BRA: Pro Circuit Kawasaki Woes
Wednesday, March 20, 2013 | 5:05 PM
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PrintAt least Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki had an ace-in-the-hole in the East. The team’s 250 West campaign couldn’t have started worse, with Blake Baggett and Martin Davalos both getting pegged in the same Anaheim 1 first turn crash, although neither rider had anything to do with the crash. It was caused by rookie Jessy Nelson holeshotting his first career SX, then endoing on the first jump, and causing chaos to ensue in all directions. Heck, Baggett and Davalos weren’t even on the same side of the track and they still go nailed by the carnage.
True, Davalos has always seemed to run in to luck like this, and Baggett, based on his disappointing 2012 SX campaign, would have had a tough time matching up to current west front runners Ken Roczen and Eli Tomac. But Blake hoped for better this year, joking with us at Daytona that he felt fast during the off-season. “I was actually on the gas for once,” he said.
We will never know, because Blake is out with a seriously busted wrist and we won’t see him race until Hangtown. Their third west rider, Tyla Rattray, just hasn’t been the same rider since breaking vertebrae last year.
Blake Baggett never got the chance to shine in 2013, exiting early with a wrist injury.
Simon Cudby photo
Ah, but they had Wilson. Had him by nothing more than good fortune, since Dean was supposed to be racing a 450 this year for Jeff Ward Racing, until that effort collapsed. But would anyone have remembered that when Wilson was holding an East #1 plate in Las Vegas? Nope, it would just be another plate for the door of the Pro Circuit rig. Now, well, it ain’t happening. He’s out hurt, and the likes of Wil Hahn and Marvin Musquin were giving him all he could handle, anyway.
Teams are coming at Pro Circuit from multiple angles. On the equipment front, PC pulled out a huge early lead on four-stroke technology. Between Ivan Tedesco and Ryan Villopoto, they took four-straight 250 National MX titles, barely missed two more with Christophe Pourcel, then dominated like never before in 2011. In supercross during that same 2004—2011 span, they won 62 races, nearly half that were run.
It has taken a long time, but the competition is starting to catch them. Four-stroke technology, in motocross, is beginning to peak, with smaller gains each year. Now rival teams and engine builders have learned from what PC taught them, and the gap has closed.
“They always say, the first 80 percent is easy, but the last 20 percent is hard,” said Mitch Payton when I talked to him about this recently. “We’ve been very good about getting to that high level quite quickly. But you see the evolution slow down, you’re not seeing the bikes change as much lately, there’s a lot of carryover. And what happens is, you have a lot of different teams and programs you’ve helped through the years. Even if you don’t help them the following year, they saw what you did before. As time goes on, if there’s not a brand new slate, then obviously people catch up to the level you’re at. It gets harder and harder to find the part that’s going to make the difference, and harder and harder to get the endurance out of that part, and to do it at a certain expense.”
On the other end, teams are attacking the vaunted Team Green program that was once clearly the most potent in the amateur game. With GEICO Honda and Star Racing Yamaha, just an example, reaching into the amateurs to lock up future talent, the sledding is tougher. Payton and Kawasaki would rather see a different approach.
Wilson's injury in Indy assures that PC will not win an SX title this season.
Simon Cudby photo
“It has changed a little, and I don’t think it’s really for the better,” he says. “I’m not one of these guys that believes in this extremely early contract things. I would rather see a more level playing field. You should get to see the talent of the person, not just who got the magic ride. I want to see all the amateur talent treated equally, and see who pops to the top.
“The teams are going in and giving these riders extended programs,” he says. “And it’s something we haven’t done. And that might be my fault, because I haven’t believed in it. We’ve had a lot of good riders bought by other teams, because they get a guaranteed pro ride. It’s what we had to do with Adam Cianciarulo to protect him from getting another deal. I’ve always liked working with the kids, but now you have to guarantee it. I don’t think it’s for the best. I would like amateurs to just be amateurs. But, it’s evolved.”
The record book says PC once had a supercross dry spell that lasted longer than this, as they went three seasons (2001, 2002, 2003) without a supercross title. But that’s an anomaly, because James Stewart was Kawasaki’s top 125 pilot in 2002 and 2003, but he was placed on the factory team. PC didn’t have use of Kawasaki’s top prospect, which certainly hurt their title chances. If you rule out that Stewart era, PC has only had one season, ever, where it didn’t win a title either indoors or out, and that was all the way back in 1994, nearly twenty years ago.
Knowing the ultra-competitiveness of Mitch Payton, Jim “Bones” Bacon and everyone at Pro Circuit, this recent run stings. No matter how many titles they win, they’re never happy until they get another. But when will they get that next one?
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I say, Blake could get one outdoors once again! The question is if he'll be fit enough to go 2 30+2 after his injury. Now we get to witness Marvin "The Smooth" Musquin coming in with head full of steam. Also Kenny should do better than last year. Cooper Webb and possibly Adam C. are dark horses. Can't forget Zach Osborne. It will be super tough, but if Blake rides the way he knows, barring bad luck, he'll take it!
Can't wait for outdoors! That's when real racing starts!!!
@ meankx
I Could'nt agree more
Would be foolish to not consider Bagget to repeat in '13
Davalos is NOT going to win I dont care what bike he is on.. I said this when the West Coast started, and I will still say it.. He isnt going too..
I have noticed that since Geico Honda quit having Mitch build their engines and they build them in house, they are now more competetive with Pro Circut.. I think the first person who said that was Mike Brown..
PC didn't have Stewart, but they kept their good reputation because of it.
Was there a bigger feeder program for Mitch than Team Green? They've had it easy all these years and in a way still do, as they carry way more riders than anyone else can in the lites classes. Hats off to them, they set the standard.
@meankx, If you think morveux musquin is faster than Tomac in 250 sx or mx you are a pure moron, and looks at the 2012 stats and tell me who is better in outdoor kt-ken or Tomac?
2013 250 MX National
1. Tomac or Baggett
2. Baggett or Tomac
3. Roczen (if the rookies didn't kick his @$$)
4. Musquin (if the rookies didn't kick his @$$)
and i don't know f%#$ about the Cianciarulo's level but i doubt he can play with the big 4 right here but who knows (the same for the other rookies)
@Rene - I think Tomac is running 450's this summer.
AC94 will be a threat for the podium EVERY weekend in the nationals this year. If he runs smart and guages his speed , not trying to run away when he is out front. the speed is there but ride and gain the confidence. Same for Bell.
As far as the PC drought. When people decide that maybe the reason for the program Not progressing quite as they think is some issue, changes are made.
It was only a matter of time before GEICO took their motor program away from PC. WOW, what a difference. Maybe Mitch was holding a bit back.
There is no more thinking about it, Tomac is running a 450 outdoors.
Roczen and Marvin will have a big Summer, AC94 is not going to be a factor....yet If Savatgny stays Orange he'll make the most noise...Baggett is got an uphill climb.
your only as good as your competition. Indians judged their strength and bravery, by the power and bravery of they're enemies.I also believe the talent pool is growing and therefore there more good riders to chose from.
@ Rene wonder bread de la Sanchez
Tomac is not riding 250 outdoors...... You puff!
@speedshifter....you mean while JS7 was winning those championships right. Cody Webb may have something to say about AC runnin away with ...but they will BOTH be in the hunt...right from the git....those two can flat HAUL. Its also about time for Yamaha to drop the bomb.
When will someone put Rattay on a 450 he was too big for the 250 the day he hit our shores.I hope he still has it in him.
When knocking KR or Moose Cans first, and first 2 seasons, respectively, in the US, it might be wise that you check the record of Baggets, Tomacs, and Barcias first couple of seasons in the outdoors.
It's there for you to read in the RacerX Vault. It's a useful and enlightening thing to peruse.
I am so looking forward to Bagget outdoors. He pulled off some draw dropping moves that I didnt see from anyone else last year. I hope he's fit to start the year because the Orange crew certainly looks to be ready. Bell has no chance. I hate to say it but I think AC should wait till he grows a bit more as well. He looks tiny. Can Wil Hahn put it together outdoors? He looks great under the lights.
Only two rookies worth talking about are Cianciarulo and Webb. The rest are duds (Martin, Savatgy, Bell) just waiting for a career to be a mid-packer filled with nothing but hype from there parents and friends and family on message boards and comment sections.
Ciaciarulo rides for PC, trains with Baker, and rides with RV. To all the haters thinking he won't come out swinging, well i just can't help but laugh. Jealous much?
Webb is right in the mix with Adam, Webb has a solid program and is getting dialed at the moment and is only getting stronger. He's coming off some solid race wins and is confident.
Adam and Cooper are bringing in hype and it's exciting. We all know they are going to be the next "it" kids. Because without them we would have nothing but a class full of mid-pack riders with B qualifying speed filling up the gates when Blake Eli, Kroc, and Marvin move to the 450 class.
As for PC. They will get their next title this summer.
Like with Stewart, the competition has caught up. J Martin will be solid, always there. Seems a good head in the heat of battle.
The Outdoors will be:
1.Roczen
2.Baggett
3.Musquin
@Bear, That would make Krok and Musquin's gp days equivilant to Barcia, Tomac and Bagget's amateur careers. Bottom line is they have the same experience racing pro and this is theyre year to deliver. If not now it may be never.
Tommx, you got the first two right. Just switch the order. No one rides like Blake outdoors!
The surprising talent in the 250's outdoor will be Jeremy Martin. He has the speed, and conditioning, don't count him out. I predict he will outshine all other rookies.
Rene-Benito- why bag out on someone for their opinion?
Marvin rode from last to first in an incredible ride last week.
I wait with excitement to see the east vs west shoot out!! When the gate drops the bullshit stops!
2LCB24 I couldn't agree with you more. JM 77 trains hard, and is being whipped into shape by RC's mom. It worked for RC, and is showing some good payback for his efforts.
Its Good Seeing Pro Circuit Losing. Mitch Will Start Whining Again Just Like He Did When Yamaha Of Troy Bikes Were Winning! Good Seeing Others Win Geico Honda & Red Bull KTMs. He Wants To Level The Playing Field Level When He Loses!
Please do not forget about DD44! The kid can chop wood! He hasn't had much of a shot to prove it because of injury and crappy bikes, but on the PC if he can stay healthy, he will win a couple, and has a dark horse shot at the championship. He is also my son's favorite!
Also Justin Hill on the PC will be a threat at some wins. He has been top 5 every race in SX. He is a rookie. The rumor is that he is much better outdoors than in, so he might open some eyes when Hangtown comes around.
Mitch should get back into developing Husky's for enduro cross.
It might be just me but, Mitch's answers seem bitter and arrogant. Seems to be implying that the only reason these other teams caught up was because they lock in the top am's and "steal" motor technology. The days of selling their competition inferior motors and hiring guys on the cheap with the promise of the best bikes are over. Even if he is willing to pay a higher salary riders might shy away just because of how he likes to act like a drill sergeant. I respect what he has done and will do.
I kind of agree with Payton's take on the high end amateur programs although it's hard to flack anyone for supporting our sport at the amateur level. It's just unfortunate there's not more support to go around, a select few kids are provided with a factory program so of course they're going to excel above the other amateurs who hardly stand a chance against the likes of AC or Webb and their endless resources. That's the way it goes though, I'm just on the fence because I'd prefer to see the huge amateur money spent on pro racing considering how many good pro riders can barely afford to be there even though it's their job. Amateur support should stay at the amateur level, not factory level, in my opinion.
Kind of glad to see Mitch and his brilliant picks struggle this year.
As for A.C , D.D. and Davallos, forget it. Davallos and Durham have the mindset
of a mental midget and will never keep it together for a season.
A.C. won't hang this year and Bell can't complete a moto without going over the Bars. I'm hoping Musquin's hard work will pay off for him.
At this point PC will probably start focusing on outdoor testing more than normal.They dont have a shot at any SX tittles right now so it's time to move on. They should have a pretty strong team at Hangtown.
It's nice to give a lot of guys rides but I think they are a bit watered down right now. Davalos and Rattray need to move on in my opinion. BB is the outdoor king. Hopefully Hill will show something.
I agree with Mitch about the amateurs. It should be about the rider and not the equipment. Factory involvement is just increasing the gap between the chosen few and those behind them. A lot of great talent may get overlooked.
all i can say is this season in the outdoors the 250s are going to be more stacked than ever. any one of the top ten guys has a shot at the box every moto
I didnt even knew AC was riding pro nationals already this year, he will maybe lead some laps but wont stand a chance with the more experienced riders! This will probably be an orange summer, although i want geico honda to win all three titles.
If Tomac is going to the 450's....and Wilson....which is what I keep hearing. Unless Baggett's not well enough, he should handle it. His main competition last year was Tomac and Barcia....with Tomac giving him the best run. I would have picked Tomac to win the 250 class this year if he was staying in it (which we STILL don't know for sure).
Idk why tomac doesnt want to race 250s outdoors one more time. With the 450 class as stacked as it is theres not much room for success. Are top 10s and 5s on a big bike really worth more than a potential title on a 250? With Barcia out and a potentially weak Bagget, it would make Roczen his main competition, whom he had covered at the start of the year. If he wins the last of the west races it might change his mind. Gotta get what you can while the gettins good.
@tommx. Think you nailed to there Tom. Bagget and Roczen will battle for the 250 title with Roczen taking it. Marvin lacks the all out speed of the two afore mentioned, but won't be far behind, and in the event of either of them making a mistake, he will be there to capitalze. None of the rookies will get a sniff of the podium unless one of the three contenders fall down or have a problem.