by Andy Bowyer
450 Words: #800
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PrintYou already know who won the races. Now enjoy 450 Words for an extra take on a story you might have missed.
Lurking behind all of the craziness in St. Louis was the #800 Smartop MotoConcepts Suzuki of Mike Alessi. It’s been a long time since the controversial racer has gotten much mention in a supercross race, but his seventh place finish is deserving of a nod. In fact, Alessi’s name has entered conversations two weeks in a row as he has began to post some quick times and now a stellar main event finish.
Considering Alessi has become established as a motocross specialist through the years, and the depth of this year's SX field, there weren’t high expectations for Alessi coming into the supercross season. When he started off with back to back 20th place finishes, things looked pretty bleak. Since then, his signature holeshots have started to return and there have recently been some very fast factory riders looking at the back of his jersey after the checkered flag.
After a rough start to the season, Mike Alessi has begun to turn it around the last few weeks.
Simon Cudby photo
Alessi pulled the holeshot in the main event in St. Louis and looked ready to fight. Certainly, the whoop section was a freeway and there aren’t any technical sections separating riders with superior supercross skills. Alessi’s corners were smooth and he was riding strong. I was actually clapping for him in the press box early, but then the inevitable challenge for the lead -- from James Stewart in this case -- came his way. He and Stewart went over the wall jump side-by-side before he looked over and backed off down the straight away and blatantly let Stewart go by. The recent memory of Mike blocking and holding off Ryan Dungey for 30 minutes last summer made this move somewhat puzzling, but self-preservation against an intense pace was likely his motive. Alessi has said before that he will just ride to his level in supercross and not push beyond it, but it does make you wonder what he could do in supercross if he believed in himself a little more.
One of the biggest enigmas in the sport has been Alessi’s inability to place well in Monster Energy Supercross. You’ll be hard pressed to search through the history books to find a rider with such a handicap in the stadiums compared to his yet championship caliber speed outdoors. In addition, Alessi grew up beating Davi Millsaps and Ryan Villopoto throughout his amateur career. Quite handily and consistently at that. Perhaps watching fellow non factory Suzuki rider, Davi Millsaps lead the standings has lit a fire in him and renewed some of that old confidence? Besides letting Stewart have his way, he did fight back against the rest of the field, including a pass on Justin Barcia to reclaim second after the red flag restart. His seventh place finish in one of the most talented fields ever may be a statement that his season is beginning to turn around. With Daytona next on the tour, equipped with more of an outdoor feel than any supercross of the year, #800 may be a rider you might want to look at in your fantasy team. Who knows, it might be time for Alessi to turn the corner and showcase his talent in supercross? It was a job well done in St. Louis.
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Alessi's a boob. He's not gonna win anything in supercross or outdoors. Field is too stacked.
Here we go again, most talented field ever?? Ok.
I hope Alessi puts the smack down in the outdoors, I'd love to see him beat the Factory boys. I wonder if Alessis SX problem purely lies in his head? A lack of confidence can certainly make for poor performance, after all.. Look at what confidence has done for Davi! It turned his career around
Allessi has a heart of a lion and hopefully a champion. The team is really starting
to get the results. And yes, Mike knows the outdoors is his specialty and isn't going
to lawn dart via riding over his head in SX.
@ JTV...so you could go out and smoke Mike, eh? And He is a Boob for getting 7th
in a SX that is stacked.
Field is stacked? Lets look at results. Andrew short was getting 6-10 on a KTM 4 years ago. What's he getting this year? 6-10.
The top 5 had been juggled this season based on holeshots in relation to easy tracks. It's not talent related.. And for those that thought Tomac would win on a 450 immediately, let this be a lesson.
Did you see the whoop section from the track map? If that really happens as shown I doubt Alessi will shine.
Man I wish Baggett would be racing this weekend.
I'm sure Alessi's problem is in his head. The guy has speed, skill and fitness. Not to mention holeshots. But watching that little snippet on TV with an inside view into his race day with the owner, mechanic and manager (dad)of the team, telling him flat out he needs to jump a certain section that most guys were doing. Mikey could not get it into his head to jump that section. I'm amazed at that. Do you think Charmichael would need to be talked into doing a section like this? Not a chance. There is no option if you want to excell and Mikey doesn't have that kind of desire. Still glad he's out there and respect for his accomplishments.
I know I sound like a broken record, but when talent is equal, it is all about Confidence and Comfort..Many a pro rider has said the same thing...You have to have both to be successful.. and not just in motorcycle racing, it applies in every day life, to each one of us..
To believe in your self, first you must stop doubting your self..
In life, your biggest obstacle can be overcome by your strongest tool; you will find both between your ears..
i used to be a huge fan....even through all the BS and subpar finishes. i'd like to see ma800 do well, but the guy has lost confidence he will NEVER get back, and hes become a joke more and more as of late. it baffles me how some guys he will race tooth and nail til the end, but others he will pull over for. with dungey specifically, he will race him and fight til the finish, with bubba and rv he'll roll over like a dog doing tricks for a treat.
rickamatuzio with a holeshot Tomac could have won maybe. he has goten very bad starts. He has the speed for sure. also don't put to much money on Mike to win outdoors this year. I would not mind it but just don't think it will happen. no way.
muhamed i will tell you why, he knows RD will NOT punt him into next week but JS and RV don't play games when going for a pass. They will move mike out of the way where as RD will wait and wait for a nice place to pass. Ask yourself this would RV have dicked around last year in WA like RD did for 30min +2 laps or would RV have punted him out of the way and took the win?? Mike knows this too.
@ BillC
I hear where you're coming from but honestly I don't recall RV resorting to contact very often. Generally his corner speed makes passing pretty easy for him.....but I do know if you push your luck with him he will bite back.
Awe, come on, Alessi is simply starting better than he was at the beginning of the year, then he's the same mobile chicane he's always been. The guy lives off of his starts. I'm not sayin that's not part of the deal, only, don't confuse starting at the front with going fast in the race. Let him start at the back, and that is where he will finish.
Actually, I couldn't believe my eyes when I read the headline to this article. My initial reaction was, how the hell did Alessi get into the conversation?
I think Mike has been wrongfully maligned due to the actions of his father. If you are a fan of “The Great Outdoors” series (I have the entire set on CD), Mike is actually a very good sportsman. He was always extremely classy in congratulating RV, RD or others on their Title wins at the races. As I watch the videos, I am reminded Mike is not only a strong outdoor rider, he is a pretty nice guy.
Don't want to be mean but I dont see MA reaching the top 5 much at all this year outdoors. he will be consistantly beaten by RV, JS, JB, RD, DW, ET, DM, CR some
I believe Tomac and Wilson are on 450' s ?
The only reason Alessi has done well the last few weeks is because the whoops have been tame for SX standards, the whoops are mikes(mental) achilles heal.
I think Mike has gotten a bad rap for many unjustified reason's. That crap from his early pro days had much more to do with the old man than the kid. I live in Colorado and ride the Lakewood national track all the time. The KTM team was out there testing before a race back in 04 or so. Ramsey, both Alessies, and another team rider where there. Mike was completely cool and ever since the Tedesco incident, I have seen nothing but a good sportsman, humble competitor, and a dedication to the sport. I like the kid.
Confidence is like trust. Easily lost, hard to get back once you lose it.
I'd like to see him do good.
I think the field is pretty stacked.. Yes guys remember the "good old days" and rattle off 6 or 7 old school guys who were great.. But out of the seven guys only about 3 or 4 was in thier prime when they raced together.. Some were rookies and others where winding down thier careers and just wernt as fast as they used to be.. Right now we have 4 former Champions on the gate correct?? And 7 main event winners if I am not wrong here.. I think its an awesome line-up we have.. I have been a huge fan of this sport since the early '80's and I think the field is stacked..
It is a stacked field, no doubt. The list of TEN 450SX race winners lining up in 2013: Stewart, Reed, Villopoto, Dungey, Millsaps, Canard, Short, Barcia, Grant, Hill. Technically Windham lined up in 2013 so that makes ELEVEN.
As for Alessi, he is only as good as his starts and the lack of technical difficulty on the tracks is definitely in his favor. When the rhythm sections are diffcult and the whoops are man-sized then he's nowhere near the top 10. Personally I am not a fan at all and when he holeshots the main I sort of cringe knowing the dangerous situations he will create as he goes back like a stone.
@ BD25
OKAY DOKKK I'm headin on to daytona via the plane out of Minn Mn.. lol enjoy the snow when I get back will fire up the hot tub take a pick to it and have a cold one .............Good therapy for my old bones,helps with the inflamation !
Ripdown for sure i did not mean RV smashes guys, But most know when he is going for a pass it is best to let it happen because he WILL NO be shutting off so you better. LOL
Mike has proven he is a loser and and a road hog that wears himself out blocking then fades. Also he is being helped now because they eliminated the mans hoop sections that use to kill him. His arrogance and self proclaimed next big thing vanished because others wanted it more. Color him gone.
I could see him run a top 5 season in the outdoors.
It was another one-lined, no passing track that didn't even have whoops to speak of. If you noticed, all passing was done by aggressive riders who were able to take advantage of the tacky dirt. Alessi got the holeshot on one of the widest bikes in MX/SX history and worked his way from 1st to 7th. Why is that noteworthy? How many times have we seen him start in 7th only to work his way back to 12th?
We finally had some great racing between the top contenders and 450 words are wasted on Alessi.
"Speedshitter", you are funny but also pathetic in your relentless persecution of JS7.
The man is a champion and a proven winner, you are merely a simple keyboard warrior with low self esteem, trying sooo hard to make yourself feel good by insulting others and putting them down. Give it a break.
The outdoors is all that really matters anyway. Given his starts I think plenty of top 5s will come this summer. No it won't take RV or JS as long to pass him as it did Dungey but I bet he hangs on to some good finishes.
BTW I don't think we will see CR outdoors.
This field, this year, all unhurt, is as stacked as it gets. Go back in history as far as you want, this is a scary list of racers on the line. If you can get a top 5, or close to it, you are in an elite, very fast group.
@motomofobro - Agreed. He's nothing but a broken record The guy rarely posts anything worthwhile here. It'd be nice to see that turn around. Until then, we'll have to intervene on his witch hunt.
For those here that bash a man for riding like all of us here only dream about. Go and sign up. Oh ya you need a pro license. You Bashers are fools. Even the guys that don't make the mains are so much more of a man then someone that has to Bash a rider. F O
mike alessi
woulda coulda shoulda
and if only
mike alessi
woulda coulda shoulda
and if only
Guys......mike has to win an outdoor title or his dad will kill him.......................seriously.
Uncle Charlie I finally thawed out .. Hot Tub is back up an running.. it does sooth those tired old bones...lol... Enjoy Daytona..it should be a show stopper...One of these days going to have to meet up and have that cold one...
@ Jordan Roberts
Have reacer x give you a tee shirt in lu of a raise ....LOL
@ BD25 made it down weather a lot more palitable....
Looking for some posters on here ..................
@motomofobro and JoRo, yo, NO NO, DODO, blo Villo fo sho doe.
I apologize for Alessi bashing. Their history makes it tough to resist. He has made an improvement this year. I will still giggle every time he gets parked for cross jumping, blocking....
Uncle Charlie who you hang with this week..any one we would know...
Don't sweat it, Pornstache Roberts and mofobro, I represent the other side of your arguments. You are the dark; I am the light. You are the left; I am the right.
mike is doing well against the factory teams and mabey he doesn't want to ride over his head for fear of injury and missing the outdoors..He will do well outdoors as well, and he will do well against factory teams and a small team with a small budget compared to big teams.
BD25, your right about confidence and thanks for that, cause you reminded me about confidence to everyday life, and i have a big welding test coming up and i need to remember to be confident.thats helps me.
mike is doing well against the factory teams and mabey he doesn't want to ride over his head for fear of injury and missing the outdoors..He will do well outdoors as well, and he will do well against factory teams and a small team with a small budget compared to big teams.
BD25, your right about confidence and thanks for that, cause you reminded me about confidence to everyday life, and i have a big welding test coming up and i need to remember to be confident.thats helps me.
mike is doing well against the factory teams and mabey he doesn't want to ride over his head for fear of injury and missing the outdoors..He will do well outdoors as well, and he will do well against factory teams and a small team with a small budget compared to big teams.
BD25, your right about confidence and thanks for that, cause you reminded me about confidence to everyday life, and i have a big welding test coming up and i need to remember to be confident.thats helps me.
mike is doing well against the factory teams and mabey he doesn't want to ride over his head for fear of injury and missing the outdoors..He will do well outdoors as well, and he will do well against factory teams and a small team with a small budget compared to big teams.
BD25, your right about confidence and thanks for that, cause you reminded me about confidence to everyday life, and i have a big welding test coming up and i need to remember to be confident.thats helps me.
mike is doing well against the factory teams and mabey he doesn't want to ride over his head for fear of injury and missing the outdoors..He will do well outdoors as well, and he will do well against factory teams and a small team with a small budget compared to big teams.
BD25, your right about confidence and thanks for that, cause you reminded me about confidence to everyday life, and i have a big welding test coming up and i need to remember to be confident.thats helps me.
mike is doing well against the factory teams and mabey he doesn't want to ride over his head for fear of injury and missing the outdoors..He will do well outdoors as well, and he will do well against factory teams and a small team with a small budget compared to big teams.
BD25, your right about confidence and thanks for that, cause you reminded me about confidence to everyday life, and i have a big welding test coming up and i need to remember to be confident.thats helps me.
mike is doing well against the factory teams and mabey he doesn't want to ride over his head for fear of injury and missing the outdoors..He will do well outdoors as well, and he will do well against factory teams and a small team with a small budget compared to big teams.
BD25, your right about confidence and thanks for that, cause you reminded me about confidence to everyday life, and i have a big welding test coming up and i need to remember to be confident.thats helps me.
mike is doing well against the factory teams and mabey he doesn't want to ride over his head for fear of injury and missing the outdoors..He will do well outdoors as well, and he will do well against factory teams and a small team with a small budget compared to big teams.
BD25, your right about confidence and thanks for that, cause you reminded me about confidence to everyday life, and i have a big welding test coming up and i need to remember to be confident.thats helps me.
mike is doing well against the factory teams and mabey he doesn't want to ride over his head for fear of injury and missing the outdoors..He will do well outdoors as well, and he will do well against factory teams and a small team with a small budget compared to big teams.
BD25, your right about confidence and thanks for that, cause you reminded me about confidence to everyday life, and i have a big welding test coming up and i need to remember to be confident.thats helps me.
mike is doing well against the factory teams and mabey he doesn't want to ride over his head for fear of injury and missing the outdoors..He will do well outdoors as well, and he will do well against factory teams and a small team with a small budget compared to big teams.
BD25, your right about confidence and thanks for that, cause you reminded me about confidence to everyday life, and i have a big welding test coming up and i need to remember to be confident.thats helps me.
That has to be a record for duplicate posts. After your welding test take a computer class at the local juco.
Canadian, your lookin a little insecure with the deca-post. Wow, impressive. Be confident when you strike submit that it works the first time
Yes the field is good today, but no more "stacked" than before. Early 90s had 10 main event winners on the line.
As I said, ANDREW SHORT HAS BEEN GETTING 6th for 5 YEARS. The depth hasn't changed.
After 7th place the field thins out, just like always.
Davi MILLSAPS is a BASICALLY A PRIVATEER leading the points. When's the last time that happened?
The bikes have certainly leveled the playing field as they have improved.
I'm not knocking today's riders, they are amazing talents. Faster than years earlier.. But it's always the same, riders retire as riders move up. Kevin Windham is 35 years old and got an 8th this year.. He has been racing the 250 class since 97, it's 2013. Don't tell me about depth
In 1992 there were 15 main event winners on the line, 4 record setters, and 6 champions.
Do I need to make my points more?
Again, 2013 rocks, I'm not knocking it. But like I said, reed won titles 10 years ago! It's the same as other years, it's stacked, but not the most stacked ever. Not even close
sorry for duplicates. i didn't do it, i don't know how it happened
Its tuff out there. I respect him for hanging in and you can't say he doesn't try...with the level of speed and talent at the front right now ...I thinks he riding damn good and its not his job to pull over...I hope he cracks the top 5 outdoors and mixes it up on the privateer SUZUKI. His whole demeanor has gotten a lot better...give a guy some credit...he has had to put up with a lot of BS and hes FAR from slow...
other than stew, ma (and tyla?) were the only ones who beat rd outdoors last year,
yes ma won ugly and yes everyone else was injured ... hang on, what was my point?
My buddy Steve K and I were standing at the fence at the bottom of the "ski Jump" at RED BUD when he took that teriffing spill. I don't think he has ever got back to where he was that day. I have allways had a soft spot for Mike because he is that poor kid whoe,s dad pushes,prods and berates his kid . Everyone of us here have seen it a thousand times.Mike needs his dad around as much as I need my 73 YZ 250. It was great at the time but that was long ago.
Believe the hype
As if
And its mike alessi with the holeshot..and rv gets by..and reed gets by and dungy gets by and here comes barcia..and milsaps gets by and oh here comes Stewart..and canard gets by every race its the same story..stick with out doors..