by Andy Bowyer
Thursday Rev Up: Southwick
Thursday, August 26, 2010 | 4:45 PM
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In this article…
Riders
- Kevin Windham
- Josh Grant
- Chris Pourcel
- Ryan Dungey
- Andrew Short
- Chris Pourcel
- Justin Barcia
- Trey Canard
- Tommy Hahn
- Matt Goerke
Races
Hello, everyone, and welcome to the Rev Up. The 2010 Lucas Oil/AMA Pro Motocross Championship is down to the short and curlies. Ryan Dungey will become your 450 outdoor national champion, but he still has the record book to race for. Dungey can become the most prolific rookie in the history of the sport, and possibly earn the new moniker, "The G.R.O.A.T." Okay, that sounds awful, but if he wins the final three rounds, he can write a page in the books that may never be touched. His season has been simply astonishing, and I want to congratulate him and his team on their domination of 2010.
Ryan Dungey may be trading that #5 in for another #1 by Saturday afternoon.
Photo: Steve Cox
Now for the good stuff: As predicted, the battle for the 250 crown is probably going to go down to the last moto of the season. History has proven that when a rider is charging the way that Trey Canard has been, the rider he is chasing is in trouble. A rider can do his best to block out said charge and be confident with his points lead, but no matter what level of Zen he reaches, things just happen. For Christophe Pourcel, trouble arrived in a high-speed yard sale and a zero-point score in moto one at Unadilla. Still, he proved that he wants this crown badly and put on a show in moto two that left everyone’s mouth agape. Canard should be riding into Southwick with a 10-point deficit, but he couldn’t hold off #377, and as it stands, the magic number is 16 with six motos remaining.
More trouble arrives in Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s weird luck at the infamous American sand facility. What’s more, this round cost Christophe the 2009 title, and he’ll have some serious demons to fight this Saturday afternoon. Canard and last year’s ‘wick winner Justin Barcia have nothing to worry about but winning motos.
Let’s go ahead and get Revved Up for the home stretch, and what is always a great spectacle at Motocross 338!
450
The Ryan Dungey wrecking ball will be hard to stop, but if it does, it looks like it’ll be a Belgian who makes it happen. There is something to be said for the energy that Clement Desalle had at Unadilla. A lot of guys can put together one good race. Can "The Motocross Panda" carry the mail two races in a row? All of this stuff would be true if Desalle were racing at Southwick. But, he isn’t.
Matt Goerke won Southwick last year, and he's coming back from injury this weekend.
Photo: Steve Cox
Remember who won this race last year? It was Matt Goerke on a factory YZ450F, and he’ll be making his return to the track. He won’t win it this year, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him get on the box in one of the motos. That’s the trick of Southwick; many times we see new names and faces at the front of the pack.
Andrew Short will get at least one holeshot and he’ll be strong, so will Kevin Windham, Bret Metcalfe, and Josh Grant. I’d also look for a Tommy Hahn or a Ben Townley to jump into the fight and be heard.
The title may be over here, but there will be some great racing all the way down the stretch.
250
It’s "go-time" here, folks. Trey Canard can almost taste the point lead, but I wouldn’t say that he has Pourcel on the ropes just yet. Southwick creates a lot of variables, with motor failures, bad starts, and the always-present local speedsters all getting in the mix. Justin Barcia rides this place better than anywhere, and he’s my favorite for the O/A. But, what will happen from there is a vast open space of uncertainty. The title is on the line, and the pressure is on.
Trey Canard (38) and Chris Pourcel (377) will battle down to the wire for the title.
Photo: Steve Cox
As mentioned, there are still six motos remaining. A lot can and will happen until the final flag flies at Pala, so the title contenders still have to ride smart. If Canard or Pourcel go down in the first turn, they have to realize that every single position matters. They have to push all the way to the finish, and there is no doubt in my mind they will.
The weatherman is calling for gorgeous, sunny skies all weekend, and all championship drama aside, it will be another great day for American Motocross. It’s been a whale of a series thus far, and as we reach the final stretch, the best racing and battles may still be to come. Let’s all get it jacked up and see what this dance will bring!
Thanks for reading, see you next week.
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"Andrew Short will get at least one holeshot and he’ll be strong" For 15mins or so, That seems to be his limit. I still remember a 44 year old guy running him down last year and beating all but 2 at the end of the day.
Dungey is The Boss
Would be great to see JD up front again there always seems to be a fast local running up front at Southwick. Cant wait for the 125 "250" race will be a barn burner and i think there will still be some great racing in the big bike class. The Wick always has some great racing and PC seems to have lots of motor trouble there so that could be interesting! DUNGEY RULES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JD said he was going to train some this year, He was pizzed last year he got tired, he could have won very easy. He was going for the lead, almost had it then with a few laps left ran out of gas. So if he gets some good starts he can be up there for sure.
The GROAT ...lol... that's pretty funny.... But in reality it will take one heck of another effort to top Dungey's rookie season on the big bikes..... From the MXDN last year "The Rookie" ....no?....how about "The Kid" ....hmmm... well anyway.... "The Dungey" has been plugging away and winning.....The kid is like a machine.... maybe we should call him "The Bot" ....no? ....okay I got nothing.....
and one heck of a string of injuries as well...(no disrespect, just reality)
O my god the reality is that is very Disrespectful the simple fact is injuries are a part of are sport. You have to be in it to win it! DUNGEY RULES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have to agree with YZSEAN it is a big disrespect to say Dungy is winning because of who is not racing. Injuries are part of any sport and ours is full of them but Dungy has faced all challengers and beat them all straight up JS,REED,MILLSAPS,ALESSI,GRANT,SHORT,and all the others. I know one fact about racing ...and that is you can only race the guys that show up and DUNGY has done that.I would also like to add that JS7 is a total tool for not racing the last couple of nationals-Don't tell me they can not get him a decent set up for his bike when privateers can run at the front with much less support-James just does not want to be a man and be there for his fans and sponsers if he can not win.
The reality is that everyone is hurt and motocross is extremely boring to watch right now. Dungey has yet to face healthy top teir opposition and win so its fair to say he hasn't been tested (or at least hasn't graduated into RC like status). I would love to see him fight it out with the best but for now I could care less about the races.
So in some of your reality there are only 3 riders out of all the pro's that count. There are many other riders out there besides RV2 and JS259 and i never said RD5 is in the same category as the GOAT! DUNGEY RULES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
P.S RD5 has beat every rider that RV2 And JS259 beat in outdoor as well as both of them what more must he do! DUNGEY RULES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Motocross is boring to watch?? What?? No freakin way. We have a great battle starting tto heat up in the 250 class. And the 450 class we are watching history. A rookie winning the title. Its cool. What is the weather going to be like?? Anyone, BILLC, is it going to be hot?? It will play a factor, and these breaks couldnt have come at a better time for Pourcel, he was struggling with the heat I think, but I look for him to get the overall this weekend, at least a 1-2. I wish Cairoli would come over for a National, I would love to see him ride Southwick.
Give me a break Klock! Dungey is the real deal and is showing everyone how to do it right. James coming back and getting whipped proves that NOBODY is so talented that they can beat Dungey without HUGE amounts of training effort. That puts him in the class of all the dominant riders of this sport. Nobody wants to compare him to the Goat or any other greats, but the way he is riding right now I would put him against any of them. It can't be proven but to anyone with eyes it is obvious what league he is in. And right now he is the BIG DOG. And let me add that he has other great qualities being humble and respectful of his competion as an example. P.S. I'm a huge fan of RC and James too! Yzsean you wouldn't say it but I did! And this is for U, DUNGEY RULES!!!!!!
Dungey this,, dungey that,, you media types are too in love with dungey,, what is newsworthy is what the junkyard dog did last year at the wick at the age of 45 and what he may do this year... (No mention of that in rev up) Dungey's record is awesome, however, my opion is that a 40+ rider running and whipping the best in the country,,, now that is truly amazing!!! GO J.D..........
G.R.O.A.T... please. An impressive debut season by RD5 and a deserved winner for the 2010 season in both classes, but hold off on the throttle in claiming such accolades just yet... in respect to the man him self (RC4), if for nothing else. RD5 has had an impressive season or multiple seasons for that matter, but his accomplishments should come as no surprise. Without JS7 on the gate at the start of the season along with the short season of the defending series champ CR22, RD's stats are a tad flattering. I'm not saying RD5 hasn't had competition, but the post-domainat era of RC4 and JS7, it was time for the best of the rest to step up... Here lays RD5's strength, easier to be a champion (as a former/current 250 SX&MX Champion) then to try and be a champion like rest. Here's hoping for a return by ALL the top dogs in 2011 for a straight head-to-head, whose the baddest dude on dirt bike. Ride Safe.
Hey 0800, I think by G.R.O.A.T., he means greatest rookie of all time. By his efforts thus far he probably is having the best rookie season of all time. Carmicheal didn't have a great rookie season. Forget who's hurt now, Dungey ran with and beat every guy that's currently racing this year. He also managed to not do anything stupid to put himself in a position to get hurt. It's not who is the fastest on the track until he augers himself into the hospital that gets the title as number 1, it's the guy who can go the fastest for the entire race, and entire series. Dungey is that man this year, not Stewy or RV2 or Reedy. Gotta also give some love to JD at southwick. He was magical last year.
Watch out for RATTRAY this weekend on the 250. He is good sand rider. There's a lot of Sand in South Africa and I wont be surprised if he podiums or even wins. Dungey is already the GROAT. As of right now he has more wins that RC in his rookie yr.
I dont think Canard and Pourcel will go down to the wire. Pourcel will check out from here onwards.
Dgizzy" No disrespect to you here really but i hope your wrong on the 125 "250" class. I would love to see them really have to race it out all the way. I am a Canard fan but i am coming around to being a Pourcel fan as well. One of my best friend is all about Pourcel and i think he is getting mutch more acclimated to the USA. And that makes me like him more and more! DUNGEY RULES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lets see, no mention of Stewie this week Andy?
Klock.......you don't have a clue, do you?
I agree with yzsean that Pourcel has become much more likable during the second half of the outdoor season. Last year at Southwick Barcia was amazing and he should be tough to beat. To all the guys who say Dungey is winning because all the guns are not racing, every top 450 racer was on the line and healthy at A-1 with the same chance at the titles as Dungey! Whats amazing to me is RD5 had more outdoor overall 450 wins by Unadiila than he had during his 3 years on the 250. RD5 is getting better every time he races, if anyone wants to take a title from him they better start eating their Wheaties now because it is not going to be easy.
The 250 Cship is 377 to lose but before he "checks out" and goes four for four he has to A) get through the Southwick track B) Canard, Barcia a surging 21 and C) check out the Sept temps at Pala . It was over 100 today. JimM Carlsbad Ca
Man i'm tired of hearing that Dungey doesn't have competition because of a weak field. When RC dominated everyone complained that the rest of the pack was settling for 2nd and not trying hard enough. The same when Stewart dominated. RV is a great outdoor rider but remember that he only raced once on that 450 outdoors. Winning the 1st race of the nationals doesnt mean he would have dominated the rest of the series..ask Reed and Alessi about that. That leaves JS and we saw what happened 2 weeks ago. I suppose Metcalf, Short, Townley, Desalle, Hahn, Reed, Windham etc arent considered competition. Enough already!
EVERYONE is claiming that Dungey is winning because Stewart is injured.....but, and this is a big but that no one seems to mention, when did James Stewart FINALLY start winning? oh yeah, it was when that guy, what's his face....ummmm, i think he was number 4 or something like that, rode a suzuki...well, whatever that guys name is, he went into semi-retirement and won all six overalls that he competed in outdoors then finally decided to fully retire, who was that guy?
Well, if Dungey wins out now, he'll have 11 450 wins and be tied with LaRocco and Gary Jones for 11th on the all-time wins list. He'll be 1 behind Stanton and Kiedrowski, 2 behind Jeff Ward(!), and 4 behind McGrath. Oh yeah, and only 5 wins behind James Stewart. That is one hell of a rookie season.
Not that my opinion counts but, Dungey is for sure the real deal - Whoever said it before that even stewart the fastest man on the planet cant beat him in a race for more than 2 laps shows where the Dunge is at.... JS7 needs to train his but off to beat him. Congrats to Desalle who is not very familiar with the US style etc... and is also the only guy who has given dungey a real red hot go 2 moto's running, the guy is given Carioli some greif, the guy who beat JS7 and no disrespect, was caught and passed by RD5 and then gapped by 10secs plus in 5 laps. Desalle is going to be a force to be recond with in the MXoN and FIM again next year - Hope he is Dungey's team mate for 2011. Good luck AMA Pro class - you will need it with those 2 swapping 1st's and 2nd's all season long. JS7 - Not his biggest fan, fan of his ability on the bike... WTF? For many of us he has just simply made a career change - Motocross great to apprentice Marketting consultant for his sponsors... No doubt he had the injury and it needs time - he also needs to ride into his race fitness again... really dissappointing to be fair.
7 won when 4 left...5 is winning now that 7 and 22 and 2 are out...i know that pisses some of you "dungeons" off...but the reality is, he won't gain the bench racing respect of those who aren't his fans until he has a chance to hand it to those guys head to head...yeah yeah YZSEAN, i know you have to be in it...I know it is part of the sport...blah blah blah...but in bench racing world, we want to see head to head(remember all the threads about "straight up" between 22 & 7)...RC4 punished everyone, even when they were at full strength...and ALL moto bench racers respect him for that...i like RD5, he is seriously awesome, but I would like him more if I could see him throw it down by 30 sec over all three of the above mentioned speedsters when they are healthy(p.s. he already put it to cr22 pretty good this summer)...help me Tom Cruise
halfe316, you cant throw Stewie in the mix. He is supercross only remember?? That is what he wants. If he ran the supercross season free of injury, he wouldnt have come close to going to Unadilla. I dont think Reed would have anything for Dungey. And RV@ who knows, but it is really just a bunch of "what ifs" that mean nothing. He can just race the guys who line up next to him . He has done it and waxed everyone.
yeah half316...bench racing is fun and all, but reality is what is going on out there right now. When #7 and #4 were going at it we didn't realize it at the time but that was an exception, particularly with the number of serious injuries on the rise. It's going to become more and more difficult for a rider to remain healthy and finish a season strong. That's what makes RD even more remarkable, the guy is getting better and avoiding injury while riding and winning at a very high level.
Just the facts,if JS or RC were getting the same results against the same competitors as RD is- everyone would be gushing about their greatness.
Andy Bowyer - this is the second week in a row with a sub-par Rev-Up.... Last week it was you defending Bubba-chump and this week there is no mention of John Dowd? No talk of the history of great rides at this track by Doug Henry, Brian Swink, or RC?? Come on man...
Bandit, I agree 100%.
Halfe316: It could not be described better.. Right on!. The title is sealed this year it seems, but the lites are still on fire and nothing can be predicted, Dungey is a proven champ... for this year, the next one is going to be difficult to call. Too many talents out there maybe in top condition. CP and Canard will be interesting to watch on the 450s. Dowd rode amazing last year at S-Wick and I hope he does the same this year. JS will always have a big asterisk besides his name for being a quitter in all senses. His team manager is not even smart enough to make excuses, what a shame for the sport and huge waste of unvelievable talent. Just sayin..
It's hard to think someone isn't specifically ragging on Shorty when over and over they make the same statement: he'll "'get at least one holeshot and he’ll be strong.' For 15mins or so, That seems to be his limit." Point made! Nonetheless, he's been second or third in nearly every series he's run (SX or MX), and it seems clearer than ever that he's the right choice for MX3 in MXdN.
I agree that it’s bogus to try to bring out the ol’ asterisk and to lesson Dungey's accomplishments. He’s done EVERYTHING that’s been asked of him – last year in 250s, and ESPECIALLY since he jumped on a 450. Emig declared in his interview on Alli that Dungey is approaching the level of “one of the best.” You’re not hearing ANY of his peers (and no, J-Law is NOT a peer) disrespect him the way some of you armchair experts are. As Bowyer said, “His season has been simply astonishing.”
BTW, the weather, as Andy said, should be gorgeous tomorrow … slightly cooler than Unadilla. I’ve got to get to bed; I’ve got a RACE to go to tomorrow! GO DOWDY!
Halfe, there are very few that I see still questioning Dungey's performance this year and as astonishing as it is, they all appear to be JS7 disciples. Say what you want about JS7 coming back early, it doesn't say much that he decided that he is not capable of taking it to Dungey....even a month later at Pala. He probably woiuldn't admit it, but he has newfound respect for what Dungey has done. Next up will be RV. I think the two Ryans will be battling at the front next year, again. I don't think Dungey will dominate, I think they will be fairly well matched...starts will play a big role. As for Reed, he is no longer a factor...in SX or MX. He might get a few good rides in in SX next year, but he is on the downslope and there is too much comp now. Dungey whipped him this year, he whipped Stewart into give-up mode, and the only question is RV. Anyway, the guy has earned almost everyone's respect, armchair or industry insider, and only a few rabble-rousers still remain. That's actually as close as you can get to 100%. Even RC had his detractors, and that was only based on.....well, based on nothing.