by Steve Cox
Monday Conversation: Andrew Short
Monday, July 26, 2010 | 4:00 PM
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PrintHonda Red Bull Racing’s Andrew Short isn’t the same rider he has been in years past. In the past, Short was the consistent guy who was never really the fastest, but was always somewhere near the front at the end of the race. Now, he’s working on becoming the fastest guy, instead of the most consistent, and it shows. He went 2-2 at Washougal, and we caught up with him for an interview yesterday.
Andrew Short: It has all kind of come together and now I just have the confidence; I’m not thinking about it, I just execute it. It’s all kind of coming together and it’s on point right now. It’s awesome because I’ve always kind of struggled with starts and speed and all these things. Now I’m really good at that; those are my strong points. My old strong points are kind of my weaknesses, so have to balance it out a little bit. My starts are just awesome and when you put yourself in a great position like that, it sets you up for the whole race and sets the tone for the race, and that’s a big help.
You said your old strong points are now your weaknesses. I know your old strong point used to be how fit you were and how you could go whole motos at the same basic speed. Is that what you’re talking about?
Yeah, I used to get a decent start and charge through the pack and finish strong. Now I’m going backward. It’s not bad, because obviously this weekend was pretty good with 2-2, but I would like to bridge that gap between me and [Ryan] Dungey. I wasn’t even close this weekend and it seems like that gap is getting bigger, not smaller, and that’s depressing for me. I would like to turn it around and now we have the time to do it, so I have to figure out a few things and I’m excited about the opportunity with that.
How much of that has to do with just the fact that you’re going faster? You’re definitely going faster, and that’s going to take more energy, so is that why your fitness is now your weakness?
Yeah, I think my speed is good like you said. Because of that I’m sprinting and going wide-open and trying to maintain that throughout the whole moto. So I have to contain that and maybe strategize a little better and learn how to race a little smarter and slow it down in my head. When you’re going fast, everything kind of seems rushed and then you start making mistakes and you can’t hold that concentration for that long. That’s what I’m trying to learn. Eventually, when you keep going that fast, it’s going to become second-nature, and that’s how you get to the next level. I’ve kind of struggled with that in the past, so I’m really excited about the speed part of it coming around. Now, I just need to learn to maintain it and let that level of speed become normal for me. I think I’ll be able to do it for 30 minutes and that’s what it’s going to take to win, because Dungey does it the for whole moto; he may even get faster. That’s what I need to do.
Andrew Short (29) grabs yet another holeshot to start the second 450cc moto at Washougal.
Photo: Steve Cox
Like you said, it seems like in watching him, it looks like nothing seems rushed. He’s going fast but he’s not trying to rush into turns or rush out of turns. Everything is just that speed.
His races are like my starts right now. I know I’m going to get a start. I know I’m going to pull a holeshot. I have the confidence up there, and I just execute it. It’s the same thing with him in the moto. He gets behind us and follows me for a couple laps then strikes and he can check out. He does two fast laps, gets a gap, and then he just maintains it. It’s nothing crazy and he’s not being challenged. He’s not going to make mistakes unless somebody is challenging him or pushing him, so that’s where I need to be in order to beat him. Obviously, I’m not there yet, but I have some of the elements it’s going to take. He’s really on form right now; pretty impressive. I wasn’t even that close to him this week and, like I said, I need to bridge that gap while we have some time off.
For years now, you’ve talked about how you were trying to step up your speed, but then it seemed like you would almost settle in again to the "safe" or "comfortable" speed you had, and that doesn’t seem like what’s happening now. Have you done something to change how you go about all this stuff?
You’ve also been really popular with the fans and that seems to be continuing. It’s hard to find a fan that says, "Andrew Short? I hate that guy." How much would you actually say that that contributes to your longevity as a factory rider?
I appreciate that. Obviously, fans are a huge part of the races, and I think they can relate to the fact that I work hard and I may not have the talent or the gift that some guys do, but I work hard and I’ll do whatever I can to be my best and to get to the next level and keep working and never quit. I think people can relate to that. I’m just kind of a real guy that loves to ride dirtbikes and fans at the motocross races all ride, too. They all love to ride and I don’t care if I’m racing Supercross, motocross, trail-riding or hanging out with my buddies riding. I think that comes across. I definitely appreciate it. The sport of motocross is awesome. I love it. It’s my life, and it’s cool just to be a part of it.
Well, good job this weekend.
Thanks. See you at Unadilla!
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Way to go Shorty! Good to see him up front. Sucks that The Flying Squirrel # 108 went down both motos...he had the speed to challenge for the win. GO DEANO! Strong ride for B. Wharton too. Dungey is getting faster every week. (scary) Bring on Bubba!
Way to go Andrew keep it up. Everyone likes him because he is a great guy, says it like it is and doesn't talk smack, and if he did you know hes just joking around. His video segments are awesome to he reaches out and the fans love it.
Refreshing interview. Total honesty. I'm tired of hearing motivational speeches. Shorty will always fly under the radar with his laid back attitude and that's why I love it. If he keeps pulling holeshots he'll get an overall before seasons end. Canard and Short are firmly placing themselves as Factory Honda riders next year.
If he had his old trainer back, he'd be ALOT closer to Dungey than he is now.....
Nice Photo of Shorty leading up the hill, Steve! I would love to buy a poster of it to hang on my Garage Wall! Way to go big guy.
Correct me if I'm wrong but I remember Short beating Dungey at washougal in 07. Why is he selling himself short (no pun intended) and saying hes not as gifted. It sounds like hes already lost before he even starts. I feel like he gave up but its easy for me to say.
I remember shorty smoking everyone in the 250 class years ago at southwick. I believe he won by 30 secs in one moto. I hope he can get that swagger back and put pressure on dungey to make a mistake. He is right the secret to beating dungey is get in his head and pressure him to make a mistake. Can't hate this guy not a bs artist and is humble.
A great few weekend for Andrew, he will win one soon..
Shorty listen to Klockhaven. I feel and see that your motorcycle riding technique and ability is of the very most gifted - You are more precise than JS, as consistant as CR and as experienced as RC.... Dude you go very fast (for every moto out of the last what 6...or so you have lead the race for laps on end!!) There's your speed - you are super fit. Believe that that is where you should be because you are I feel, the guy this season. (Sorry for RD and the rest of them when shorty puts motos in like he's pullin starts! he'll run away with it!) Look at him now (Comfortable top 3- no problem, Holeshot no problem - when he wins an overall - No problem) Go Shorty!
shorty needs to pick up on a few things if he wants to dominate. His holeshots are spectacular, Hate that freakin honda leading every moto. I feel like he needs to ride with his younger teamates like The geico guys. Bubba even said "Trey C has the best scrub in the business". Trey C, Wharton, and Barcia are all known for wicked scrubs and technique on keeping the back tire on the Ground pinned. Agreed?
Shorty = Da Man. I hope he gets it figured out. Ya'll hear he's doing some mental/concentration type tests w/ Red Bull the next couple weeks? Hope that helps. Oh, and speaking of the past (klock & wcumountie), remember when Shorty would bang bars and block pass! Good times! What would you say about him being more aggressive? I can't see him putting it into Dungey in a corner, though...
how could he have beat dungey in 07 wen short was on a 450 and dungey on a 250? anyway i believe he should keep his honda ride and with him and canard that will be the strongest 450 honda team in years
No doubt #29 is in the catbird seat for the MX3 position in this years MXoN. The Honda 450 looks to be finally getting its kinks worked out and a home race for shorty has got to be extra motivation. I'd really like to see Short take some moto wins from Dungey before he takes the title. If he can do that, It'll shore up his chances for a new contract @ Honda.
It must have been 06 then. It was the year of the stewart carmicheal battle in the 450s. I just remember short was out front and dungey was second and short put 5 or so seconds on him and held it till the end.
i believe washougal was round 8 that year too... and wasnt millville round 9? well millville is when dungey 1st debuted as a pro so wrong again...
05kx250,,, you are a jerk !!!!
a RIGHT jerk atleast... what happened tyo your dumba**$ with the wrong quotes last time? just shut your mouth before i put ur tail between ur legs again
Your right I guess, being a "right jerk" is much better than being just a jerk,,, haha,, what an moron.... What quote was wrong, Right Jerk ??
exactly, you dont even remember. you started off last 450 words quoting one guy, i said something about it and you started quoting someone completley different.. maybe you better put your coke bottles on and go look at milleville 450 words and read carefull Balsey
Hey Einstein,, let me clue you in on something,, I porabaly dont remember "wrong quoting" ( using your brilliant vocabulary ) because I didnt !!! Understand ??? Last 450 words was Millville,, and I never quoted ANYONE, you moron...
Fin moron you DID!!! take a lousy minute and go look you fool. i wish you lived close by buddy
you sat there trying to tell me what i was saying was wrong, but i wasnt even talking about the same guyou were (in the begining i thought we were) just admit it you fool! you are a loser! what do you spend all day on here?? anytime i leave a response you sure are quick to jump on it!
As a matter of fact I did look back.. You dum-a** never ansewred my ? on just how bad did KW "smoke" RC? Your the one calling poeple names and telling them to screw themselves.. You must feel so proud of yourself... WOW,,, just how tough are you ,,, cause i'm so scared ....
Seems to me like you have been responding pretty quick today,, ya moron..
you bet i'll be quick now you piece of crap! you dont like my posts? MOVE ON YA BABY!
Great comeback ..... C'mon, tell me to go screw myself like you do to everyone else on here...
hopeully you have a debilitating diease VERY soon... by the way the point of that topic was never how much kw smoked rc, the point was somebody doesnt have to win the championship to smoke somebody in an individual race... D
This is what you said,, when you decided to chime in, and I wasnt even talking to your stupid a**.. """""7/22/2010 4:26:09 PM - smoked him in a race, not a championship is his point genius "" Mind your own business, ya Dhead..
then after that you said i was talking about one guy, then another. PLEASE READ and i can comment whenever i want... im not the only one that thinks your're idiot "trey canard might be the fastest guy on the planet right now". i like the guy, but what a stupidf statement, again.
ELF846 7/22/2010 4:12:46 PM - Windham did smoke r/c striaght up in 4 consecutive motos, during ricky's 2nd year at honda. The last person to beat him outdoors was Ferry while he was still on a kawi. Remember, he went 2 1/2 years undefeated outdoors, till Kevin snapped the streak with back to back 1-1's at unadilla then washougal. But that was back in the day when the track was half two strokes and half four strokes, and ricky was still on the honda two stroke and kevin was on the thumper, and unadilla and washougal are 2 tracks with big hills. Not taking anything away from k-dub, he is the greatest rider ever to not win a major championship. After that, r/c switched to the four stroke honda, and never lost again outdoors, til he switched to suzuki, then won 22 of 24 motos, while 259 was struggling on the 2 stroke. DeleteReport as InappropriateReported ELF846 7/22/2010 4:13:17 PM - sorry fot the echo............ DeleteReport as InappropriateReported halsey 7/22/2010 4:17:34 PM - ELF, you are correct, KW did "smoke" RC when he was on a 4-fiddy,,, but I do believe RC won the championship that year,, so the "smoke" word just doesnt seem to apply.. DeleteReport as InappropriateReported 05kx250 7/22/2010 4:26:09 PM - smoked him in a race, not a championship is his point genius Delete we are talking about elf here, or so i thought.....
then you mention this guy, who i wasnt remotley talking about halsey 7/22/2010 7:30:28 PM - 05kx250,, you cant read, can ya ?? was there anything mentioned about 'MOTOS" in bxfox39's quote... Your mom is calling,, go to bed !!! yz,,, I thought you may have been talking about Junior Jackson,, thats all... DeleteReport as Inappropriate
I was talikng to ELF, ya moron... Like I said, mind you own business...
you were, and i decided to chime in and correct your stupid comment. you can thank me anytime ur done screwin ur daughter
My God Dude,, you really ARE a moron... How many clues does it take for you to figure out that YOU are the problem here.. I mean you are the only one on here that CONSISTANTLY calls everyone names.. What a jacka**...
This is 2010, dungeys first season on a 450. 2009,2008 and 2007 were dungeys lites class seasons, and he went pro at millville, just after lorettas in 2006, to get his feet wet. But, remember how slow he started out, compared to what he is doing now. It was halfway thru his 2nd lites season, when he started to come on strong, and beat villo 3 of the last 4 outdoors, just as villo was about to move up. The third year, he was battling cp for the title. He is a rapidly improving rider. Remember that he did nothing impressive as an amatuer, and came in way below the radar compared to some of the other riders, and we were all scratching our heads as to why suzuki even hired him in the first place. It seemed like a gamble at the time, and it has obviously paid off. It's true that short has improved steadily also, but not at the rate of dungey, who may eventually reach the level of r/c or stewart before he reaches his full potential.
constantly? really? i dont recall any names today besides towards you!
infact, if we look back it was YOU who started the name calling today... hmmmmmm
- You just keep proving how big of a MORON you are,, don't ya ??? I may have started it today, but you started the WHOLE thing... Delete
BALSEY: "you started the whole thing and i couldnt let it go cause im a baby with dumb ass comments that have no basis"
Lets see here,, I started the whole thing, and I have never even said anything to you, and you called me a "genius",, hmmmm.. Doesnt make to much sense to me... Once again, you are a moron..
YOU are the moron, could you not comprehend that i was pretending to be you in my last comment. who is the moron here?
were you, are are you an abused child ??? Sorry, its hard to see myself when played out by a moron..
I guess I'm just one more person on here that hates you.. Thats gotta make ya feel good,, doesnt it ?
no its hard to read when you're a moron is more like it, that would be you. thats the umteented time you Fed up, just give it up... or does the baby boy need the lsat word? i bet you doooo
Another great comeback,, hahaha.. You are a real genius....
i didnt know it was a "comeback contest" i am not lowering myself to your level anymore a-hole, you can be the big man and have the last word you so desperatley need. just remember how many times you misread and screwed up just today... i wont read anymore of your comments on this anymore. if you choose to start another argument at a later date, i hope others catch on and see how dumb you really are. im dumb also for even responding to you.... it ends here
Its not a "comeback contest" ya Idiot. Its a way of telling you that you cant think for yourself,, get it ?? Dude, you are dumber than a box of rocks, arent you ? I think your the one all hyped up about the "last word" thing.. I mean, you are the one who keeps bringing it up, so its obviuosly important to you.. hahahahaha,,, I'm serious, you are an IDIOT ...
05kx25 How old are you , Your rants sound like a child!