by Andy Bowyer
Rev Up: Dallas
Thursday, February 14, 2013 | 9:30 AM
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PrintHello, everyone, and welcome to the Rev Up. It is times like these that I go back to Texas metal band Pantera, and more specifically their front man, Phil Anselmo. In his command of the stage, his shaved-head-shoulders-back bravado didn’t preach hate as much as it was an extension of male aggression and confidence. I saw the band three times in the late ‘90s and before the show Phil would walk out and speak to the crowd in a deep, grizzled drawl telling them that he had heard that, “heavy music was dead and gone.” Then he would raise his arms to the capacity crowd and say, “Well...check this out.”
It’s time for the second chapter in this game. Round seven continues the streak of each coming event being the most anticipated and the charge continues to surprise and build drama. Hosting this one in the billion-dollar Cowboys Stadium, which, among other things, boasts the second largest high-definition video display in the world. The place is a wonder in itself. Beyond that, the unpredictable title chase in the 450 class and the series debut of the East Region 250 class sets the stage for some amazing coverage (everyone shout it together) LIVE on SPEED! Let’s take a look at the two super-charged stories heading our way.
Reed is looking for his first win of 2013 in Dallas.
Simon Cudby photo
450
It’s hard not to look at team Discount Tire TwoTwo Motorsports Honda’s Chad Reed as one of the favorites for the win. Reed has been fast the past two weeks, but put it on the ground. My theory with his mistake last weekend was that he hadn’t been running that pace the whole night. He qualified off the pace, had a so-so heat race, then was a house of fire in the main event. Chad’s experience is grand, but I think there is a science to those guys pushing themselves in qualifying. It’s just a theory, Reed is one of the greatest riders of all-time and he is going to do things his way. Another feather in his cap is that his anger should fuel his determination. He's riding good enough to win.
It’s tough here with Rockstar Energy Racing’s Davi Millsaps being so fast, strong and consistent. The Davi-Train leads them by 19 points and until Reed and Muscle Milk Honda’s Trey Canard make up some ground, Millsaps just has to keep an eye on Red Bull KTM’s Ryan Dungey for the next few rounds. Don’t overlook Dungey’s championship focus as he is one sour DM18 outing away from leading the show. Problem is, Millsaps is the hottest and most consistent racer of 2013, and is fresh off a win.
It’s odd to consider Monster Energy Kawasaki pilot and two-time defending champion, Ryan Villopoto a wild card, but for this week I consider him and Yoshimura Suzuki’s James Stewart to be just that. Until RV stays off the ground for a few races and Stewart gets on the podium I find it difficult to place them in the favored to win category. Justin Barcia was strong last weekend, and this is Trey’s home race. Canard might have a little magic this Saturday night.
It’s anybody’s victory to capture; THIS is why they run the races.
Can Wharton grab a win in the Lone Star state?
Simon Cudby photo
250
Jason Weigandt put down the 250 East preview yesterday and covered the bases with this group. What makes the East Region debut interesting to me is how ultra competitive and sharp they will be right out of the gate. With the West Region beginning in January there isn’t a lot of time for the racers to dial in their machines, or themselves for that matter. The East also has the fortune of piggybacking the trial and error (and success) of their teammates. Six extra weeks on the test track doesn’t hurt anyone either. That said, there is no way to simulate race conditions, so I'd still expect to see a degree of shakiness for the opener. They're all aching to race and there should be a beast of a main event.
Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Dean Wilson is the favorite, but I don't think he will walk all over this lineup of title contenders. Local boys, Blake Wharton and GEICO Honda’s Wil Hahn will be ready to run, and Red Bull KTM’s Marvin Musquin should turn some heads with his fast and smooth style.
It always makes me cringe watching the rookies, especially when they’re on high-pressure race-winning equipment. Enter GEICO Honda’s Zach Bell and Pro Circuit’s Justin Hill. I hope their handlers pull the reins back on them a little because they have a lot of good days ahead if they keep it on two wheels. There is little to no footage of Hill’s attack, but we all know Bell likes to stretch the throttle cable. (Cringing)
GEICO Honda's Zach Bell makes his 250SX debut in Dallas.
Simon Cudby photo
The track has a lot of the obstacles we've seen all season, but the holeshot section reminds of Oakland (everyone remembers that). Throw in the dry hard-packed Texas soil, and there is already serious potential for some "wow" moments. Let's hope all the big names can get through the first three corners so we can see a show worthy of the Lone Star State.
Meanwhile, a lot of the industry will be in Indianapolis nursing hangovers at the trade show. That is a fun week with a lot of hard work and they'll all be watching the race with tired eyes. I'm happy to say I’ll be making the trip to Arlington as a big fan and to support Rev Up. I'll be tweeting Instagram shots and updating all day so follow me @andybowyer77. I can’t wait to sip the Crystal champagne that I heard flows from the drinking fountains in the Cowboys Stadium press box. Purely joking, I just want to smell some race gas and watch the boys dominate the track.
Dominate...domination...Pantera..."can you hear Rex’s bass? Answer me do you hear the $%&!ing bass?” I realize most of you don’t know that band, but for the rowdy Texans in attendance that do, they know what time it is.
Thanks for reading, see you at the races.
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I saw Pantera open for Black Sabbath in Houston, TX. Phil was so drunk, he could barely sing.
Cowboy Style
With a six pack down, you could hear a collective sigh of relief. From the fans, it was because the top riders are still healthy. From the riders, it was because they are done in California, leaving the crappy dirt behind. This week it’s Texas, with 2/3s of the season left and a little luck, any of the Sensational Seven could still grab the gold.
Dead Eye Davi has hit the box 5 out of 6 shots this season. He carries the red plate and with it, a bulls eye on his back. So far, he has run rough shod over the competition, using his quick reflexes to shoot out front, while rest of the gang beats it self up trying to catch up to him.
The Locomotive comes chugging into Arlington looking to pick up steam. Lately, he has shown a more aggression on the track fighting for position. That is out of character for him, but it’s landed him on the podium 4 times and is necessary, if he is to gain the respect of this wild bunch.
The Firecracker, expected to be the fastest gun in the west, at times, has looked like the shakiest gun in the west. Mistakes have caused him to miss the box half the time. Look for him to make some noise soon, because with his short fuse; he could go off at any time, blowing up every one else’s title hopes.
The Comeback Kid looked to be on target early in the year, hitting the box 2 out of his first 3 tries back from injury. Since then, he has struggled a bit and been at the tail end of the Seven. Being back close his home, in the Oklahoma territory, should provide the boost he needs to find his way back up front.
The Dade City Scofflaw finds himself back where he was busted up after being bucked off last year. His 22 has hit the target just once and he has bit dirt the last 3 rounds. Rest assured the ornery ole timer will have his sights reset and be aiming to win this week’s contest.
Blondie flashes a big smile, but don’t let that fool ya. He’s shown he won’t back down from a fight and he’s tough enough and fast enough to ride with the best. Almost 2 races down in the points chase, the youngster for sure looks forward to the challenge of moving back up through the ranks.
The Gambler is still in the game. Many felt he would fold after the cards he was dealt at the first four rounds. While he has yet to hit the box, his speed is still there and the last two weeks he has a pair of 4’s to his credit. Some say his time has passed, but don’t count him out just yet, he is still capable of laying down a winning hand.
Surprises have been the norm this season, will Texas hold even more?
Hole shot, Reed takes rest of field behind me, and I get 30 second lead! And I still lose because I'm a local C class rider.... :,(
Never mind.....
I saw Pantera first in 1994 I think it was, maybe '93..White Zombie was the opening act.. Cincinnati Gardens..Awesome show..Sold out show..very wild...
I would love to see Will Hahn win this title..It will be hard.. Wilson is very fast, and I do look for Musquin to do something this season..Wharton could be tough to beat in his Home state..
This weeks winners predictions...
450SX
Villopoto 35%
Reed 20%
Millsaps 15%
Dungey 15%
Canard 10%
Stewart 5%
250SX
Wilson 60%
Wharton 20%
Musquin 15%
Hahn 5%
Darn, I forgot Barcia.
450SX
Villopoto 35%
Reed 15%
Millsaps 15%
Dungey 10%
Canard 10%
Barcia 10%
Stewart 5%
Reed should back it down, he's hitting the ground too much and it's only a matter of time..........RV, RD and Barcia will lead the push...DM18 will get on the box, as far as the 250's Good Point..Alot of Crazy Kids and Wilson is clearly a Man anong boys..........But I say Wharton surprises EVERYONE
Not sure how well Trey will do. I think RD used up all the jesus juice during shockgate. I'm just kidding so relax.
The only thing I do know is, the winner won't be worse than third on the first lap and pizzaloser, as usual, has nothing to add but complaining. Must be tough being gay in Texas.
I saw Pantera at the Sheppard AFB Airman's club and the guitarist gave a pic with their logo on it. A long, long time ago.
I cant believe that anyone thinks Reed will win again WRONG hes done winning and turned into a complete a-hole this is a great season though and every race is a surprise
Saw Pantera @ Ozzfest. Phil must be THE MOST FOUL-MOUTHED front man ever....RIP DIMEBAG!!!!! GO Blake.....hoping to see the rookies get up front too. Let's see if Chad blames his front tire, his forks, his this, his that....
I predict RV, CR, RD, JB, TC, DM, JS,
and plan on being at the entry to the pitts at 5 for any of you posting nerds to hang out with.
If CR starts behind RV in the lead sat I wonder if he gets the jitters- last year was looking like he was going to get RV when his world came apart.
these guys are starting so well its crazy
I hate to admit it, but I like the 'Davi-Train' idea. But uh, yeah, that 'Deal' Wilson will be a threat indeed. And look up 'reign' vs 'rein'.
I never could take pantera seriously. They were a hair band in the 80's and changed their style and look when the 90's rolled around.
"Until RV stays off the ground for a few races and Stewart gets on the podium I find it difficult to place them in the favored to win category"
.JS I agree.
.RV,......WHAT?? he won 2 in a row than had issues with lappers and then had a small fall on a one line track with marbals outside that one line and you right him off?? LMAO
RV and JS wild cards WOW didn't see that coming! (*&%^
@ BD25
Good stuff !!!!!
RV and JS being put in the same category for anything is sure to cause an uproar.
RV HAS made mistakes all year. Its not typical Villopoto out there. No one writes him off, but hes crash or win so far this year.
Hopefully the track won't be slicker than a Texas whores front teeth......
RV and ole Sourpush22 will get after it.
Always look forward to the Andy PANTERA edition article!!! Saw PANTERA aleast 10 times in my days and sadly, I have not seen a show like that since.....Slayer shows come close, but the Phil factor is not there....
" you wont hear this next song anywhere but in your goddamn car, at home or on this Fckin stage -and thats the way it should be" - P. Anselmo
RIP DIMEBAG
Now Moto.....Dallas I have a feeling is going to be a very crazy night....You have a few guys that need to taste victory just to taste it - I dont think either Reed or Stewart have gone 7 rounds into any season without a W....let alone no podiums for Stewart and only 1 for Reed to thus far.... Reed has picked it up but he looks a little on edge and 3 main event crashes in a row he seems to be pushing it..Dallas is where he went out last year and that may play with the mind in a negative - or positive way....we'll see.... RV will be back on top this week...His mistakes come while he is coming through traffic and having to go out of the race line to find places to pass....He had RD in his crosshairs last week and lapped traffice ended that....Stewart gets stronger and stronger each week, so I think Dallas he makes the box ...what spot is up in the air..... RV, Stewart and Canard are my top 3....and i'll just leave them in that order....but who knows....
Sourpush22.....That's a good one!
Yeah, Sourpuss22 was good. Oh you said "push" - either way, it was funny. lol
Lets see if there is a change in racing come Dallas. Some things have already been established on here, all tracks are one line. Villopoto has been uncharacteristicly crashing since the MEC. We have been fortunate that our boys have survived so far, other than maybe a bruised ego. So let the Davi freight train keep a rolling all night long.
@fred- I know you are lurking out there. So what do you think of Kenny now?
Ha sourpuss that's so fitting I always just refer to him as the double doosh
I can't see him winning this year unless he can manage to take people out at the start, and the try to block till the end.
http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2012-08-11/news/fl-tattoos-law-enforcement-20120727_1_visible-tattoos-law-enforcement-bad-rap
I'm waiting for the next full edition of BD25-X its filled with good info and cornball names like " I hope Marvin 'Munchy Muskquim' throws down with Dean "the Kooky Kilt Klad Kawboy " Wilson... nice.......he also has WAY less ads.
Stewart,Canard,Barcia,1-2-3,stamp it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@ tonewall
How about Action Jaxson----- Tonewall douch'e bag !!! LOL !
Wilson is a good pick for the East, but I have a feeling he is going to have a rough go of it...
The "Davi Train"......
Sweet word-craft. I see lots of other media types piling on that one.
But you, Mr. Bowyer, get to claim it.
What I love most is looking at peoples top three predictions.
Cause I look at them and think "yeah that could be the top three".
I think Andy is right about JS7 and RV1 being outsiders for the win.
JS7 is definitely getting back his speed but doesn't look like he has 20 laps in him right now.
And RV1 has not really had any good starts. He has tucked it round the inside and come out near the front which is smart riding.
But I dont think he believes he can get a good start.
So i would say the favourites this week are DM18, RD5 AND Bam bam.
But I wouldn't be surprised to see a top three of TC, CR and 7S.
and that as a fan is fine with me.
@ BD25
As you SASHAY into Big D
I'll look for you singing
Okie from Muskogee Merle Haggard Style !! LOL !!
The SX tracks so far -- easy, slick, one lined. Therefore, when the top guys get a bad start, they have to override the track, and that equals more dirt samples.. Wait until Dayona,, thats a real SX track... I also still think that JS is afraid to get a good start in the main.. Seems that way so far, and he did the same thing last year.
is this the FAKE scrub-nut hacker mx bob lol or the real MX BOB.(who seems like a decent guy)....thats all you got is 'douchebag' like a wore out phrase spouting thin skinned 12 year old....?
HA HA !! What a stud dud !
Bob... Me and my Mustang, boots and ball cap on, a bottle of Lone Star in my hand, ready to see some racing in Jerry's world... cause I proud to be an Okie ...Yea Haa
tonewall... Be glad to have you as a subscriber to BD25X.. I will even take those names into consideration...giving you full credit of course...you can be my associate editor....lol..
Any one else want subscribe and get my take on the greatest sport on earth?????
MX bob, put a photo up for your profile so we know who you are. It's easy for some of us to tell, the real MxBOb has a high IQ. The imposter.. Not so much.
@ rickamatuzio
Its my dog Beemer you goof ball !! II think that little sis susan should know !!! LOL !
MX Bob style !!
@ BD25
I'll be the one with the Xtreme floppy ear hat !! LOL ! and the blond baby with the big 3 d's lol !
Bob You are a man of style....lol
BD25...glad to see you know i'm playin....some others are here just to change their name daily and show how F&*%ING dumb they actually are...half of them probably don't have even have a motorcycle.....maybe if "moms an "uncle" Jimmy' would cut back on the vodka" and meth and sis gets her job back at 'the "POLE" CAT PALACE" , they might get a CRF 50 knock-off from the hardware store someday...............I normally enjoy your ad free motominifestos.....
tonewall No problem... I don't take myself or any one on here to seriously.. I post on here for fun, some times I do it with humor, sometimes with a reporter hat on, but it is always just my opinion no more no less...I do hope others enjoy what I write and that my passion from the sport shines through...even if I do get a little long winded..lol..
To those posters who want to say hi...look for my MSF cap...
@ BD25 just keep on typing you are good! I wont be able to make the race at Jerrry world so sad, anyhoooo I will keep up with it cause I wont have to stay up till midnight!
hope we have a good race and nobody gets hurt. To all of yo that make the race have one of those $14 Dollar Margarita's for me!
Prayers for Ryno and everyone else that is hurt!
LETS RACE!!!!
@ tonewall
Best in SHOW !!! MOFO !!
@ BD25 You mean MSR Hat dont you !! I will have the misses with me !!!
@ BD25 You mean MSR Hat dont you !! I will have the misses with me !!!
Again, none of these were me. I have this thing called a job that I do during the day. You might have noticed these comments said Arbys earlier.
Nope it is MSF.. look forward to saying howdy..lol
ok! I really enjoy all of the posts and rev up is my favorite. BD25 should have his own column. Thank you all for the lol to go along with the greatest sport of all. Davi on the podium with js7 and bambam, sorry but i cant see the order? well 71851
@ BD25
WHAT !! Massey Ferguson !!! ?????
Sorry to interrupt the Post Rev Up Nut Fest ....
But the "article" claims that the 250 East is supposedly going to be interesting. It would appear to be somewhat difficult to see things in that way. Perhaps if Wilson does not show ....
@ BD25
LOL !
http://nm.msf-usa.org/msf/ridercourses.aspx?state=OK
We know Stewart can win, he beat millsapp hands down in the heat race in Oakland, that was an awesome race by the way, he can train as much as he wants, his results are getting better each week, he is letting things happpen, reed hit the dirt he took advantage of that, villo fell plus bad start plus for stewart,, if the knee gets bettter, he can ride more during the week and get a decent start, he has yet to do that when he does he going to catch fire and hopefully jack with the points, we know what hes capable of doing outdoors, he just need to stick with the program listen to team and build on it, at leat reed hasnt been tryng to knock james down but thats kind of hard for reed when he is picking himself off the ground every five minutes, with what people are saying about ryan hughs with getting hurt and his family and all, maybe reed need to bow out while he is still in one piece, i think windams last crash and the fact that he has a family played a major role in his retirement. Same with Ricky Carmicheal. Good luck JS7 and lets see some wins. Peace
It's James' night to shine boys. Get out your tissues.