AlliSports MX Sports GNCC Racing Racer Productions TRP Racer X Shop Racer X Classifieds
close
Racer X Online

Bench Racing Ammo: Leaving Cali

Wednesday, February 13, 2013 | 10:40 AM
Rockstar Energy Racing’s Davi Millsaps leads the 450SX field by an impressive nineteen points as Monster Energy Supercross departs California. Lets take a look back at the past ten years to see how big of a gap the points leader typically has after six rounds out west. Is Millsaps’ gap huge compared to history? And does the points leader after round six usually go on to win the title? Dig in and find out.

 

2003

Points Leader after six rounds: Ricky Carmichael, by 4 over Chad Reed

Eventual Champ: Ricky Carmichael

 

2004

Points Leader after six rounds: Reed, by 30 over David Vuillemin

Eventual Champ: Reed

undefined
Reed held a 30 point lead after six rounds in 2004.
Simon Cudby photo

2005

Points Leader after six rounds: Carmichael, by 32 over Reed

Eventual Champ: Carmichael

 

2006

Points Leader after six rounds: Carmichael, by 11 over James Stewart

Eventual Champ: Carmichael

 

2007

Points Leader after six rounds: Stewart, by 21 over Reed

Eventual Champ: Stewart

undefined
RC went on to win the championship in 2006 after holding an 11 point lead over James Stewart after six rounds.
Simon Cudby photo

2008

Points Leader after six rounds: Reed, by 35 over Kevin Windham

Eventual Champ: Reed

 

2009

Points Leader after six rounds: Reed, by 3 points over Stewart

Eventual Champ: Stewart

 

2010

Points Leader after six rounds: Ryan Dungey and Josh Hill tied for first, 3 points ahead of Ryan Villopoto

Eventual Champ: Dungey

undefined
James Stewart is the only rider in the last ten years to win a title after trailing in points after six rounds.
Simon Cudby photo

2011

Points Leader after six rounds: Villopoto, by 9 over Stewart

Eventual Champ: Villopoto

 

2012

Points Leader after six rounds: Villopoto, by 6 over Reed

Eventual Champ: Villopoto

undefined
History is in Millsaps' favor as the series heads east.
Simon Cudby photo

As you can see, the numbers are highly in favor of a Millsaps championship in 2013. In fact, in the last ten years, there has only been one instance of the points leader after six rounds not winning the championship. That occurred in 2009 when Reed was leading Stewart by 3 going into round seven.

Although the trend is favorable to Millsaps, the 2010 season shows us just how unpredictable racing can be. Dungey and Hill were tied for first after six rounds, but Dungey would go on to clinch the title early in Seattle and eventually win the championship by 70 points over Windham. Hill, on the other hand, battled injuries to eventually end up placing sixth in the series, 130 points back of Dungey. Injuries ended Villopoto’s title chances that year, as well.

What’s your take on the data above? Should we forego the rest of the season and hand the title to Millsaps and the Rockstar Energy Racing team, or is Millsaps’ impressive 19-point lead meaningless? Tell us what you think in the comments section below.

Share this article:

Did you like this article?

Check out LAST NIGHT

in our Latest issue of Racer X available now.
LAST NIGHT Click to Look Inside

Ryan Villopoto may have locked up his 450SX title a week early, but the 2013 Monster Energy Supercross Championship finale still had drama and excitement to spare. Page 124.

Look for the verified symbol Verified

The Conversation

Profile Picture
therealmofo wrote: 10:48am February 13, 2013

WOW!!--The numbers are on Millsaps side, and he has confidence,and a great attitude.. After all the trials he has had happen in his life, this should be pretty easy..LOL!! but seriously, I think he is very mentally tough, so the pressure might not get him, just hope he doesnt have a mechanical cost him the title.. If he gets beat then fine, but not a mechanical, that would suck..

Profile Picture
codjh9 wrote: 11:03am February 13, 2013

I think he's got a great shot at the title barring crashes/injuries, and I really hope that doesn't happen (to him or anyone else in the series). It's fun to watch every week, though, and MX will be awesome too (better, in my old-school opinion).

Profile Picture
Ripdown wrote: 11:13am February 13, 2013

The only problem I see with these stats ate they don't take into account the parity of top level racers in the field today. Way more guys this year than in previous years that can get in the mix any given weekend and steal points.

Of course the flip side of my argument could mean that this lead Millsaps has is safe because all of the points that will be spread out through 6 or 7 guys. I say if he keeps on or around the podium and avoids the 'out of the top ten' night it's his.
That's cool with me....he's not my fav in this but I can't help but pull for him now.

Profile Picture
Derf wrote: 11:15am February 13, 2013

No one has yet shown the consistency to match Davi and that's probably what its going to boil down to.

But, we have seen RV get on a roll before and start knocking wins off like crazy, and the previously ever consistent Dungey needs to get back to his old ways. If either of these 2 can get back to their old habits I can see them challenging Davi but that's about it.

But that's why we watch the races! Just look at Tomac, who knows, there is to many races left to count out just about anything!

Profile Picture
daklugdad wrote: 11:26am February 13, 2013

Pulling for Davi against a healthy pack of racers.
DK

Profile Picture
BD25 wrote: 11:28am February 13, 2013

Ripdown is correct, with the depth of talent out on the track, anything could still happen. So it looks to me, that this season, the fans will be the biggest winner!!

Profile Picture
byrner99 wrote: 11:35am February 13, 2013

I just hope Davi isn't reading this. this is how Jinx's start!

Profile Picture
byrner99 wrote: 11:35am February 13, 2013

Is Jinx's a word?

Profile Picture
ryanwagopoto wrote: 11:36am February 13, 2013

Did y'all see JLaw got signed???? I thought I was stoned when I read it, but I wasn't.

Profile Picture
BigUglyManiac wrote: 11:38am February 13, 2013

The depth of talent has been a game changer. Dominating riders are not doing their thing, and Davi has been the model of consistency that Dungey set out last year in the Nats. Regardless, this points lead has no asterisks whatsoever, and is impressive due to the stallions behind him. Really feels like McGrath with the big number 15 on his Honda...

Profile Picture Verified
Jason Weigandt wrote: 12:30pm February 13, 2013

Actually, Hansel IS from California! But from up north. Maybe the rules are different for NoCal? Or should I say Northern California.

Profile Picture
JimboMX374 wrote: 12:42pm February 13, 2013

Whew....... Vodoo Daddy didnt pen this.

JimM
Pala374

Profile Picture
rickamatuzio wrote: 12:46pm February 13, 2013

Why do you think the depth has changed? It's the same every year, and there is always 20 riders on that gate. Your forgetting that Stewart, Reed, Windham, Brayton, etc. these guys aren't rookies or young talent!! They are a few years from retirement. The depth is always the same, yet every year I Hear "this is the deepest field ever!!". It's like a dirt bike, how come every year they print "it's got even more power than ever!" Yet 10 years ago bikes were making 52hp just like today.

Barcia is really the only new talent in the class. Davi MILLSAPS has been in SX class for how many years?
The reality right now is that 10 riders are returning from injury and not 100% or are still injured. MILLSAPS has had great starts, which has helped his position. Nothing else has really changed in the sport in 5 years.

That being said, my gut says James and RV will rock the east coast but I'm quickly losing hope in James. And every week Davi is proving us wrong, so I think if Davi keeps getting starts.. This title is his!! Who ever would have thought that? It certainly won't look good for Yamaha indirectly

Profile Picture
CZmark wrote: 1:05pm February 13, 2013

Leaving Cali, great. Poor air quaility, high taxes, high crime, high prices, and a BS high profile. As for these stats they have showed a couple of weeks ago, Davi winning the title would be cool. Again, this would be a true Cinderella story. But Davi does have some ugly step sisters that are real fast out there. Only time will tell who the glass boot really fits.

Profile Picture
motodog77 wrote: 1:14pm February 13, 2013

All the guys from the past 10 years were supposed to have points leads, and the field wasn't stacked like now. Been fun watching DM gobble up points, but based on the number of riders that are top 5 threats, it doesn't seem likely that DM is top 5 the next 11 races, the points will tighten up, way too early to call a winner this year though. Great series, just need more passing that doesn't involve lost front ends . . .

Profile Picture
therealmofo wrote: 1:21pm February 13, 2013

@Rick--Millsaps turns 25 on the 15th.. And bikes like those 2 strokes may have been making 50 horses, but in a very narrow section of the rpm band.. the 4-strokes make a ton of power from 8000 to 10000 rpms, which is more usable.. I am not a 4-stroke lover by any means, but when you get a bike 200 more cc's, its hard to compete.. I have had 2-strokes my whole life, and 2 years ago, my sons buddy bought a KTM 450.. I rode it and the power was unreal.. Way more than any 250 2-stroke I have ever owned.. Hate to admit it but its true.. Both my sons have 250 4-strokes, and I can turn faster times on them than my 2-stroke.. Unfortunately they make power where you can use it most, they dont get the wild wheel spin either.. I wont ever give up my 2-strokes, but the 450's make WAAAY more power than the 250 2-strokes ever did.. You can ride them and feel what a dyno cant..

Profile Picture
therealmofo wrote: 1:25pm February 13, 2013

I agree that Stewart is getting better,, So his ACL wasnt as bad as some guys here make it out to be, even Stewart said its healing and he can ride during the week now.. And RV will nail a start or two here soon.. But Millsaps has shown he can run with these guys.. Its going to get real intresting, and lets not count out Reed.. He was recovering too, nobody said he was 100% coming in.. He had a worse injury than some guys out there getting the press for it..

Profile Picture
RCDirtBikeAction wrote: 1:27pm February 13, 2013

My question is how many title champions was each points leader racing against for a given year. This year seems unprecidented for being "stacked" with so many racing together and thats why I think previous years are not the best indicators of how this year will go down.

Profile Picture
texag wrote: 1:39pm February 13, 2013

I'm a believer in Millsaps and hope he does win but he's a DNF away from loosing the points lead like Tomac. One crash or mechanical could end it. Everyone remember when his bike locked up on the start of a heat race? In the main there is no last chance.

Profile Picture
thetoothperry116 wrote: 1:48pm February 13, 2013

Im a huge JS fan, but to be honest, im stoked with how this season is going. The usual top guys are the underdogs at this point and Davi has the chance to pull it off. I hope he can keep it up!

Profile Picture
elbow213 wrote: 1:55pm February 13, 2013

the numbers are interesting. 3 points was the minimum to win, and 30 was the highest margin. So DM18 is sitting around the median at 19 points.. could go either way

Profile Picture
BillC wrote: 2:08pm February 13, 2013

therealmofo, an ACL WILL NOT HEAL, ever.

. I think this thing will tighten up and either RD or RV will be the champ.

Profile Picture
KilloMoto wrote: 2:09pm February 13, 2013

Great stats as always to ponder over RX!!...love it.

19 points is a pretty good cushion - If you know your going to be within the top 4 every week. ...but this year, there are so many variables and the points can change alot in one week..Its going to be awesome going down to the wire......RV can go on a win streak gaining points on Dungey and Davi, while Dungey can net a bunch of 2nd place finishes gaining on Davi, but losing to RV...Davi can have good races but finish 3rd- 5th for a few weeks for example and that 19 points is gone if RV is number 1.....Throw Stewart, Reed and JB in there for a couple wins and the math can just get really crazy, like my comment has become...I think like 2011, Stewart will be the in the spoiler role come the last 3-4 rounds...out of the points race, but ready to win races....who knows, it could all change this weekend...Bring on Dallas

Profile Picture
BillC wrote: 2:11pm February 13, 2013

rickamatuzio, The depth is better because how many times have there been 4 former Champs on the line or atleast 7 guys who have won an SX race? Let alone both at once?

Profile Picture
JonR145 wrote: 2:12pm February 13, 2013

@rick, interesting observation. As an addendum, don’t you think injuries are a constant? Whether a surgical issue, partially torn ACL, or just going down in a Heat or practice, I think a lot of guys are riding all season in pain to some degree, just like players in the NFL. That crash Dungey took a few weeks back when he was kicked off by a rider out of control was really bad when he flat-landed on concrete. Heck, I think Malcolm Stewart may actually be indestructible. I cannot recall seeing a guy take so many ridiculously hard crashes and come back the next week.

P.S. I agree with @BillC. Last 3 seasons of MX and SX there have been 6 Titles handed out. RV and RD own all 6. Somehow those two guys figure out a way to be the last man standing.

Profile Picture
Uncle Charlie Birmingham, AL wrote: 2:24pm February 13, 2013

You guys and al your speculation is just that ... Go help on the Carnival cruze where you belong! LOL ... What a bunch of Hipocrats Oh! I mean Democrats !! LOL !

Profile Picture
Uncle Charlie Birmingham, AL wrote: 2:26pm February 13, 2013

I think Chris Dorner had you in his Manifesto on eradicating SX from the state as well !! LOL

Profile Picture
Blackjack wrote: 2:28pm February 13, 2013

Statistics are fun. I smell a monkey wrench this year.

For now DM is Da Man.

Go Davi !!!!

Profile Picture
xxBigHoopxx wrote: 2:46pm February 13, 2013

# 1 it's NORCAL...not nocal

# 2 There is a ton pf racing left...one bad race by DM brings everyone back into title contention. But he has been a great story so far.

Profile Picture
MX Bob wrote: 3:05pm February 13, 2013

Someone has a lot of time on their hands to use my login name and post nonsense. Here's one clue. I stopped using LOL at least 10 years ago.

Profile Picture
Uncle Charlie Birmingham, AL wrote: 3:16pm February 13, 2013

I smell a Scub_This !

Profile Picture
Ripdown wrote: 3:49pm February 13, 2013

@ MX Bob

Your name is linked to your website....

Profile Picture
Uncle Charlie Birmingham, AL wrote: 3:57pm February 13, 2013

Ripdown

LOL !


http://instagram.com/p/Vr2tfkBPSG/

Profile Picture
McChicken wrote: 5:29pm February 13, 2013

Millsaps is for sure a new favorite to me...and he has earned his place.
He proves that even if you are a nice guy ( I really don't know him) you can still be a Bad Ass on the track, especially love that he has not folded when someone passed or attempted to pass him.
Soon RV2 will become the underdog to cheer for....LOL
The more Top Dogs the merrier for us fans

Profile Picture
therealmofo wrote: 5:40pm February 13, 2013

@BILLC--from my understanding, an ACL will heal if its not completely torn...if its completely torn it will not--correct??? And Stewart said his knee would be fine by the middle of the season, so it sounds it just had a tear and wasnt completely torn...

Profile Picture
MX Bob wrote: 6:10pm February 13, 2013

@Ripdown Anybody can change their display name and web site address on their profile. I probably shouldn't say that because no all the other losers who don't have enough self-esteem to represent themselves truthfully will know how to do it.

Profile Picture
Uncle Charlie Birmingham, AL wrote: 6:14pm February 13, 2013

@Ripdown BUMM !!

Profile Picture
Fubar117 wrote: 6:26pm February 13, 2013

I hope Davi keeps it on two wheels & stays healthy...I agree w/ BD25...the fans are definitely the biggest winners so far as far as how unpredictable each race has been so far this season...I LIKE IT!!!

Profile Picture
Fubar117 wrote: 6:29pm February 13, 2013

Wow, I must subconsciously like the word "far" LOL

Profile Picture
Maico25 wrote: 7:30pm February 13, 2013

I really like Davi and am glad that he is doing. This has been a strange year with a lot of inconsistent riding by everyone except Davi and Dungey with Dungey just being farther back by a couple of positions than usual.
But reality is reality and the reality is, there are about 4 guys that are faster and better than Davi. He gained 19 to 35 points on them in 6 races and we are to think that at least one of those other riders will not gain that many points on him in 11 races. If everyone stays somewhat healthy there will be at least 2 that will.

Profile Picture
haul77 wrote: 7:46pm February 13, 2013

I am a js7 fan but I want Davi to win more. I guess that makes me a huge dv18 fan. Seeing his talent and speed through the years, without a mechanical Davi is champ. He can win has won is winning will.....

Profile Picture
tonewall wrote: 7:53pm February 13, 2013

how could you not pull for DM18 at least a little bit seeing hes on a stock showroom bike bike just like Shorts....lol..(which by the way hasn't changed his results much , hes a good rider..) ..that stuff is hilarious,,,,if their goin to call Shorts bike stock ...which it is not,,then everybody but guys on factory teams have stock bikes to....so it has a stock piston..so what ! it STILL makes more than you could possibly ever need on those slick greased up blocking lapper filled one lined tracks. DM18 and the old simple great handling GOOD START getting championship leading ZOOK are a good combination and hes riding the wheels off it.....if anybody thinks RV will lay down I think your sadly mistaken..its just about his normal grip it and rip it time....he and RD five will bring it down to the wire with 41 (hes still hangin ) and 18.(actually with 11 to go alot of people have a shot still).......YAMAHA wheres the 14's.........hello....anybody home.....

Profile Picture
Uncle Charlie Birmingham, AL wrote: 8:30pm February 13, 2013

@ Fubar117

How far away are you so I can far that lil far of yours in the back ground ..

Profile Picture
SPS101 wrote: 9:57pm February 13, 2013

19 Points is healthy for sure.

DM18 troubles may start nearer round 12 or 13 if he still has a similar points lead.
When he starts to worry about proctecting the lead.

For me over the next 4 or 5 rounds it will be down to 3 guys with a shot at the title and then the games start.
Because JS7, CR22, RV1, RD5, DM18, TC41, JB51 have the speed to win.
So if four of those guys no longer really have a shot at the title they will only have race wins to go for.
I guy with the quality they have and no pressure is going to be fast.

you could have the title contenders battling for 4th and 5th come the last few rounds.

It is great to be a fan.

I would love RV to win it but he has to finish ahead of millsaps the next three races to start closing the gap otherwise he will need a dnf from millsaps.
RD5 is just going to be there from now on.

Its crazy cause it could go so many ways.

My money is on millsaps but i just have this feeling that something crazy is going to happen.

Profile Picture
rickamatuzio wrote: 8:57am February 14, 2013

Depth of field.. Meaning number of riders with ability to win? In 1980s-90s they used to have 10 lead changes by 9 different riders. Usually the champion in the "golden era" only won a few races to win the championship.
Today, riders like Villipoto win half dozen races, which if anything, means there is a LACK of depth in the field.

This season is going pretty well so I won't complain, I like multiple winners. I just hope that the actually racing betters better.

Profile Picture
rickamatuzio wrote: 9:05am February 14, 2013

Mofo-
I understand two stroke vs four.

In 1995 a CR250 made 44 HP, in 2007 it made 46hp yet every year it made SO much more power according to magazines.
450 in 2005, 53hp. 2013, 53hp.

Profile Picture
therealmofo wrote: 7:46pm February 14, 2013

@rick--the 2005 "horsepower winner" of the 450's was the Honda 450--with 49 horsepower---the Suzuki put out 48 and the Yamaha put out 47.7 horses..

4 to 5 horsepower on a 230 pound dirtbike is alot..And the KTM put out a max of 57 horsepower this year..

Profile Picture
rickamatuzio wrote: 9:43pm February 14, 2013

Really, that's interesting because I'm on dirt rider and they have the 05 listed as 53hp and trans world had it 55! What does that tell you?

Profile Picture
rickamatuzio wrote: 9:52pm February 14, 2013

Mofo, every Honda dyno test I can find shows the CR450 making 55hp in 2005. It made 49 at the rear tire, which includes losses thru drivetrain.

The 450s make the same power today they did 10 years ago, and 250s made the same power for 15 years. They managed to broaden it out and make it user friendly, but without increasing the rpm, HP gains are almost impossible

HP is really only a relationship to time or RPM. A motor that's 20% efficient with X displacement, X fuel, can only make so much power without substantially increasing rpm which they can't do because of part failure.

Profile Picture
jw621557 wrote: 12:19am February 15, 2013

@ ripdown~~ 2011 was a very highly competitive year with all of the same guys except Barcia. That year there was another JB in the mix, Justin Brayton. Canard won 3 races that year before he got hurt with just about 3 or 4 rounds left if I remember right.
@derf~~ RV is not going to start knocking wins off this year. The field is too tough. I predict nobody will win more than two races in a row. It is hard to do that and for somebody to win 3 in a row in a field stacked like this is almost impossible.
@rickamatuzio~~ Over the previous years (barring 2011) the field was not stacked like this mostly because of injuries early on. But this year we have 7 guys with the potential to win races in the same class. And all 7 are still in the mix.
@pitbull and maico25~~ Don't count Milsaps out. I am a huge RD fan and would love to see him win it but 19 points is hard to make up unless DM has a DNF (which could happen) but I don't think will happen. Davi is smart and will ride smart. He will not lose this title by crashing (unless somebody takes him out).

In any championship series points don't usually start to tighten up until about round 8 or 9. If they don't by then then the leader pretty much runs away with it. If Milsaps is 20 points or more in front by the end of round 9 I say this will be his title.

Talk about a stacked class. In my opinion there has not been a class stacked this deep since the 70s. Look at this roster: Weinert, Tony D, Stackable, Smith, Hannah, Sun, Pomeroy, Croft, Howerton, Semics, LaPorte. I took these names from a results list of a race in 1977. The order is not the finishing order but my point is this year is comparable. I remember going to those races hoping my favorite rider would win but not really knowing who would because they all could and they all did at one point. BTW, I could have thrown Rick Burgett's name in that list along with Barnett's and Gaylon Mosier as they were on that roster too. And this was before Lackey came back to the states to race. A final note, in case you are curious Tony D won that day, then Stackable, and Pomeroy. Hannah got a 7th, Smith got a 15th.

Look for the verified symbol Verified

Sign In to leave a reply



Sign in with your account from

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google
  • Yahoo!
  • AOL
  • MySpace
  • OpenID

Sign up now | Forgot your password?