Racer X Race Report: Indy
Sunday, March 17, 2013 | 12:30 AM
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PrintRyan Villopoto is officially on a roll. The Monster Energy Kawasaki rider has now won four out of five races in the series with his only recent defeat coming from that of James Stewart. Marvin Musquin is now starting a streak of his own, securing wins in both the heat race and main event after his first career supercross win at Daytona. However, few could have guessed the way the night had played out simply by reviewing the results.
The results of the heats and LCQ didn’t come as a surprise to many—Ryan Villopoto and James Stewart took wins in their respective heat races while Weston Peick and Bobby Kiniry duked it out in the LCQ for the two transfer spots. Not exactly exciting on paper, right?
The main event took a quick turn soon after the gate dropped. Mike Alessi, Jake Weimer, Bobby Kiniry and Justin Sipes went down in the first turn. Many other riders were tangled in the mess but were able to escape the carnage.
James Stewart and Davi Millsaps found themselves leading into the second corner, and Millsaps was able to prevail over Stewart upon exiting the 180 degree bowl-turn. Fast company followed the two riders. Matt Goerke nailed an excellent third-place start with Ryan Villopoto and Ryan Dungey following to round out the top five. Villopoto made quick work of Goerke in the first lap to move into third. Stewart was also able to move past Millsaps and into first on the second lap.
RV and Dungey had an epic battle in Indy.
Stewart came back to finish third.
Canard is okay after a big crash in Indy.
Mutual respect.
Simon Cudby photos
More chaos ensued when Justin Barcia and Trey Canard crossed the finish-line jump at the start of the third lap. It was difficult to tell if the two made contact midair, but something led to Canard getting whiskey throttle upon landing. Trey slammed hard and ended his night, but was able to walk off the track under his own power. We talked with his team after the race and X-Rays came back fine on his shoulder. We later saw Canard in the pits, bruised but not broken.
Villopoto caught and passed Millsaps at the end of the fourth lap, but Millsaps fought back to regain his position until ultimately losing it to Villopoto by the end of the seventh lap. Dungey was close to the two as well. Meanwhile, Stewart had a slight tip-over in an off-camber turn and stalled his bike. He wasn’t able to restart it immediately and fell outside of the top five. Dungey pushed past Millsaps shortly after.
Halfway through the race it was Villopoto, Dungey, Millsaps, Short, Stewart, Barcia, Goerke, Tomac, Reed and Peick for the top ten. Stewart snuck past Andrew Short and into fourth just past the halfway mark.
Dungey lost and gained ground on Villopoto throughout the rest of the race, but was never able to show Villopoto a wheel. Stewart caught Millsaps and inherited third after Millsaps washed out in the corner following the finish line. The podium awaited Villopoto, Dungey and Stewart.
Marvin Musquin won his heat race in convincing fashion over the likes of Jimmy Decotis, Jeremy Martin, Cole Thompson and Kyle Peters, while Blake Wharton capitalized on a chaotic start to win the second heat. Dean Wilson crashed hard on his own while fighting for the lead with Justin Hill shortly after the start. Hill held on for second, with Wil Hahn rounding out the podium. Wilson got back on the bike after much delay and cruised for a couple laps. He and Zach Bell were sent to the LCQ after their crashes. Bell showed up to win the LCQ, but Wilson went to the hospital to be examined.
Tough break for Blake Wharton, who threw away a late lead.
Kyle Peters scored his first career podium in Indy.
Two in a row for Musquin.
Wil Hahn is still the points leader after a third in Indy.
More chaos arose in the start of the main event when two long tuff blocks were dragged onto the track by riders fighting through the first turn. Wharton escaped it and shot out front, but a handful of other notable riders weren’t so lucky. Caught up in the tuff blocks were points-leader Hahn, Musquin, Larsen, Jeremy Martin and more.
These riders had to fight through the pack while Wharton, Peters and AJ Catanzaro upheld the top three positions and began to stretch out their lead. Between Musquin and Hahn, Musquin was able to move through the pack just a little bit better, but they both made up ground considerably quick. The two riders made it inside the top five after the halfway mark, but didn’t settle there. Musquin rode determined and passed Peters for second, but Wharton seemed to have the win in the bag.
In an incredible turn of events, Wharton crashed in the whoops with half a lap left in the race. Musquin inherited the lead, Peters second, and Hahn made it past Catanzaro for third. Wharton was able to get back on his bike, but his win was gone. Musquin continues his win streak, Peters secured an impressive first-time podium with second-place finish and Hahn held onto the points lead with a third. Catanzaro finished a career-high fourth and Wharton salvaged fifth (Update: Wharton's final position was readjusted by the AMA for cutting a portion of the track after his crash. Official results placed Wharton in ninth by night's end.)
450 Overall
1. R. Villopoto
2. R. Dungey
3. J. Stewart
4. D. Millsaps
5. J. Barcia
6. C. Reed
7. A. Short
8. M. Goerke
9. E. Tomac
10. W. Peick
11. B. Tickle
12. J. Hill
13. J. Brayton
14. P. Nicoletti
15. K. Partridge
16. J. Sipes
17. M. Alessi
18. R. Kiniry
19. T. Canard
20. J. Weimer
450SX Class Season Standings
1. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki, 227
2. Davi Millsaps, Murrieta, Calif., Suzuki, 218
3. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., KTM, 210
4. Chad Reed, Australia, Honda, 178
5. Justin Barcia, Ochlocknee, Ga., Honda, 168
6. Trey Canard, Shawnee, Okla., Honda, 165
7. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Suzuki, 155
8. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, KTM, 136
9. Justin Brayton, Fort Dodge, Iowa, Yamaha, 112
10. Broc Tickle, Holly, Mich., Suzuki, 109250SX
1. M. Musquin
2. K. Peters
3. W. Hahn
4. A. Catanzaro
5. J. Hill
6. V. Friese
7. M. Oldenburg
8. G. Faith
9. B. Wharton
10. P. Larsen
11. S. Clarke
12. J. Decotis
13. Z. Bell
14. Z. Freeberg
15. L. Kilbarger
16. C. Thompson
17. D. Herrlein
18. J. Richardson
19. L. Vincent
20. J. Martin
Eastern Regional 250SX Class Season Standings
1. Wil Hahn, Decatur, Texas, Honda, 112
2. Marvin Musquin, France, KTM, 103
3. Blake Wharton, Pilot Point, Texas, Suzuki, 88
4. Dean Wilson, Scotland, Kawasaki, 87
5. Kyle Peters, Greensboro, NC, Honda, 67
6. Justin Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., Kawasaki, 67
7. Vince Friese, Cape Girardeau, Mo., Honda, 65
8. Jeremy Martin, Millville, Minn., Yamaha, 53
9. Gavin Faith, Fort Dodge, Iowa, Honda, 53
10. James Decotis, Peabody, Mass., Honda, 52Share this article:
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stewart blew it . that one he had damn
RV would have caught him. He would have had to have because RD was going to. RD may not have been able to pass Stewart but it would have been interesting to see what would have happened.
RD was coming after RV and I think would have pushed RV right to the back of Stewart. Because RD is still close in the points hunt, RV would not have been able to lay back behind Stewart and take a chance theat RD pass him and possibly even Stewart.
Of course we will never know because Stewart, in his own words " pulled a squid move " To me it appeared that the 2 Ryans were clearly the fastest racers on the night.
Nice one, RV! The man means bizniz. Hope Dean is ok.
well it seemed to me that stewart was pulling away some while dungey was putting pressure on potto, that is until he stalled it. so i think he had a good chance of winning this one. not implying poto couldnt catch him he definitely capable of it
Yep, Villopoto won which means he was the "best" on the night, Dungey in second gives him second "best" on the night, and Stewart in third gives him third "best" on the night.......neat how that works isn't it?? That was the finishing order without a doubt, but I think all 3 of those guys had great rides tonight, JS looking good before the goof up and RV and RD looking real good once they made it up front........James did make up some serious time on Millsaps to get on his rear wheel before DM's mistake!! Really wish we could have seen the 3 way battle between JS, RV, and RD out front though (with JS prevailing of course)........maybe next week!! I am pumped for Musquin tho.....THAT was a seriously impressive push by him to get himself in to second so he could capitalize on Wharton's bad luck!! Marv is looking really good as of late, he could very well take this thing!!
Wow, that was some serious racing tonight. Every time I think Dungey doesn't have it in him, he pulls something off like tonight pressuring RV almost until the finish line. These two were going at it big time, and if JS didn't slip, it would have been even better. Got to hand it to RV though for hanging in there until the end, but jeez, it sure looked like he had some scary moments out there. Congrats to MM as well for going from dead last to first, what a boost for his morale. I know it's unlikely, but if KTM had a little luck on their side, they could take all three SX titles. Going to be interesting.
Glad to see ktm getting the results they deserve, they invested heavily in a time when other factories are cutting back. 3yrs ago would never expect to see kato as a major threat to win anything supercross, and here they are getting job done. Great racing all round though
I'm an RV fan but I was really likin Ryan Dungeys riding tonight ...the guy might have got second but he was on it....bummer for JS7 but at least he ruined the haters day by fighting back and still makin the box..didn't leave them much to whine and cry about......glad Canard walked off..not pretty......WHARTON....oh man....heartbreaker...but Marv is starting to like winnin ..I like that Marvin is truly in love with what he does ..he leaves no doubt how much he likes racing...its good to see.....Wilsons last bounce had that collarbone look to it....bummer.
Wharton.....#13 .......never liked runnin that #
F.....g sad for Wharton and big fear for Canard
Kudos Villo, Bubba, Millsaps, & Hahn
not to take anything away from Marvin because he rode awesome, but these 250 results show just how depthless the 250 East class really is.
Wharton must feel like a total schmuck throwing away a win like that. I doubt a supercross win will ever be that easy for anybody ever again.
and then Marvin gets stuck in the first turn and comes back to win? sounds like an awesome ride but its also just an indication of how little speed/talent there is in the class.
RV's pass on Sapps was the most dominating move I've seen all season. He simply was not to be denied the position, and barring injury will not be denied the title either.
RV by at least 20
RD second
DM third
I have posted that every week since RV was almost a week down and RD was struggling. That is just the way it is with the Ryan's at this point in history. No one has been able to run with then in a series if one or both were racing in the last 3 years no matter how their season starts out. Don't know when it will change but not this year.
How about Barcia? He was all over the track, especially in his heat race. And he might have not touched Canard, but he definately wasn't giving alot of room. Will someone please put Friese over a berm before this season is over?
HD Videos from Indy: http://motocrossone.blogspot.de/2013/03/ama-supercross-video-indianapolis.html
@ Tracks; What seems to always standout with RV is his seemingly effortless passes he truly (executes) on his victims. And to add a touch of insult to injury, 99.9% of the time they are completely clean of any contact with his prey. You very seldom see him (having) to take the (Passee) high into turns. You rarely see him having to even block-pass riders either. He just seems to find away around, that is undeniable by anyone, period. It truly is a thing of beauty...
RALPIE BOY LMFAO....Dumbo no clue ralph.He says the rider is the lane i had no idea they on the street or freeway lol,Windham should take over for DUMBO...Dumbo has never been in a race ha ha..
What a fun race, was 7 rows off the track almost across from the finish line jump.. Right where Canard went down.. It looked bad but he did finally walk off.. Fun race, feel really bad for Wharton, he had that win easily..
The 450 main was great, they top 3 were all very fast. Stewart looked real good, very smooth, like he wasnt having to push to go fast.. RV was very aggressive, but the man who impressed me most was Dungey, he was looking real good. Very fast.. He made up alot of time on Rv in the rythym section, then RV would gap him some more on other parts of the track.. He looked like he might have had a chance, but they caught up to Tickle, he kind of got out of the way of RV in the sand, (kind of) but went through the corner in front of Dungey, and hit a tuff block and moved it into the track as he went by, and Dungey got slowed by it big time.. After that the threat was over..But he looked real fast.. Millsaps looked good early , but it was obvious as the race went on something was wrong.. He seemed to lose speed and the laps went on.. Stewart looked to be just on cruise mode after his tip-over, but wne he saw Millsaps rear fender ahead, he took off and pushed again.. And really reeled off some fast laps.. Great night and a fun race to be at.. Glad to see RV win, it was a fun race..
Caseypons...we get it, you love RV.
I say it before and I say it again: if Dungey plans on winning a championship, he's going to have to win some races. He doesn't win. He lurks. Personally, I don't care how fast he "looks" - when he gets close to someone really fast (RV, JS) - they pull away 9 times out of 10. And to me, that's not the way a champion should ride. You can't tell me he "made up time" on RV - when RV just motors away when he gets close. No one in the front is going to push any harder than they have to to win. The only real result is the finish. RV owned it.
Hey motocrossone, 360p is somehow HD? thanks for the SX blob race.
I was rooting for RV but it is silly to say that Dungey was just lurking and RV motored away when Dungey got close. Dungey was right there the whole time once he got near RV, he just couldn't make up that last little bit. Once his fast line went away jumping inot that section, there went his ace in the hole as to where he was gaining. Dungey rode awesome as did RV. James was riding good early, but seeing as RV and Dungey had to get around Millsaps, that is where the time difference came from. Too bad James stalled it (finger on the clutch???), as it would have been great to see how the 2nd half of the race would have went. I'm thinking RV and Dungey would have caught him, but only RV would have gotten by. RV and Dungey had almost identical fast laps on lap 6 which were the only two 50's on the night for anyone (in the main for those that want to use other times such as qualifying or heats).
On the Barcia/Canard incident.....Ping was just saying it is only a matter of time before 2 guys scrub opposite directions towards each other. Basically what happened. It looked like Canards took his left hand off the bars as Barcia's wheel came towards him. Thankfully he got up. I didn't like at all seeing him struggling to get up with his arm under his body, was thinking the worst.
Maybe - just maybe - the tracks would be safer without the tuffblocks. I wonder if they make the track safer, or just give the illusion that they're safer.
BTW, the replay wasn't a real good view, but did Barcia do another a-hole move, or was it just racing?
Tough Luck for Wharton with his last lap fall and sad to see another 250sx class contender go down in Wilson. I hope Blake's psyche recovers as does Dean's shoulder. Great ride from Musquin and Hahn, that is an example of never giving up...
On a night where mistakes were common place for most riders, the Ryans looked very fast, in the town known for speed, Indianapolis. R1 had the fastest lap with a 50.902 on lap 6, with R5 running a 50.991 on the same lap. They raced about that close the rest of the way, until a tuff block was kicked in front of RD, by Tickle, as they lapped him, giving RV a cushion to the flag. Up to that point, after both put aggressive passes on Milsaps, the Ryans had exchanged running the fastest laps. R5 was faster on part of the track and R1 the other, giving we fans a great show! It was the first time all year we got to watch the Ryans battle each other for the lead. Both riders should gain some confidence from the battle, R1 because he won and held R5 off and R5 from finding out he can run with the R1 and be even faster at times. Krunch time will start in Toronto, which should mean we will be seeing more of the Ryans battling, as RD needs to win or at least finish ahead of RV if he want to keep his championship aspirations alive into Las Vegas..
Dungey very close to RV skill wise but still lacks that killer instinct. His conservative nature serves him well but may not be enough to win the championship. KDub makes Ralph and Jeffro look bad up in the booth. The are better than Erv Braun but thats about it. That track looked pretty narrow. It was like sand pappering a cats ass in a phone booth to make a pass.
BKR- I said the same thing to my girlfriend, that Ping said it was a matter of time. I don't think they touched, it was very hard to tell but Barcia definitely didn't leave Trey any room. It looked like Trey was in an awkward position to land, and couldn't flow to the right as he was scrubbing. He tried to straighten out and kinda high sided - let go of the bike. It was weird, but his momentum had him in a position where Barcia was in the way I guess is easiest to describe it. Too bad.. I notice RV doesn't scrub unless he is by himself, or it's necessary... Maybe RV knows scrubbing is risky? Or is it not necessary?? Jeremy McGrath scrubbed but didn't need to get upside down to do it.
I have a different take on the race, Stewart looked easily the fastest to me. I watched practice and RV tried to hang with him and couldn't. I think, THINK, Stewart would have maintained the gap and RV would have bad trouble moving in on him. Ya never know.. But RVs pass on Davi for second was absolutely a Ricky Carmichael psycho move showing RV has determination that the others don't.
I give up on James, I used to hit it when he won... Now, because he sucks I WANT him to win, but he is doing stupid shi$. What does James need??? A SHRINK.
At least he made me happy didn't give up and fiddle around in 4th like a lazy man on EBT cArd. He put down the fastest laps and got to Davi. I thought he would let Davi have 3rd being friends on suzukis but Davi screwed that one up.
Chad reed should take two weeks off, then retire. My favorite rider can't even get on TV. Terrible track by the way
I was please to see JS had no escuse this time and just owned the mistake, and his riding.
The Trey/Barcia thing was wild. Glad Trey is ok. Hope we can get his take on what happened.
Crap! Feel bad for Deno who is riding so dang good.
Wish something would be done with the whole tuff block thing. I believe that they should NEVER have an effect on the outcome....and they seem to more prevalent during the racing these days.
Good racing down the stretch. The tension was there. Would RD close? would RV bobble? Both riders impressed me, but I am always truly impressed by the fact RV just does not crack or crumble under pressure. He just continues to do what he do and lay down the laps.
If some riders have the rep of "apply pressure and force them into a mistake", and I have heard that about almost all of them at some point, then what the heck is the strategy for beating RV? Because it dang sure won't the pressure him (assuming you can catch him)
Hope you are ok Deno. Looking forward to you on a 450 in the outdoors.
Bummer Wharton
MM, way to tighten this up a bit. Hope it goes to the wire.
endoman38:
I won't say Barcia pulled an a-hole move and haven't watched the replay more than once, but I think you have to know that a 450 is right next to you over the finish line jump and take appropriate action. Barcia is one who always is throwing the bike sideways to either side over the jumps and is lucky they both didn't go down and both get seriously injured. I guess it is just a racing incident, but one that is easily avoidable. Interestingly, Barcia did pull an a-hole move on Dungey early in the main (or was it the heat-I forget) where he came wayyyyy across the turn and ran Dungey high on purpose.
I was please to see JS had no escuse this time and just owned the mistake, and his riding.
The Trey/Barcia thing was wild. Glad Trey is ok. Hope we can get his take on what happened.
Crap! Feel bad for Deno who is riding so dang good.
Wish something would be done with the whole tuff block thing. I believe that they should NEVER have an effect on the outcome....and they seem to more prevalent during the racing these days.
Good racing down the stretch. The tension was there. Would RD close? would RV bobble? Both riders impressed me, but I am always truly impressed by the fact RV just does not crack or crumble under pressure. He just continues to do what he do and lay down the laps.
If some riders have the rep of "apply pressure and force them into a mistake", and I have heard that about almost all of them at some point, then what the heck is the strategy for beating RV? Because it dang sure won't the pressure him (assuming you can catch him)
Hope you are ok Deno. Looking forward to you on a 450 in the outdoors.
Bummer Wharton
MM, way to tighten this up a bit. Hope it goes to the wire.
Musquin's ride was incredible! Feel bad for Decotis as he was getting starts and riding smooth too. He definately has a top five in him.
Is Wilson brittle? It was a hard hit and maybe a bit risky two turns into your heat race, but it didnt look THAT bad.
Very impressed with Dungey. Shades of 2011 outdoors which was incredible. I have no idea if Villipoto had him covered or if he was on the edge. Its just good to see someone give him pressure.
Great racing!
How sick was Wil Hahn skimming three whoops on the front end with his bike dead sideways!! Not only the save of the season but may well have saved his title hopes! That had injury written all over it.
I always keep practice out of the analysis of the main. If you look, Dungey and RV ran a fast lap of 50.9 and change in the main and neither one sniffed that in practice. James ran a 50.675 in practice and didn't sniff that in the main. RV ran 10 laps under 52, Dungey had 6, James had 4. In fact, RV ran 5 laps in the main faster than his fastest qualifying time, and 10 faster than his 2nd best qualifying time. James had zero better than his fastest q-lap, and only 2 faster than his 2nd best q-lap. I think what you saw in the main was James out front and both RV and Dungey needing to get by Millsaps. There were 13 more laps that James would have had to contend with them coming. Since they both went by when he slipped up, it's moot, but I would have loved to have seen it go down without that slip!
What epic battle between the Ryans are they talking about cause I didn't see that.
@ Fred
There was no battle but RD did keep him honest.
@ B-KR
Nothing new there.....JS uses practices to prove he's still the man....the Ryans use practice for exactly that....Practice! Learn the track and get a good gate pick. When the gate drops is when they bring the heat! But they're interested in Championships not entertainment....
The "Ryan's" got close, but no real battle that I saw.
Barcia/ Canrad's rub was a racing incident, it looked liked Canard was more scrubbed than Barcia at the point of (?) contact, if there was contact.
Deano's hit didn't look that bad, but as someone earlier said, collarbone. It only takes, what is it 4 or 7 lbs. of pressure to break one . I'm in the 3 x's club on collarbones.
Man, tough sh@t for Wharton and M.M. rode awesome from last for the W.
I was stoked to see RV jumping the "Wall" into that left hander during his (last lap) of his heat. Everyone else figured that one out. Been wondering why they have not been doing that in the earlier SX's this season. At least you can't see from the TV coverage.
Good racing, crappy track.
i wish JS would quit messing up, its just a weird thing but he always messes something up by himself. I was really wanting to see if RV could catch him.
The run was good between the R's but I wanted to see RD try a pass, that would have done 2 things- lit the crowd up like crazy and lit RV on fire. I didn't particularly like the track but it was better than the first six we had this year.
I hated seeing TC go down as well as DW- this track must have been tough as a lot of people bit it.
Who won the race?
Villopoto
But did you see James get stuck in that rut?
Great ride by the Ryan's. Davi also. he had a third before he fell over. But was no where near the Ryan's in speed.
Kind of a bummer for Stewie and Blake riding up front, then tossing the win away. Congrats to Ryan on getting his pot of gold and to Marvin. But I was hoping to see RD make to that move on Villopoto, he was looking good out there. And that crash of Trey's, I was so glad to see him get up and walk off.
James rode really good also.
The thing about these cookie cutter tracks is. If you don't get the holeshot your chances of winning are slim, and if you do get the holeshot and make a mistake your chances of winning are slim. lol These tracks reward guys for not making mistakes. It's been the same story all year.
I hope we get some technical tracks before the season is up. We are watching the best in the world, why are they racing on tracks that 50cc Ktm Jr's are having fun on? If not a technical track at least have one with a whoop section that will separate the men from the boys.
Let's talk about Chad.........
Chad's results are the same whether it's on the air fork or spring fork. Is it time we start looking at the rider? Things just aren't getting any better for him.
Will Chad win a race?
Hey "ripdown", give it a break man, still gotta find something to bust on James about huh?? You are a little pathetic man!! Ya, James just sucks doesn't he?? He tries to win the main event in practice and RD and RV are SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO smart that they just use it as "practice" which JS clearly doesn't!! That is a serious stretch guy. This stuff is what it is!! I know "practice doesn't mater" to some of you guys, but RV and RD were without a doubt trying to post the fastest times, but simply didn't....big deal.......in the main, James was clearly riding very well and made a mistake....big deal. Why must you always try and diminish whatever it is that Stewart does in relation to your boy RV?? I just don't get it!!!
Shout out to KDUB in the booth. I thought he did great. Would rather have him then RC to be honest.
@theysaid.......don't bother, that ripdown dude always does that, "nothing new there".....hahahaha!! B-KR does much the same thing but he is much more subtle about it......"James rode good early" he says, but the only reason he was ahead of RV was apparently because RV had to get around Millsaps first.......it couldn't possibly be anything else!! Didn't JS make up like 7 or 8 seconds on Millsaps after the stall?? I think he did, and wasn't that the same Millsaps that you say was holding RV and RD up?? I think it was!! I'd say JS rode very well the whole race!!
Stoked for Decotis, RV and Peters, great rides by Musq and Hahn, glad Hahn's still in the points lead, feeling for the pain of Wharton and Wilson.
I noticed that the opening paragraph mentioned RV's streak, but for some reason included some non-contender 7th-place-in-points goober in the sentence. Reminds me of movies that have a stunt for no apparent reason. The mention of Musquin didn't include a mention of who has been beating him. I wonder why. Pandering?
practice lap times are pretty important.. it shows where a persons comfort level is. Everybody ALWAYS elevates a few seconds into the main, but its also all relative. If james needed to go 50 flat, his chances are much better of doing than the others based on his practice.
James has a mental block, it happens to a lot of athletes that have won a lot. Look at Tiger Woods.. He may never get back to where he was. Its a tough sport
Interesting some did not see the a battle between the Ryans..Laps 2 and 3 RV was .5 faster, lap 4 RD gained a full second back. Lap 5 and 6 went to RV by .05 and .09 while RD gained it back on lap 7 being .1 of a second faster. 8 went to RV by .05 hundredths - 9 to RD by .2 tenths.- 10 to RV by .3 - 11 to RD by .4 - 12 and 13 to RV by .5 each lap, only to have RD take 14 by .2, 15 by.3, 16 by .3 t, 17 by .3, RV won lap 18 by .5 on lap 19 the tough block slowed RD and the race was over...
While it might not have been a lead changing battle, it was defiantly a battle of lap time! Tenths and mere hundredths of a second separated the Ryans..with RV winning 9 laps and RD taking 8 laps before the tuff block. We will never know if RD could have made one last charge and attempted a pass or not..so to me it was a battle!
When we posters bench race, about who is the fastest, the conversation is generally between RV or JS. After last night, I think it would be amiss to leave out RD, as he proved he can run the pace. He just tends to pick his spots rather than going full tilt every lap in every situation... Last night he earned my respect as well as RV's..Looking forward to Krunch Time in Toronto!!
@ theysaidwhat
First off.....I can almost guarantee I'm bigger than you...far from a 'little man'
Secondly: Just stating the obvious...sorry it hurts. Would love to see what James' Heat / Practice to Main event wins ration is?
motorhead620 haha classic
@ rickmatuzio, you need to watch the race again and then watch the race again!
James had a MASSIVE 2.7 gap on RV when he stalled, thats right..... a whole 2.7 seconds. Most of that was due to RV battling to get around Davi.
When Stewart stalled it, he remounted and was moving approx 5 seconds later. He was still on the same straight as RV. By the time he got his momentum back and riding with speed he was between 9 and 10 seconds behind RV. The only rider James had to pass was Short. He did not pass Davi until Davi fell on the last lap. James was close at the time but because it was last lap not sure Millsaps would have given up the position.
At the end of the race James was 17 seconds back. If James put 2.7 on RV in 7 laps and RV put 7+ on James in 13 laps, speed wise who had who covered?
James rode great but to come on here and plead a win for him except for his mistake is ludicrous. RV has 6 wins rickmatuzio, James has 1. Those are the facts. Stewart fans are just like RV fans, like RD fans etc. I have no issue with any fans of any rider. The people that catch all the flack, no matter who you are a fan of, is the people that make stupid comments. Like, clearly James had RV or even RD covered. THe evidence says otherwise, so why use a time where you cannot provide proof to make a statement about your favorite rider??? It is like some of you guys are looking for anyway possible to attempt to say your guy is still the best and fastest yet you end up pointing to races where he loses??? I don't get it??
Everybody always gets on RD's bandwagon when he is near the front.But,I think anybody could see that RV Knows how to WIN a race!He controlled RD.He only did what he NEEDED to do to win.
The pass on Millsaps was awesome!Didnt touch him,but was very aggressive.Gotta love it.
I am not sure if I would call it a battle BD, but yes Dungey was shaving off time. It would have been cool to see him sneak a wheel or two in there.
Dungy rides best after getting pissed, bambam fired up the Dungbot in their heat race, too bad jlaw isn't around to do that to him every race.
Thanks motocrossone !
HD Videos from Indy: http://motocrossone.blogspot.de/2013/03/ama-supercross-video-indianapolis.html
Guys keep talking up practice, why??? Its the race that counts.. If you want to talk about who was fastest, then just look at who won the race.. They start at the same time, whoever gets to the finish got there the fastest.. And by the way... RV turned more fast laps than anyone else.. Stewart rode great, had a great practice, but he always does.. RV doesnt turn very good practice laps, never has.. His team Managers say it, his mechanic has said it, heck even his Grandfather has said it.. So if he is top 3 or 4 in practice, that is the norm for him.. But what he does do, is turn very fast laps during the race.. He gages himself against others at race time.. Stewart looked great in the main, until he tipped.. But if you look at the lap times, not just one fast lap, but over every lap.. Rv turned more fast laps than anyone.. He was fastest there too.. I was hoping to see a three man battle for the win with Dungey RV and Stewart, but a two man one was good..
@Tardpolice/mxmofo/preston--That same Millsaps said himself he hasnt been able to ride for a week due to his knee, and had serious arm pump as the race went on, he seriously slowed.. Stewart wasnt even pushing until he saw himself gaining on Millsaps, then took off and passed him.. Millsaps faded badly..so running him down at the end was not the same Millsaps at the start,..
http://instagram.com/p/W94GwAtcYp/
I dont know if I would call the RV/RD race a "battle" either.RD was on him at lap 10.He had half the race to get it done.It tells you how good RV is,to withstand pressure for that long without any costly mistakes with a quality rider behind you.
These two guys are such different riders.They are both awesome.RV is a true racer.Has the "killer" instinct.He smells blood in the water.He goes FOR championships,RD lets championships arrive on his doorstep!
For me James is a love hate relationship. I love to watch him ride, but hate getting enthused about him as a series contender cause you just know he's going to disappoint. One thing is beyond dispute though, he IS THE Fastest Man On the Plannet for any one given lap.
motorhead that was funny
Man RV made a big statement when he passed millsaps, Im sure millsaps tucked his tail when poto went by
@EVERYBODY----read BKR's post about the lap times IN THE RACE....He explains it well.. Rv was the fastest during the race, he had 10 laps under 52 seconds.. Stewart had 4....Stewart rode great, but he wasnt the fastest... Maybe the washout took something out of him, but RV still had the most fast laps.. Of course it helps when Dungey is running up your rear fender too... LOL!!!!
@preston--I agree we need all these guys outside.. That will be epic..
Will Chad win a race? NO
Ok,That was kinda a cheap shot at RD.I know he works hard,and is a great rider.I am just saying that when he comes up against another of the championship level guys,he struggles.
Oh,and what "if" RV had gotten starts in the races he hasnt won?Just a thought.
I am glad a few of yo go study the lap charts that is very interesing stuff! You can breeak down the whole race if you do it as much as Chase and I do! Lucky Chase he gets paid and I do it for the fun of it!
Yes I think Stewart has a problem with winning practice. I did too at one time then I got wise!
Red54m is on point, voice of reason. Quit grasping at straws and look at the data, RV owned it last night, again. I think these small mistakes from Stewart are because the other guys are in his head so bad now. How else do you explain it, it's like when RC would pressure him just less spectacular mistakes. When he gets a start is he getting overwhelmed with what he knows is coming for him? There's not many cake walks for him these days and that's what JS needs to win now in my opinion, a clear track with no one hounding him.
Two things I don't like about Chad of recent. Him regularly mentioning "pay" and that he is a team owner. It just comes off as a little crass and boastful to me and out of step with the way normal riders on the circuit talk.
@ Tracks, I do hope Chad wins one I think he has it in him but hey if he can cruise along that fast I am not gonna put him down and out yet! WE all know these guys are better athaletes than the over paid Pra donna's are in the stick and ball stuff!
I will never forget the look on the coaches face when he found out I was racing for money between my Junior and Senior years and said I cant do that! So I told him I quit school sports! I told him I would rather race!
@rickm @ripdown ... stalling your bike ( while winning ) and working for and getting 3rd behind 2 great riders who were flat haulin is not a 'mental block' or the poor result of having fast practice times.....geezus ..you guys are above crap like this.....give it a rest. @casypons ...I too enjoy RV's "f-u i'm gone" passing style...no muss no fuss ..pure fearless aggression and speed.....impressive and a lot of fun to watch.
Don't want the tuffblocks to effect the outcome don't ride into them. That's my take.
Got this bit of bad news from Dean Wilsons twitter.
"Collapsed lung, broken rib, broken back, and broken shoulder"
Looks like dean will be out for a long time.
Heal up as soon as possible Deano!
@ Tracks,
if you want to lable James FMOTP don't for get the T at the end, Fastest Man On The Pratice Track. It is a fact, let it go! For 4 years I have been hearing the same BS on this forum and for 4 years Someone elss is winning all the races. Please, one lap means nothing. I am 49 ( 50 )in May, for one lap I am as fast as any of the racers in my 40+ Vet class, unfortunately, the green flag does not wave at the start of my fast lap and the chekered does not wave at the end of my fast lap.It surely does not matter in practice.
Therefore I take no consolation in finishing 3rd or 4th when I was clearly faster than everyone that ONE lap! Why do some of you cling to and care about that meaningless title. I think James Stewart (actually I bet even he does not care anymore) and some of the posters on here are the only ones that care. And then, it is not really even true.
Don't forget the "T" at the end next time!
I wish JS hadn't made that mistake, if not it could have led to a good 3-way battle between him, RV, and RD (An electric starter on that Suzuki would have come in handy). Maybe RV would've slipped past him and run away, but who knows? Still, I enjoyed the race and was rooting for RD to tighten it up on RV.
But, holy crap, did RV almost throw it away on the last lap jumping into the sand? He looked really out of shape to me. And the way he was shaking his head right after the finish makes me think so. It looked like a great save.
Speaking of great saves -- HAHN!
Really sorry to hear the bad news about Wilson.
Red54m- so basically your saying that if you got in shape that you could win any Vet race because your just as fast?
Because you DONT win, your saying that your out of shape and cant go strong for 6 laps. That being said, your WORK ETHIC is the problem, not your talent.
Practice and qualifying laps show a riders talent, and ability to produce speed. Your right, ONE lap is not important, but it is obvious James has more speed than anybody else at the track. He either lacks fitness, mental stability, quality bike, or brains.
I wished I could go as fast as james stewart for one lap.
@pinkfld.....the rider 'What If ' , hasn't won a race all season........ a lot like Tomac's "total domination" guy ..insert criket sounds here............
I am starting to agree with you Red, I question if James really cares anymore as well. His heart doesn't seem to be in it..
@ tonewall
I don't recall saying anything about 'mental blocks' ?? I just think its uncanny how a guy can win so many practices and heats yet disappoint in the Mains? Would love to hear your explanation.
BTW....I seem to recall James was on an SX only deal with Suzuki? (please correct me if I'm wrong....nevermind I know you guys will..lol)
Why does everyone keep thinking he's going to race outdoors?
"it is obvious James has more speed than anybody else at the track"
@rick .... Not really...
I actually liked the track for the most part. The different variations that could be taken in the jumps added some excitement. Wished they banked more of the turns because for the most part the inside was the only place to be. Taking away from anyone who would take a wide line to the next corner. Meaning if you took a line that set you up to the outside all the time you gained on the straight was lost in next turn. They almost got it right. Maybe we will see a perfect layout(sans daytona) by vegas.
@ rickmatuzio, love your analysis of me! Thanks, I'll work harder. Obviously I was using a little self directed humor to make a point.
I too wish I could ride 1 lap....as fast as anybody in the night show!
I did read all of your posts and noticed you do seem to be coming to your senses. My original post was directed at your post last night on "Indy 450 results" and some of your comments earlier in the week.
FYI, I am not a hater of James Stewart. I have a ton of respect for what he can do on a motorcycle. His raw skill is unsurpassed. That said, it does not however make him the Fastest anything or the greatest racer blah, blah, blah. He NEVER won a title competing against RC (not counting RC's farewell selected race season of course) He also has NOT won a title since RV had a full season in the big class (not counting rookie year when he missed a couple races with Mono) and RD was a rookie.
Because of this, it grows very tiring to read others trying to convince the world JS7 is the best. Plain and simple he is not.
If these forums were all about what James can do on a practice track, how James can figure out tricky rythm sections before anybody else and his pure speed at times. Then I could be on the bandwagon.
Because all these forum conversations are about racing and who the best RACER is or RACERS are, I am never going to agree that it is James. I have said a hundred times, he will still win races. I do not believe he will win a title again unless RV and RD retire at the end of this SX season. At that, I would say James better do it next year because the likes of JB, ET and the next big thing, are coming quickly and will be championship hungry.
Shout out to MM great ride!
Sorry Blake Wharton, change the number?
Bummer for Dean Wilson, I ( LIKE TONEWALL ) thought Collarbone when I saw it.
Trey Canard, love you man but I am scared for you?
PS. to all those who think this is it for Chad Reed CR22, I agree. He is a legend and will always have his place in history but I am betting next year he is a Team Owner only. I do not see anyway he could compete with the Ryan's outdoors this year!
Of course I thought that 2 years ago also. It was however that year and " The Crash " that made me say, I do not believe he will ever win another title. I factored age and family to make that statement.
Then Chad almost proved me wrong in Supercross last year, until......another bad crash. Father time has had his say and Chad has nothing more to prove. I believe he had an insane amount of Motivation before both the outdoors and Supercross years that ended with " The Crash " That time has gone and so is Chads day in the spot light!
Thanks CR22 and I hope you can find one more win this year!
Fun with math: RD wins every remaining race and RV finishes second - RD wins the title by one point. Chances of that happening - 0.00783%.
I'm sure it was the # that caused Wharton to crash. You do know that it's bad luck to be superstitious?
@SuperSXFanMan: guess we both saw different races then as I saw Dungey hauling and forcing RV to ride over his head.
I wish somebody would teach the announcer how to pronounce Asterisk. I mean, he's the announcer. Shouldn't he know how to say words? It isn't "Ass trick." It's more like "Ass to risk." This is a good way for people to remember how to say it, since the way they've been using is not working.
Gotta love Villo's never-say-die passing efforts on Millo. Gotta love Dungey's aggressiveness, that's what his career has been lacking and everybody wants to see more of.
Gotta hate four strokes when the leaders of both the 250 and 450 classes had the win in the bag, fell over and the P.O.S. FOUR STROKES wouldn't start. Both Wharton and Stewart were screwed by the four stroke more than by their falls, but then again, their falls were probably traced to the four stroke (Wharton's mainly...Stewart's can be traced to the rider's flawed electrical system between the ears).
Great debate on last nights race...lots of interesting view points....lots of loyal fans... It is always an entertaining and educational experience to read The Comments!!! Thanks to everyone for sharing and RacerX for providing this forum...Gotta love it!!!
Some of you read way too much into practice. lol
The fastest guy in the main event last night won and had the fastest time. The 2nd guy had the 2nd fastest time and got 2nd. And guess what? They didn't do that great in practice. Just goes to show you practice don't mean shi* when that gate drops. That's when racers race.
@klrman1
I guess you did watch a different race because i guarantee you were the only one to "see" that. lol
Flu or something got me middle of last week and couldnt attend the festivities... Props go out to Lucas for a great show... Racing was good nice track. Congrats to the winners. Special shout - out to Mr-Mx thanks for the tweet on Zack Osborne 3rd place at the GNCC in Georgia. Dry and warm... XC-1 CLASS Kailub Russell and Charlie Mullins after 3 hrs of Motocrossing 1 second apart at the finish, way to go.............
@rickamatuzio
Actually RV had the fastest time on the track. Sooooooo..........
@speedshifter watch the race ...JS7's bike started with one kick. Whartons problem is Wharton. ...and the #13 @ripdown ...(the mental block quote was ricks)... just what exactly is wrong with being fast in practice when its called 'qualifying' and it determines your gate pick in a contest where the start is SUPER important...JS7's REAL problem in the main is easy to answer...RV1...and the fact that its hard out there and mistakes are made...RV made a big one BIG one right before the finish..stuff happens..people have some odd thinking that they just have brain fade etc...when in REALITY sh*t is happening in HYPERSPEED (imagine the fastest you ever rode x 5 (at least)...mistakes get made and LUCK plays a giant part ...skill is now managing those two and being fit enough to finish it...Happy St Paddies to ALL...
bottom line dungey needs the holeshot and ride agressive for a couple laps and that win was his. you cant be the same speed and start behind a guy like rv.track was hard to pass on as you saw in the heat how long it took dunge to pass guys he would normally fly by. feel bad for wharton but its not the first time hes done this .just got to keep it together
Timed practice is overated, it`s just a mind game. anyone in the top 6 in practice can get a pretty good gate pick, Any of the first 5 or 6 gate picks will work. Marvin won last week with that awsome start, he won this weekfrom a terrible start but with some fast riding proved the never give up attitude makes things happen, sorry for Blake but Marvin was destined to win that one.
RE: Tuff blocks
Barriers, ads, promotional things of any sort put on any racing surface CAN NOT BE A DANGER to any competitor.PERIOD!!!!!!!!! I get it if you go off track or hit one it is your fault. It doesn't mean you should be thrown from the bike. What about the guys behind the one that hits them or drags them into the track? Is that promoting a fair and safe track? No way in hell. It was obvious to me after attending Atlanta, they(whoever that may be) care more about keeping the tops clean than keeping them from affecting the race or actually keeping the riders safe, as after every race workers scurried out to sweep the tops off. Think of the extra room on the track if they were just on the sides of jumps. I am saddened and disturbed(pissed off) at what SX has become and the direction it is going.
Ya, practice doesn't mean much. Maybe next week Weston Pieck or Jimmy Alberston will win.
I guess these guys don't TRY to go fast in practice because gate picks mean nothing.. The MENTAL edge, of your competition knowing your faster doesn't mean anything.
AMA Pro Racing must have changed after 2004..
The reality, is that winning a main event is a combination of Speed, Luck, Starts, other rider misfortunes, and track designs.
Red and pippededok- Your speaking like I have never raced before. I know and understand how motocross works. I know that practice times don't win a race, but what they DO is give you a mental edge.
I'm really happy RV has won 6 races, good for him. I guaran-fuk-intee you, that when James Stewart tore his ACL at the first practice he said to himself "Thank God" because he knew who his competition was going to be. So, RV has beaten up on an injured Stewart on a new bike, with what looks to be a horsecrap program. He has had clutch failures, and the strangest luck I have ever seen at the factory level and not been able to train the least bit.
I am a big RV supporter, I love his riding.. I am NOT a big james stewart fan as you seem to think, but what I do have is a good memory and understanding of going fast on a bike. I want him to win because he has been struggling and I like the underdog. What I cant stand is retard fans that take a glimpse of whats going on and passing judgement without looking at the entire picture. A few years ago, as you have forgotten, RV couldn't hold a candle to Stewarts speed in SX. Stewart is wiser, older, and injured.. and now RV is able to handle him. Would RV have caught Stewart last night? Maybe.. how do you know? If I had 100$ in my pocket I would say no way. I didn't say Stewart would have pulled away, go reread my post, I said Stewart would have maintained the Gap most likely. The kid isn't slow..
Your taking a snap shot of a season that is now meaningless to Stewart. He doesn't care if he wins or loses.. RV has a TON on the line, so of course he is going the extra effort. Lets wait until the outdoors and see what happens in a new series.
RV is awesome, no doubt.. he has 6 wins, and he has raced every race of the season. Stewart has missed a few.. so you cant really consider than a fair shot can you?
Oh, and did you know that these guys need to go as fast as they can in practice to get the proper suspension and map setups? The difference in 1sec a lap is TREMENDOUS and guaranteed to end up a few clicks either direction.. Oh, but keyboard jockeys don't know that. They think practice is a waste of time. When RV comes back to the trailer 1 full sec behind Stewart, your a complete FOOL if you don't think he is scratching his head and wondering where that time can be made and what changes they can make.
I know I don't know what I'm talking about
Oh, and did you know that these guys need to go as fast as they can in practice to get the proper suspension and map setups? The difference in 1sec a lap is TREMENDOUS and guaranteed to end up a few clicks either direction.. Oh, but keyboard jockeys don't know that. They think practice is a waste of time. When RV comes back to the trailer 1 full sec behind Stewart, your a complete FOOL if you don't think he is scratching his head and wondering where that time can be made and what changes they can make.
I know I don't know what I'm talking about
The tuff blocks are there for safety first and foremost. Sponsors are placed on them secondly. They actually go through a great deal of trouble to try to find a balance of securing them to the track while keeping it safe for the riders. They can't just drive a stake into them because then you have a very real threat of impalement on the track. They do have some custom stakes, however, with flat tops welded on for a lot of the corner tuff block (as they get hit the most by the riders' bike wheels). But they cannot secure every block to the ground because they need to have forgiveness. Tuff blocks are an evolution from the hay bale and are superior in protection and performance for the riders. Are they perfect? No but they are the best thing we've got right now unless you'd like to volunteer to do the years of R&D to find a better solution.
To say that they don't care about the rider's safety is ludicrous. So much of the track design and production of the event evolves around safety but this is indoor motorcycle racing - there are always going to be elements of danger.
@rickmat..... I am sure or hope not all of that was directed at me, I guess it does not matter.
Every time we start to get on the same page you go hell fire the other way again?
If you read my post you would ABSOLUTELY know I was not taking a snapshot. I have been talking about the past years. Surely you saw last year? The RV/ Stewart thing looks very similar to me? You are talking like RV is going for his first title here. The previous 3 titles and this years, making 4 have been or will be won by someone other than Stewart. Whats the facscination with NOT winning?
Uncle Charlie, I was wondering where you have been this week, I missed your insight leading up to Indy. Sorry to hear the flu paid you a visit.. never pleasant...hope your feeling better at this point..
Mr-Mx , a shout out to you also! I hope things are back on track for you also..
I would love to donate my time to help with the tuff blocks. As far as keeping a rider safe...That's a big leap of faith there. In order for them to be considered a safety measure they need to at least save a rider as many times as they make them crash. Oh wait, I guess they did keep DW safe, huh. I did see how they anchored the corner ones and if that is safe way why can't it be used on the rest? I'm sorry Chopper but your reasoning for their continued use is flawed at best. I and my family have tons of experience in many forms of motosports, from participation to promotion and race directing, and they do not do what was intended. I am not saying there is intent to hurt riders but, with very little effort being put in to fixing the problem, yes, they are making it more dangerous for the riders indirectly.
JS didn't have to make an excuse because he had one. If the Ryan's had ran him down, then he would have needed to make an excuse. But we will never know because they did not have that chance. That's what gets in his head and he makes mistakes. How can you maintain your FMOP and 90% win if you don't crash status if those Ryan's are running you down.
@tardpolice
Ok analysis time. James had 4 laps in the 51-second range out of the first 5 laps. He also had a 53 in there. Then he stalled and did a 1:04. He NEVER had another sub-52 second lap on the night! Hence, he rode good early as I stated which is proven to be dead-on balls accurate based on his lap times.
RV had 9 laps in the 51-second range out of his first 13! With only one 53, but also with a 50!!!
The stuff about Millsaps you wrote I don't understand, as James lost 12 seconds by stalling, got back around Millsaps, but was over 20 seconds behind RV at the finish. He lost another 9 seconds during the race AFTER stalling......you make it sound like he gained back 10 seconds.
Lastly, James and practice. He is the best at blasting that one great lap. He also yardsales often during practice which you don't see from many others ever, let alone often. How many times in his career has James night ended or been severely impacted due to a major crash in practice? How many times has it happened to RV, Dungey, or Reed.....combined? I think he gets some sort of chest thump out of that when he gets it done. He hardly ever follows it up with a great 2nd lap though in practice. This is bad for him since the main requires 20 fast laps. Also practice can be misleading at times because it isn't an empty track. You often see guys suddenly slow up and start rolling jumps and generally getting in the way of others who may be on a fast lap. Practice times should always stay where they belong, in practice.
@persona
lol. The thing is, I have a big screen tv and all we saw was RV riding over his head a little. He was for sure pressured by the Dunge, but in the end RV won and that's what counts. I'm rooting for both of them though, so whoever takes it is all good, but I have to admit, that pass RV did on Goerke was downright impressive.
@tonewall...watch the race. The first time he tried to kickstart the bike, the piston was near top dead center with max compression, and his flaccid legs were too weak to start the bike. He couldn't even budge the kickstarter. He had to try again. This caused him to lose a position - the ONLY position he had to earn back the whole race. If the four stroke would have started on the first attempt to kickstart the bike, he would have stayed in 4th.
Nice review Jordan...
I wish they would seed the field by dropping the gate and race... outcome could be be by riider start and racing skills instead of Nascar style qual...
But the racing last night was epic
I was wondering what is up with Deano, until I read what CrossRut wrote. I am so sorry to hear that, he will be missed when the outdoors rolls around.
I am surprised at some of the comments on practice time, from some experienced posters.
Practice is vitally important for many reasons, first the riders need to get to know the track at race speed to learn lines and the dirt and find out what works and what doesn't. They also need to see where they are at speed wise to know how hard they need to push to win. They also need to post good times to get the gate pics they want and to simply qualify for the night show. If they can make a strong statement in could be good for their mental state. The biggest thing they need beside qualifying is knowing the track and its possibilities.
It is fact that over the last 4 years the best racers have evolved into RV and RD, surprisingly DM has finished better than JS. At this point its pretty much a waste of breath to say JS is the fastest guy out there because simply he is tied with fastest times with RV but this doesn't matter in itself as a racer because as a racer he is 7th fastest and this cannot be disputed. We all know he can win a race on a given night but for a series against the competition he doesn't stand up.
In Saturdays race JS did not wash out-he stalled it in the rutted corner ( could be because he doesn't ride with a finger on the clutch). I think 90% of the fans wanted to see a fight between him and RV and we were all let down when it became somewhat predictable. I was very impressed with RD hanging with him as well as he did, hopefully we get to see a race with rd starting 3-4 positions ahead of RV.
I am surprised with CR, he just didn't look on fire, rode well but not giving it his all. Chad lets show what you got or you are going to get really down on yourself, you don't look like you are having fun man !
I was at the race last night and if that wasn't a battle I don't know what one is. RD was right on RV's tail the whole time and RV never made a mistake. What incredible focus.You can't ride much better than that. I thought it was cool after the race RV stoped and shook hands with RD. He knew that was one hell of a battle. Amazing though not one little slip. RV sure wants that three peat it appears. I hope RD keeps the heat on. Lots of racing left. I don't think we've heard the last from Davi either. I was bummed that JS faultered I wanted to see that three way battle. I know it's coming soon. Can't wait till Toronto....
davidl, completely agree with everything you said about practice. The point I was making is that too many people take practice times and try to correlate it to race results when their guy crashes come race time. i.e. Stewart had them covered last night based on qualfying times. I have been paying attention to RV's win ratio to fast qualifying times over the last few years, and without keeping actual figures it seems he wins far less when he wins practice. Last night he qualified 8th fastest and he was literally over a full second behind James. Dungey was 6th fastest, and the internet boards go wild with "oh boy, them too don't have it tonight!". Then lo and behold, who qualified 3rd fastest???? Jake Weimer! Practice is very important but in the grand scheme of things don't put too much merit on practice times. Technically, any of them can qualify 40th, win the heat and have 1st or 2nd gate pick for the main. Practice times seed the heats and determine gate picks for the heats. Even qualifying 8th means you get still the 4th gate pick of your heat race. Anyone would want to dominate practice comfortably, but guys like RV and Dungey know it isn't the end of the world of you don't. If you crash and knock yourself out trying to win practice, it is like the end of the world....or season title chances anyway.
PRACTICE, PRACTICE?
I want to be clear on something, as a racer and a big fan for 43 years now, I know and fully understand what significance practice plays and especially at this level.
First, I know gate pick is important to everyone of these guys.
Second, I know they all care and try hard to earn the best spot possible.
If for example RV is 2 seconds off the pace, it is of big concern and somebody should hit the panic button.
Problem is that, that is almost never what people are debating on here. Normally it is from 1 to 3 frickin tenths of a second. On top of that, the same people always want to point out those tenths in PRACTICE instead of talking about the Facts in the RACE?? That is ass clown stuff!
IMO everybody wants the top spot. iMO guys like RV, RD and CR do not worry about it at all when they are merely tenths off and still in the top 5.
In RV's case (joking here) it shouldn't matter because he does not seem to pick gates that well anyway. Pick gates everyone, not get starts, don't get your panties bunched up.
Last night he picked a gate 3 in for the Heat race which he holeshot. In the main he took inside (again) and guess where Holeshot came from? That's right.....3 in. Good thing he is so damn good and so F'N fast!!!
this thread makes me laugh....don't get me wrong, I LOVE TO LAUGH....If you want to be considered the 'fastest man on the planet" you really need to be able to run the fastest lap times for twenty laps...period....practice does not generate points...heats do not generate points....practice doesn't even get bragging rights...getting it done in the main is all that counts...and making mistakes...no matter how minor or how major doesn't make you the best...the best ...or fastest...is decided by who crosses the finish line first
@ comedian66
Lol for now..If Rc has it his way your post would only be somewhat accurate..
Fastest Qualifier may get a point.. maybe pay points on heats ...Lol !!! Anyones guess what the future may hold. For now you are correct......
JS needs to get back on the Yamaha. He is crashing as much as ever and he was and he won more on blue.
Tickets here .....get your tickets here!
I have 4 sweet tickets in the lower bowl at the Rogers Center for next Saturday night if anyone is looking? my kids hockey team made it to the Provincial Championships next weekend.....I can't go to the SX....bummer I guess?
What makes me laugh is how a thread gets twisted around because people only read selective info. Nobody said practice lap times wins a main event. It was stated that they are important for various reasons and give a pretty good indicator of things to come, assuming something crazy doesn't happen. That's what was said.
Stewart had a 50% win % after 4 years which is pretty amazing, his practice lap times were always the fastest. Any MORON would know that he has been hurt this season and can't train during the week or run a 20 lap main strong. The point, is that he is still fast.. And BECAUSE he runs those fast laps Villipoto knows damn well he would be hard to beat. If Stewart were 8th fastest in practice every week it would be a relief..
How many holeshots has Albertson or Josh Hill had this year?? Gate pick is everything. RV admittedly picks the inside gate because he is a terrible starter like Tomac, and it's safe. Getting good heat results allows him that selection.
What your failing to understand is all the early building blocks of the night add up to good results in the main. In fact, everything during the week is by FAR the most important part.
If you think RV is in a league of his own, your absolutely biased.
@ Rick
You might want to check your blood pressure and turn in for the night, lol...
I'm sure RV is ok with the gifts JS is giving him knowing full well he's not worthy being on the same track as a healthy JS.. :)
Go back and watch inside the outdoors with Ryan Dungey. He showed up to the first few outdoor nationals 3 sec a lap off the pace of Stewart and he couldn't sleep at night. He was absolutely devastated.. Mentally. By round 4, he was able to match Stewart's practice laps and get within .2. Even Decoster, said it ALL started with those practice laps because Stewart knew he had a battle coming. What Happened?? He crashed trying to get away.. Instead of riding confidently fear free. I am quoting Decoster, so argue with him, not me.
You people are absolutely fuc$ing goofy!! Stewart doesn't want to tell people he is hurt and make excuses, and everyone goes apeshi$t because he doesn't talk about it. So now he explains what's going on, and everyone says he's making excuses. It's obvious the man can do no right, and THIS is why I want him to win. To piss every single person off on this board that has a hard on for him.
It's supercross, everyone crashes. Even the almighty RV. 3 times in some races
Ok thanks, I'm going to bed.
Pssssst RICK.
It's not really JS that people dislike.....it's mostly his fans! This guy could finish dead last 3 weeks in a row and all we would here about is 24 - 0 and ACL's
The debate remains intense this late in the season. Wow. Time to use FMOTP for the two Ryans "Fastest Men On The Planet" because nobody is close to their consistency AND speed over the course of a Title chase the last 3 years. This was a great race weekend.
@rickamatuzio, you going to race this season? Was talking with Kirk and he said you were debating.
P.S. Lot of debate about practice times. I think the real issue is crashing. You can have the fastest practice and race lap times but they are meaningless if first and foremost you cannot keep it on 2 wheels, SX or MX.
@speedshifter watch the race ...its not the bikes fault he was not moving very fast...one kick. make up all the story line you want ..like usual. If I said it took 8 kicks you'd say it 9 ...whatever. stick with the small bore 2 stroke its takes a bit of effort to kick the 450 or a 2 stroke big bore..you wouldn't like it...
@rickmatuz.....be sure and put your James goggles on before lights out. It will help you dream up some more BS for this forum!
I find it ironic that you are calling people morons and idiots etc. The more you argue this stuff the deeper you go!
Apparently James bum knee bothers you a hell of a lot more than it bothers him.
@ B-KR, keep up the good stuff. When I feel I am getting too far off the reality trail. I know I can read yours and several others on here posts to remind me that there are still some of us who haven't gone mad!!! Thank you.
@red54m~ Please explain your comments here, "RD may not have been able to pass Stewart but it would have been interesting to see what would have happened...To me it appeared that the 2 Ryans were clearly the fastest racers on the night." In one breath you don't think Dungey could have passed Stewart yet in another you said the two Ryans were the fastest. Stewart would not have even been a challenge for Dungey, at least not any more than it would have been for Villadodo.
@tracks~ You said, "RV's pass on Sapps was the most dominating move I've seen all season," I couldn't agree with you more. That pass was the most impressive pass I have seen all year.
Personally I didn't think JS looked all that good and I didn't think DM looked all that good either. I think both riders were off a click. Maybe it looked that way because Villadodo and Dungey were riding so good.
But I have to laugh at the JS and CR fans for having orgasms all year over their riders, talking about how great and flawless they are without hardly a mention of Dungey. Yet now look at how many "posters" on here are going on about how RV and RD are the two fastest. But Dungey is always the underdog and never gets credit from the critics.
You said it, tonewall. He was moving so slow he fell over, in the words of RC.
ahhh haa james crashed wow wouldnt have called that he never crashes lol man thats funny. agian i told u all poto 3 peat... bummer for trey that sucks.. glad to see he got up an walked off so that was good. dungey looked good but sorry to u all but its rvs agian 3 peat.. poor james.. he is the fastest man on the... yeah ok sure.. to all u 7 fans ha ha.... he all done go rv!!
@rickmat
I'll have to look into this Dungey couldn't sleep at night last year due to practice times. I will say that once the racing began, he rode right on Stewart's ass for the majority of the laps of those 4 Stewart moto wins and in fact reeled him in on several occasions. He certainly never was 3 seconds off the pace during the RACES. I am realy shocked Dungey felt that way and if it is the case, then James' strategy of winning practice obviously has an impact. Once again, I will reiterate that Stewart is THE BEST at winning practice. If Dungey was that affected by practice times, then he should rest assured knowing that Stewart's practice times and Stewart's race times are two different animals. Maybe, just MAYBE Stewart's practice times are due to the tracks being fresh and relatively smooth during practice? From another perspective, I wonder if RV loses sleep when he gets beat in practice? Dungey is an ironman and needs to not lose any sleep based on a lap time outdoors during practice when he knows he will outlast just about everyone and the rougher it gets the better. I could see how after the first practice being upset what with a bike change and all, but after the 1st moto still and running the pace?
@ Rick .... I get everything you're saying but I think you're reaching a little bit for Stewart. His bike and knee are fine, his problem is that there's a few kids who don't give a crap that he's the almighty James Stewart and they're capable of beating him now, and they've been doing it for over 3 years now.
I hate to say it (well not really) but you just can't argue with the results from 2010-current. Plain and simple JS can't and isn't getting it done for a series with the new crop of riders. It can be blamed on this, that, bike, knee, bad luck, whatever you can name, it doesn't change the race results. I understand he can go faster than anyone in practice for 1 lap sometimes and win a few motos here and there, but that's about as far as it goes now. The if's, and's and but's are getting a little old on this 4th year since he's been a championship contender. This poses the next question, who will be the first to call me a racist and a hater for having a legitimate, fact based opinion?
@Ripdown--You are dead on, I do not dislike Stewar either, even though his "fans" say I do.. Its mostly them I have a problem with...
@preston--you were at Indy??? So was I too bad we didnt get together.. Yes Stewart ha alot of fans, its not the real fans we dont like.. Its so-called fans who call me a racist and a hater just because I dont kiss his tail.. Like you will now when I say I was at the race, I have looked at all the laps, not just one "practice" lap, and Stewart WAS NOT the fastest guy there... And now some so-called fan will call me a hater--and preston will call me a racist because of me writing that.. Those are the guys we dont like...I will say this, I was shocked at the lack of any single rider shirts and stuff that was not available at the race.. The only shirts I saw available there where Barcia and Rv and Windham.. No Reed or Stewart or anybody else..Surprising..
Well one thing is for sure Preston, JS is definitely in your head, all the time, probably with no clothes on :)
@ Preston
You are the living breathing proof to my argument. Never hear from you unless it's about your boy Bubba.
Fact is all those that cheer for James are mostly JS fans...not MX/SX fans and they will leave as soon as he does. BTW....I recall a lot of cheering when he threw it away too....wonder if he will ever learn to put a finger on his clutch lever just in case things go bad? He is the living legend of MX.....would think he'd know that trick..lol
@coolhand: Love was your word, not mine.
And if you could do the same things Ryan Villopoto can and does do (on a Motocross/SX) track that I never can, but wished I could, and make it look like a thing of beauty, then those same words would be written of you.
But we don't have to worry about that, do we...
Is your last name FIGJAM?
@preston--I could honestly care less about your race stats.. I really dont, but you must see what I and Ripdown are saying--you attack anyone who says anything about Stew, you CALL THEM RACIST.. You accused me the other day of being part of a KLAN...... Sorry that makes you racist just saying that.. I could care less about Stews color.. I actually took several photos of him racing Saturday at Indy... I just dont like the Stewtards..--and NO not every Stewart fan is a Stewtard.. just the ones who attack and make excuses, and call out others for not kissing his tail and calling them racist, just assuming we dont love him because of his color..
@B-KR...........didn't RV and RD both crash in practice at Indy?? Yep!! Did Stew?? Don't think so, so that "statistic" is a little weak!! Also, what I was talking about with Millsaps is that James was 9 seconds behind him after he restarted after the stall.......he made that up and got to his rear wheel before Davey went down, so my only point was that he rode great the entire race, except for his self-admitted "squid move"......he also stated in the post race interview that he didn't want to get aggressive with Davey because he is still in the points race and wanted to respect that fact. Go figure, isn't he supposed to be the guy who doesn't give a crap about anybody else, and who has no regard for anybody on the track?? I hope that clears up the DM thing for you, it had nothing to do with RV and RD like you seem to think it did!!!
@ JW621557, before you go all rickmatuzio on me, I AM A HUGE RD FAN, I always want one of the Ryans to win, in and outdoors.
My comment meant that I believe RD and RV would have pushed up to JS7. I believe it would have made RV make a decision, pass James or hold my position and take the chance that RD passes both of us. I believe RV would have passed JS and then we would have had to see if RD could have also. RD clearly had the speed and lines to do so. THe question is would he have made it happen. Been an RD fan it is no secret that he does not pass people like Villopoto does.
That said, RD looked as aggressive as I have ever seen him in SX in both the Heat and the Main in Indy. For that reason, in hindsight, I say he makes the pass on James. We will have to wait another week to see if it can be done!
Red54,
I agree that Dungey was as agressive as I ever remember. He was taking that line lap after lap and I don't think RV tried it even once. Dean Wilson tried it once.....once. And ended up with a chest tube for his troubles.
tardpolice,
Imagine, my faux pas was saying Stewart rode good early. Which the laptimes support, yet Stewart defenders get all out of joint by such a comment. Maybe RV and Dungey fell down in practice, but I said crashed out of the night or even future races......as we have seen James do several times in the past few years alone. I have been good to James this year, even rooted for him on occasion to pass certain guys. The thing is, when I see people saying he had RV and Dungey covered after stalling the bike, I have to debunk that objectively. I like Wilson, Canard, and RV and every one of them has made some really dumb moves this year and I can objectively say that because it is true. I would see your issue if I said James rode like a turd Saturday, but that wouldn't be true....just as saying he had them covered isn't true.
Chad is a solid top 5 guy and should keep racing till out of the top 10 which could take a year or two more or less
Not sure who you are talking about, but I certainly am not "all out of joint" about your comment, just stating that I think (as he does also) that he really did ride well even after the tip-over.......splittin' hairs here it seems!! Who said that they thought JS had the Ryan's covered after stalling the bike?? If they did say it, why even bother with them??
What therealmofo said.