Racer X Race Report: Dallas
Sunday, February 17, 2013 | 2:20 AM
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PrintHitting the ground of four out of the first six races is not the way Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto wanted to start his second title defense in Monster Energy Supercross. The champ now has a hole to dig out of, but he made up a little ground with a solid, crash-free night at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington Texas, taking his third win of the season. But while the win helps prove RV’s back on the right track, it didn’t help him much in the championship standings, because the rest of the series’ front-runners, like points leader Davi Millsaps and second-place Ryan Dungey, were up front tonight, as well and rounded out the top three spots.
These riders were literally right there from the start of the 20-lap main event, as Millsaps (Rockstar Energy Racing) and Villopoto dueled through the first turn battling for the lead. Millsaps snagged the official holeshot award, but Villopoto wrestled the spot away. Then Chad Reed (TwoTwo Motorsports) scrubbed underneath Millsaps before turn three and took away second. Millsaps settled into third while Dungey (Red Bull KTM) was in fourth. On a track not filled with too many technical sections or options, there wasn’t much to separate the leaders, so for the rest of the race, that four-pack up front exchanged small mistakes and tenths of seconds per lap. Villopoto was able to open a gap eventually, and then Millsaps repassed Reed for second. Dungey then caught fire in the second half of the race and dove underneath Reed, too, for third. Dungey never stopped charging, and he caught Millsaps with a lap to go hoping to get to second, but he never had the chance to make a move. Villopoto took the win with Millsaps a solid second, again, and Dungey third. Reed took fourth and Justin Brayton (JGR Toyota Yamaha) was fifth in his best result of the year.
If Ryan Villopoto gets a start in the main, he's going to be tough to beat. And that was the case at Cowboys Stadium.
Millsaps (18) and Reed (22) went at it early in the main. Reed took second away, but Millsaps got him back.
Millsaps held Reed at bay, then Dungey closed the gap but couldn't get him. Millsaps said he was sick all week and could barely breathe in the second half of the race--but it didn't hurt him much, somehow.
Dungey got to Millsaps' rear fender on the last lap, but couldn't make a move.
Cudby photo
Here, we get to use the classic "This is all the competition saw of Ryan Villopoto" captions.
Cudby photo
Team Honda Muscle Milk’s Justin Barcia and Trey Canard had bad starts in the main, with Barcia mid pack and Canard even further back. Barcia closed in on Brayton at one point but couldn’t keep the pressure on and finished sixth. Canard was seventh, then came Matt Goerke (BTOSports.com KTM), Andrew Short (Kranyak Racing Honda) and Broc Tickle (Dodge Sycuan Suzuki).
Earlier in the day, Millsaps won his heat race, and he was also fastest in qualifying practice for the first time in his career. His points lead has also swelled up to 21 over Dungey. In the other heat race, James Stewart (Yoshimura Suzuki) won a great duel with Villopoto, executing a pass on the champ and then holding on for the win. But then Stewart’s season went from bad to worse when something internal within his bike’s clutch broke on the starting line of the main event, leaving him unable to race. When it rains it pours….
James Stewart (7) and Villopoto (tucking into the inside) had a great duel in their heat, and Stewart won it. Does that mean he had the stuff to win the main? We'll never know, because his bike broke before that race even started.
Cudby photo
In 250 East, Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Dean Wilson was the favorite coming into the opener, and he definitely is leaving it, because he dominated the main event. Kyle Peters (AG Motorsports) grabbed the holeshot, but Wilson quickly took the lead away and pulled a gap. Peters rode very well for the whole main, but eventually yielded to Blake Wharton (Rockstar Energy Racing) who came through for second. Wil Hahn (GEICO Honda) had a few rough opening laps, but found a groove and eventually worked from just outside the top five to finish third. Peters finished a very impressive fourth on his privateer Honda, and rookie Justin Hill (Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki) made his SX debut with a solid fifth despite starting pretty far back.
Dean Wilson meant business right from the start, and was throwing impressive scrubs and whips the whole time. Oh, you don't think this one is impressive?
There you go.
Night started terribly for Blake Wharton, who got stuck behind a first turn pileup in his heat, then crashed going for the final transfer spot. That sent him to the LCQ, which he won, and then he rebounded for second in the main.
Wil Hahn (19) came through for third, getting the very-impressive Gavin Faith along the way.
Kyle Peters deserves some love after a super-strong fourth.
Cudby photos
Lots of heart break in this class, as rookie Zach Bell (GEICO Honda) crashed huge while leading his heat race, then qualified through the LCQ, but then crashed again and pulled off in the main. Bell’s heat race crash was brutal, as he caught his foot exiting a right-hand turn and took off for a triple with his foot off the peg. It threw him side saddle and then off the bike in the air, and he cleared the entire triple with his body before crashing back down to the dirt, hard. Somehow, he got back up (Bell says he wasn’t knocked out and remembers the whole incident) but he was certainly just soldering on at that point. Another crash in the main ended his night.
Fellow rookie Jeremy Martin (Star Racing) was fast in practice but didn’t make the main after a bad start in the LCQ. And Canada’s Cole Thompson was making a bid for the podium in the main. At one point, he passed Peters for third but then crashed hard, flipping over the bars and landing back-first onto the peak of the next jump. That ended his race, although he was able to get up under his own power. Also, title contender Marvin Musquin (Red Bull KTM) went down in turn one, but he salvaged a sixth, passing Gavin Faith (MotoConcepts Racing) on the final lap. Faith was seventh, then Jimmy Decotis, Vince Friese and Lance Vincent rounded out the top ten.
Monster Energy Supercross now really heads east with a stop in Atlanta’s Georgia dome next Saturday night.
450 Main Event
1. R. Villopoto
2. D. Millsaps
3. R. Dungey
4. C. Reed
5. J. Brayton
6. J. Barcia
7. T. Canard
8. M. Goerke
9. A. Short
10. B. Tickle
11. W. Peick
12. M. Alessi
13. J. Albertson
14. R. Kiniry
15. J. Hill
16. B. Lamay
17. J. Sipes
18. K. Partridge
19. C. Blose
20. J. Stewart
Nice move by RV to look right into Cudby's camera.
Cudby photo (obviously)
450SX Class Points
1. Davi Millsaps, Murrieta, Calif., Suzuki, 154
2. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM, 133
3. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki, 130
4. Trey Canard, Shawnee, Okla., Honda, 119
5. Chad Reed, Australia, Honda, 115
6. Justin Barcia, Ochlocknee, Ga., Honda, 98
7. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda, 95
8. Justin Brayton, Fort Dodge, Iowa, Yamaha, 83
9. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Suzuki, 75
10. Matt Goerke, Lake Helen, Fla., KTM, 69
Big crowds all day in Big D.
Cudby photo
250 Main Event
1. D. Wilson
2. B. Wharton
3. W. Hahn
4. K. Peters
5. J. Hill
6. M. Musquin
7. G. Faith
8. J. Decotis
9. V. Friese
10. L. Vincent
11. J. Richardson
12. M. Oldenburg
13. G. Swanepoel
14. L. Kilbarger
15. A. Gulley
16. R. Zimmer
17. C. Thompson
18. Z. Bell
19. B. Ripple
20. J. Wentland
Can Dean Wilson turn around Pro Circuit's rough season? So far so good.
Cudby photo
Eastern Regional 250SX Class Points
1. Dean Wilson, Scotland, Kawasaki, 25
2. Blake Wharton, Pilot Point, Texas, Suzuki, 22
3. Wil Hahn, Decatur, Texas, Honda, 20
4. Kyle Peters, Greensboro, N.C., Honda, 18
5. Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., Kawasaki, 16
6. Marvin Musquin, France, KTM, 15
7. Gavin Faith, Fort Dodge, Iowa, Honda, 14
8. Jimmy Decotis, Peabody, Mass., Honda, 13
9. Vince Friese, Cape Girardeau, Mo., Honda, 12
10. Lance Vincent, Youngsville, La., KTM, 1
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Holeshot! I mean dammit Reed. I hope he finds the speed because this can't make him happy. He was there!
I am a big CR 22 fan and I just hate seeing him fade.
As if DW has any competition ... ZZZ.
I hope Deano gets terrible starts all season so we can watch him scrub his way past every other rider each weekend
In my opinion the West is a bit more stacked.
@Rehab86. The pros say super cross is a lot more " rider" than "bike". I am thinking Reed has got some work to do.
@Rehab86. The pros say super cross is a lot more " rider" than "bike". I am thinking Reed has got some work to do.
If it came down to Wilson vs. Tomac in Vegas...I would take Tomac all the way. I believe he is riding on a whole different level than the rest of the field. If only he could get those good starts.
Man, I hate to say it but Zach "ring my" Bell is going to have a very short career if he keeps on with his lawn darting.
Can't wait to see Tomac in Atlanta mix it up with the big boys! Would love to see Roczen in there as well...And Zach Bell says he wasn't knocked out?Whatever kid.
After watching Zach Bell , 2 things are clear. 1 that kid is tough and 2 RC has a great idea making these guys do some AX before they step up to the big leagues. That track was sketchy and you have to wonder if a little experience might have helped Bell out.
@bigmoto....yeah some of the kids near the back of the pack probably dont have much SX experience, but Zach Bell has been riding supercross tracks for a long time and is more than qualified to be on a supercross track...he races for Geico Honda which means he gets full use of the Honda test track...he just had a really really bad day
That first heat race is exactly what I'm talking about.. That was good fun racing. I wished the 450s could race like that instea of a NASCAR train.
James Stewart looked great, left the champ, but once again he has bad luck. I have serious doubts he can go 20 laps anyways.
Zachary Bell is the next Travis Pastrana, he won't be around long but he has great speed.
Milsaps, proves me wrong again. He is absolutely fantastic and solid..
It was so good having Carmichael in the booth. I love watching Ricky and Emig, great team with Ralph. They add a great element, even my girlfriend said she missed Carmichael in the booth. He brings a real persons look to the booth.
Blake Wharton- best interviews after racing since Jeremy McGrath and Jeff Emig.
These tracks HAVE to change to make some racing happen. Dungey had to make a rough pass on Reed and he was so much faster. It is well below exciting to see Dungey pull a whole half a second closer to a guy in 10 laps. oh and 44 second lap times? When you have 4 top guys starting 1-4 that is the dream. Yet absolutely zero of anything close to exciting ensued. And the track still fell apart? The riders usually hate the tracks too. I don't get it.
@ rickamatuzio
Maybe only broken bones .....Big difference between 5'6 135 than TP199 6'2 205 !
LOL !!
2011 - 4th X-Games Rally
2011 - DNF X-Games Best Trick (Injured)
2010 - 3rd Rally America Championship
2010 - DNF X-Games Rally
2010 - X-Games Moto X Speed & Style Gold
2010 - X-Games MotoX Freestyle Gold
2009 - 1st Rally America Championship
2009 - X-Games Rally Silver
2009 - 4th X-Games MotoX Best Trick
2009 - X-Games Rally Silver
2008 - 1st Rally America Championship
2008 - 6th X-Games Speed & Style
2008 - X-Games Rally Gold
2007 - 1st Red Bull X-Fighters
2007 - 1st Rally America Championship
2007 - 9th X-Games Super X
2007 - X-Games Rally Bronze
2006 - 1st Red Bull X-Fighters
2006 - 1st Rally America Championship
2006 - 9th X-Games Supermoto
2006 - X-Games Rally Gold
2006 - X-Games MotoX Best Trick Gold
2006 - X-Games MotoX Freestyle Gold
2005 - X-Games MotoX Best Trick Silver
2005 - X-Games MotoX Freestyle Gold
2004 - 17th X-Games Supermoto
2004 - X-Games MotoX Best Trick Bronze
2004 - X-Games MotoX Freestyle Silver
2004 - 1st Red Bull X-Fighters
2003 - Gravity Games Freestyle Gold
2003 - X-Games MotoX Freestyle Gold
2002 - Gravity Games Freestyle Challange Gold
2002 - Gravity Games Freestyle Gold
2002 - 16th Supercross - Suzuki
2001 - X-Games MotoX Step Up Silver
2001 - X-Games MotoX Freestyle Gold
2001 - Gravity Games Freestyle Gold
2001 - 1st Supercross Lites East - Suzuki
2000 - 8th X-Games Step Up
2000 - X-Games MotoX Freestyle Gold
2000 - 3rd 125 Supercross - Suzuki
2000 - 1st 125 Motocross - Suzuki
2000 - AMA Rookie of the Year
1999 - X-Games MotoX Freestyle Gold
1999 - Gravity Games Doubles Gold
1999 - Gravity Games Freestyle Gold
1999 - Horizon Award Best Amateur Motocross Rider
1998 - 1st World Freestyle Championship
I like RC but he is no David Baiey or Art Eckman ! ...
I was at the race and will be at Atlanta which is sold out..................MX is a live and well in SOUTH and East California can fall on its Burritto and all the wet backs.......
Damm Govt.........I will mention that in my new Manifesto ! LOL !
Bell looks way to small for the bike. The best 450 race was the first heat race. Otherwise it was just another case of follow the leader.
. The only passing in the main was Canard going from 16th to 7th and that was never shown.
Thought the announcing was a bit subdued....but it was nice to NOT hear about the start being everything every other sentence. Perhaps these folks are listening? A little peeved that one of the mains had two laps completed before anyone in the booth had anything to say about the running order. Supercross is waaay too short to be chatting in the booth.
Emig actually speaks well and relates his experience in a nice way. RC should be down doing mini interviews on the floor with the riders, managers and so on...
What a super year for supercross..........now if we can just get past CBS coverage.....
JS7's mechanic went the sabotage route for the main. That will teach Big James to stick his nose in there.
That 1st 250 heat race was AWESOME!!! Gavin was on it.
Deano rode like the man possessed. Can't wait for showdown between Tomac and him on450s outdoors!
Glock- what does freestyle have to do with SX? And Pastrana was NOT 205lbs during his SX career..
Pastrana 450 wins= 0.
Pastrana 450 crashes=86.
Pastrana bad decisions=184.
Yes, Pastrana won on a 125 and was very fast, but another mountain of crashes too.
Nobody wanted Travis to win more than me, but he absolutely could not keep his head on straight and Decoster gave up on him. Travis SHOULD have been a multi time champion in every class. Maybe Zachary Bell should step over to the Nitro Circus immediately and start getting paid for being a total idiot instead of racing before he kills himself.
Stewart must have a hydraulic clutch to have a weird failure like that. Otherwise, nothing else can really be a problem I can think of.
David Bailey was no David bailey his first season either. Watch 94 Gainsville and listen to Baileys first race, it was terrible. David picked it up fast, give RC a chance he improves every week
So, Bell crashed....Did y'all see RV at A1? It's racing and sh!t happens. Bell will be back. He will get some glory.Why do you think Jlaw won 250 title in 2008? Dungey had same rookie blunders. Those AX tracks are nothing like SX tracks and just a ploy to generate more $$. Windham could " transfer jump" the entire track.
Get RC out of the booth. I'm assuming the only reason he is around is because his 4 wheel racing endeavor was an epic fail. I would like to think that Speed was testing Kevin Windham's speaking skills before letting him in the booth permanently. To me, he passed with flying colors. Hey RC, learn how to pronounce "Decotis." What a joke.
@Glock
Rickamatuzio's point exactly.
2000 AMA Rookie of the year
2002 16th Supercross
3 years and done.
Shame on GEICO for even letting Bell on the track after the get off he had...did we not witness a HUGE noggin knocker on that one?? WTF GEICO and ASTERISK....maybe the second crash gave them reasons to think such actions next time. Bell is a racer..and of course he wants to be out there...but let's not forego a racers or other racers health and safety for some points....when a rider crashes as Bell did. I know...when SPEED went to commercial right after....many of us sat there wondering if the kid survived.
KLEM says....ABSOLUTELY UNREAL.
Shame on GEICO for even letting Bell on the track after the get off he had...did we not witness a HUGE noggin knocker on that one?? WTF GEICO and ASTERISK....maybe the second crash gave them reasons to think such actions next time. Bell is a racer..and of course he wants to be out there...but let's not forego a racers or other racers health and safety for some points....when a rider crashes as Bell did. I know...when SPEED went to commercial right after....many of us sat there wondering if the kid survived.
KLEM says....ABSOLUTELY UNREAL.
BIG JAMES is the WRENCH!
BUBBA was pissed....he looked on in the heat race. Would of made for some better racing w/ BUBBA GUTS in the mix.
BARCIA had a decent start given gate position and stayed in the points....maybe next week will be better for hiim and Trey!
KLEM says....RIDE HARD, RIDE SMART and HAVE FUN.
has zach bell even finished a pro race yet?
has zach bell even finished a pro race yet?
@Glock
Rickamatuzio's point exactly.
2000 AMA Rookie of the year
2002 16th Supercross
3 years and done.
Not knocked out? Yeah right and monkeys might fly out of my butt! I'm not one to tell riders what to do but, Bell probably should've skipped the main. Tough as nails and fast to boot, so don't ruin season or career by "winning" part of a race.
If by some reason James does not race in Atlanta, I'm calling BS on the clutch. Is he purposely trying to get conspiracy theories going? He better race I'm not driving 2 days to see a partial field.
This article stated, "On a track not filled with too many technical options"....Huh??? Really???? Not sure I agree with that. It was repeatedly mentioned that a key to success was to nail the tricky rhythm sections and that there was no room for error.
Zach Bell has raced a handful of races, hole shot them all.. and crashed spectacularly. He needs to slow down.
Maybe Stewart is scared of success
Ok is anyone else just a little concerned that Zach Bell was back on the track after that terrible getoff? I was scared for that kid, and was so glad to see him awake and moving after the TV break..Tough is one thing..Stupid is another.Someone should have stepped in and said he kid your were KOed and you need to sit this one out..Then in main he smashed his head again? NO way he was fit to race at that level..Just hope his Parents, Geico, the AM
A, a friend....somone step in net time.
@Glock
Rickamatuzio's point exactly.
2000 AMA Rookie of the year
2002 16th Supercross
3 years and done.
@Glock
Rickamatuzio's point exactly.
2000 AMA Rookie of the year
2002 16th Supercross
3 years and done.
Ya guys, I'm sure that Stewart was afraid of the possibility of doing well in the main (after beating RV in the heat) so he just decided to fake a bike problem so he wouldn't have to race....ya that's it!! Too funny some of the stuff you guys come up with regarding JS!! Like him or not, the dudes luck has sucked this year, I actually agree with him, this looked like his best shot at a podium yet this year and then something freak happens( was his mechanic pissed or something). Granted he hasn't shown he can get it done in the main yet this year, but he looked really good last night!! It might have made for a little less boring main event had he been out there.......give it another shot in Atalanta!!
Misoheye I went and looked at Stewart's bike. No hydraulic clutch.. Very peculiar problem.
Maybe the ball the soldiered on the end of the cable fell off? It's a very rare failure, is it possible that Villipoto hired some of the Stewart haters from Racer X to sabotage his bike in the pits? Surely RV new he was beat for the main and scared. Enquiring minds want to know!!!
(Aliens?)
Knew he was beat
I don't know Suzuki, but with Honda you need to pull the flywheel cover to remove the cable. If Lee Mccullum had a clutch cable in his bag, I wonder if he could have fixed the bike fast enough for the main? (Assuming it was the cable). With Yamaha you can sneak it off outside the case. I am guessing they didn't have the parts ready and couldn't make it back to the semi to fix him fast enough. Very sad, I was looking for Stewart to win and I think that heat was huge for his confidence. Maybe next week he can make another run at it.. Good to see James going fast again.
Why do I have this feeling that Dungey is going to win the title?? He is proof the fastest man doesn't win the war. Man Dungey is solid of consistency, he does remind me of Stanton. I find it hard to believe MILLSAPS won't start feeling big time pressure but he seems very relax. Undoubtedly he is smoking large quantities of Weed, otherwise his butt hole would be puckered up (another conspiracy for you guys to chew on).
Watch Bell Over Jump sky shot (the race program states it as 120 feet) at Unadilla last summer by 10 or 20 feet every lap, (he was landing at the bottom)and thought his landings were sketchy at best, bottoming out and sticking in the soft loam, as the race wore down (last race of the day) I walked over to the bottom of screw-U to catch a little action. When I got home checked out the race on the DVR saw that Bell had crashed hard on the landing of sky shot, if I'd only stayed for another lap or two
Starts problem was not because of a hydraulic clutch, Suzuki doesn't run them. Also the hydraulic part only replaces the cable, nothing internal. Its basically the same as your front brake reservoir but instead of activating the brakes it activates the clutch. Freak stuff happens and sometimes metal breaks for no good reason. I'm betting the clutch actuation arm snapped, but that's just a guess.
Starting to think there is something to the new 6d helmets. They have had numerous crashes resulting in racers heads hitting the ground in races and in testing and so far only one slight concussion, and that was in testing.
Zach Bell. TWO KO's in succession like that is not good for the brain. This is a fact. Especially a young kid's still-developing brain!!! I don't care what he says, he was knocked out as SH*T on the first one (does he NOT remember being out? that actually happens a lot!)
Let's not forget, only a couple months ago (outdoors) he sat races out because of multiple concussions. If this were pro football, hockey--hell, even high school-- he would've been pulled and would've been evaluated and then re-evaluated before being allowed to ride again. When you're out-cold like that, its a major concussion and your brain has received some damage. How much, is the question.
Was he evaluated? Did Asterik look at him? (I couldn't hear 'cause I was at the bar watching the race, damaging my own brain)
This sport is progressing and so is the danger level, so progression of safety measures for these kids is a must. A real Doc (objective medical professional) needs to look at something like that immediately and make the assessment, not the kid himself or the team, or even the parents...
There's a lot of life to live after moto, and doing as a retard would suck...
rickamatuzio
NO pizza for you !
Not to diss him at All cause I am a HUGE zach bell fan. I always liked the kid because of his mad talent and racer instincts, plus I have the vid that vurb did when he mobbed it at lorettas in '09, and I also went to lorettas last year and saw him kill it last year too. But, Zach year missed 3 straight year of am racing due to injuries. He broke his wrist, arm, leg, foot, and the big one was the back. But Hes done 3 pro races, crashed out of southwick, got an 8th at unadilla in the 1st moto and then crashed the second moto which took him out the rest of the year and now we saw what he did last night. Plus he would of won 2 titles at lorettas if he didnt crash in 2 of 3 motos in one class, which in one of those motos he crashed over 3 or 4 times. Zachs got mad skills and I wish him the best, Im just scared for his career with the way its going
For the record, I believe it was a real failure. I'm just looking at it from the other side. He got his 4 top tens for Red Bull, crashed in first practice, sat the rest out and no mechanic on the line. I would like to see some footage of how the team was acting when it happened. Was it, " Oh well, it broke" or a mad scramble to get it fixed?
If a red flag comes out for a rider because he is hurt that bad, maybe there should be a rule that they are done for the night. I will leave the track and riders name out, there was a race where a kid had a bad get off and got back on his bike to finish. When he landed off a jump something happened that resulted in his death from complications with the earlier crash. Racers are racers. Just like your drunk buddy says "I'm good to drive".
I'll take Windham in the booth over Carmicheal any day. His first attempt was much better than Ricky's right out of the gate. Windham, Bailey and Emig....now that would be good combination in the booth.
Nikola, I went back wasn't sure but I saw Stewart doesn't use a hydraulic clutch. I have no idea why not, I have one on my Yz250 and its awesome. It did fail on me, and I had to rebuild it once so maybe they don't want to take the chance on that. They said his cable broke, the only thing I can see breaking is the ball on the end of the cable. Stewart was fiddling with it.. I used to heat them up and take the balls off, to fix frayed cables and solider them back on. It's interesting, I hope they reveal what happened.
Glock?!! Hey dude, I love Travis. I wanted him to win so bad, he had more talent in his pinky than Carmichael did in his body. I wished Travis would have put his heart into racing and taken RC on. I guess he probably made more money doing it his way tho. Now pass the pizza over here
Sorry for the folks that paid to go to the Dallas SX. What a yawner. The highlight of the night was RD passing CR. Deano walked away as did RV. Main time for the 450's was right around 15 minutes. And how many times do we have to hear about the track being one lined and slippery. Hell before the first heat went off RV said it.
I would suspect it was an internal clutch problem for James cuz if it was just a cable, he could ride it as normal. Ask Gary Bailey, stewie doesn't even touch his clutch lever during the race.
What was the deal with big James being on the line over McCollum?What an idiot! Let the team do their jobs!
So sick of hearing the words "slick" and "one lined".Was that dirt or concrete?I think if any one of the privateer guys that dont get tire support would have used one of those gumbo trials tires,they would have smoked everyone.
I love racer x. The threads that follow an article with the word "Stewart" erupts into a shit storm. James was faster than RV tonight. Argue with me all you want.
Good night of racing overall, I was surprised to see Dungey stand up Reed in that corner. Maybe the Dunge is finally getting agressive. These first turns after the start are getting crazy. Maybe they should shorten the start straight to lower the speeds coming into these flat corners. Good to see Davi is still carring the red plate.
I am bummed that we missed that race with Villopoto and Stewart going at it at the main. Being watching that he race was cool. Stewie just put the hammer down and rolled right by Ryan. I never thought I would see that again.
Nobody knows what the real problem was with Stewart’s bike. However, we know this. Big James was in no position to even start to fix it without a screwdriver, tool-belt, or backpack. All Sr was wearing was a tough-guy look and a pair of Oakleys. That is Webb allowing the “tail to wag the dog.”
I give James credit on his comments. No blame and did not hang anyone out to dry. Regardless of his results, he has been fast in the Heats and he stays classy. Time to send James Sr back up to the stands and let the professionals do the job for which they are paid.
every one likes talk about js7 nobody wants to talk about rv and he won or dm when js7 is gone its going to be boring
I thought protocol in the Zack Bell situation was post crash testing and failure meant at minimum missing that race with future tests before being allowed to race.
How does someone who is knocked out not have a concussion ? Geico use 6D helmets .
That post crash intervew with Zach was brutal. I'm sorry, but where are this kids inner circle?
JimM
Pala374
@Thetoothperry-- The Stewart forums turn into sh!tstorms because of Stewtards saying dumb things.. Instead of just saying Stewart got beat, or he crashed, or he just wasnt the fastest tonite.. Its always an excuse--Like SXFANMAN (StarplayaforLifes new name) saying Suzuki told him not to win... That is most of the problem.. Stewie did beat RV, in the heat race.. Stewart ALWAYS wins the heat races, always has. On the Yamaha too...big deal.. Can he do that for 20 laps??? That has always been the question, he hasnt done it consistantly since 2009... Its obvious his knee wasnt torn, because they now say its a non-issue.. Now it was a bad clutch, unless he was hurt from crashing twice in practice and didnt say anything... But when he beats the top guys for 20 laps, you can say he was the fastest.. Otherwise its just practice..
If the producers behind the embarrassingly sophomoric SX broadcasts choose to keep RC in the booth, perhaps they should start by sending him back to school. Based on RC's apparent level of intelligence, I recommend beginning with Kindergarten.
@porcupinetree, the answer is easy. RV, RD and Millsaps on the box is becoming business as usual. However, Stewart with an average of finish of 9th, a DNS last night, and not one podium this year is shocking.
@JimboMX374, I think that was the consensus of everyone. He was not just out, he was motionless face-down for over a minute. That was a significant concussion where he should probably be out at least a few weeks. A second concussion in short time can kill a person. If Bell was an amateur, he would not be allowed to race at all for the rest of the day under the new minor amateur rules.
NO ONE with a factory ride is ever going to say i'n front of a zillion people " yeah I started it ...it made some horrible clanging noise and BLEW up" ....you say it fouled a plug or the clutch (which is a Hinson and there only about 5 pieces in the actuation involved) failed.or the stars weren't aligned....get it.....Millsaps blew in a heat just a couple back....hmmmm? Stewarts bike is my favorite piece but everything breaks...but i admit I was looking forward to watching him in the main....@pizzacornholer..yeah it was JS&'s dad...thats all you have to spew....and your not a fu*(ing idiot... fat chance. ..there really isn't much you can fix on the starting line anyway involving motor internals anyway... RV the return of the Alpha dog....i guess those tire warmers are workin....lol....(heck 2 holeshots maybe they are !!!...we'll see if Reed has a set next week.)..and the BOLD new #5 .....it was wonderful see him put a hit on 22 even though he looked back ..lol..ready to apologize...5 was on it...its goin to the wire......as much as i'm looking forward to watchin T-mac on a 4fity...if he blows someones championship chances that would be a bummer of major proportions....Zack Bell...you are tuff little SOB.....gained some fans last night...the hard way.....Wison needs to start in row 2.....
we need more oversight in sx......... to protect the riders from themselves, the track builders, feld, and their team mangers. last night was a wake up call, individual responsibility does not work. you are ugly because of someone else, you cant ride your dirt bike because of someone else, you are broke , fat and stupid, and it is not your fault ! THE PUSSIFACATION OF AMERICA to all you talking heads that know more about the sport than those who are in it............F*CK OFF ! lol
Hey man, Just a old geezers veiw,....Gavin hit the F'n ground hard.
@ rickamatuzio Pastrana finished more races on the Mule then on his bike. I wouldn't wish that talent on anybody.
@JonR145 yeah..crazy that Geico and above all Asterik let him go out. Even if he wasn't unconscious (as he stated but we all know he was) he still should not have been allowed to make that decision.
The repercussions of that Bells crash will be felt at a later date.. The asterics * crew and team lead should of erroe on the side of caution. Not thata the kid isnt tuff..Who cares about mcho stuff.Every Macho man I know is a dead man!
Great to see Tomac in the big class next week ! It will put a big question on the points moving forward. And congrats to short getting Windhams ride ! LOL
Ya another old Gezzer here! In the 70's if you could stand up we had to race! Had trouble trying to figure out which rubber band was the real one so it was tough. Then there at Cole Valley ILL they had this BIG tree in the middle of the start straight. Try hoping you missed the real on and jjust rode through the one that was not really there? We had to dodge that also! Then if you made it that far it was one heck of a track and one of the hardest toughtest tracks there in the day and I would put that hill they had to rival Glem Helen's hill!
How many of yo people from up there remember that track?
I'm thinking the 6D helmet that Zack Bell wears kept him from getting a concussion. It's new technology in helmet design and it must be helping. Tomac ate it hard in Oakland wearing that same helmet and had no issues. Those wrecks may have resulted in a consussion wear another brand helmet. I dont know how else to explain him walking away from those hits he took.
It's saddening to me that the people around Zach are not looking out for his best interest. The kid's visibly shaken up, caused a red flag, literally crying, has just smashed his head and somehow it's safe to let him race??
Asterisk "medical" crew? seriously??
I like when Emig says how DM18 is not on Factory Suzuki equipment, when RCH's riders are flailing around out there on top tier Suzuki's.
@Verge and like minds: a concussion doesn't necessarily imply being KO'd or forgetting anything, but it does imply long lasting brain damage including night terrors, anxiety, lack of cognitive clarity, speech problems etc etc and later on: Alzheimer's and dementia.
Medical research has even proven that kids "heading" a soccer ball can cause these effects. This issue is serious enough to end the sport in the future... so take this sh!t seriously if you seriously love moto.
Zach's crash looked like Windham's last year.
You f'n Mary's whining about Zack Bell racing. He is an 18yrs old kid going for the gold, stop pushing your typical loser views onto a winner. Not everyone is happy living for a weekly pay check, Obamacare and a mortgage on an overpriced shitbox....bunch of losers.
If you don't think Bell suffered a concussion on that first hit....u r sadly mistaken.
They...Geico...Asteriks....AMA....NEVER SHOULD OF PERMITTED HIM to ENTER the Track 2time.
A very sad statement...and one I am sure will not happen again.
Klem says...BELLs LUCKY to BE ALIVE.
And....did ya see JEFFRO give RC the look when RC interuppted and waled all over him when they were having the MUSKY vs WILSON discussion.
RC says...GIVE'EM FINGER!!! lolol
WORD on the street has it....RV's BEARD Helped him WIN!!
You got to stop ripping the commentary Listen to all other sports, the commentary is not for us, the real/knowledgable fans. It's for the casual/non fans, I had some friends that are not into the sport, and they very much appreciated the commentary. Stop being stuck up snobs about it. If you dont like it turn the volume off. You know what you are watching, if it upsets you, you dont have to listen. Be glad that it is on TV and is LIVE you ungrateful bunch of whiny punks. You are the same fans? that get mad when the show is on CBS taped delayed. --- Second, love Reed but not his year, he had everything a rider can ask for last night and was going backward and it would have been worse if not for the 1 line track. Davi is the man this year, if you dont believe it you are nuts. Bubba, not feeling sorry for the guy at all, but it really has been a weird year fr him and Suzuki. Otherwise great JOB Speed thanks for the races LIVE.
James Stewart bike
3:06 is a good shot of the clutch
http://motocross.transworld.net/1000141751/videos/up-close-with-james-stewarts-yoshimura-suzuki-rm-z450/
JimM
Pala374
Bell was out cold, he didn't even twitch. He did a podcast with Matthes after the race and said that he was tested and passed. Still think he should have sat out though.
We don't even know what test he's talking about... besides, the Asterisk crew has no power other than a friendly suggestion. If you stay in your truck, you don't even have to hear their suggestion.
i would like to see Bells helmet . he was looked to be out cold after first crash. in the slow mo you can clearly see him smack his knoggin. if he wasnt knocked out then he must of been going thru a mental check list to see if all was intack. i dont think so ! he was sleeping and never should of been able to race. but a report on his helmet would be nice, maybe it is that good !
JimboMX374
Thanks for the link !
If even if the kid was medically safe (cough cough), when he honestly thought he was going to die, somebody in his inner circle should have realized it was his first race and just said lets get them next week. That's not being a pansy, liberal or know-it -all that is just common sense. Which seems to be lacking nowadays.
@pizzacorner, as an MMA fan, I would think you'd know how serious head trauma can be. If Bell was in the UFC, he'd be suspended for at least 3 months.
Or like Broc Hepler says, for every minute you're out, take one month off. Moto could learn a bit of safety from the UFC, as ironic as that is.
Sorry about the extra if. Who knew you could stutter on a keyboard.
Did they test him after the second crash too?
Byrner99, how would james race without a clutch cable?
I suppose he could rev the motor up to the moon on the start and when the gate drops try to "kick" the bike into gear.. He may wheelie over, or may kill the motor. Who knows, possibly break the shift cogs off .. but it would be interesting.
They use the clutch alot more than you think
Who cares about any of this when J-Law is racing the nationals!!
Got off work at 3,rushed home to fall asleep before end of 450 main.
Oh well even a killer season like this one will have yawners.
Wonder if the Stewart camp will re-acess need to have big daddy there versus mechanic with spares and tools? Beginning to wonder about Zach Bell overiding his capabilities.
Very cool to see RD5 muscle past someone.
Lets hear it for the Eights! Top ten for Georke again and great to see Decotis back. Good Luck guys!
It is interesting on how that kid ragged dolled it and made it to the main. I too am surprised they let him race. I know many of you had read Broc's story and there were days of just trying to get down freeway was to intense. That was with someone else driving. These are all the little things that come up later. Hpoefully the kid will get an extensive check up before the next race.
Maybe Bell just had the wind knocked out of him- that can render you helpless for a few minutes. He said he remembered the crash and he wasn't out cold- and he was so excited because it was his first supercross race. But he is taking some hard hits out there for sure.
If Villopoto can do that 9 of the next ten races he will win the title- but if Davi can do that 9 of the next ten, he wont. And the Dunge may have another gear that he is waiting to use. Too bad for stewart- bad luck yes. When Reed took out Villopoto he just got up and rode away. When Reed took out Stewart he wrecked his throttle and DNFd. He was improving with each race- will he be ready for the outdoors?
Wilson looks good but the west looks tougher. Who is better- Musqvin or Roczen? I wonder if Atlanta will be yet another slick, one lined track? And I dont think they had the mule back when Pastrana was racing.
...OH and Davi will rule the GeorgiaDome on my birthday. Yeah baby!
To Whom It May Concern;
OK, It's been an entire week since the CBS Sports special, "Ryan Villopoto: A Champion" aired. I have been waiting patiently for a nice write up to appear on these boards which would allow a comment of the aforementioned, without being too (off) topic.
Well, I can't wait any longer...In my opinion, that was some fine production that took place within that 60 minutes. And, I can't believe I am the only one who thought that either.
To get footage of Ryan's Dad, needing to remove himself for a drink (Jack Daniels possibly) so as not to show too much of his soft underbelly on camera, was some pretty soul moving stuff, in my opinion.
I had no idea there was this inner turmoil going on at the Villopoto residence. There were very few punches pulled in this introspective work about the life and times of a champion, especially when it is in our own (relatively) small niche sport of Motocross/Supercross.
In fact, I was so impressed with the overall success of the production, the following business day I made a few calls and spoke to the CBS Sports Management/Legal dept.and inquired about any re-airings and/or a DVD to purchase. Unfortunately, neither is going to happen anytime soon, if at all. I also drafted a short letter (program coordinator/director/producer) expressing what a great effort CBS Sports has put together, and how current and timely it's release was during the first few rounds of the 2013 Monster Energy SX Series.
I believe those people who put in the hard work, need to be let know, we mortals, appreciate their efforts, as it doesn't happen often enough, I'm sure.
So, in that vein, Thanks RacerX, Davey, Jason, Steve, David, The Professor, Aaron, Chase, Tim and all those behind the scenes we never see, or hear of their specific input to make this whole thing work like a fine tuned _________ (read: bike of your choice), 24/7/365.
Thanks, for all your hard work, people!
rickmatuzio thats exactlly how we used to have to start hand on head....you get good at it or buy a CZ...lol. these guys use the clutch ALL THE TIME now ...its a combination traction control and launch control...these guys ain't cuttin it without the clutch and they know what there doin......@pizzacornhole ...only you could relate Zack Bells crash to Obamacare and in the same breath call someone else a loser...great comedy ahole........@rbarn...no doubt ...i'm looking forward to those 4 laps at Hangtown until he wakes up to reality and RV pops another front wheel blast off his lop sided half baked noggin......@jesus not everyone suffers from long term effects from having concussions ..it isn't a gimme....EVERY bike racer I know has had at LEAST a couple..@jesus not everyone suffers from long term effects...........@jesus...now i lay me down to sleep......at least a couple.......!!!!!
Just some notes:
Bell took the concussion test, which he passed with a score of 92.
He was able to recall all events of his crash, so they had to let him race.
RC in the booth is just fine, come on bro.
Part failure on JS's bike, meant the clutch lever could not be pulled in at all.
@casey - yep that was a good show on RV, I missed it on CBS but it's up on youtube in HD, if you want to catch it again.
Is it possible that Stewy is using a type of 'Auto Clutch' similar to a Rev Lok or Rekluse? Maybe something about that gave up. They have been testing these over the last couple of seasons (all the 5 brands). Think when was last time you someone kick starting after a crash, other than KTM's E button. Shelling the motor on the line is a possiblity also, 'clutch issues' just sound better to protect Suzuki's reliability rep. especially after Millsaps lunched a motor in a heat a couple a weeks ago.
Deano made it look too easy. I think the 250 east is going to be a snoozer.
Anybody in attendance would agree Bell was out cold. You can't lay that still and be conscious.
Was Partridge's Wheely in the whoops really worth all the hoopla and after race interview? We've all 'whiskey throttled' and survived it.
I think Bell was looking at the replay on the big screen when he "recalled" the crash during the concussion test.
Would you lay in the track at the landing of a triple IF you were conscious, NO I'd be rolling the hell out of way as 19 other bikes were trying not land on me. Zack was out cold.
@tonewall .........
Rubber band starts on my up piper........ weighing in a 135 in gear...head down by the cross bar and STOMP.
JmM
Pala374
@pizzacorner.........
Most of us have been there, done that and walked if off multiple times. Showing concern for the kid doesnt make anyone soft
JimM
Pala374
Zach Bell crash and interview
"Im just glad to be alive"
ehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cTqZdQaaQE
JimM
Pala374
Zach Bell did what most fast rookies do, he rode over his head. He will be here for a long time. He is no Pastrana in that he will continue to be careless, on the contrary, he will have help honing his skills and will be challenging for the title in 2014.
Too bad the booth did not comment on TC's push through the pack. As for RC being excellent in the booth, I think he does alright much like a mid-packer on the track but he is no GOAT in the booth.
Doc Bodnar's on Pulp show tomorrow... he too will lie about Zach and say he wasn't concussed... that's what anyone in Doc's position HAS to do; or career suicide. Doc ain't infallible as Jesus, and all jobs require a little "towing of the line"... tune in tomorrow to see that line get towed throughout the show.
"pizzafacecorner" and "therealmofo" have to be two of the most bitter, undies-in-a-bunch, negative, and miserable posters on this site!! Always contradicting, and challenging people on everything......is life really that bad fellas?? LOL. We absolutely have to give "therealmofo" the crown of hardest working "Anti-Stew" jackass on here!! Dude never lets up!!
Agreed that the Villopoto production was very emotional, and very professionally done. I enjoyed it emphatically and it made me a Villopoto fan.
Hey guys, it's none of your business about Zachary Bell. He's 18, racing is his choice. It's done with and nothing you argue about can change what happened. The kid was obviously fine, he rode great in the heat. Doc Bodner is awesome and wouldn't let him out if thought there was danger. The only danger to Zachary is himself.. The dude rides over his head. He crashes constantly, his second crash undoubtedly unrelated to the first. It's what he does..
I agree, Wilson runaway. Boring
15 minute 450 main and 12 minute 250 main. If we add both mains together we would have a race.
I agree about pizza and rtm. The real problem is all the unnecessary profanity and name-calling. Those are two angry, bitter dudes. And as such, their comments are of little value. If any.
Typical Liberals...try to silence the opposition. 18yr olds fight and die in war everyday, but you little girls whine about a crash by a professional athlete? You people are so stupid and weak... now get up and go punch your timecard , if you girls even work.
I'm not up to speed on these whippersnappers yet, I think I ment Zach......The near Chad Reed imatation but indoors,. I felt that sob.
RV and Stewart were both looking great, its too bad for the JS7 bike mechanical because the coulda shoulda woulda is simply that.....Their heat race laps were 2 seconds faster than Saps they said?? RV didnt appear to be pushing at all up front while Saps looked a little fatigued after being sick all week...but a great ride for him and who knows what Reed will say....must be the front end feel again...but watching Dungey rub Reed was great....
@motodog77: Hey, Thanks for the tip about the RV Special on YT. I have it on my DVR, but I have told many people who missed it when it was aired on CBS Sports.
I will check it out!
@SXFANMAN/Starplayaforlife--- I am guessing rtm was meant for me..You say I am angry because of your constant racist comments?? You already changed your name to try and through us off I guess.. YOU said for us not to comment on any "people of color" because we dont know what makes a black man tick---then YOU constantly comment on white riders..Then YOU say Stewart was tolod to "Not win the championship" so Millsaps could???? Making more excuses for Stewart.. And some of us disagree with your post and that makes us bitter and angry?? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!! Dude I am far from angry.. I am amazed that you may actually believe some of what you are posting..
And YOU say our post are of little value?? A bigot racist like you is what is of little value..I have no problem with Stewie--its Stewtards and racist like You (Starplayaforlife--we know who you really are) I have a problem with..
and the beat goes on....
Racism sucks, riding with head injury is foolish, and RV's parents have f&cked; up priorities.
@ Welker
From an almost as old as you geezer
It was "Coal Valley"
One of the few tracks in Illinois I never attended.
Heard they had a tree in the middle of the start straight so I chickened out. LoL :-)
So stewart has a cable operated clutch with external actuator. I would have so tied that sucker in a knot and let some slack out. A Gerber multi tool would have done the trick. I mean really, how does a lack of clutch stop you from racing. Start in neutral, jab that hoss into gear and end up at the back of the pack. Stick it in 3rd and deal with it. How many others have had to race while stuck in gear. Lord knows the 450F is more than capable of pulling this move and I'm sure he could have gotten 10th. And he gets a cool story out of it. If it was just the cable, I will never understand how he DNS.