Monday Conversation: Ryan Villopoto
Monday, March 11, 2013 | 9:40 AM
Alpinestars has been delivering performance of the highest level on the motocross tracks of the world for almost 50 years. Racing on Sunday and developing on Monday is a way of life at Alpinestars. Welcome to the Racer X Monday Conversation.
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PrintMonster Energy Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto is on a roll, having won three of the last four races -- including two straight. A win in Daytona, coupled with a tenth from Davi Millsaps, has vaulted Villopoto into the points lead for the first time in 2013. Steve Matthes caught up with him after the race.
Racer X: Great win tonight. You killed it.
Ryan Villopoto: It was good. We were a little off in the qualifier but I was able to… we ripped a great start in the main. Well actually I made a little mistake and was able to pass those guys back and get up.
You slid out a little bit?
Yeah, I slid out. The berm just kind of went away and I made a mistake. But I was able to get back and pass those guys.
At one point Dungey was reeling you in … maybe not reeling you in, but made up two or three seconds. It was later in the race. Did something happen? Lappers? Did you see it? Were you backing it down?
We were talking on the podium, the lighting’s not very good and this is one of the worst Daytona tracks I’ve ridden just because I think it was drier when we came here. It was the driest it’s been and it made it more rough. I don’t know; it was tougher. There were a few laps where ... but I obviously knew where he was. I was gauging him. I wasn’t too worried but he caught a little bit and I was able to pull it back out and just keep it where it was.
Ryan Villopoto is the new 450SX points leader after his win in Daytona.
Simon Cudby photo
Any sketchy moments for you out there?
Always. You’re not going to leave Daytona without one. If you don’t have one, you’re not riding hard enough.
Points leader now, bro.
Yeah, red plate. We haven’t had that since Anaheim 1. It feels good. We’re in a good position. We’ll just try to keep doing what we’re doing.
Did you like the track? In practice it looked like fun, but it didn’t look like fun after that. But did you like it?
I thought it was good. Could have used a little better lighting. Man, there were some sections that were really gnarly that they could possibly have maintenanced throughout the day or before the main.
How much did you stray on your supercross setting, if anything at all?
Same setup, just clickers here and there. We made some changes but it was all clicker stuff.
Did you run your front tire like normal?
No, different front tire.
That’s different for you, to run a different tire.
Yeah, more aggressive.
Alright, thanks man.
Bye. Steve Matthes.
RV celebrates his win in typical Daytona fashion.
Simon Cudby photo
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Watch out field RV is finding his stride.. Seems like RV can flick that intensity switch in the Main, may look off some in the Heat but Main = go time! Good racing, hope DM can heal up some.
RV rode a great race... congrats to him and Musquin.
That was domination. RV is not my guy, but hats off to him; sure looked like a champion out there. I hated seeing that because it gives me a bad feeling that every race from here out will look about the same. At least the 250s on both coasts should continue to entertain.
RV picking up a head of steam going into the second half of the series is exactly what his competition does not want to see. Just four races ago RV was 27 points out of the points lead and struggling with consistancy, says alot about the guys determination and focus to make up almost 30 points in such a short time.
Yes, RV rode great.. Him and RD and even CR looked to be in in very good fitness. Sorry JS,, I'm not buying the wrong front tire excuse... It looked to me that you were tired out there,, which is fine, but tell us the truth.. RV, RD and CR were charging out there, and JS looked like he could barely hang on..
This was the worst interview I have ever read......... Why do they let Steve do things like this ????
RV stomped the field in Dominant fashion and is the current champ, I could think of WAY better questions to ask than this......... Just very poor journalism..
Go RV! Keep her on two wheels!
Congratulations to the reigning champ! While it is to early to hand him the trophy,
he has that confident look that could spell disaster for the rest of the title contenders. Milsaps needs to rebound quickly and Dungey needs to get a couple wins soon to keep the chase for the 2013 championship close heading to Vegas...Good luck to all!!
mxmofo, I tend to agree with you, but JS has been right there with RV the two previous races.
I noticed that RV was able to put in a fast lap of 1 second faster than RD so I wasnt too worried that he could step it up if needed. Barcia was actually the second fastest but faded down the stretch. I thought Reed did very well. It seemed like all the top guys went down at least once because the sand was dry and didn't seem to pack at all- the berms just gave way. So I really don't call them mistakes but simply learning how much you can trust the berms. JS, RV, and a few others all trusted the berms and slid out- CR's git-off was crazy but really he slid into the tuff block for the same reason. ET will be a serious player come outdoors.
I still say RV will have to work his butt off to take the title- the normal SX tracks will be closer racing, and none of these guys will roll over.
GO RV ! !
Back in the day it was said the real SX season starts at Daytona.
Strange way to answer questions, very short. Is there a history betweeen RV and Mathes or is RV always short and vague? I'm not dogging on either it is just a weird interview.
A BEAST!!!
.RD and RV schooled barcia on fitness. Going to be a LONG summer trying keep them 2 in site late in the moto!!
.Red plate is back home and RV is diled. If he can keep out of trouble #3 on the way. RV is to good to be denid that's why I have said I and not worried even when he was down 27 points. Watch out Sap's RD is closeing now too.
Ryan is a man of few words. Bad interview
@BillC-- RV is a beast But I am not getting how you still seem to find a way to slam on Barcia--you really have a problem with him.. He looked good.. He finished on the podium.. In a very stacked field.. He is a rookie in the class, and finished ahead of Reed Tomac, Stewart.. I think he rode great, and is in a great place right now, healthy.. But you still find a way to bag on the kid.. You used to complain about people doing that to Stewart, and you do it constantly.. Barcia did a good job Saturday.. I dont see fitness as an issue with him..
I think Millsaps is having an issue with his wounded arm thanks to Canard.. I think Canard is a little dangerous on the track.. He nailed Millsaps last week, jumped all the way into the other lane Saturday, he even ran RV into the finish line tower in the 250 class.. I think Canard needs the nickname BAM-BAM..!! LOL!!!
@Billc I had just glanced at the posts and you were not there yet, Logged on and bingo there youare, Touting RV as usual!. As I said in another post,I have nothing against RV but just dont care for the guy? He is good just does not seem to give the excitment that RC, Reed McGrath and even Stewart. How can he be that good and so boring?
That's two weeks in a row Monday Conversation was RV. I would have thought it would have been with Marvin seeing he just got his first ever SX win. He is a much nicer guy too.
That interview was equal to texting someone who has no interest in talking to you at all... But you keep going just to annoy the crap out of them, hahah!
Wait a couple days . The same interview will be called open mic...
I'm not sure what you guys want in an interview.. I guess he could juggle and maybe do some parlour tricks... He is a racer, period.. I never knew this job required him to entertain off the track as well.. I think his riding is very exciting because of how fast and aggressive he is.. Watching him attack a track like Daytona is awesome.. I could care less how exciting an interview is.. He talked about how simple it is to set up his bike.. Just changed some clickers is all.. And a different front tire.. Easy.. What else do you guys want??
@therealmofo - Okay, then if their jobs are to just race, why do interviews at all? The guy comes off as a Richard Cranium.
James Stewart went and asked Ryan Villopoto after the race if he could attend his supercross school, Ryan said, "you are every Saturday night".
This was a long, difficult track with endless passing opportunities. Though they may have bad races or off days, as the dust starts to settle on the season the two Ryans prove once again they are the cream of the SX and MX field. Though some of you may like RV over RD or vise versa, it is like comparing Ali to Frazier. Both are/were exceptional and dominant with their own unique styles. Remember, in the last three years, RV and RD have taken every SX and MX Title (3 each). Incredible. They are also really nice guys that promote the sport in a positive light.
Think about when you get home from along day at the track. You plop down on the couch ready to relax and maybe take a nap and your wife/girlfriend starts trying to play 21 questions. I can imagine that is how these guys must fell because I'm pretty sure these are post race interviews 1 of probably 10 that they have to do, I highly doubt Ryan is answering the phone for mathes on Monday morning
RV has caught so much hate the last few weeks. And he comes back and owns them at Daytona!!! Heck yeah RV.
Congrats to RV,RD,JB, and CR for going out and charging and giving it 100%. Thanks for not throwing in the towel and making excuses like Stewart.
RV was the man on Saturday night. But Steve, this "interview" is horrible. You are perhaps a little too much man-friend with RV, and maybe not enough journalist.
It should really show people that when it comes down to it, the fastest and most fit riders in the world finished 1&2 on Saturday. Going to be a great outdoor season.
When the tracks separate the riders and challenge their style and fitness, the cream of the crop will rise. And they did.
@JonR145......you said it all. The two Ryans are the cream of the current crop, both indoors and outdoors. Great analogy of Ali and Frazier. (some on hear will say who?) Both are determined, focused and in great shape. One is a little more intense than the other when it comes to passing, but, they are both winners.
My personal thoughts are that they are not liked, by some, because they are straight shooters, do not trash talk, and have respect for their competitors at all times. Others seem to like the racers who are border-line dirty, talk trash, and have bad-boy reputations.
I don't see any other racers who can dominate on a weekly basis like the two Ryans.....My favorite is the Dungenator, but I cannot not root for Poto when he gets into his crouched, attacking racing style. He is hard to beat (in SX) when he gets into that speed mode.
But wait till the outdoors, and the Dungenator will have something for "the other Ryan".........
RV always messes with Matthes, RV Effs with Matthes with all his interviews. He gives short answers and makes it hard, its actually funny from time to time, especially when he tells Matthes to try his diet, it might actually help.
Is Matthes going to recycle his post race podcasts for interviews here every weekend? I come to RacerX to find new material...
Awesome ride for RV ....Dungey was solid as expected.
Barcia looked a little fatigued and Reed was pushing with some agression since he had the run away motorcyle.... Its funny though, Reed has been talking about bike set up alllllll year and how bad he has been sucking in result of it....Stewart has a pretty decent ride going Saturday, blows out a berm and falls, ending his chances for podium and rides out the night rather than pushing it and crashing like he has done so many times in the past...Says he made some changes to the bike that didnt work too well and that is throwing in the towel? Dude has nothing to gain by going for it ....like Reed has been saying, if the bike isnt right, you cant push it....Daytona is knarly enough and in my opinion,Stewarts bike looked like a pogo stick....
First off, congrats to RV. He rode really well again. That pass of Barcia on lap 2 was pretty amazing. RV jumped to the inside and was laying the bike over before he hit the ground, slid into the tiny inside berm, on the gas early as usual for him, and squirted out of the corner way ahead of JB.
I wish RD and JB could've kept RV closer and made it a race at the end. Still, lots of good racing to watch. I enjoyed it. Good to see CR getting up to speed again too.
Why is it an "excuse" when JS talks about setup problems? CR and RV clearly had setup problems earlier in the season and mentioned it, but I didn't see much bagging on them for making excuses. I'm glad when the riders are open about the details. Watch the heat and then the main again -- JS definitely didn't look as smooth in the main. I'm sure part of that was the beat up track, but some of it could be setup.
I hope they all stay healthy and race the outdoors. Lots of guys very close in speed.
@LastBikeRM250,, I think it might be an excuse because he was riding well until the crash early in the race (lap 5?) Then he was right behind Reed, and Reed ended up pulling away from him by a mile.. Also, JS was not charging at all the last half of the race.. The wrong front tire will not have that big of an effect.. I think he was tired.
My favorite part was watching him blow by the 350 KTM at SPEED. Dude was movin'. In his interview he could correctly state the size of the universe and there would be aholes on here saying it was miles not klicks. I love the JS7 loser/haters looking for anything they can to get there hate buzz on as they crawl out from under that slimy rock after he doesn't win...any site anywhere ,..its all they got.....
it is okay to question stewart when he says bike setup because he is on the best setup going fir sx. one that he recently won on. rv said they only did some clicker changes. james won his heat. james rode the nats last year with the suzuki....same bike. can explain nit winning, but 50 seconds off the pace? he clearly wasnt pushing at all. on another note, has he healed an acl tear? there seems to be zero problem now.
i get a kick out of rv interviews. none of these convos are big insightful dissertations. not sure what people want......theres only one hannah. last comment: "bye. steve matthes."
@B-KR,, The ACL will not heal by itself. Surgery would be needed.. There is a chance it could be limiting his training, and also be timid not wanting it to get tweeked in a rut,, but who knows...
Hats off again to RV. The man get just flat get it done when it's on the line. Not sure why he's complaining about a track at which he dominated. Motocross tracks are supposed to get rough. I wish more SX tracks were like Daytona.
I wish Reed would have started up front at Daytona. I think he could have done some good at this one.
@tonewall
Calm down bud. RV has got nothing but hate from James Stewart fans for years but you don't act like a bit** when they talk about him. Stop getting offended at people offending James. All the riders get hated on, James Stewart should not be protected from the things other racers get crap for also.
@preston
I never would go to James' site. I love talking about him on here because i know it drives the RV haters (also known as Stewart fans) nuts to know ole' James' got waxed once again like he has for years. Then watching James and his fans give excuse after excuse makes it even more entertaining.
You've hated on RV ever since i have been around here, but you get bent anytime James catches some flack. Get over it cowgirl.
RV & RD slowly showing that once again, they are the two forces to be reckoned with come championship time. I really hope RD has some more and starts digging deep, that would be awesome. I'll give Stewart the benefit of the doubt but I don't think a front tire is entirely to blame. Looked great in heat race, looked great in main before falling, he looks like he gave up. He's on arguably the best bike out there, they couldn't have missed the set up THAT badly, I think he just got worked.
Ya know, some of us are fans of RV and JS, as well as MOST of the others out there on the track. No need to hate on anybody, just call em like you see em except without the bias/hate, please.
These are the fastest sx racers in the world and all of us keyboard critics should show them some respect. -end rant-
Great race though, right?!!
therealmofo get real. the truth is a slam?? barcia could not hold the pace, Sorry if that bugs you (really I don't care if it bugs ya I was trying to be nice)
JS needs to realize that RV, CR, ET, TC, and more all went down as he did - but they all got up and pushed to the finish as we KNOW he can, but didn't, the result was they finished ahead of him. This is the first time I can remember offhand where I did not think he was doing his best.
RV reminds me of RC in the fact that they both were not good with PR stuff and the crowd the first half or their pro careers. RC did a lot better the last 2 or 3 years and gained fans like crazy, I expect RV do do the same. For me I care a lot more for the racing and don't really care so much about PR. However PR is very much a driving part of their paycheck and they all figure it out at some point, RV has a tougher time with this as he is reclusive to some degree.
Barcia rode a fantastic race finishing ahead of 17 of the best in the world, and I do have a comment on the bam-bam side of him. I compare him to Canard and feel he is slightly more in control and less "dirty". The difference is, Barcia has that "wild child and carefree" look and attitude. Canard has the straight laced and normal "good boy religious" appearance, but BOTH of them are almost identical in their riding aggression and tactics. TC has imploded more and almost wrecked more (slightly) than JB. Canard can ,has, and will take you out to get by or keep you from passing. I don't view either as dirty but they usually give it their all. In fact I really like both but their personalities determine their reps more than their actual racing. They both are awesome and have a great future. They are both great for our sport and fun to watch.
@BillC---The truth is a slam??? What the hell does that mean.. The truth doesnt bug me, because I dont feel he was that tired.. He has a great trainer.. Do you think your boy Stewart was tired?? He finished waaay back , and faded badly.. Reed gapped him and you said Reed wasnt prepared in an earlier post before the race.. I think Barcia rode great to podium that race, his first time at Daytona on a 450, he finished ahead of Reed and Tomac, everybody acts like Tomac is in perfect shape, and Barcia beat him also..
RV absolutely kicked tail Saturday night.. It wasnt even close.. Barcia looked great too...Reed looked alot better since he got rid of the air forks.. I think that was a great move.. Just as smart as RV changing his fork rake before St. Louis.. Dont know what is up with Stewie, he looked good in his heat race, but he always does,, He better get in shape or get his knee fixed, or it will be a long outdoor season for him..
RV still looked fresh towards the end of the main! I guess thats how it is when you have the best trainer that Stewie fired! What a dipsh*t!
And another useless idiotic post from preston...too bad it was just one guys opinion, nothing "truthful" about it...but at least BillC post something that contributed to the conversation, unlike you preston, who just hates and makes racist remarks to people..
therealmofo Barcia is winning me over with his no excuse attitude! Nice to see him sound humble and admit he had nothing for the Ryans.....I don't know if Justin was tired or just pacing himself, but have to give Tomac credit. ET was charging the whole race and had Barcia in his sights late in the race before he spun out. From lap 9- 14 Tomac was faster every lap except for lap 14. From 15-20 same thing except for lap 19 where I think ET spun out. Ave lap time JB 1:22.208 ET 1:22.313 with Tomac working his way through the pack. While i give Barcia the edge in a normal suprecross, on a rough track, the edge goes to Tomac using this, his first race on a 450 at Daytona and last years nationals as a reference...We are all going to see some great racing when they go heads up in the Great Outdoors!!
@persona .. I ain't your bud..far FAR from it..matter of fact I think your comments normally blow. "you are not awesome " ...just another loser/hater and if the shoe fits ..wear it punk.
Mxmofo1:
I was being sarcastic about the acl tear, since it doesn't seem to be an issue now at all.
BD25:
Now that you mention it, I have had no problem with Barcia this year and have been rooting for him to do well since MXoN. I especially like remarks such as giving the Ryans credit for killing it. I used to be unable to stand him much. Maybe Stanton's influence has more impact than just the riding and training?
Is it me and Kawasaki have RV's bike dialed in. I seen on VitalMX RV's GoPro footage and that bike is a rocket. Not taking anything away from RV's skills, but dam that bike seems to make more power or get's all it's power to the ground better than any other bike.
Great job, RV - I smell a 3-peat. No One can touch this guy!!
@Preston. You are a tool and a LIAR. You hate on Villopoto every chance you get.
I've also hear you ramble about how important you thnk you are and how we'd all be amazed if we knew who you really were. Well, Boy George. I know it's you and noone is impressed.
Yes I am with BD25 on that I think Barcia will do it! With the stacked field it is hard for anyone. They are making the tracks to create what they call parity also, The best cannot shine and it keeps the racing closer. No I dont want Nascar stuff just keep it safe and good racing for the new spectators that go to the races. They are the people that we need! All of uss that want more cause we raced have to understant that. The problem is when the racers say 5 laps more was hard. At least it was Daytona! I hope the4y make the next track long enough for a longer race!
Never mind what do I know I am just a keyboard jockey now?
I'm not positive, but I think RV started at 24 career premier class Supercross wins this year, which would mean that he moved past Hannah last week, and RJ this week. Maybe I missed it, but I don't remember that being mentioned here at all. Are my numbers off?
therealmofo you seem to not understand some post's.
.I think Barcia did AWESOME, but he could not hold the pace of RV and RD thats all.He showed the speed early but fell off the pace. get it?
.As for saying Reed was not prepared. I said that in responce to someone who said Reed is ALWAYS prepared. I said he has not been prepared thru the first 8 rounds I did NOT say he would not be prepared for Daytona.
.Bob RV has 29 wins and i believe they said that on TV.
@MX Bob -you're correct.
W/Starts / Win %
MC - 72/173 42%
RC - 48/115 42%
JS - 45/98 46%
CR - 41/158 26%
RV - 29/68 43%
RJ - 28
BH - 27
DBrdsw - 19
KW - 18
RV looked pretty much in control of his Daytona destiny the entire night. He just had that sense of confidence look about him through-out the entire night. Put it where he wanted, when he wanted and with little doubt about doing it. His comments about being dry has to taken almost tongue in cheek, compared to the swamp buggy fest's of the last couple or few races.
It was nice to see a track that required 1:18-1:20 to navigate for a change. I liked Reeds comment about going to (all) the other tracks on the SX circuit and being bored with them, compared to Daytona. Too bad he had his encounter behind Alessi's spin, I would have liked to see him up front and pushing as he looked fired up all night. Tomac made a comment earlier about letting the race come to him after a poor start, and that looked exactly like what happened as his conditioning is never a question. Roczen looked pretty comfortable on the 350 but the power looked somewhat in question as the race drew on. I think he rode smart, considering he had nothing to prove and everything to lose, by not pushing the issue too much, especially if arm-pump was an issue, as he stated. That's what 45sec laps since Christmas will do for someones conditioning when Daytona comes around.. The outdoors are not that far away so everyone will be needing to step-up the ole endurance soon.
Good on Marvin, speaking of endurance. It's great to see that kid doing well having to dig himself out of a hole with some poor starts in the first few races. He couldn't have called that any better with his last minute interview with Erin, before the race stating that a good start was what was missing from his game.
@BILLC--How has Reed been not prepared for the first 8 rounds??? Just because he didnt like the air forks??? He is tied right now with Canard for 4th place in points, and he hasnt been prepared?? Looks too me he had a suspension issue and is coming off a bad knee injury which he said still bothers him when he trains, so I say he is doing pretty good.. He changed his forks right before St. Louis, which is the same time RV changed the front rake on his bike.. So was RV not prepared too??
Lets see, RV 3 wins before he changed his rake, REED ZERO wins and he himslef said is not riding well, his last two races are the only 2 this year that he has looked good. The points don't tell the hole story. Hell he got 2nd or 3rd at the 1st or 2nd race but rode like crap he even said so but some guys fell he he got it.
.If you think he came to A1 looking great and 100% ready good for you I just disagree 100%.
Never said he looked great.. Just said he is always prepared to race.. He has struggled badly with the air forks.. So did Tomac, both on Hondas, they BOTH ditched the air forks.. Must be something there.. Reeds till has knee issues, it is taking forever for him to get over his destroyed knee.. I think he is doing pretty good considering what he has overcome so far.. If he was top of his game he has a hard time beating RV BillC... so not winning doesnt mean he isnt prepared Bill, heck the guy is 30 years old.. RV is at his prime.. Dont you see a difference there???? Even Mcgrath didnt win at 30.... Reed is doing well, he is prepared.. I was comparing the bike set-up with Reed and Rv since you made that an issue with only Reed not being prepared.. RV was still having bike issues too.. He was just fortunate enough to not get into first turn crashes.. One was Reeds fault, the other wasnt..