10 Things to Watch: Indy
Friday, March 15, 2013 | 9:00 AM
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PrintBy Aaron Hansel and Chase Stallo
Leading Role
Just when Ryan Villopoto’s bike was starting to look normal without the red plate, he goes and takes over the point lead for the first time in 2013. With seven races remaining, the reigning champ has a 2-point lead over Davi Millsaps and a 14-point gap on Ryan Dungey. But with three wins in four races, and Millsaps struggling a bit, doesn't that lead feel a lot bigger than just two points? This weekend could present the last chance for anyone to keep the champ in check. - Hansel
Four of Four
Eli Tomac’s run of four 450SX races will come to an end when the checkered flag flies this Saturday night in Lucas Oil Stadium. Tomac had decent results at the first two races (seventh in Atlanta and thirteenth in St. Louis), but his fourth-place finish in Daytona, despite a small crash, was impressive. His qualifying times suggest that he’s got the speed to make a run at the podium. Will he put it all together and go out with a bang in Indianapolis? - Hansel
Indy will spell the end of Eli Tomac's 450 run.
Simon Cudby photo
Wilson’s Worries
Pre season, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Dean Wilson was the heavy favorite to roost away with the Eastern Regional 250SX championship. His convincing win at the opener in Dallas only reinforced that notion. Fast forward to the present, where Wilson is trailing GEICO Powersports’ Wil Hahn by five points and has lost the last three consecutive races, not to mention getting straight handled at Daytona. His bid for a championship is far from over, but things will look bleak if he doesn't get back to his winning ways this weekend at Indy. - Hansel
The Standard
After a night of racing on the longest, toughest and definitely most unique supercross track of the season, it’s back to the standard, covered football stadiums of the East. While there have been a few complaints that these tracks have are producing follow-the-leader races this year, let’s face it, the main events in Daytona didn’t produce any spectacular battles for the lead. With that in mind, let’s hope the return to the norm at Indy will produce a race as thrilling as St. Louis. - Hansel
Spoiler Alert
Hard to believe James Stewart and Chad Reed have morphed into spoilers instead of title contenders, but here they are, healthy enough to win races, but way, way back in points. But on any given night, they have the stuff to run with anyone and steal precious points away from the lead dogs. They may not be a factor for the title, themselves, but they're still a factor, nonetheless. - Weigandt
Wilson looks to bounce back in Indy.
Simon Cudby photo
Fighters
No, we’re not talking about actual fisticuffs (unless you count Weston Peick vs. his Suzuki in the pits after the 450SX LCQ in Daytona), we’re talking about the unwavering determination of guys like Bobby Kiniry and Weston Peick. Calling these guys intense is an understatement, and for some reason, they often find themselves battling for position. In Daytona, the two put on a ridiculous battle for the final transfer spot in the LCQ that was easily the best qualifying race of the year. It was so close AMA officials had to overturn the transponder reading (in Peick's favor), which is actually taken just before the peak of the finish line jump, which serves as the official ending point of the race. They were tee'd up for another one like this in Atlanta before Peick went down trying the block pass o' death on Kiniry. Keep your eyes on Kiniry and Peick this weekend. If they find themselves in a battle, it’s guaranteed to be one of the hardest-fought of the night. - Hansel
Podium Contender Left?
Before MyPlash/Metal Mulisha Star Racing Yamaha’s Jeremy Martin joined the fray in Daytona, pre-season favorites Wil Hahn, Dean Wilson, Blake Wharton and Marvin Musquin had a stranglehold on the 250SX East Region podium. With injuries still playing a major role in regards to the depth of the class (Nico Izzi, Alex Martin, Justin Bogle, Darryn Durham still out) can Justin Hill, Kyle Peters, Gavin Faith, Zach Bell or Jimmy Decotis secure their first career podium in Indy? – Stallo
Spring Forward
There’s still mixed feelings in the paddock regarding air forks. Eli Tomac, who recently made the switch back to the spring forks, told Racer X’s Steve Matthes after a 450SX career-high fourth in Daytona that he “absolutely dislikes the air forks right now” and that you “need a lot, a lot of time on them to figure stuff out.” Chad Reed, who made the switch from air forks to spring forks before Atlanta, has been a completely different rider since. On the other hand, Davi Millsaps made the switch to the air fork early in the season and hasn’t looked back after winning San Diego on them. Essentially, it seems like it all boils down to personal preference. – Stallo
Can Reed play spoiler in Indy?
Simon Cudby photo
Pumpkin
The mid-season transition to BTOSports.com KTM from L&MC, then later to a production Honda, hasn’t been a smooth one for Andrew Short. Through the first seven rounds (with Honda) Short’s average finish was 7.42. In the three races since the switch Short’s average finish is 12th. Compounding matters, Short suffered a broken finger in his heat race in Daytona. After a few weeks of adjustment, will Short return to his early season form in Indy? – Stallo
In the Face of Adversity
For the first time all season, Davi Millsaps has a wee bit of adversity staring him straight in the face. Following his worst finish of the season, which came after a hard crash during mid-week testing, Millsaps won’t have the red plate at his disposal in Indy. In a field with more talent than America’s Got Talent, even 1 percent off normalcy could present trouble. Will Millsaps return to the ever-consistent form we have witnessed all season? – Stallo
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I think the air forks and the Honda geometry just doesnt work..It seems to work on Millsaps Suzuki, unless MIllsaps has a good handle on setting up a bike, he didnt seem to struggle with the Yamaha either.. Lets just hope the dirt is good in Indy, and the track shapes up well..
There is too much pride on the start line to let RV dominate this season. The bar has been raised and there are quite a few guys out there who are more than capable of taking the fight to the champ in order to bring his streak to a halt. All of DM, CR, RD, and JB are capable of putting one over him on a good night if they get the start and bring their meanest and most aggressive persona to the track. I don't include #7 in this group because he's already proven that when he tries to match them, he usually ends up inspecting the earth for worms. Quite obviously, RV must start favorite, but something tells me it won't be quite as straight forward as that.
In the 250's, Wilson will win this one easily.
And here we are....24hours away from another night of who knows what is going to happen..... Not a big fan of Reed, but the dude has grit and is going to really be pushing to be on top the podium this week, but he may just push to hard as we have seen a few times this year when he is in contention...Stewart had the taste of victory in Atlanta, was pretty close in St. Louis and had a subpar race at Daytona... Many folks thought he would be out of the series by now while he is only getting stronger...I look for him to rebound this week and if he gets a good start I see top 2 for him.. ... Dungey and Milsaps will be keeping their eyes open for any oppurtunity to strike, but I think RV is in that zone and barring any crashes or really poor starts he will be on that podium, most likely the top spot....Barcia will continue to be fast, but make mistakes and I think Canard is another spoiler who has a good night.
450 - Stewart, RV, Canard, Tomac , Reed
250 - Musquin, Wilson, Hahn
@pippiedok - the ironic thing is, Stewart come race time this year has made very few mistakes.. I think the tip over at Daytona was his first solo blunder of the year and it was quite mild compared to his usual mishaps...Aside from the knee slowing him up earlier, he does appear to be much more patient and smooth....the laptimes these guys are running are all so close....I think he has a little more in the tank so we'll see....But, James has just as many wins this year as Dungey and Barcia and has been closer to win #2 than either one. When Dungey and BArcia won their races, RV was way back in the pack while he was right behind Stewart for 20 laps at Atlanta..I think RV has an edge over Dungey and Barcia, while he and Stewart are pretty darn close...RV I think may have that little something over James at the moment...but we'll see I guess...Reed has only hit the podium twice, once via Milsaps blunder and then St Louis he rode well and just made it and has made more mistakes than all those guys
The Sensational Seven has been whittled down to 3 contenders and 4 spoilers.
Villopoto has points lead and no worries, at this time. Ryan is on roll, his Kawasaki is working great and he is used to the pressure the red plate brings...Favorite to win!!
Milsaps sits a couple points out of the points lead, he had held all year. Does that mean he will now feel less pressure or more pressure to get it back?.. Sentimental Favorite to win!!
Dungey is probably where he thought he would be, a few points behind RV at this point of the season. Time to raise his game and can least afford mistakes... Needs to win!!
For Barcia, Canard, Reed and Stewart no championship pressure, but lots of desire to win!! The way these riders perform will have a direct effect on the championship outcome..With 7 rounds to go, we still have suspense and surprises to look forward to, something we did not have last year...
@ pippidekok, I"m hoping the guys don't allow RV to run away with it either, and I don't think they will. I do think you have to include JS in that group whether you like him or not. Packin to head to Indy, let's have some Balls to the walls bar bangin action boys!!!!!!!
Guys doing fine with air forks milsaps,barcia,canard,Stewart,villipoto,Weimer
Guys having poor results and blaming air forks...reed,Tomac
@jeramey--For one thing you have Weimer doing fine?? Where is he in points?? terrible for a factory guy.. Stewart--One win< and you say he is doing fine?? Really?? He is capable of WAAY better---and Canard--isnt he tied with Reed in points?? So Reed must not be having too many problems... He expects more from himself.. Barcia Millsaps and RV seem to be the only ones doing real well.. And RV complained like crazy the first handful of races, and still switched his entire front rake before St Louis.. that is fairly deep in the season to be making those big of changes.. So I dont see RV really loving them either.. Millsaps seems to be an exception when it comes to bike set-up, he never seemed to struggle with the Yamaha either.. So I dont see Reed or Tomac "blaming" anything, they just didnt like them either.. like alot of others dont like them..
And again--Preston contributes nothing but insults...typical..
I agree with BD about pressure. We all assume RV to run away with it now, but now that MILLSAPS has nothing to lose.. He can ride the edge. RV may be a little more conservative by nature, while Davi hangs it out. I say it's far from over.. I hope. Davi may have anothe gear we haven't seen, and he should probably hope for slick tracks otherwise RV is a gone
Pressure is a key element no doubt..... We have seen RV have those "clutch" rides in the past when needed and he has certainly been able to handle the pressure that comes along with it..Mike Williamson has said RV doesnt seem to feel pressure, but I dont know if thats possible or not......I think Reed may be feeling the most pressure of anyone at the moment....He was pretty gloaty during the press conference and seemd a little over confident...Now reality is setting in and he may succumb to the pressure and blow it. If the track it 100% to his liking and everything is how he wants it, he'll have a chance. He may as well just say that if they have a race at his practice track, he'll win.......I think Wilson may be in the same situation as Reed in the over confident department and funny thing, Reed and Wilson are pretty close friends these days.... I see Wilson riding strong and may over do it and end up on the ground this week....
Therealmofo I don't recall a time when RV "complained like crazy" about his bike. Do tell.
.
C'mon BillC.....Complaied like Crazy....I think he meant Reed on that one....
These guys (RV, Stewart and Co) are not allowed to say anything in the form of negativity about anything about their program or bike set up.......
If they say " yeah, wrong tire choice today " or " I pooped my pants in that moto " ...... its really just them complaining and just making excuses... Dungey says "working on the bike set up " in just about every interview.....is that complaining ? No, its bike set up... its part of the game...getting that bike dialed and if its not dialed, i guess you better not say a word othewise ...hahaha....
I do not mean to be a spoiler but Daytona usually marks the end of the excitement each season for me. We come into A1 all jacked up with everyone healthy and so many winning possibilities. By Daytona, you are usually whittled down to 1-3 guys with any chance to win the Title. Daytona is also the best SX track due to its size, much longer lap times, fitness being a greater issue, unpredictable conditions, and endless passing opportunities. Getting back into dome stadiums seems so confined after Daytona. I remember Stewart and Langston going over the handlebars on high speed sections and having insane crashes at Daytona. It never disappoints.
Should be another great race tomorrow. Not sure if RV gets the win again, but I do see him start to put a larger gap in points going forward. Also, I think Dungey is in a great spot. Down 14 points, and if anyone can challenge RV it's definitely him. Regarding Saps, I don't really want to see him fade in points, but it's either that or he pulls out a 3rd behind RV and RD. As far as Reed, I still think he'll pull a win before it's all over and I sure hope he does. Stewart will likely bounce back from last week. He's racing for pride at this point and it's fun to watch no doubt. Trey Canard (much like Reed) just needs a freakin win! Barcia?? You just never know with him. Always capable of winning, yet very unpredictable as to where he'll finish. Very similar to Stewart in my opinion.
@rickamatuzio .........I agree, with any grip RV s lean angles are jaw dropping.
JimM
I think we can all agree that RV is faster than DM. In saying that the spoilers should benifit RV more than DM. That is how RC use to build points on CR because JS would finish between them.
" In a field with more talent than America’s Got Talent, even 1 percent off normalcy could present trouble"
Couldn't have said it better! Great job!
Best Motocross Video March Edition http://motocrossone.blogspot.de/2013/03/official-2013-best-motocross-video.html
If Friese took out Faith, #11 for me is watching these two and maybe Faith gives a gift back.
Never been the biggest Stewy fan with all the drama –reality stuff but he is very good and he can throw down. After Daytona and a few other rounds I witnessed, I would have to say that JS7 injury although an injury is never a good thing has thought him the Mike Webb philosophy of slowing down to go fast .. Rain in some of that aggression that usually gets you into well lets just say trouble that lands you in the hospital or the DL list.. I use it every day in my diving.......and in business to a point... The guy can definitely win before the years out.. I also doubt that you will see him in the outdoors, because of his knee. I may be wrong but will go with my own thought also Reed. Unless he changes his mind because of such a bad indoor slow starting campaign.. To me the outdoors will be a great show this year with the speed of some that have been on my surprise list.
@Uncle Charlie Iowa City,, JS has already confirmed that he will ride the Nationals..
@Uncle - JS said on the pulpmx show after his ATL win that he's racing the Nationals unless something crazy happens between now and then. So if we don't see him being carted off by the medical crew in the next 7 races, he plans to be at Hangtown.
THANKS FOR THE UPDATE
@BillC--RV did mention his dislike for the air forks several times.. He said he had been working hard to get feel---I dont remember exactly but he did..in interviews right here on this site.. Why do you think he changed the rake on his bike?? Because he was happy with the feel??? Its not that hard to see it Bill, you dont change the entire rake on your bike if you are happy how the front feels and the handling.. right??
@preston--you call me a bully?? HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!
What was so contributing in your post to pippidekok?? (You called her pippicock--intentional) and YOU call me a bully?? thats the pot calling the kettle black...you were bullying her......blind man..
@therealmofo ,,, "thats the pot calling the kettle black..." How original.. Why didnt I think of that? Oh wait, I did...
I dont see Dungey being down 14 points a good spot....... He has been consistant for sure while RV had a few bad nights which is why anyone is even close to him.... but has Dungey had his "bad" night??..He had an 8th I think so far as his worst finish and He has been off the podium just as much as he has been on it ....If RV nets another win at Indy and Dungey has one of his familiar 4th or 5th place finishes he has had a few of this year, that point lead just grew to over 20.... but we'll see how it unfolds....its not a runaway which is nice.....But if Dungey is going to chip away or win this title he needs wins....
@BillC- Last year you had some interest in coming to this years' Spring Creek round. BD is already set up, and in case you haven't read it on here, there are around eight of us that are going to have the first annual (I'm thinking) Spring Creek Racer X posters' party. Lots of guys from Mn. here , as you know, and it sounds like Ripdown is going to try to make it down from Canada. So, anyway, I just thought I would run that past you. I think you told me last year that you, your brother and maybe a friend, would possibly make the trip. Any chance you might be able to make it? Bucky
@mit12 . Maybe RV has, on occasions, I would like to stress, been faster than Davi, but he has done it with way more risk involved. Davi has been rock solid this year. His two "poor" races have been the result of a massive smack on his throttle arm (which we all saw), and a combination of a poor start and a practice crash during the week.
There is, at this point, very little to chose between them. If Davi steps up his aggression level, I believe he can beat RV straight up (there's that expression again LOL). Of course, he exposes himself to greater risk, but if he wants to get the red plate back and hold on to it, that's what it's gonna take.
personally, I hope he gets the job done, and I say that without any favoritism. I have no vested interest in either rider.
@pippidekok ,, Sorry, but I don't think there is no way that Davi could beat RV straight up. The more technical the track, the faster RV goes.. IMHO.. But I totally agree with you that RV rides with more risk..
Dont forget to watch Liam Everts in the KTM 50 SX event.
Heard that name before...?
Therealmofo they all change things every week looking for 10ths, Changing the rake is really not that big of a deal for a factory team. I would guess they have many setups they try. Either way I read just the other day that he said his bike was better than last years bike going into A1. so talking about the air fork is not complaining like crazy to me.
Bucky will try for sure. Getting a new Ducati and would love to ride it out there!!
pippidekok what evidence do you have to back up saying Sap's can beat RV head to head? RV has passed Saps' this year as well as Pulled away from him. Has Saps done either of them things to RV?? If so I missed it somehow. Saps starts have been off the last few weeks up till then he was top 3 every start. he can beat RV but IMO he will need to start in front of him to do it just like the other 19 guys unless RV makes a mistake.
BD25 I'm liking your neutral commentary< Thanks
anyone else think dungeys chin is getting bigger? maybe it was just the angle of the cam. GH
Te things to watch.
RV
DM
RD
JB
CR
JS
TC
WH
DW
MM
@BillC-- Every factory rider says the same going into A1-- My bike is the best ever--I feel great---This is the year-blah blah blah--Just like Reed said, everyone says the same thing..NO factory guy is going to say my bike is terrible, my forks suck..
I get that therealmofo but he said this weeks after A1, said he like the air fork right off the bat. He washes the front end a lot, always has.
.But speaking of Reed if he races next year you think he will sound a little dif at the A1 presser next year?? LOL my guess is YES!!!
On my way to Indy it would be great to see MR.good luck tryin to pass me Vince Friese get passed in the last turn before checkers by Jimmy Decotis for the Win. Big bikes, dont really see anyone puttin to much ground on villapoto, although stewert dominated Indy in years past..Just hopein for alot of tight racin in both motos, and any luck on my part, would love to do some grab arse gropin on the monster girls ha ha
The air forks are certainly controversial, but the bigger picture is that it seems the factory Honda in 2013 is much different and tough to set up. Reed has been sort of vocal about this. Canard said a few rounds ago that he really struggled with his setup and had moved too far away from his A1/PHX setup. Barcia has also commented that the bike setup has been difficult for him, but this is his first full-time 450 so that may be part of it. And obviously Tomac is also struggling to find happiness.
So maybe it is less about the fork and more about the whole package.
It is against the laws of literature to use the words "peak," "peek," and Peick in the same article. Too confusing.
Indy 450
1) Barcia
2) Dungey
3) RV
4) DM
5) TC
6) CR
7) Tomac
8) Brayton
9) JS
10) Shorty
250
1) Wilson
2) Hahn
3) Wharton
4) Musquin
5) Hill
Wow, weird. I actually agree with pippidekok's assessment of RV vs everybody else.
I like how all of the Villadodo fans think he will never ever have a chance at a bad race or some bad luck again. Bad starts in Indy will keep Villadodo from a win in a heat or the main. He will not win three in a row
Based on this years performance RV has a 50/50 chance of winning sat and DM a .20
@killamoto
".RV I think may have that little something over James at the moment...but we'll see I guess"
Really? The guy who has the most wins and the points lead has a little edge over Stewart, who has one win and his not even in championship hunt? Just a little huh? Dangm i would hate to see your expectations are on someone "killing" it. RV has James covered. DOn't know what series you're watching but i should point you in the direction of yoututbe and go watch the 2013 Daytona Supercross, or any of the other races RV has dominated.
@killomoto *
I do agree with you on Reed/Wilson. Spot on.
BillC-Awesome. Just keep me updated with what your plans are. Looks like I will have to put my thinking cap on and get some ideas for the weekend. BD is coming on Fri. and thinks he is leaveing on Sun. However, if the sun is shining and I pull the R/T out, is he gonna go home or will it be time to go on tour? I'm sure he can get his room for one more night! Maybe a party bus? Most of the people going to the races will be driving 2 blocks from my house. Another thought is to do breakfast, (wife likes to cook) (everyone has to eat) so that we could all actually meet up before the races, and/or just meet with whoever can at a certain spot (Beer tent in the back gets my vote) and then maybe the bars in town afterward. I am so open to whatever. I live here, and would be happy to do a little hosting. I can't imagine that there is anyway that the Martins could make it on such a busy day, but you can bet that I will invite them for sure. They are mentioned in the moto world a lot. And, after all, they have to eat too!! A real long shot,they are sooo busy on the day of the pro race, but if nothing else, it's the polite thing to do. Will stay up to date with you on this.
More meaningless speculation...
I see DM as a 4th to 6th place guy from here on out. I think RV, RD, JB and JS will be consistent podium finishers. CR and TC will be mixing it up with DM.
RV is on a roll now and it's going to be hard to stop him. Blood in the water. Of course he can always take himself out, but I think it's looking good for RV. I'm wondering why no one has mentioned this week's track - IT LOOKS AWFUL. Seriously folks. This track looks like it's designed to slow everyone down and cause mistakes. Just my .02. See you in the funny papers. @mofo - Notice how I didn't mention that #7 guy even once. lol
@Preston, I think that you and @therealmofo should get together, and torch one by the workbench. Bury that hatchett once and for all.