Observations: Atlanta
Wednesday, February 27, 2013 | 4:30 PM
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PrintRound 8 of the 17-round Monster Energy Supercross season is in the books (where has the time gone?) and things aren’t really any clearer now than they were at the start of the year. Yeah, Davi Millsaps has a nice lead in the series but he’s yet to have a bad race. Most think he will have that at some point (actually his competitors are banking on it). But right now, we’re waiting. And waiting. We might all be at the SX awards banquet in May still waiting for Davi to have a bad race as he picks up the championship trophy. Just saying.
What’s going on with these tracks and the races? Do we need to have some sort of intervention here? I was thinking that this was going to happen, and as usual with everything else in the world we live in, the overcorrection was too much. What am I talking about? The rash of injuries last season has caused Dirt Wurx and Feld (the series promoters) to take a look at the track designs and scale them back to keep these guys on the track. It isn’t a bad idea, except for the fact that our injuries last season were a fluke deal. Last year I went back and looked at the 1998 season, which was another year where barely any of the top riders made it through to Vegas, proving that it’s not a track or cc or four-stroke/two-stroke thing. It’s just a fluke. The year before last, 2011, was awesome. The best year in SX history I believe. I even read it on the flags at Las Vegas.
This season, almost without fail, the leader after one lap is the winner of the race. You get the start and you have a better-than-you-should-have-chance at winning. The dirt’s been pretty crappy, the obstacles small, the corners aren’t built properly and as a result, the world’s best racers can’t show their skills. As Ryan Villopoto told me after Atlanta, “I’m going as fast as the track is letting me,” which means there’s no traction and there’s no obstacle on the track that lets him show his skill. There aren’t passing opportunities out there, there are no inside bumps on the insides of turns for riders to try, there isn’t a long treacherous whoop section to really separate the skills of the men setting up the bikes (never mind the rider himself), there’s nothing! All the riders in the eighty-man night show (both classes) are all doing the exact same things. And that folks, is how you create some boring racing. Oh how I long for last year’s San Diego SX whoop section, the creativity of the rider designed courses or the over/under bridges to add some variety. I’ll even take a mud pit at this point.
James Stewart was all smiles after his first win of the season in Atlanta.
Simon Cudby photo
I take a lot of flak from my friends on other teams about my enthusiasm for James Stewart and my refusal to doubt his skills. Stewart hasn’t won an SX title in three seasons and he has only won a handful of races in the last few years, as he’s been hurt and dealing with a bike he didn’t like, but none of this matters to me. I’ve been at this game a long time and I don't care what the record books show - James Stewart is the best supercross rider (notice I didn’t say “racer”) who has ever lived. Yeah, he’s only third on the career win list and yeah, he’s only got two titles but his technique, innovation and ability to make you come out of your seat to watch him has never been matched. Jeremy McGrath was awesome, a lot like JS today, but Stewart has taken MC’s skills and has raised them up. One day, someone will take Stewart’s skills and raise the game. As Eddie Vedder once sung, that’s evolution baby.
He’s been the fastest qualifier plenty of times this year but as we all know, he’s battling an ACL tear in his knee and hasn’t been the same guy that we’ve seen in the past. In fact, I fully expected him to pack it in and get the thing fixed. The old James Stewart would rather retire than ride around (injury or not) outside the top three. The now, just older James Stewart, realizes he’s on a new team, with a new gear line to promote, has limited results from last year and is toughing it out. But it’s got to be humbling to him. The man with the highest win percentage in supercross of all-time (50 percent before the start of the year, but now getting closer to McGrath’s 42 percent) hadn’t even made a podium this year. Yes, you read that right.
Well cue the Jaws music because the number seven is back. Stewart won Atlanta with twenty strong laps, and it was nice to see. I have to admit, I thought Ryan Villopoto would wear him down with superior fitness, but I guess the knee is better to the point where James has started to get his base levels back to where they need to be. The championship is gone at this point but what Stewart needs to do now is let it be known that there’s no throwing dirt on him. He’s as good as ever and the role of spoiler is his to embrace.
We had Stewart on the Pulpmx Show on Monday and he had some interesting things to say. One of them is that his plan is to be on the line for the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross season opener at Hangtown unless “something goes seriously wrong.” He also thinks the tracks “have pretty much sucked” this season. I don’t want there to be injuries to the half the field either but this overreaction to an anomaly year is a little much in my, and apparently Stewart’s, opinion.
The only thing on the Atlanta track that was at least a bit challenging was the dragon-back jump-off section that Stewart was nailing every lap while the second place Villopoto was not. It wasn’t an easy thing to do; the section was made with differing heights to allow for those not brave enough and on 250s to not leap off the top jump, but for someone like RV, well it’s not that hard. Not jumping it killed his chances of catching Stewart, as in the other two segments, (well laid out by our own Chase Stallo HERE) Villopoto was faster. But when it came to jumping off the dragon back, well RV wasn’t having it.
Ryan Villopoto finished second to Stewart, but was able to pick up two points on leader Davi Millsaps.
Simon Cudby photo
Afterward he told me that it wasn’t the jump that was the problem, it was the following triple into the turn that sketched him out. He wasn’t comfortable coming in there with that speed and making the turn on the flat ground (remember we don’t have bowl turns anymore on the outsides of the stadium) for whatever reason. After the race Villopoto met with his team in the back of the truck and I assume there was talk of what RV was doing, and why it made him feel as though he wasn’t able to match Stewart out there. A second place and two points made up on series leader Davi Millsaps is the bright spot for Villopoto and his team. The dark spot? Wondering what if…
And hey, I know I just said the tracks don’t offer obstacles to separate the top riders, and then explained how that dragon back section did. But this was a strange deal, Weston Peick was even jumping the same rhythm Stewart was. Villopoto didn’t. Had he, and it would have been follow the leader for just about everyone.
Lot’s of hype for Eli Tomac this weekend. I tried to get a spot on the bandwagon but it was totally full. Booked to capacity man. Hell, walking around the pits it seemed that everyone and anyone was in there. The 250SX rider moved up to a 450 for four races starting in Atlanta (on a full factory Honda, by the way) and showed some speed, as well as an ability to do some damage in this class. But he also showed that his crappy starts followed him to the bigger bike (if he keeps getting poor starts, we’re going to have to not believe that he’s too big for a 250 and just start thinking he’s a crappy starter like his manager, Mike LaRocco, used to be), and that’s what doomed him in both the heat and the main event. Qualifying second fastest was great but as I’ve laid out in the above paragraphs with a whole lot of words, if you’re not starting at the front, you’re not finishing at the front.
Still, Tomac looked aggressive. He was one of the only guys to move up during the main (twelfth to seventh) and looks right at home on the bigger bike. It was surprising to hear him (HERE) comment afterward that the bigger bike and five more laps caught him a bit off guard. Kudos to Tomac for admitting that. I’m sure he’ll figure this out.
After a bad start, Eli Tomac charged back to finish seventh in his 450SX debut.
Simon Cudby photo
The Eastern Regional 250SX series kicked off in Dallas, and we saw exactly what we thought we were going to see - a nice and tidy win by Dean Wilson. This week however we saw “Moving” Marvin “Marv Attack” Musquin set the fastest time in both timed practices, Wil Hahn move from third to first in a heat to win it and then Hahn dominate the main event to take his first career win. In short, we’re seeing what I alluded to last week, which is a series that isn’t that deep creating opportunities for guys to be heroes. Not that it mattered one way or another who was in the class because Hahn rode awesome and was going to be “a guy” no matter the coast, but you get what I mean. Hahn’s got a real chance to win this thing, but I’d still put money on Wilson to capture this title. Still, Hahn’s got confidence now and I’d watch out.
Hahn smashed his toe pretty good when he passed his teammate Zach Bell in the heat race. He went right from the Asterisk medical truck to the main event as they were fixing him up. I saw a photo of the toe - it’s nasty. Almost worst than Bunny’s toe in The Big Lebowski. Props to Hahn for his ride. It was really, really good.
By all accounts, Wilson had a pretty scary crash this week while practicing so I don't think he was 100 percent set for the weekend because of this. And going down in the first practice on Saturday probably wasn’t a great way to start off the day. Still, following Hahn around for the main event and ending up second is a good finish, but you can’t let your competition get too much confidence. I know it’s early but St Louis is a must win for Wilson.
Let’s take a look at the results shall we?
Dean Wilson finished second to Wil Hahn in Atlanta, but still has the points lead.
Simon Cudby photo
250
1. William Hahn Decatur, TX Honda CRF 250- Weirdest thing ever was seeing Mike LaRocco get himself “ready” for a kiss from Wil after the race. Bizarre team over there.
2. Dean Wilson Wesley Chapel, FL Kawasaki KX 250F – When I read “Wesley Chapel, FL” for Wilson’s residence, I immediately think of the fastest man to ever come out of there. And that’s none other than former AMA Rookie of the Year Paul Currie. Wilson’s got a long way to go to match that guy.
3. Marvin Musquin Corona, CA KTM 250 SX-F- The Frenchman was pretty good. He kept the top two guys close and had either of them made a mistake, Musquin was right there. Marvin’s moving up on my list of favorite Frenchmen who have raced in America. He’s always in a good mood, a nice guy and gives great, honest interviews. He’s no Tortelli or Vuillemin but he’s moving on up.
4. Blake Wharton Pilot Point, TX Suzuki RM-Z250- It’s got to be a bit of a bummer for Wharton, who was second last week, to get yarded by the top three guys, but I’m sure he’ll be better this weekend in a town where he’s won before (St. Louis). The real question I have is, can any rider who isn’t named Wilson, Hahn, Musquin or Wharton make the podium this year?
5. Jeremy Martin Millville, MN Yamaha YZ250F- A week after not qualifying, Martin rebounds with a very nice ride to show that he has the speed to be a factor in this series. Perhaps even get a podium at some point.
6. Justin Hill Yoncalla, OR Kawasaki KX 250F- Some shaky opening laps by Hill but he rebounded to get Faith near the end for a good finish. Yeah I know, he’s a rookie, but like any PC or GEICO rider, the standards are a tad higher than say, a Mitchell Oldenburg.
7. Gavin Faith Fort Dodge, IA Honda CRF 250- Faith wasn’t as spectacular as he was last week but he was still pretty good on the MCR 250. I know that Tony Alessi at MotoConcepts was kicking around hiring Faith or Cole Thompson for the East Coast and it looks like either way, he would have had a good choice on his hands.
8. Kyle Peters Greensboro, NC Honda CRF 250- Last week’s surprise didn’t repeat what he did in Dallas (fourth place), but an eighth is nothing to sneeze at for Peters.
9. Vince Friese Cape Girardeau, MO Honda CRF 250- I didn’t notice Vince that much and that’s a good thing.
10. Zachary Bell Cairo, GA Honda CRF 250- Bell crashed in the heat but made it fifteen laps in the main without major incident for a decent finish, considering he didn’t ride all week after his superman impression last week. This is where we’re at with Bell, he’s just got to circulate the track with no problems.
11. Mitchell Oldenburg Alvord, TX Honda CRF 250- I don’t know a thing about this guy but he’s eleventh in the points after two main events. He’s the first guy that you look at and go, “Who’s he?” so that’s something.
12. Lance Vincent Youngsville, LA KTM 250 SX-F- Vincent’s got to make more out of these good starts that he’s been getting.
13. Cole Thompson Brigden, Canada Honda CRF 250- Thompson had an off night as he had to go to the LCQ to make the main, but it says something for his speed in the fact he was dead last in the heat but still almost made it in. Then dominated the LCQ. That’s what top riders do, they come through all the time. Did I mention he’s Canadian?
14. James Decotis Peabody, MA Honda CRF 250- Didn’t watch Jimmy D all that much, I hope that Widget and the rest of the Ewoks are okay with this ride.
15. Steven Clarke Cairo, GA KTM 250 SX-F
16. Gareth Swanepoel Murrieta, CA Kawasaki KX 250F
17. Adam Gulley Jonesburg, MO Kawasaki KX 250F
18. A J Catanzaro Portland, CT Kawasaki KX 250F
19. Kurtis McCabe Marion, IA Honda CRF 250- McCabe got a gift in the heat when, in eleventh with one turn to go, he rode around the outside of Thompson and Wentland as Cole went for the kill with very, very little chance to make the pass stick. Both riders went down and Kurtis rode right on into the main event.
20. Jackson Richardson Cairns, Australia- It’s weird man, Aussie’s are some of the most passionate moto fans out there and my email inbox and Twitter usually blows up informing me of Matt and Jake Moss’s latest moves or this Cachia dude or Simmonds or whomever is over here racing in American. But with this Aussie, there’s nothing. Hello? You guys understand he’s from Down Under right?
Blake Wharton was a tick off the leaders in Atlanta.
Simon Cudby photo
450
1. James Stewart Haines City, FL Suzuki RM-Z450
2. Ryan Villopoto Seattle, WA Kawasaki KX 450F
3. David Millsaps Murrieta, CA Suzuki RM-Z450- The Big Treat is becoming the Big Consistent. Millsaps rode a strong race and closed in a bit on Villopoto near the end of the race. He’s just got to keep on going the way he’s been going. I know some of his competition have been waiting for a misstep by Millsaps but hey guys, it’s round eight already and he looks pretty good.
4. Justin Barcia Pinetta, FL Honda CRF 450- Barcia had a decent race, he might even have won had he grabbed the holeshot. One thing I think his bosses at Honda are going to do is give him a bit of a talking to in terms of racing a teammate that hard in a heat race when both guys are in qualifying positions. His aggressive nature sent Canard to the LCQ with broken spokes. Now that I think about it, Barcia was weirdly aggressive all day with other riders; Brayton, whipping it in RV’s face, getting into it with Stewart in practice and the track as well, judging by his roost. Not sure what his deal was. An angry Bam Bam!
5. Trey Canard Shawnee, OK Honda CRF 450- LCQ to fifth? I bet he’ll take that all day long. In talking to some of the GEICO guys, they feel like Tomac’s inclusion into the class has caused a little bit of urgency amongst Canard and Barcia, as they do not want to be beat by the kid. And I don’t doubt that’s right, I’ve seen it before. No one wants to be the last place guy on the factory team.
6. Ryan Dungey Belle Plaine, MN KTM 450 SX-F- Ryan didn’t get the start he needed and it was hard to make up time out there. He could’ve won had he grabbed the holeshot.
7. Eli Tomac Cortez, CO Honda CRF 450
8. Jake Weimer Rupert, ID Kawasaki KX 450F- Weimer’s first race back after three missed races and he got a bit tired. He’ll get better from here, and an eighth is a nice return for The Snake.
9. Chad Reed Dade City, FL Honda CRF 450- Not good at all. On this track, with him not happy with a new setup that was working good at his house, Reed wasn’t going to move forward much. That’s two poo-poo weeks in a row for Reedy.
10. Mike Alessi Hilliard, FL Suzuki RM-Z450- Mike had an okay race. He looked to be riding pretty well, but he did end up going backward in the main event. I liked the SPEED TV section on the telecast where they followed him around for the day. Great idea and I’d love to see it done with other riders, but unfortunately other teams and riders are probably too secretive to let that happen. That’s a real shame.
11. Matthew Goerke Lake Helen, FL KTM 450 SX-F
12. Broc Tickle Holly, MI Suzuki RM-Z450- I was talking to the Pro Circuit guys about Tickle and made mention that his bike last year was basically a factory bike and those whispers about Broc not performing as well as he should on a factory Suzuki aren’t justified because, well, last year he had a factory Kawasaki. They told me that they were pretty confident that the 450 they built for Broc was as good as any bike out there. Anyway, Tickle is doing about the same this year as he did last year. Maybe a tad worse, but then again, the field is deeper and I’m sure RCH is hoping Tickle’s outdoor success from last year repeats itself.
13. Justin Brayton Cornelius, NC Yamaha YZ450F- Brayton was not happy about Barcia’s takeout of his front wheel after the race and I didn’t see it until I watched the TV show. I have to admit, I thought Brayton was almost at fault as much as Barcia was due to Brayton losing some traction in the turn which caused him to come out of the turn early. I checked in with master of all things Brayton, the Weege, and he says Brayton, too, realized he put himself in a bad position once he watched it.
14. Andrew Short Smithville, TX KTM 450 SX-F- Well Short’s debut ride on the BTOSports KTM team went okay in the fact that he got a strong second in the heat and was up there in the main until he fell. His streak of being one of four riders with top tens at every race came crashing to a halt. I spoke with Andrew after practice and he made a comment about the bike being a bit different from the one he rode in California for three days. I said something about the frame being new and that's why he has that feeling but he quickly shot me down. I remember when I was a mechanic and had answers to all these questions.
15. Peter Larsen Menifee, CA Honda CRF 450- This “Peter” is actually PJ Larsen. I had no clue his name was Peter, and I don’t think anyone outside of his family knew that either. Anyway, he made the main again with a good ride but that’s it for Larsen, he’s moving to the Eleven10 Mods Yamaha team and the 250SX class for the rest of the eastern rounds.
16. Joshua Hill Yoncalla, OR Suzuki RM-Z450
17. Chris Blose Phoenix, AZ Yamaha YZ450F- Next time you’re watching the race, pay attention to Blose. He’s had crappy luck in the mains but he’s riding better than he was at the beginning of the year. He’s a scrapper.
18. Les Smith York, SC KTM 450 SX-F Factory- With Short’s arrival, Smith got bumped to the back of the BTOSports KTM semi as per the original terms of his agreement (Smith had been filling in for Michael Byrne). There’s not much difference between Smith’s “new” bike and the old factory bike so that’s good. And he still gets to eat all the Bubba Burgers he wants, he just has to eat them out back now.
19. Jimmy Albertson Shawnee, OK Honda CRF 450- Albertson crashed while he was up to thirteenth and that’s a shame. His bike was all bent up from the fall. He rode well in the heat though.
20. Robert Kiniry Holland Patent, NY Yamaha YZ450F- Kiniry got himself a flat tire in the main event after surviving an LCQ with Weston “The Nihilist” Peick. And despite the poor finish, Kiniry got some good news afterward when it was confirmed that the switch to N-Fab Yamaha was indeed going to happen. More on that below.
Some random notes that are NOT dedicated to Tom McGovern at Kawasaki:
-Supercross racers are gnarly. “Filthy” Phil Nicoletti had a dirty crash (see what I did there?) in practice and earned himself a trip to the hospital to get checked out for neck/spine damage. He checked out fine, took a cab back to the race (still in his gear) pulled up to the building and ran in for the third practice with the doctor’s papers in hand to clear him. It was so tight that he wasn’t allowed to join his group until the Asterisk doctors did a small strength test on him while he was on the bike waiting to join practice! And his papers were handed over, right there on the track and he was free to join practice. Nuts right?
Bobby Kiniry will be on the N-Fab/TiLube Yamaha team in St. Louis.
Simon Cudby photo
- Nicoletti is going to have himself a new teammate in Bobby Kiniry as I mentioned above. The Velocity 3 team started the year with high hopes. They got Yamaha support right off the bat, signed Kiniry and Kyle Chisholm, and with ex-factory mechanics Brian Berry and Kenny Germain in charge, things seemed like they would be run well and the results would be there. But from the start it was a disaster with bounced checks, people not getting paid and Berry and Germain having to explain to sponsors and riders why the funding wasn’t there. It seems that things were just never lined up and locked in properly, which is a real shame. Yamaha has been pretty proactive in trying to help out their riders and in making sure the bikes and parts go somewhere where they can be put to use, and the N-Fab/TiLube team stepped up to bring a guy like Kiniry on board. Chizz now has a fill-in ride for Josh Grant at JGR for the rest of supercross and maybe beyond. Chisholm’s bike broke in a first turn crash and then a bad start in the LCQ caused him to not qualify. All in all, everyone lost out on this deal and like Chaparral Honda and JDR J-Star KTM after supercross, Velocity 3 is kaput.
- It was pretty nice to see Evan Ferry (son of supercross legend Tim Ferry. What? You don’t think he’s a legend? Well I do and it’s my column. Suck it.) go out there and dominate the KJSC race during intermission. My word doc auto-fill just automatically filled out “Ferry domination” for me. It was nice to see Evan on top of the podium and seeing as how I held him and wrestled with him when he was growing up, I’d say I groomed him just like I did dad.
Got something to say? Shoot me an email at [email protected] and we can chat. Thanks for reading.
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Matthes, you're an idiot. Clowning on RV weekly. No wonder he doesn't like you. Hope he punches you in the throat this weekend. That'll make for a good article.
BTO Sports KTM - Atlanta Race Report: http://motocrossone.blogspot.de/2013/02/bto-sports-ktm-atlanta-race-report.html
323, maybe he had a concussion maybe he didn't, but just because he didn't ride all week doesn't mean it wasn't from the nasty crash he had in the main. Heard dude had a big shiner from that! And who said he didn't ride all week anyway? You're just looking for things to back up the conclusion you've already come to.
JC970, If you read Matthes' stuff on a regular basis you'd know that Matthes clowns on RV 'cause they're pals
@Welker,, Hate to say it but I told you so.. These tracks are easy for these top guys... Even guys that have never rode a SX track can see that.. Wait til Daytona.. Thats a SX track.. You will not see 9 guys within 1 second of each other at that track..
Tim ferry is my hero matthes Feld m.s. Should make a gold trophy of his face . The look in RED DOGS face before the holeshot was like a savage barbarian
I think this was a good write up with a couple of thoughts. First I think Barcia got a little bit of a harsh report - Braytons mistake in the corner was his fault on two levels- first he slid out and Barcia did not, second he left the door wide open and any elite racer would have taken the opening (except RD lol) I firmly believe Barcias pass would have been clean if Brayton had executed as well as Barcia. I do feel Barcia could have toned it down in the heat- but TC is really just as aggressive and would have done the same. TC simply has a personality that lets him get away with it a little more.
On RV- I feel he should have learned JS line over the camel back and pushed for the win a little more, I say this knowing he has been struggling with the front end this year and is gun shy from sliding out so much. He did try and got sketchy- JS feared it but did it to stay ahead. This cost RV a chance at three more points that he really may wish he had gone for. I hope they can get the suspension figured out and get last years speed and confidence back, I really don't like the air suspension as I have two friends that have already blown theirs and don't like it.
I am glad JS got another win.
Good read and bang on statement about James Stewart, Steve.
Being from up here in Canada, hockey great Wayne Gretzky was the one person that solidified greatness. Doing things that others could not do on and off the ice. And so many people would try but never as good as the master.Always had the haters but never waivered.
James Stewart has the same prescence. He is a master of his world both on and off the track. We are in awe of him and yes get those goose bumps when he is behind the gate even in the pits. He has brought the sport to a whole new level. He is a man who truly loves this sport and has shown passion, dedication and so much talent. The only time the Rogers Centre here in Toronto was crammed to capacity was when the Toronto BlueJays were winning back to back World Series in the early 90's. And now for the past few years the Dome is crammed in March for Supercross! Is Stewart the reason, not the only one but he should take alot of the credit.
People either love him or hate him, just as they did for Wayne Gretzky, they both are finnacially set from being the masters of thier sport, which they fully deserve.
Wayne Gretzky has retired and hockey has never been the same, we should all enjoy Bubba's true gift while he is still racing! cause when he does call it quits racing will never be the same. And i dont care what anyone says!! Cant wait to see him and all the boyz in TO in March! Cheers
Matthes your are a F#$% REtard !!! You need to be shipped back to Canada with your BS !!
Now go eat some chips you POS
JS has always been good, but he isnt the Gretsky, Jordan, etc to SX. just doesnt have the titles to compare him. Just a fast SX'r when he stays on 2 wheels.
@biker143,,, Your appointment for counseling has been confirmed..
@JC970 ,, thats a nice family picture ( I'm assuming its you ).. It goes well with your comment.. hahaha..
Hey Teeps99. I think you have a little Stewart DNA on your chin.
@biker143 - I don't understand you, you have been on this site long enough to realize that Matthes writes this ''Observations'' column every week. I'm assuming you didn't even read the article, you just came on here, left your comment, kicked your dog, then when you finished congratulating yourself on how awesome you are, you then went and left more dumba*s comments on various other sites. Correct? Well, if not, it doesn't matter, you probably didn't even read this.
Observations Atlanta,
Spend $400.00 get the family seats to watch.................
Holeshot, follow the leader for 15 minutes checkered flag!!!!!
Stewart might not have the titles and stats but he is the Ambassador of the sport. Just as Gretzky and Jordan were.The household name that people know, even if they dont follow or know the sport that well.
lol, Stewart the ambassador of our sport?....Right.
@someguy,, Yeah, you're right.. He does nothing off the track for kids, fans, and amateur riders.. No one knows his name either... lol
I'm usually pumped about going to the St' Louis race but now I'm thinking that it better be a good show or I'm not going again. Pretty sad that it has come to this. The main reason is the track design and composition, all the guys will be there except the track(we'll see). Hopefully they will throw in some Mississippi mud in the mix to tighten up the track so these guys could have fun and do what they do best. If it ruts up so what, they can handle it. If they touch the plywood then raise the base level of the dirt... Oh and Bring on the MX Season!!
I dont see where Brayton has room to say anything to anyone about getting knocked down by Barcia.. He was the one who jumped into Reed and caused all kinds of carnage..
Hmmmm...interesting read....outspoken too.lol
Must be great to be at the races everyweekend to take this all in. Da stuff you don't always get to see.
KLEM says...
Give BUBBA a break already.
Go JUSTIN BARCIA...RIDE HARD, RIDE SMART and HAVE FUN!
SIMMER DOWN NOW!!! lol STAY FOCUSED and Be the ball...naaahhh...nnnnnaaaahhhh...(for those to young to remember...that's a line outta CADDYSHACK).
DAVI has worked long and hard!
STOP calling Nicoletti FILTHY already...it's FEARLESS PHIL.
And ALL remember this....THE TRUE HUNTER COUNTS HIS ACHIEVEMENT IN PROPORTION TO THE EFFORT INVOLVED.
To ALL our RACERS who HANG IT OUT on RACE DAY...and the RACERX CREW for keeping us all colored in...a BIG THANK YOU!
Name a rider that does more for his fans other than Stewart. I feel like hes a great ambassador for racing. But lets shoot him down anyways cuz thats what we on the threads do best. Morons.
@thetooth--Ricky Carmichael!!! And you already started name calling?? Really dude???
I'm curious about all this talk about tracks you can't pass on. Millsaps passed 5 dudes in 3 laps at the start of the race. Is JT and Steve (and RV) saying if the track was better RV would have smoked JS? Wasn't James riding the same track as Ryan?
Totally accurate on JS. Anyone who has raced, or is a rider, much prefers to watch Stewart ride over anyone, so much fun to watch indoors and out.
We always blame riders for being passive, making races not exciting to watch. Then Barcia "nudges" Brayton as he was tipping over on his own in the first place, makes an aggressive move on his teammate and we have media commenting about it negatively. Lets not set Dungey as the standard, otherwise might as well not watch SX anymore.
I see that Matthes refuses to comment on Josh Hill along with the other riders. Steve has used his podcasts to express his dislike of Hill on multiple occasions. How's that for unbiased journalism?
"James Stewart is the best Supercross rider who has ever lived." I'm usually one to defend JS from his irrational haters, but that statement is equally irrational, purely subjective, and just goofy. If he was the best he would have a lot more titles, pure and simple. If his technique, innovation, and ability were so great he would have beaten Carmichael. Remember RC was just a no talent rider who worked hard. (heavy sarcasm for those who didn't get it )
lol so this means millsaps is the fastest easy track rider just joking
As Eddie Vedder once sung ........No worries just a small mistake, right ?
No one wants to be the last place guy on the team..... Hey Matthes have you met BD25 ?
JimM
I think the article is spot on. No bull just the way he sees it. He is at the races every week, lucky guy I hate you lol
Good article but, "St Louis is a must win for Wilson." That's just stupid.
Stewart is NOT an ambassador of this sport. He is NOT MC or the GOAT and never will be. When MC was in his prime, that was some boring races! I would argue that K-Dub is more of an ambassador even in retirement than Stewart will ever be.
Atlanta did have bowl turns, but yeah, the track was boring except for the sand pit that the racers hated along with the wall at the end. But the flip side is the tracks this year have speed instead of a Nuclear Cowboys jump fest.
Trey Canard manned up after his bumping with Barcia in their heat race. It looked like it was Barcia was the guilty party from where I was but Trey said he ran it in on Barcia resulting in broken spokes and a trip to the LCQ.
Wilson looked like he was just riding around instead of attacking the track. I wonder how Mitch saw it.
I have recently come to the conclusion that it is not Stewart that I deplore, it is the media and BS articles about him that I hate! I was digging this article until it turned into the JS lovefest! The greatest that ever lived? Better than MC? Total BS!!!!!!! I do not mean to hate on Stewart (see previous statement about bias media), but how can I not get worked up over an article like this after he has won 1 race out of 8!!! C'Mon!
"Number 7 is back? ARRRGGGGGGGGGG! 1 damn race win and he is back? WTH???
One of the reasons i HATE Matthes!!! He talks Sh** about everyone, Dungey, Villopoto, Reed, etc etc when they have a bad race Matthes is there to put them down. But when Stew has a bad race good ole fat boy is there to slay excuses and not mention it, but when Stew wins and Villopoto decides not to push it and gain points for the CHampionship race, Fat boy is there to tip on him and claim that Stewart is god. F*** YOU Matthes you fat POS. Stewart get's waved and beat for years and years and you clown on the guys who beat him and suck him off when he wins one race on a SH** track and a guy who's racing for points not wins. Garbage article.
I like this article, Matthes does a good job. Remember, it's HIS article to write so its his opinion and there is nothing wrong with that. I understand why he feels Stewart is the best, and I'm fine with it. I honestly think Jeremy McGrath was better and more fun to watch, but that's me. Love the article because he had a personality as says it the way it is.
What's the coolest thing about Dean Wilson? He gets beat and the first words out of his mouth are how proud of Will Hahn he is.. And how happy he is for him. So cool, gotta like Dean
Watch a YouTube of McGrath in 2000. Jeremy was so fluid and one with the bike, it was pure poetry. My girlfriend watched a race (and she isn't much for understanding SX), but even she said "McGrath is absolutely beautiful on a motorcycle and more effortless than anybody else today easy". We forget the past pretty easy..
RC rocks the booth, gotta love his personality too. Ricky says it the way it is
Gag...retch...hurl! I just blew chunks.
As the veins in my temples were protruding while in the throes of vomiting for distance, I realized that somebody in power - obviously leaning hard to the left - has done the unimaginable. He has decreed to the track designers and builders that the tracks have to be "dumbed down" so that Stewart can get a start and win some races and pad his record.
I mean, since the tracks are so pathetically simple and the powers that be have decided to make the racing closer and allow "middle-of-the-packers," "injured riders" and even "riders who are faking an injury with no proof just so they can pretend that is the cause of their pathetic results" to holeshot and win, it's no surprise that the racing is close, it's a freight train and guys like Stewart can win.
If the tracks were technical enough, the spectators would enjoy the skill displayed, the men would get separated from the boys and injured riders would suck hind tit, but the promoters, sanctioning body, insurance company etc. would rather give the spectators a watered down show and allow 7th place riders and "Intermediates" to get lucky on a simpleton track.
Pardon me while I go back and get into some serious dry heaves.
@biker143 persona....if its really that terrible and Steve is that terrible...why read it...oh just to have something to bit*h about......your almost as pathetic as @speedshifter...master of cornball responses and maybe the most ignorant person about riding a SX track to ever comment on here...if the tracks are so easy why aren't you out there showing us how its done..in the real world those intermediates qualified for the event and are way faster than you will ever be in your wildest dreams if you ever actually got on a bike or a track beside your playstation...you have no idea of what your talking about and the moronic crap you spew is a slap in the face to guys who risk their a*ses every week with and without injurys..........
Sorry but the only true measure when it comes to being "the best" in supercross/motocross (or any racing for that matter) is titles. It's not freestyle where cool jumps and peoples' opinions make you the best.
Mr. Matthes I totally agree with your first two paragraphs and totally disagree with your third. Stewart is no McGrath!! Come on dude, are you serious?! I also get tired of hearing about this ACL thing. I don't remember ever seeing or reading an official press release from any doctors about his ACL. His ACL is and has never been any worse than Reed's ACL yet I do not hear CR talking about it. The reason JS did not bow out of this season after his first few races this year is because Suzuki wouldn't put up with it. I definitely see a much more mature JS than ever before, and it is about time but too little too late. He is past his prime now. He will still win some races but he will never be what he could have been. He let his arrogance and hollywood ruin his chances. Kudos to Suzuki giving him another shot. At least he can go out now with a little dignity when the time comes.
As for the tracks, why doesn't the Bomber build them like the ones he rode in the 70s and 80s?
These tracks do suck. But they've been getting worse for several years now. Friends and I have been discussing it for a long time now it seems. I think it's simply a matter of trying to make the most of a tiny investment. They just don't want to spend the money on a "good" track. And they don't.
And yes, JS7 is awesome. Anyone who knows motocross / supercross already knows that. Whether they admit it or not is another matter entirely.
@tonewall~ Do you realize how childish and immature this statement sounds? "...if the tracks are so easy why aren't you out there showing us how its done..in the real world those intermediates qualified for the event and are way faster than you will ever be in your wildest dreams." You must be 14 years old, maybe younger.
@jw621557
You reply of "childish and immature" could be considered as a compliment to some of these chach tubes.
I mean having lots of wins doesnt make you one of the best? Man i have it backwards. So at this point Dungey and Villopoto should be pretty even on who is better right?
Last weekends Arenacross had more exciting racing/passing....looking at the quality of dirt and high banked berms they used made far better opportunities to pass. I agree with SuperSXfan ...they are cheeping out on the tracks and are using far less.... and sh#tier quality dirt then ever. How quickly they were down to concrete or plywood in lasts weeks practice has to say something. Its turned the racing into a Slot Car event.... once the start is done. (boring, and losing something at a time when it needs a bigger audience more than ever).
I think the layouts and track designs are good (how many ways can you sketch a track in a confined stadium) just needs more elevation..and bigger berms longer whoop sections....convincing Feld to bring in another 25-40 loads of Dirt or whatever it takes for Dirt works to play with is another story.
We do not want to compromise rider safety (the amount of players is at a all time high...which is great), but need better passing opportunities and longer lap times. To say the tracks are easy is not accurate, the amount of training and months of track time on supercross compounds these guys put in, shows the skills our riders of today possess.
Couple more notes;
- Deano showed big time class & respect in defeat.
- Matthes needs to return the kneepads to Bubba's girlfriend on the weekend.
The title of the article is "Observations", not Opinions. Matthes has 6 hrs of podcasts every week to push his personal agenda and opinions with mind-numbing persistence. He authors articles to discuss industry rumors and gossip; I really enjoy them. There was a month long series concerning the best SX riders, according to RacerX. It's my opinion that if Steve wants to be considered a journalist, he needs an article like "Observations" to be an objective, unbiased discussion of what occurred on track and behind the scenes at the races. Unfortunately I don't get to see many of the races and am forced to skim 10 Matthes articles to try to pick out the little bit of info he provides in each.
Hey Matthess, I just solved the whole supercross problem dealy
Instead of a 20-lap main event ... 20 1-LAP RACES
Just think of the bennies... if starts are 90% of the race now, lets do 20 of them! the racing in each moto would be more intense, like 20 LCQs but with the top guys in all of them! Just average every racer's 20 finishes up at the end of the night. So a night program becomes like a mini supercross series all in itself, with racers having some bad motos, some good ones, getting good starts, bad starts, etc. The tracks can be safer and still offer exciting racing. It could be a quick-fire race and re-rack the gate kind of thing
goddam ima genius
..or maybe 10 2-lap motos..
Stating the winner of last week’s main as William is inexcusable.
@ toothperry.... Of course he's got lots of wins, he is one of the best out there and has been pro for over 10 years now. He's talented but not the best, RC and MC come to mind. And I put RV & RD as pretty dam* close to eachother and JS, they've accomplished a lot in a lot less years.
Stewart is a great supercross rider, but one of the best?? It matter what you define the best with and how.. I look at titles, and he is easily top 10,, I wouldnt put him above anyone with 3 or more titles, but he is above anyone with only two titles, so far.. Becasue he has more wins sure, but he also has been racing longer than Rv or Dungey in the class, and they both have already equaled his number of titles.. But they arent there yet, he has shown the ability to win for a long time, they have to do that too.. But I see greatness in Championships, not strictly wins... But that is just how I look at it, alot of people judge differently..
@Retardcross--I also put Hannah there and Jeff Stanton ahead of him, they all have won 3 titles... Ricky Johnson right there with him... But its just how I judge it..
anyone else notice '[email protected]' on loine... haha Intentional typo from pulpMX?
The comment from @biker143 is about as non-contributive to the conversation as it can get. I wanted to clear it from the comment board until I scrolled down and read the post from @shibibly. Thanks for the laugh!
c'mon Steve, I can't believe you don't know anything about Mitchell Oldenberg. You used to race in D23 in MN right? Well, the Oldenbergs used to own the Staples track up in central MN. Then they sold it and bought Oak Hill in Texas. I remember Mitchell and his brother McCoy ripping around on 65's (Their sister rode too, but I can't remember her name). His dad, Jeff Oldenberg, was a pretty good rider too from what I was told. Did pretty well at Lorettas back in the 80s I guess. Hell, you probably raced against him back when you were 4 time Manitoba champ.
It's nice to see a ton of Mn riders at the pro level these days. Dungey, Alex Martin, Jeremy Martin, Jesse Wentland, Zack Williams, Gannon Audette, Mitchell Oldenberg. I'll even claim Gavin Faith since he spun many laps at Spring Creek. Pretty good for a state that has white sh!* on the ground for 6 months.
It is just SOOOOOOOOOO much fun to watch some of these people get soooooooo bent out of shape about Stewart (or somebodies positive opinion of Stewart). It really is. I don't know if the guy will win again or not, but he certainly could, and I hope he does if not just to see some of you (literally) cry-babies get your shorts in a bunch about it!! You jokers who say it is all about "TITLES", I have a question for you......Do you consider Kevin Windham one of the "Best" riders in history?? I sure as hell do!! How many "TITLES" did he end up with?? That's right, it doesn't matter!! It's typically the same handful of scorned Stewart critics who jump on here and whine and cry whenever the guy gets any praise, grow up fellas, you don't have to like anybody in particular, but at least try and appreciate the talent of any rider and understand that they are all different personalities!! "SPEEDSHIFTER", your last post is truly one of the most ignorant things I have read in awhile!! Do you seriously blame the track designers for purposely designing the tracks so a guy like Stewart can get a win??? Damn, you are ignorant!! Stewart is the one guy who can consistently do the most difficult obstacles on the track with apparent ease!! You guys will stop at nothing......I laugh AT you........and once again, I really hope for more JS wins, both for him, and for the simple joy of watching dudes like you squirm in your computer chair!! (L)augh (O)ut (L)oud!!!!!!!
^^^ LOL.
Relax fanboy, let's break this down for you. Kevin Windham is one of the best, a great guy, and a fan favourite, but in no way do his accomplishments put him near the top of the all time greatest riders.
And yes, in a sport where everyone races for titles, titles are the ultimate measure of success. How is that difficult to understand? Stewart is one of the best, but he is not the best guy.
And you wonder why us "haters" (people who actually look at statistics) love to fire back at you JS fanboys, it's just too easy. Why don't you put the pom poms down and learn some moto history. You only show up to defend JS, when do you ever comment on other articles? That speaks for itself.
Also, did you really just say titles don't matter while talking about who the greatest racers in this sport are?
"And hey, I know I just said the tracks don’t offer obstacles to separate the top riders, and then explained how that dragon back section did. But this was a strange deal,"
Whaaaatt? Ilogical Mathes. You can't say the tracks are easy but then there was one section RV wasn't doing and say that's a strange deal. For whatever reason, that section separated Stewart from RV...Period.
After many decades of deep thought about this...here is how to determine this (technique aside)...if everyone does an obstacle, won't separate the riders....if no one does it, won't separate the riders...anything in-between, it separates the riders.
Hey retardo, no I did not say that titles don't matter, but you guys seem to have a problem with anybody saying JS is "the" or "one of" the best, simply because he has only 2 titles. Semantics here my "RVfantard" friend. Lots of ways to put this...."most accomplished" "winningest" "most consistent"...."best average"......so lets not get too uptight regardless of which side of the fence we sit on, ok Mr. RV nuthugger?? Have you dyed your hair orange yet and painted on your leprechaun beard?? Don't you dare call me out as a JS "fan"atic buddy boy.....especially since you're are here every bit as much to try and balance the "pro" JS contingent by being one of the most staunch "anti" JS (pro RV) gentlemen on here!! You RVtard, you:):):)LOL Get back to work.....or class!!
I don't have a problem with JS getting credit when it's due, I gave him props for his ride last weekend in another thread. I have more of an issue with all his uneducated starry eyed superfans who only see the #7 out there. Don't lump me in as a one rider fan like yourself. I comment on lots of different stuff, cheer for more than a few riders (the hardest workers typically). I'd like to know when I've gone off on rants about how good RV is to consider me an RVtard??? Far from an RV only fan. Currently he is the best guy out there based on RACE RESULTS, are you going to argue that? He is the indoor and outdoor defending champ, that makes him the best currently and that's not opinion that's just reality.
You realize everyone on here knows you only show up when someone says something bad about Stewart (or just recognizes something not in his favour) and when he gets the odd win. And comments like "so lets not get too uptight regardless of which side of the fence we sit on, ok Mr. RV nuthugger?? Have you dyed your hair orange yet and painted on your leprechaun beard?? " only solidify you as the "Stewtard" that you are. Cry me a river.
I F'd up, he is not the defending outdoor champ right now, but 2-time defending SX works since this was ultimately about the supercross. Brain cramp.
Thanks for the insight, @thorkline. It appears you're right his dad, Jeff, too. Check out his '83 and '84 results from Loretta Lynn's:
3rd - 100cc Youth
4th - 85 (14-15) Modified
1st - 100cc
http://llvault.racerxonline.com/rider/jeff-oldenburg/races
@Ref-Man-- like I said Its just my opinion.. Titles are what they ALL race for.. If you dont agree fine, but of course you show your intellegence by calling me a "joker" just because "YOUR" guy may not have many titles.. Thats very one-sided of course.. If you disagree fine..And yes I consider Kevin Windham a great rider, but I would not put him above anyone with titles, sorry.. He didnt "finish" in my opinion.. Just like the New England Patriots a few years ago, had an undefeated regular season, great, but then lost the Super Bowl to the Giants.. I would guarantee you any of those guys would give back a few wins for the Super Bowl, the TITLE..Its what they all go for.. Alot of guys can get it done for one or two races, but to beat the best for a whole season, and keep it together and fast for the whole way, is the sign of the best riders to me... That makes a good rider great.. Hence its why I think the titles are so important.. But I wont name call or stoop to your level REF-MAN.. just my opinion..
Thanks for the link Jordan. I used to race at Staples quite a bit and would often talk to Jeff. He's a great guy and I hope him and Dawn are doing well down in Texas. Mitchell has been doing great in his pro debut and I'm looking forward to cheering on the MN dudes at the Metrodome!!
James Stewart hauls ass!! - So does RV, Dungey, Barcia, Reed, Canard, Milsaps, Weimer
How many 125 SX/MX titles did Stanton win.... And yes, 125 titles count
Matthes you bring great joy to my life each week with these articles. Evan Ferry is going to be a stud. He dominated in the Georgia Dome. He looked like he was wanting to jump more of the jumps but wasn't allowed to.
If titles don't matter then I am the greatest supercross rider of all time. You should have seen me back in the day. I scrubbed the jumps so hard I never left the ground. I chose not to ride professionally because it was too easy.
This has been a great thread. One thing about MX lovers – you do not need to read between the lines to get the gist of their opinions and who they like or dislike as a rider!
Holeshot = win is boring. That is why I love Daytona. Between the sand, possible rain, and wide-open track with lots of cross-ruts and lines, it is always a great race. I like the Monster format. I think three 15-lap main events would be awesome. Eliminate the Heats and LCQ. Top 20 from qualifying run three Main events totaling 45 laps. Would be a better deal for fans, you would likely have 3 winners each night, and given these 50 second lap times you need to tap these guys a bit more.
Cry me a river, "Tardo".......I'm not a JS only fan....I love me some Dungey, some Canard, some Brayton.......so get off of that. As far as when, how often, and in relation to what stories I get on here for......who cares?? I do what I do, but i suppose based on your opinions of titles and what not, you probably think you are a better "fan" than I am due to your self described frequency with which you post on here!! Spin it how you wish dude, you don't like JS and you (and "mofo") don't like it when his fans, or RacerX writers, give him what "you" believe to be more props than he deserves......who made you king?? It's all opinion buddy, the facts and statistics are definitely not debatable, that is true, but just exactly what they mean as far as a persons opinion of a rider is wide open!! JS is what he is to me, a great rider who has had some shit luck (both self-inflicted, and not so much) but remains for me the most enjoyable rider to watch on a motorcycle, just my opinion. Problem is, you dudes don't want to allow people to make that statement based on their own perspectives, you think you have the final word, and know the ultimate truth....guess what?? You don't!! There are too many of us out here for that!!
Hey Ref Man, i hear your wife lovers her some BBC more then you do, is that true?
@Ref-Man--we "Dudes" dont mind giving Stew his due, just you guys never let anyone else get their due.. Its always an excuse when somebody else wins cause Stew was "Injured" or his bike sucks (Yamaha).. That alone has created a ton of animosity towards Stew fans, not Stew himself..And you know its true.. Stew runs and gets 5th or 6th the Stew fans all scream smart by him, he is getting his knee better.. RV says he tried to make up time and couldnt so he said he really didnt want to push for a guy in 8th as long as Millsaps was behind him and the Stew fans scream BS!!! and yell "excuse" !!!!!!!! Instead of giving him the same respect... See what I mean???
@REf-Man--I have noticed you and MXMOFO have some post on here and Rev-Up that are VERY similar--you two wouldnt be one and the same would you!!!!
No, I don't see what you mean fella........I can only speak for myself here, but I don't make an "excuse" when Stewart races, whether he does well, or does poorly. My view is that these riders do whatever they are capable of on any given night. When JS was getting poor finishes this year I simply look at it as he was doing what he could each night, based on health, conditioning, ability, all of those things combine to determine how any rider does on "any given night". You are a hypocrite when you bag on certain fans for making excuses for James, as much of what I have heard this past week were excuses for why RV didn't finish in 1st place!! People actually have the nerve to say he wanted to stay in second....WTF?? No he didn't want to stay in second, he may have resolved himself to second based on his ability on that particular night to get in to first, but he most certainly did not choose to be there. I have never said that JS was being smart by finishing way back just to help him heal, that's just stupid, he finished way back because that is what he was capable of at that time under those conditions!! Same goes for anybody out there, injured or not!! RV was simply bested by James that night, nothing more or less....can you accept that?? I don't think he was using anything as an excuse, but I will say that the comment that James doesn't matter was B.S. Not sure how you could argue that either because it doesn't matter who is in front of you when you are down that far in points, the guy in front of you DOES matter!! That is the only thing I call B.S. on with what RV said. There were 3 points in front of him that definitely do matter to him, regardless of what bike or rider was holding those 3 points!! Besides, I don't really recall any "Stew" fans saying he was being "smart" by finishing way back.....how is that smart?? It is just what it is!! You grasping a little there, bud!! And no, I can 100% honestly say that MXMOFO and I are not the same person!! You must be watching too many crime/detective shows!!
......If Stewart starts a half second behind RV this weekend and finishes behind RV then it will simply mean he wasn't able to get it done, and it could very well happen that way, or it could be a repeat. You shouldn't lump all JS fans in a group because occasionally someone makes a dumb a s s comment. That would be like hating on RV or his fans because a couple of dorks make a dumb a s s comment regarding him. It goes both (all) ways. That crap is gonna happen whether you try to police it or not, don't let it get to ya man!! I hope we get to see those two up front again, but that they actually race each other this week!
@REF--No I am not grasping, I didnt say you wrote it.. But I did read it, guys saying Stew was playing it patient on a slick track because his knee was sore.. That was a true statement --what i am saying is there are certain fans who never post unless its a Stew story, or somebody made a comment on Stew they didnt like and its suddenly attack mode for them.. It happens alot with certain Stew fans on here, not trying to say it is you, but you have seen it too..
@REF-man~~You wrote, "Stewart is the one guy who can consistently do the most difficult obstacles on the track with apparent ease!!" APPARENT EASE?!!! Are you kidding me?! He is the master at taking dirt naps "consistently."
Someone asked how many 125 SX/MX titles Stanton has won...........the answer is zero.
How many 125 SX/MX wins does he even have? .............The answer is zero.
I don't think he ever even raced a SINGLE RACE in the class!
People who think that the talk of the tracks being bad is a shot at Stewart need to realize even he thinks so, at the race he won! You will find somewhere quotes from him about this track. Same with RV, he has stated that tracks he has won on this year sucked! I think A2 is the only track racers have universally agreed was a decent track. Normally, guys who win really liked the track that night. Welcome to a new age where even the winner blasts the track. I also can't believe some people think Matthes puts RV down.......they're pretty tight. ANY negative comments Matthes makes about RV are ribbing and RV gives it right back to him. Just goes to show how people read into things what they want.
And on the reading into things side............people are jumping on RV for his statement that Milsaps is the focus, not James. Guess what, RV has been on his head too many times this year already trying to win by pushing too hard. Milsaps has not and has a big lead. RV did not say James does not matter as if he is just a nuisance out there. Of course RV would have taken 1st if James went down, but HE wasn't going to risk going down. RV is finally playing it smart and it may be too late, but those thinking he is insulting James once again are reading into it what they want to. A mind is a terrible thing to waste.
I'm a little sick of people putting Mathes down and taking pathetic little jabs at his size. Get over it. It's his frickin' article, it's his frickin' observations, therefore it's his frickin' oppinions. It's not newsweek magazine here, it's Steve Mathes' personal (not objective) observations. If you don't like them, don't read them. I doubt you'd call him a fat POS to his face either you goddamn cowards.
Byrner99: I have never met Matthes and have never bashed him personally. I have been critical of his journalism. He has made claims to be a journalist. It is appropriate for his readers to hold him accountable. You are wrong in saying that his observations are his opinions. Please get out your dictionary. His observations only include those things that he saw and heard. I would welcome an article from an insider such as Matthes, that reports "observations" from the race and behind the scenes that allows the reader to develop their own opinions without Matthes pushing his agenda down their throats.
If you don't like hearing the customers of RacerX requesting improved quality, don't read the comment section.
Not sure who thinks that RV 's comment was an insult to James, B-KR.....i personally just think it was an inaccurate one, based on reasons (opinions) I already stated. I'm sure that RV was slightly disappointed that he wasn't able to get the win and gain those 3 extra points, even though he did gain 2 on Davi!! It just wasn't in the cards that night!! Like I said, it doesn't matter who was in front of him in 1st, to say they "aren't the focus" or whatever it was he said, is just a little silly, but I'm sure he was frustrated at the time!! "jw621557".......while it is true that JS has hit the dirt plenty, it is also true that there have been many occasions where he was the only one doing a difficult obstacle, or combination.......so I guess we'll go 50/50 on that one!!
The comments are the best, most entertaining part of the articles. Let's just let people go wild. Keeps it real, like out in the wilds of nature. When you walk into the woods or the jungle, the animals are mauling the hell out of each other, beavers are chewing trees and knocking them down, some animals and insects are eating plants and trees, bugs are lunching on each other, birds are stealing and eating each others' eggs, trees are growing and blocking out the light for other wannabe trees below the canopy, it's a dog eat dog world, just like the first turn at a motocross race, so let us just hammer each other. It's being one with nature.
I'm afraid this sport has passed you up Mr. Matthes...