but green grass up here? WTF......this is supposed to be the land of winter.
It comes down to who is making the best start(s) & mistake-free laps. While there are faster laps being logged, the points leader has been steady.
I see Villopoto making the fastest laps, but as had been said before, he has fallen in every race he's been in since his return. Apparently, one cannot maintain that speed without putting one's self in jeopardy.
I see a strong case for Milsaps' strategy. better than average starts and solid, mistake-free laps. The red plate is his (this week) because he managed his race well and the person that was in position to capitalize (Canard), made a mistake.
I know there is a contingent that wants balls-out, throw-down hardcore racing, but the guy that wins this title probably won't be that guy. Fast AND smart will prevail.
RV1 just needs better starts, he will get it back. Lets see when Barcia has to work through the pack from a bad start.
@ Carlsbad
RV maintained that speed for a few years very consistently.....they'll get it sorted out and balance will be restored to the force!
@Pitbull,, RV does not have to get the holeshot, he just needs to be in the top 5 or so.. I think that's what @localexpert was saying.
Yes Carlsbad, RV won the title 2 times now, i think he knows what he is doing.
.If I recall RD has been on the ground a few times as well!!
.JaminGeorge.. A little bit. Things look better the next few weeks now that the cold air is back. Hope to be in VT next weekend. Where in Maine you going??
RV only problem right now is hes not getting good starts if he does he will just run away from everyone else like he usually does, just look how he can charge thru the pack if he could use that speed out in front he would just go faster.
And for everyone saying something about Dungey how is he doing bad he came in third the first race and had some bad luck in peonix, in two races some of you guys are making big assumptions
Bethel area we usual start newry and head up to ITS82 from there not sure where we are I just follow i'm a total rockie. starting point may change to Andover more parking and fuel.
Dungypoto they got over 30'' 2 weeks ago riding is supposed to be excelent more snow Thursday. Maybe take those Green lensed glasses of LOL Canada always has snow even in July
BillC I just texted my son he's in Burlington VT at school he said easly 2' on the ground after 2 days of 45 degrees
@mxmofo1, thats exactly what I mean, he just needs to be in the top 5 and not have an Alessi road block along the way. Barcia hasn't been tested yet with a bad start and having to work around riders.
@BillC and JaminGeorge Good for you guys. I have about 70 miles, so far, and what we had has pretty much melted. Go to northern Wi. in a few weeks, but as of now, they haven't got much either. Enjoy yourselves, and I'll just sit here and be jealous!!
@localexpert,,, Yep, well said...
bucky394 we are traveling 150+ mile to get to the snow. the really good snow is
way up in Jackman Maine (about 20 miles from Quebec) thats about 300 from my house 7hrs.
Were two rounds in and everyone acts like Barcia is the GOAT. lol
Everyone here knows if RV starts top 3 that the other guys are in big trouble.
WahWahhh (bambam) Hasn't been tested yet, can't wait until RV and Stew get in there groove and start top 3 with WahhWahh, he won't stand a chance. What will the WahhhWahh huggers say then?
We're two races in and people act like the Championship is over next week. Too funny.
RV, JS,RD, CR will all be fine. Just wait til they get the groove a few more rounds in and everyone attitude will change. You watch.
I just hope when it comes time to battle for whichever two it may be they do it smart. Not like reed in Dallas last year reed was pushing it for sure but lost the battle and the war. I myself am actually fine with it the way it is everyone is trading nights while the others who cant have their night do their best to salvage. This is the best case scenario for getting everyone through in one piece and into the outdoors where you see who is really who!
@jeramey,, Hopefully it come down to more than 2 riders..
@ persona..i didnt see.anyone declare bambam the goat.....give credit where credit is due...he smoked the field and had more in the tank..that was pretty obvious...and as far as not being tested...come on..this is rookie year but hes got plenty of motos on the big bike...indoors and out, against the same riders...similar results....
@ mxfofo I was talking about that given night the battle for 1st
So far so good. Awesome season and I hope it stays that way! Even though I'm rooting for RV1. Parity.
I don't see anyone claiming Barcia to be the GOAT, but I do see lots of comments such as: "Barcia is fast and could have gone faster......I think he was in manage mode". Barcia had a clear track to work with and did it right, but if he was saving a bunch of speed then this series will be as boring as an MC-era series. Not close to likely. We will see what happens with RV right on his ass. It is an awesome year so far, but everyone is still finding themselves out there. I see A2 being where we see some of the big players start making it happen......and I am including Barcia and Canard in the big players group. Millsaps will hang in there some but he won't be seeing too many more podiums. If everyone's plan is to rely on RV getting bad starts and then falling, well......I guess that could happen for 15 more rounds. Probably not the safest bet though.
Bill C, you are the biggest goon i swear
Green-59
Your the biggest TURD !
Jamingeorge- wow, I only dream of riding in Quebec. I have read many articlles on riding that area. And BillC sent me some pics of a tour he took up that way. Looks like sleddin' heaven. Halfway acroos the country for me, however I have ridin' in Yellowstone. That was cool, but from what I have read and seen, Quebec rules. Be safe, but have fun!
bucky394 I haven't riden the sled up there myself but from where i stayed in Jackman Maine A group off us did a trail ride right from the hotel and basicly rode along the border for about 40 miles awesome riding.
For sure Quebec has some of the BEST riding in the world!! I have ridding all over Quebec, as far north as Chibougamau, all around Lac Saint-Jean, North east of the Saguenay River in Mount Valin's, The whole Gaspie Peninsula and when you are on the south shore you can see New Brunswickand at the tip it's as far east as you can go on a sled in Quebec as well!! Right to the Ocean!! You guys really need to get up there someday. You will be glad you did. What do you ride JaminGeorge??
BillC: dirt bikes, we had 8 riders 2 kids on xr100 we did 84 miles they had those little bikes wide open most of the day. My xr250 had about 1 ounce of gas when we got back. We all had a great ride except for 1 dad crashed in rutted section and broke a rib we were about 30 miles from the hotel he toughed it and when we got back he had me take a look the bone was sticking out 1/2 inch i pushed it back in place.