Racer X Race Report: St Louis
Sunday, March 3, 2013 | 3:15 AM
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PrintYou want action and drama and excitement? Meet me in St. Louis.
Once again, the Monster Energy Supercross run under the Gateway to the West provided the first real fireworks of the season, as a passing and action-filled main event even dusted up some controversy over the results. All in all, a wild night, the one we’ve come to expect from this venue in the middle of the country in the middle of the season.
It helps that St. Louis’ trademark tacky dirt was on hand, a welcome relief from the hard and slippery tracks that have dominated the first half of the 2013 SX tour. While the track design still left much to be desired as far as options, passing and technical challenges, the soil alone helped improve the racing, as the riders could still make moves in the corners as needed.
The 450 main started with a Mike Alessi holeshot, while Justin Barcia and Ryan Villopoto both nearly crashed in the first turn but managed to get through upright. Barcia, on a Muscle Milk Honda, trailed Alessi’s SmarTop MotoConcepts machine early, until Yoshimura Suzuki’s James Stewart got around him for second. Stewart then motored past Alessi down the start straight to take over the lead. Barcia passed Alessi for second, and Villopoto moved to third on his Monster Energy Kawasaki. But on the third lap, JGR Toyota MX rider Kyle Chisholm crashed hard on a triple and needed attention from the Asterisk Medical Team, which brought out the red flag (Chisholm went to the hospital and it’s said that his back and neck checked out okay, but his knee and ankle are ailing).
Mike Alessi led early in the main event and ended up seventh, a good run for him.
Some serious battle going on in this race!
Then the red flag came out as Stewart was leading Barcia.
Cudby photos
The SX rulebook says any race past three laps will be restarted via the signal-file restart down the start stretch. So it was bizarre enough to see the SX main restarted via the single-file setup, it was stranger, still, to see Villopoto pushed back to sixth. Turns out he had passed Alessi for third while jumping past a yellow flag, and he was assessed a three-position penalty for it. When the race restarted, it was still Stewart and Barcia in the lead, but Alessi got a great jump and repassed Barcia. Soon Villopoto was on a mission, making moves, and he had the likes of TwoTwo Motorsports Honda’s Chad Reed and Red Bull KTM’s Ryan Dungey with him. Not quite in the battle was series’ points leader Davi Millsaps, as the Rockstar Energy Racing rider got a bad start and then was run into by Trey Canard’s bike early. Millsaps was seventh and would later pass Alessi for sixth, but never truly threaten the riders ahead of him.
Meanwhile, a ridiculous five-rider fight for the lead broke out, with Villopoto eventually getting Barcia for second, and going after Stewart for the lead. They carved inside and outside of each other a few times, which led to the next crazy incident. N-Fab TiLUBE’s Bobby Kiniry had crashed on a triple, and the red cross flags came out, requiring every rider to roll the triple. Stewart and Villopoto hit that section essentially together, slowed to roll the jump, and then Barcia and Reed caught right up, leading to all four taking the section nearly side-by-side. After the triple came a set of rollers with yellow flags, Stewart and Villopoto hit it together, and Villopoto emerged with the lead.
The race was restarted via a single-file restart.
Villopoto then went on a tear, from sixth to third, then passing Barci for second.
Villopoto and Stewart battled--RV got to the lead but not without controversey. Some teams believe he passed Stewart under a red cross flag.
Either way, no arguing that Villopoto was the fastest man on the track.
Sub par night for Davi Millsaps, who finished sixth in the main.
Chad Reed delivered his second podium of the year with third.
Cudby photo
From there, the two-time and defending SX champ rolled away to his second win in the last three races. But after the race, his pass on Stewart went up for review, as many felt he had made the pass under either the red cross or yellow flags. But the results held, as the AMA’s Kevin Crowther said video proved there was insufficient evidence for a penalty. To be sure, other teams and riders didn’t agree, but the results are official.
Behind Villopoto, Barcia at one point got Stewart and was up to second, but he bobbled and went too far outside in a corner, tagged a tuff block with his front brake lever, and couldn’t jump a triple. With the field so tight, he lost several spots. This left Stewart and Reed second and third, with Dungey fourth. Down the stretch, the top three spread out, but Dungey did make a late run at Reed for the final podium spot, which he was not able to get. Barcia was fifth, Millsaps sixth. Just like that, Villopoto made up 10 points on Millsaps, and he sits just 12 down now.
Behind Millsaps came Alessi in seventh, and Trey Canard (who crashed) on his Muscle Milk Honda. JGR Toyota Yamaha’s Justin Brayton was ninth and BTOSports.com KTM’s Andrew Short tenth.
The 250 class hosted good racing, too. Wil Hahn, the GEICO Honda rider who won last week’s main event in Atlanta, holeshot the race. He had Rockstsr Energy Racing’s Blake Wharton in tow early, while series’ leader Dean Wilson was way, way back early on his Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki. But even on a track that didn’t offer much passing, Wilson went on a tear, going from 12th to 5th in about a lap. He then picked his way past Slaton Racing/TUF’s Vince Friese to get into third, then passed Wharton for second. At the halfway mark, Hahn held a two second lead, and Wilson was closing fast. The battle began, as Wilson dove inside, and Hahn countered by squaring back underneath. Hahn then fought off the advances and got away, before Wilson logged one more sprint on the last lap. He couldn’t make it happen, and Hahn had his second-straight main event win. He also takes the points lead away from Wilson. Wharton was third for his second podium of the young season.
Wil Hahn did it again in 250s.
Dean Wilson charged hard from way back, but ended up second.
Cudby photos
Now the series heads for something completely different: Daytona.
450 SX
1. R. Villopoto
2. J. Stewart
3. C. Reed
4. R. Dungey
5. J. Barcia
6. D. Millsaps
7. M. Alessi
8. T. Canard
9. J. Brayton
10. A. Short
11. B. Tickle
12. J. Weimer
13. E. Tomac
14. J. Albertson
15. M. Goerke
16. K. Partridge
17. R. Kiniry
18. W. Peick
19. P. Nicoletti
20. K. Chisholm
Heat 1
1. R. Villopoto
2. J. Barcia
3. J. Brayton
4. A. Short
5. M. Alessi
6. T. Canard
7. W. Peick
8. K. Chisholm
9. R. Kiniry
10. B. Lamay
11. J. Hill
12. E. Tomac
13. B. Hall
14. J. Oswald
15. N. Schmidt
16. A. Albers
17. A. Howell
18. A. Enticknap
19. M. Akaydin
20. T. Sewell
Heat 2
1. J. Stewart
2. D. Millsaps
3. R. Dungey
4. C. Reed
5. B. Tickle
6. P. Nicoletti
7. M. Goerke
8. K. Partridge
9. J. Weimer
10. L. Smith
11. J. Albertson
12. J. Sipes
13. C. Gilmore
14. D. Pipes
15. J. Greco
16. C. Green
17. C. Blose
18. R. Stewart
19. M. Schneider
20. H. Harrison
LCQ
1. E. Tomac
2. J. Albertson
3. C. Blose
4. J. Sipes
5. B. Lamay
6. J. Hill
7. N. Schmidt
8. L. Smith
9. C. Gilmore
10. B. Hall
11. C. Green
12. A. Enticknap
13. H. Harrison
14. J. Oswald
15. A. Howell
16. D. Pipes
17. R. Stewart
18. M. Akaydin
19. T. Sewell
20. A. Albers
21. M. Schneider
22. J. Greco
450SX Class Season Standings
1. Davi Millsaps, Murrieta, Calif., Suzuki, 189
2. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki, 177
3. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM, 166
4. Trey Canard, Shawnee, Okla., Honda, 148
5. Chad Reed, Australia, Honda, 147
6. Justin Barcia, Ochlocknee, Ga., Honda, 132
7. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Suzuki, 122
8. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, KTM, 113
9. Justin Brayton, Fort Dodge, Iowa, Yamaha, 103
10. Broc Tickle, Holly, Mich., Suzuki, 87
250 SX
Main Event
1. W. Hahn
2. D. Wilson
3. B. Wharton
4. M. Musquin
5. J. Martin
6. V. Friese
7. J. Decotis
8. C. Thompson
9. Z. Bell
10. P. Larsen
11. G. Faith
12. Z. Freeberg
13. A. Catanzaro
14. K. Hussey
15. M. Oldenburg
16. J. Hill
17. L. Kilbarger
18. D. Herrlein
19. L. Vincent
20. S. Rife
Heat 1
1. B. Wharton
2. J. Hill
3. J. Martin
4. S. Rife
5. M. Musquin
6. Z. Freeberg
7. M. Oldenburg
8. L. Kilbarger
9. P. Larsen
10. B. Kiesel
11. Z. Bell
12. T. McEwen
13. Ad. Gulley
14. G. Ransdell
15. C. Crawford
16. O. Barbaree
17. G. Swanepoel
18. J. Hayes
19. K. Peters
20. Aa. Gulley
Heat 2
1. D. Wilson
2. W. Hahn
3. V. Friese
4. L. Vincent
5. D. Herrlein
6. J. Decotis
7. A. Catanzaro
8. C. Thompson
9. K. Hussey
10. R. Zimmer
11. G. Faith
12. K. McCabe
13. S. Clarke
14. J. Wentland
15. S. Roman
16. Z. Williams
17. N. Click
18. D. Buller
19. J. Richardson
20. T. Krieg
LCQ
1. Z. Bell
2. G. Faith
3. R. Zimmer
4. B. Kiesel
5. J. Richardson
6. K. McCabe
7. K. Peters
8. J. Wentland
9. G. Swanepoel
10. C. Crawford
11. Ad. Gulley
12. O. Barbaree
13. T. McEwen
14. N. Click
15. S. Roman
16. Z. Williams
17. G. Ransdell
18. J. Hayes
19. Aa. Gulley
20. T. Krieg
21. S. Clarke
22. D. Buller
Eastern Regional 250SX Class Season Standings
1. Wil Hahn, Decatur, Texas, Honda, 70
2. Dean Wilson, Scotland, Kawasaki, 69
3. Blake Wharton, Pilot Point, Texas, Suzuki, 60
4. Marvin Musquin, France, KTM, 53
5. Vince Friese, Cape Girardeau, Mo., Honda, 39
6. Gavin Faith, Fort Dodge, Iowa, Honda, 38
7. Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., Kawasaki, 36
8. James Decotis, Peabody, Mass., Honda, 34
9. Jeremy Martin, Millville, Minn., Yamaha, 32
10. Kyle Peters, Greensboro, NC, Honda, 31
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Holeshot! Can't wait to see this one and hear all the RV haters here!
RV1, like a boss! Let the haters hate.
LOL..... Not that i hate him or like james but rules are rules.If you let it slide then what is that telling others.
They reviewed it and said it was insufficient evidence, that's not letting it slide.
This should give everyone something to argue about till next Friday
This should give everyone something to argue about till next Friday
Can't wait to see what happened. One thing is sure, RV fans will see nothing wrong, RV haters will see it as obvious. Clearly all the evidence that is needed is that he caught and passed Stewart.......he had to have cheated right?
What's funny to me is that he had just been knocked back 3 positions on the restart for the same offense.
Blatant disregard?
Seems like they just gave Bam Bam a Green light ! This finishing order looks like what everyone expected before the season ! Congrats to Wil, Marvin ??? Hello
it is LEGAL to pass under a yellow flag in ama sanctioned professional sx. so i dont get what weigandt is saying? it had to be a red cross flag.......... under the red cross you cant pass or jump. i was protested at a local race one time for passing under yellow and had to get the rule book out to show the dam referee the f'n rules................ this aint nascar people
Use those eyes today and admit who the fastest dude is this year and stop that sniveling about flags and poor starts etc. Even in Arena Cross RV is the man no matter how easy they make the tracks he can excell.
Use those eyes today and admit who the fastest dude is this year and stop that sniveling about flags and poor starts etc. Even in Arena Cross RV is the man no matter how easy they make the tracks he can excell.
Clearly RV deserved this win, but something has to be done when racers want to just ignore a red flag and keep racing. He knew a restart was coming and wanted to pick up one more spot. When a rider is critically injured laying on the track, they should make them stop and walk their bikes back. Red flags are serious, RV.
Motoguzzi, must be what I posted under the other article. Maybe it is the referee's discretion as to what "proceeding with caution" is or isn't. I think they need to make it no passing under yellow if they are going to penalize riders for it in certain cases. Obviously you will be passing the downed rider, so he doesn't count. Otherwise, it sucks to have someone making judgement calls. Originally I heard he passed Alessi when the red flag (restart) was out. Waiting on the telecast to see what actually happened, since reports get convoluted.
Groomer, lets wait and see what actually happened. Obviously any moron would know they aren't going to give you a spot you got under a red flag. I think it was a yellow and they made a judgement call. I agree they should make them slow more through yellow flags. We always see riders flying by yellow flags with a guy down right there. Good luck with pros pushing their bikes back to the gate though!
The beast is comin and he hungry
I wished Emig and Ricky would announce this like
http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=EqYgAX6D43Q&desktop;_uri=/watch?v=EqYgAX6D43Q
Anyone miss all the racing today or the taping because of other showes its on 5-8 all 3 hours on FUEL TV today eastern enjoy...That way you dont have to break it up...ENJOY
I'll look forward to watching this one even though I know the outcome.
First off Fuel sucks, no HD. Second, nothing irritates me more when some racer is completely disrespectful of flags and goes for passes at every opportunity possible. Reminds me of kicking someone in the nut sack when they are down.
I have had guys do this to me and its frustrating..when you slow down to try to be respectful and cautious because flags are waving.. Then some jack ass senses easy pass and pins it behind you with no regard to what's on the track. Total A-hole move in my book.
Couldn't RV wait another half lap?
So Villo is penalized once ignoring red flags , then does it again and nothing happens !
I think Eli have passed during yellow flags several times during the west 250 rounds.
What are the exact rules?
Rule should be: NO passing during yellow, period!
Good racing,controversy,and now a two-horse race.Poof! ten points gone from Davi's points lead;boring to fun in two races.The comments should explode after telecast.Will there be team orders as series winds down?I doubt it ,as different Suzook teams seem to be different entities.Will Davi finally get factory help/factory sx track access?Tune in,this should be fun.I am presently putting in keg order for Daytona.
I love it when people's preferences dictates how they judge something that they have yet to even see with their own two eyes. Even if you're thinking it, you HAVE to realize how bad it looks to put your comments down in black and white and just save it until after the telecast and at least PRETEND you're being objective!
RV said he they were all rolling through there and he saw Barcia's fender come along side him and he wicked it up. I know people are envisioning that he tripled through while everyone else rolled the jumps. He was also giving the officials the finger while doing so and also was yelling racial slurs at Stewart too! We get it, you don't like RV.
well if it left up to the referee's desecration as to the definition of "proceed with caution"........then we have a large grey area and that is a problem. the definition will ebb and flow for the situation. i.e. ......which riders(factory elite or back half of the field) , championship .thats a difficult judgement to make if it is the last race of the series and it gives the championship to another rider. i wouldnt want to make that call, so my judgement could be compromised in different situations. judgement calls are just bad. hell, there is so little passing now............i say let'em pass where ever and when ever they can! jk on that last point
i think they have been too quick with the red flag. i hate the red flag. put out the red cross and let the riders roll through, but dont stop the race..........at least not for a broken ankle. the red cross flag situation has problems too
The RVtards are out in force!!
Unfortunately, I wont get a chance to watch it and form an opinion......the local CBS affiliate has decided to air a cartoon called "Liberty's Kids" instead of the race. Sorry but the CBS collaboration sucks, it is left up to some local programming director to decide what will air at 11:00 on a Sunday morning.....this fool goes with a cartoon....Great!!
I saw it, an it was a chicken shi$ move on RVs part. James obviously wasn't protecting for it cause the flags were waiving..
Oh well, it's done with, move on. He got away with one, enough said
NO PASSING ON RED CROSS FLAG !!!!
RV 2 should have been docked a lap or given LAST place for the second infraction.
BAD NO CALL. Nothing new. The AMA has been screwing up like this as long as I can recall.
I'm pretty sure RV would have won regardless so it's irrelevant, but I don't like what he did... Rules are rules and he ignores them. He isn't above everyone else..
James just doesn't look like he is riding with intensity, he looks to be playing safe. He needs to get his head out of his butt and go faster again
I don't know if it's because he's the current champ and guy to beat, but Villopoto is always at the center of some type of rule book controversy. Seems odd that you hardly ever hear these complaints about anyone else.
I'm staring at the AMA pro racing rule book. No passing under yellow, but you can jump and triple on yellow. Again, RV got away with one
Remember guys, it is an FIM championship series. so the rule book to look at is the FIM Motocross rules. The real question comes down to the status of the yellow flag; was it stationary or waving. If it was stationary, riding with caution is all that is required. If it is a waving flag, then there is no jumping or overtaking allowed under these rules. Maybe it just comes down to some riders understanding the English language better than others (no slam intended to Musquin or Roczen, more the homeschooled crowd on the starting line). I haven't had a chance to view the race yet, but I am sure the officials used that to base there decision, not based on the fact that it was RV (I hope!).
If someone has it recorded, slow it right down and take a look. Not that it is going to make a difference at this stage, for the championship, but it would be nice to get a definitive answer to this question.
RV1 could have been in last and won this race, he is just killing it now. The intensity is back up, he knows its go time. Stewart had nothing for him....even when he tried driving across the corners to try and knock him off.
It's all BULLSHIT!!!!!!!!!! No penalties for the number 1 plate!!! He did it twice in one race and they just ignore it. AGAIN! "Inconclusive"????????.....OMG, how many cameras do you need? Red Cross flag and yellows being waved, and they all JUST got up to the rider down in that same corner that triggered the flags. WTF???????????? Just typical AMA BS. Why do they make rules?
With that restart I guess history was made tonight for the SX class.
I hope everybody rips RV a new A S S on here about this all week!! If this had been somebody else, the boards would light up, and there would be no end to it!! It's very obvious the leprechaun got away with one here!! Monster Energy SX rider in a Monster Energy SX event!! It's B.S.
By the way you are able to pass on the yellow flag or yellow light.I guess you all don't remember Flaggate from last year.
So then didn't Stewart pass under red cross? He block passed I the turn right where the cross flag was displayed. Did he not see it? Also Barcia was pushing RV in that same spot so lT looks like only Stewart didn't understand. Plus if it was blatant Ricky and Jeff would have said something right then and there and they didn't even flinch. RV was just at another level tonight
I do agree that the AMA should of moved RV to the back.He got lucky that they did a restart.If really would of sucked for him to win and then get docked for 3 places which would of put him in fourth.
One other thing. I have it recorded and when you break it down frame by frame which I'm sure AMA SI RZv is actually not pay Stewart at the red cross flag. It's only by a foot but he is clearly behind still at that moment.
Wow, I just read the FIM rulebook. Passing is allowed on yellow.
Interesting.. Now I'm not sure what rule they follow
@Speedshifter=racist a s s hole.......I do hope that someday your racist, immature, imbecilic mouth gets you a good whoopin'!! LOL.....punks like you seriously deserve it!! Hate much do ya fella?? You sound like an idiot and are transparent as hell when you bag on Stewart, who OWNED the redhead last week, and finished second behind him (and in front of everyone else) this week!! Stewart is back on the climb and you just can't seem to handle it can little boy?? LOL ......dudes like you better watch your back, but then again you are probably one of those big shot, keyboard tough guys who only speak this way from the safety of your mom's computer!! Be careful bud, you talk that way to the wrong person someday and you will regret it!!!
How long does the red-cross zone end? Unless there is an "end red-cross" flag (none exists), then surely it ends at a different flag being shown/waved.
Seemed clear RV was up to the influence of the yellow flags before he passed. Can he pass on a yellow? GOAT said both that you could not and that you could within about 10 minutes. I know Tomac could a few weeks ago.
This is a very weak area for everyone involved. Speaks very badly for the sport and the stewardship of those entrusted to nurture it.
Ok, first off I was there in this corner, were the first issue happened.
Also, I'm not a Stewart fan at all!
But, RV jumped clearly on a red cross flag, red flashing lights and passed Alessi doing so. They were halfway on the third lap, not three laps completed as the rules state for a staggered restart. Then they docked RV 3 positions on the restart. He through a fit and took forever to line up, he said he thought he was passed the downed rider! (remember this)
The second issue happened next to a red cross flag, right before a downed rider were he passed for the lead.
RV was hauling and rode even better after he was mad, after the restart!
But the AMA needs to enforce the rules and they need to learn what "when the leader completes 3 laps" means. Halfway into the third lap, is not three laps completed, the third lap was started!!
Shaking my head. RV was gonna win anyway. But AMA needs to reinforce their rules.
feld (who pretty much now owns the AMA) IS ruining or sport, selective enforcement, sets our sport back, years, as we were watching the race in a pub, and even the local yocals here laffed at that call, or lack there of, IM A FAN (and former pro racer) of the sport, not any particular racer,, they come and and go, JUST WHEN SPONSORSHIP FAVORTISM IS SO BLATANTLY DISPLAYED, it puts the sport back as a novelty ... rick chew says so !!! emsra.com
Pretty sure its FIM sanctioned so all you tards need to brush up on the rules. We beat this to death last year. The red cross was long gone and nothing but 'non waving' yellow flags. JS should know better.
After Bubba stood RV up agressively right in front of the Red Cross flag its probably best RV got by him how he did. RV's next pass attempt would've been a little more assertive I suspect.
Who cares who won anyway? We finally got to see some racing with bar to bar and back and forth action.
@ 71077345
Yes, edited it out of my above comment. They had not completed 3 laps, even if so any re-start is based on completion of the last full lap. So should have been positions as of lap TWO finish line.
"Making it up as you go ," undermines any notion of professionalism. Smells like amateur-hour. And always has unintended consequences. Re, would Millsaps have fared better with a re-start? Season so far says he would. Who does he complain to?
I repeat: Speaks very badly for the sport and the stewardship of those entrusted to nurture it.
oh, yeah HEY THATS RIGHT ripdown, ULTIMATELY in the end, ''its all about the racing'' and that was a good one !!! rich chew says so !!! emsra.com
Rip down your wrong on the flag. There is one clearly displayed between the yellows. Well clearly to a fan not a guy on the opposite side of the track involved in a tight aggressive race like those guys were. That said as I mentioned earlier RV was still behind Stewart all the way past the last roller and the cross flag. RV just approached the conclusion more aggressive then Stewart. Even Barcia and Reed were all over Stewart there like saying WTF lets go. No fan of either just saying I broke down frame by frame and it's very clear.
WOW!!! what a race..Finally saw a 5 man battle for the lead..saw passing for the lead and just as I said one tiny mistake could cost alot of positions..it happened to Barcia..2nd to 5th in a section...The pressure to hold on for JS7 was probably ridiculous..Villo and Barcia were all over him running 3 wide and Reed and Dungey were one second back...St. Louis fans got the best race so far..
That said Villo should of been accountable to the rule book or don't have rules at all ..Even Jeff and Ricky said he should be very greatful it wasn't a full lap penalty on the broadcast which had the whole night to carefully edit and think about what was being said...so it most likey was the wrong call by the AMA....
..AMA says safety is its concern and failed to hold true to the rule book..
It at one time was fuelgate now we are gonna have Flaggate! Yes I think RV has pushed the rules before and so has James. This is gonna be interesting till AMA and FIM make an Offical post.
Would have been nice to see the best race of the year. CBS sucks donkeys! Fire CBS!
check fuel tv listing says 8pm, est. today, and the 250's are on speed in minutes, if worse comes to it, hey i will send ya a copy of it, !!!
There was nothing wrong with RV's pass. Was it close? Heck yeah it was close but you could tell poto was hungry and he took advantage the first inch he got. Turned out to be an awesome race and I don't know if it was already said in the comments but I think Bubba was going for a take out on RV in the turn before the red cross flag. Bubba should have moved way inside when rolling those jumps next to the red cross to bock poto from being able to do what he did.
But good news for the people who don't like RV for whatever reason. Now if he wins the championship you've got a great excuse. You can mold this into whatever ridiculous logic you want to prove how [insert favorite rider here] actually should have won.
As always, ripdown finds a way to incriminate JS in this thing!! Typical Stewart bagging while not in any way calling out his bro-mance boy, RV. Then he goes on to say "it doesn't matter who won".......what a tool!!
Guys can cry and complain all they want.. The bottom line is RV ran down Stewart, PASSED him and GAPPED him by over 3 seconds.. RV is the FMOP!!!!!!!!
I think I speak for everyone here, down to the last man, when I say that Villopoto rode a great race, was ready, struck while the iron was hot, and is a racer's racer. Fantastic ride. Way to dominate, Ryan! Now close the deal and wrap this thing up!
@SuperSXFanMan says in the practice report-------"Lets see if RV can "give away" another win" WELL I guess he showed he wont now... We see who the fastes guy is, he gapped Stewart.....
therealmofo=VILLOTARD!! So what are you going to say if (when) Stewart gets another win?? Are you gonna say yet again that the redhead wanted to finish behind?? That he was "off pace" all day?? You tards are absolutely no better than the people you accuse week in and week out of being Stewart fantards!! It just depends on who wins doesn't it??
I know this part doesn't matter to guys like @speedshi8Tter but that was some seriously great riding and spectacular racing......I'm sure when your on the bike racing JS7 or RV1 things are happening at a bit of a blur...don't know about the call ...really on the line....since were not on the bike and seeing what they saw its easy for us to judge......JS was respectful but made his case on the box..nothin wrong with that.....but RV maybe should have waited as it was gonna happen anyway...will Pi*s JS7 off and just make Daytona that much better and Reed has seen JS7 which normally flips his switch....JB rode great except for a few mistakes and Dungey quietly didn't lose many pts...maybe that was DM's bad race....the flag thing...its over move along nothing to see here..its done. .......
It was his night. RV wouldve got handled in Arlington i believe as he was caught and passed and GAPPED there also in his heat. But RV fans wont cry wolf. We saw who was fastest for one night. He wasnt fastest last week. So this week is his. Big deal! Its good racing.
feld (who pretty much now owns the AMA) IS ruining our sport, selective enforcement, sets our sport back, years, as we were watching the race in a pub, and even the local yocals here laffed at that call, or lack there of, IM A FAN (and former pro racer) of the sport, not any particular racer,, they come and and go, JUST WHEN SPONSORSHIP FAVORTISM IS SO BLATANTLY DISPLAYED, it puts the sport back as a novelty ... rick chew says so !!! emsra.com
I think the red flag staggered restart is the SX version of the NASCAR yellow. No one had seen a staggered start until last year and now they're a regular occurrence. Leave them alone and let them race.
there was a guy waving a red flag as stewart and villapoto were going slow side by side it caught my attention.
@thetooth---"RV "wouldve" I guess that just like an "IF"--You dont know dude.. It was a heat race win, WOW!!!!! We finally got a decent track and RV RAN STEWART DOWN and passed him AND GAPPED him...And it wasnt a heat race...this one counted...
@theysaid--I never made no excuses for last week.. I said RV caught up and couldnt get by, so settled in.. Thats not an excuse..RV couldnt get passed him period.. But all the Stewtards calling guys "butt-hurt" and other ignorant crap because your guy got one win, and was still 100 points down.....wooo hooo, I guess its all you have to lean on.. RV is going for Championships..
Most of you guys complaining about rules have spent your racing careers sand bagging, the real racers man up and win or admit they need to work harder and give credit to the MAN. Stewart had nothing for RV and was just getting in his way and might have eventually got knocked down and finished out of the money.
@ therealmofo - Villopoto didn't run Stewart down and pass him last week, so it's all relative. There's a different FMOTP every round it seems.
Barcia passed Stewart there also...and no one cares.
I'm not sure why the red cross flag was out. If it was for Kiniry, he was up and sitting on his bike at the time. And it was half-furled around the flag stick when they came through. Once RV got in the lead, it was check-out time.
Just read something on vital and checked it out for myself. There was a red flashing light entering that turn where James passed RV and he made the pass well past it. James ought to realize he did that as should everyone and think maybe it all evened out in the end. Also none of them were rolling those jumps like they should be. Some rule changes are needed as this cant happen again? I do think RV should have been docked his finish for the first one, not on the restart only.
Im not too concerned about the RV thingn buttttt what about the continued favortism given to Reed from the"reed channel" I mean the speed channel. We spent more time watching Reed run around in 4th and 3rd than wacthing Poto and Stewart. Ralph must have some bromance going with Reed. He gets more TV time and talk time then any other racer...
The second red cross flag was being held low by the flagger down on his hip. After that red cross flag there were two flaggers clearly displaying yellow flags for Kiniry who was sitting on his bike. I think JS got caught napping. It looked like a legal pass under yellow. I think the AMA realized it was a confusing situation with both types of flags displayed relative close to one another.
RV1 killed it, flag or no flag, no one had his speed from this point on.
RV probably should have been penalized for the 2nd infraction, but it is what it is. During the race, he was the fastest guy on the track - so again, that's cool. He needs to pay more attention to the flags in the future, but this one is in the book. Time to move on to next week - should be a battle. Props to RV for getting his groove back. Looked like he was flying out there. Same for JS7. 2nd is pretty darned good in this crowd. Millsaps just needs to stay with the program and stay focused.
Anyone catch RC saying you can't pass under yellow when flag-gate transpired? So much for using "RC says....." in any arguments.
@therealmofo.....the funny thing is that you don't realize your own hypocrisy!! RV was a little better last night, just like JS was a little better last week....that is the way it goes, but you wanna get on here and say it was because of the track.....which is ridiculous!! Same riders every week riding the same track!! Lay off the 100 points down thing too, we all know where James is in the standings, but he can still get wins, and that still matters regardless of how much you want to poo poo it!! This win does not establish RV as the dominant force in any way whatsoever, but you somehow think it does!! Next week may be totally different yet again. Nobody has established any sort of dominance this year...nobody!! The only thing that had been really displayed was consistency, and that was by DM, at least until tonight!! This vrap about the "new young guys" is just that, crap!! You have a 31 year old who still shows the speed, next in line is Stewart who obviously is still able to run with this new young crowd!! It's good racing, and it would be nice if you and some others could get off of the whole JS critics thing and just let it be what it is.....your guy RV has shown just how truly human he is this year too, so don't get too big for your britches because he pulled out a win last night!! He rode great, and might have gotten away with something he shouldn't have, who knows!! Look up hypocrite, would ya??
People need to realize, some guys excel at different types of tracks. RV is best on softer tracks and clearly does not like the slick ones. Reed too. Anyone really think what happened in the MXoN makes Cairoli and Herlings the two best on any surface? Too often across the board declarations are made about who is best and who suddenly sucked.
RV may have won a race by disregarding the flags, AND he lost my respect in the process
Preston, how do you feel about James passing RV after the red light in the previous corner? What's good for the goose....... But yeah, James had him covered......
Wah wah wah!!!!! Lol
You boys need a napkin???? Lol
You all remind me of soccer players, who cry when they get touched and call for referee attention.
RV was the best man yesterday. JS was week before. It's that simple !
Now man up! Wipe your tears off! Grab a six pack and enjoy awesome sport of ours!!!
@ tooth perry
Your comments make more sense without name calling and other co&&y stuff... Lol
Lets keep it at " the best man won". Hoping to see a new winner soonCR or TC!
can they run Daytona tomorrow?
It takes RV's, RD's, Mc's, JS's and even RC's money to beat the amount CR has.
Reed is the most successful motocross/supercross racer if all time! Talking money here.
With a net worth over 60 million, it takes everyone else combined to match beat it. And then, it's 62 million to his 60. Lol
Oops, somehow left this out.
The reason Reed gets a lot of TV coverage is........
As far as the flags go, you can do whatever you want up to the flag. It is once you reach the flag, you are to obey it until you pass the downed rider.
Not a complicated rule.
If the first flag violation wouldn't have happened, then the second wouldn't have been as big of a deal.
Yes, RV was on fire and Stewart was kind of holding the rest up. Last nights track was hard for any of them to make up time and RV was pissed about the positions docking!!! He threw a fit, hands a waving, even slammed both hands down on the bars yelling at the AMA official. RV thought he was passed the downed rider.... He wasn't.
Someone said they need an end of accident flag, forgot who said it, but great idea!!!!!!!
If you watch the race he was right beside James rolling the jumps and just happened to have the inside in the corner. He was clearly faster and how about that dirty block by James that was a blatant take out attempt.
@preston--So RV gaped Stew by 3 seconds while the flag was out huh?? HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! get real.. Rv was faster plain and simple--you are crying and cant stand it.. they were side by side going to the next rythym section and RV pulled away, you know it.. dont give me the natural talent garbage, every single guy out there has loads if it, RV ran down and passed your boy--get over it..You guys were all gloating last week now it is biting you in the as$...
Nothing is biting anybody in the ass "MOFO", it's a damn race and like I said, before you go gloating about the redhead, you should take it back a notch and realize he has been anything but dominant, or consistent, this year!! Have you looked up the definition of "hypocrite" yet?? You really should!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
What, not one single comment on the 3 position penalty instead of 1 lap, or, since there was a restart, last? Is that in either rule book? I'm sure several of you will save me an hour or so of research. Maybe this will be the impetus for the AMA to upgrade their level of professionalism. It's one thing to leave quite a bit up to the discretion of the race referee in amateur races, but Pro racing today is big big bucks. Let's step it up AMA.
Let me give an unbiased view. The race meant alot more to RV than it did to James. RV is in the title hunt and he is desperate, so he was a little jumpy to get to the lead. I understand it and let it slide, although they should obey rules more.
RV would have won regardless.. He was fast. It's PLAINLY obvious James isn't riding to his potential yet. Unfortunately we don't know if he will ever get back to the speed, he rides very mellow compared to the old James.
Maybe this summer he will step up and run RV 100% cause James has the speed to run with RV straight up.
@ B-KR Funny, no stewart fans want to way in on his aggressive pass made on the red lights in the previous corner of this whole incident...and all this talk of hipocracy.
Wow, the Stewart fans and SENSITIVE! I'm sure I will be called an idiot again by the president of the JS7 cult!
I believe that Stewart is riding mellow because he is tired of getting hurt from riding over his head. If he would have settled "down" to this pace years ago, I firmly believe that he would have many more titles. We do need to quit using the "he is not up to speed" excuse though. He consistently sets the fastest laps and has a 1st and a 2nd place finish. I think he is where he is going to be.
I have to admire Villopoto's courage for risking it all and throwing himself to the lions by getting aggressive with Stewart, who is known for crashing and taking people with him when they get near. Man, that took some gritty determination. Villopoto is not going down quietly. Last week he played it kind of gingerly, trying to play it smart and safe, but now he realizes he needs to go out there and pimp-slap everybody and get that paper.
..intersted in Lap times" seems to much emphasis on the start. I expect
to see 1-10 within one second of each other ...that whoop section needed to
be made deeper,alessi was flying thu it ..is the track design specifically for
safety reasons...as far as poto & his pass it looked good to me ,thought stewi
quit..
http://youtu.be/gICHQE2PBl8
http://youtu.be/OuWQ02lWgeM
heres the 450 main guys
All you RV haters need to watch the broadcast again!!! RV doesn't pass JS until AFTER the last of 2 yellow flags are waved. Yes, there was 2 Red Cross flags earlier, but there was still a race going on. The AMA reviewed this, and there was no penalty because there was no pass under the Red Cross flag area. Let me repeat that for all you that think you make the rules... The AMA reviewed this, and there was no penalty because there was no pass under the Red Cross flag area.
...and to add to the intensity, JS made one of his common chicken shit blocks passes, cutting straight across the turn to block RV before the tripple. ...what's up with that?!!
Great race!! watched it again and they were 4 wide over the wall jump..I paused it and Villo's rear tire was touching back side when 4th place Reed's tire was touching front of it..Friggin awesome man....
Hearing alot of RV vs. JS but I saw JB51 pass JS and was on the move before a mistake...not just a 2 man battle..watch it again top 6 were on it..great season man...one small bobble or mis shift and its 5 positions....just ask Barcia how tough it is
RV was on it. Now I am going to click my heels three times and repeat "there's no place like Daytona, there's no place like Daytona, there's no place like Daytona"
#1
R. Villopoto
KAW
1
2 50.929
3 52.932
4 14:56.240
5 50.246
6 49.369
7 49.617
8 50.713
9 49.662
10 50.602
11 49.919
12 52.526
13 49.798
14 50.193
15 50.188
16 50.161
17 49.800
18 50.333
19 50.354
20 51.228
50.476
52.932
MIN 49.369
MAX
AVG
#5
R. Dungey
KTM
1
2 51.669
3 54.369
4 14:52.324
5 50.914
6 50.518
7 49.879
8 50.319
9 50.117
10 50.136
11 50.244
12 53.239
13 50.632
14 50.857
15 50.608
16 50.830
17 50.023
18 50.073
19 50.277
20 50.881
50.865
54.369
MIN 49.879
MAX
AVG
#7
J. Stewart
SUZ
1
2 49.919
3 52.905
4 14:55.342
5 50.232
6 50.173
7 50.188
8 50.521
9 50.711
10 50.477
11 51.243
12 53.651
13 50.077
14 51.905
15 49.843
16 50.106
17 49.917
18 50.101
19 51.026
20 50.855
50.769
53.651
MIN 49.843
MAX
AVG
#18
D. Millsaps
SUZ
1
2 52.002
3 57.992
4 14:50.295
5 51.402
6 50.584
7 50.117
8 49.883
9 50.752
10 50.410
11 50.382
12 53.559
13 50.247
14 50.791
15 50.658
16 50.675
17 50.884
18 50.860
19 51.239
20 55.124
51.531
57.992
MIN 49.883
MAX
AVG
#22
C. Reed
HON
1
2 50.644
3 53.856
4 14:53.496
5 50.424
6 50.725
7 50.454
8 50.360
9 50.181
10 50.234
11 50.353
12 53.627
13 50.527
14 50.819
15 50.555
16 50.263
17 50.134
18 50.141
19 50.351
20 50.698
50.797
53.856
MIN 50.134
J. Barcia
HON
1
2 51.193
3 53.151
4 14:55.392
5 49.829
6 50.377
7 49.799
8 51.005
9 51.231
10 50.300
11 50.268
12 53.805
13 49.859
14 53.898
15 50.862
16 50.683
17 50.810
18 50.362
19 50.964
20 52.373
51.153
53.898
MIN 49.799
Weege, so you're going to ignore the 2nd Red flag and pretend that it was OK? Really? I've have lost a lot of respect for you man. After your tweets yesterday and this article, it's pretty obvious that you've lost your objectivity. Your coverage was extremely biased. Not just talking about JS7 either.
man back in the day, they would just drag the downed rider off the track into the infield and give him a stick to gnaw on until the main was over. i.e. marty smith ! now the red flag come out for a guy sitting on a tuff block. (obvious overstatement). back in the day those guys really were tougher. the pussifacation marches on
And for you guys who didn't like the block pass, grow up. Reed and others do it ALL the time, and it's part of racing. Jame's pass was a love tap compared to some I've seen. If you're going to complain about JS7, at least be consistent. And deal with the fact that he's getting back on his game. Enjoy the rest of your season!
my problem with the rv ruling is.......... is it a one lap penalty or is it up to the referee's discretion to dock positions? leaving a rule open for interpretation of the penalty is not good. make the rule black or white(not a racist statement) and enforce it evenly. i've seen privateers have problems on the gate, and they get 1:59. i seen top pros have problems and get 5 min! just be fair and balanced.......... no bs politics please
Ok, I refuse to play the Stewtard-Villotard thing here, but I just finally got a chance to watch the race and was hoping hoping somebody (who won't act like a child when they do it) will explain to me just exactly how the pass that RV made on JS during the "cross-flags/yellow flag" deal was ok?? I'm also not saying that RV wouldn't have made the pass anyway, but that is truly beside the point. Can somebody legitimately verify what the rules are here, as it seems that it was NOT legal for RV to advance position during that section!! Once again, it may have turned out to be moot as far as where they finished on the track, but shouldn't rules be rules?? And as long as there are rules, shouldn't they be enforced regardless?? Also, as RC stated, what is the actual rule on the first penalty they gave him on the re-start.......was the 3 position dock correct, or is it as RC stated that he thought it was a lap, or that it maybe should have been assessed AFTER the race was over?? Once again, I'm happy with JS getting a second, he is riding closer to what is expected of him, so it's not about that, but about what the truth is about the ruling!!
Incredible that Preston said RV gained 3 sec's on JS because of the flag.
Preston, how did RV catch JS from 5 positions back ?
You need to re watch the pass because the officials were TOTALLY correct when they said RV passed JS IN THE CORNER AFTER THE flag and the downed rider (who was on his bike). THEN RV PULLED JS by 3 seconds and maintained it to the finish.
Barcia ALSO caught and passed JS but made a mistake and gave it back.
THAT is the race I watched and re watched.
I nor anyone I have read on here has ever said RV was unstoppable. I have not said he was dominate. I do believe he has the edge on every one currently racing, but just the edge because the top seven are incredibly close.
one of the best block passes of all time.......... KW14 on DV12 ! that was some awesome schit ! and whitelock was a moron...........glad that guy move on.
whatever makes a great point, should the penalty have been inforced AFTER the race. most penalties are inforced after the race is over, since there is no break usually. man it just seems these guys are shooting from the hip. but thats how its been for 40yrs ...........walt disney should file an copy right infringement suit (mickey mouse) you really should have known !
Motoguzzi- I LOVED that one !!!
Whatever read the moment it is very clear, just posted a while ago
Good job with the podium interview by JS. I think JS has finally started riding smart and not acting like a brat. It's too bad he is rewarded for it this way. RV is the only rider who could get away with cheating. But he(and probably Barcia also) is riding the edge and that "high risk, high reward" tactic will lead to a couple more wins but at least a big crash or two. Then we'll hear all the "what if" birds again. NEVER thought I'd be pulling for JS to win a race but last night I was. RV has become what JS was 3 or 4 years ago-Feld's golden boy....
2013 AMA FIM Supercross Rules:
3. White Flag with Red Cross:
In Supercross this flag or a red flashing light may be displayed at the beginning of a triple jump or a series of jumps. The riders must roll each jump individually with no passing and exercise extreme caution until they are past the area of concern, this includes the sighting or cool down laps.
This is the rule I was screaming last night, I could not believe they screwed this one up!
2013 AMA FIM Supercross Rules:
4.21 Restarts
a. The race is stopped (with fewer than 3 laps completed by the race leader / whether it be a Heat, Last Chance Qualifier or Main Event)
1. A red flag will be displayed to the riders.
2. The race will be considered null and void.
3. The riders will return to the starting area and a re-start will take place as soon as possible.
4. The riders will keep their initial starting order.
5. The riders will be restarted from the starting gate.
6. Riders who were present at the starting gate for the original start of the race but were unable to start and who did not join the race before the red flag was displayed are not authorized to take the restart.
7. The race will be run for the original number of laps.
8. In the case of a Final, if it is found impossible to restart then this Final will be declared cancelled and not count for the Championship.
Motoguzzi- Dv12 had that one a comin- you shoulda seen the corner just before it. LOL
watched it read the rules. Red flag should have been a restart. Poto"s pass was legal.Stewy brain farted and should have picked up the pace with yellows and a clear track to the inside. Honest mistake on him but Poto had every rite to begin racing again after the triple.He was faster tonight so there was no wrong in the world. Who ever said Poto gained 3 sec on the move is out of there mind. Maybe 3 bike's but not 3 sec's. good race either way
A Yellow Flag doesn't mean you can pass if Red Lights are flashing, or there is a Red Cross flag! Look at the first RV jump, there is Red Lights flashing, a Red Cross flag and a Yellow flag all on the triple.
Last night I missed the new corner before the triple red light from my angle, so Stewarts pass was illegal too.
I'm done worrying about it, they will do whatever they want to.
Yes we can say Stewart is not 100%! He absolutely had a leg injury and can't train during the week. His one lap speed it good, but he obviously does not have the fitness to contend with RV. If James were healthy and in shape, last night would have been a 20 lap battle no question..
Did anyone notice the second Red Cross flag?? It looked like the flagged wasn't sure if he should wave it or not, but he had it out right next to the yellows. It was plainly a bad move on RV and sets a bad example. The precedence now is that riders can do what they want, what a bummer.
RV was so fast, he shouldn't have risked it, he would have won anyway. I want a healthy James, I want to see RV and James go 20 laps!!
Worst coverage of any sport on TV. Week after week, year after year, they show the popular riders 99%, meanwhile elsewhere on the track battles are going on. This week in heat 1 of the 450's they started to tease us with 3 or 4 guys getting ready to battle for the final transfer spot. And what happened? They left the camera on James for way longer than needed after he crossed the finish line, then went to a commercial. The TV director needs to be educated on how to cover the race.
Stewart is healthy, gotta let it go people! He proved he can still run with the big boys. Just because he is not winning everything does not mean he is not riding at his best, it just means that everyone else has stepped it up. It happens folks, let it go. When he retires, someone will dethrone RV or whomever is the next champ. Denial is a terrible hing!
@RCRDDW, I think I just threw up in your mouth a little.
Well one things is clear from reading down to this point. I am not the only one confused by watching the race, and trying to decifer the violations, the rulings, the penalties and what seemed marginal regarding the judgement call after viewing (an hour) of SPEEDtv's delayed broadcast. I was wondering how much (real-time) deliberation went into the final decision to penalize who, and who not to penalize.
The first infraction on the red-cross flag and RV's little jump looked somewhat obvious, but is it a hard rule, or a judgement call as to the exact penalty to put a rider back on the re-start.
The second ordeal with 3, 4 or 5 riders involved looked to be the difficult call to make as whether to call an infraction, and on who.
What I want to know now is; Is it too late to protest the outcome of the race now. Or is it (really) official and what's done is done???
I only know the (racing) was the most exciting SX race this short season has experienced, and I didn't want to pause and replay, because I would only have gotten more confused as the rule-book was not at my disposal, and was too busy bouncing off the walls and ceiling as it was.
Hopefully, some clarification through-out the week will cast some light on what really should have happened that didn't, or did.
Great racing, regardless...
@Rick--You are wrong on the injury to Stewart.. God that has been over forever.. Stewart said before San Diego that his leg was fine and he can ride during the week.. That was a while back no more excuses..Stewart is healthy, he has said so yourself, face it dude. Rv was just faster Saturday, hate to burst your bubble..
Even though this is just wrong to say, it seems that somebody's got to say it.
What's the difference between Ryan Villopoto and James Stewart?
Villopoto passes with red lights, and Stewart passes with blue lights.
Why is this wrong to say? Because Villopoto did nothing wrong and passed Stewart legally, while Stewart committed a felony (but it got swept under the rug to a misdemeanor).