5 Minutes With... Ryan Villopoto
Tuesday, January 18, 2011 | 4:50 PM
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Ryan Villopoto wasn’t the fastest rider at Anaheim 1, but he got the start and got the win. He was the fastest rider at Phoenix, but he didn’t get the start. The Monster Energy Kawasaki rider closed up to the rear fender of the leader, James Stewart, but lost the front end and crashed before he could try a pass. But after the race, Villopoto said he may have not tried to even make a pass at all. Here’s the explanation of how the race turned out.
Okay so last week James was fast but didn’t win, tonight you were fast but didn’t win.
Oh yeah, tonight, my riding was way better. But, the track wasn’t…you really couldn’t do anything different. We were the same. He had one section of the track that he was better, I had one section of the track that I was better. It was like cat and mouse out there. I knew that, basically, someone was going to make a mistake and that was going to decide it. Unfortunately, that turned out to be me that made the mistake first. But even if I had not crashed, I think it would have been the same way. In and out, in and out, for twenty laps.
So you weren’t just sitting there waiting and setting him up?
No. It wasn’t like I was saying, “I think I can pass him right here, and I’m just waiting for the right lap to do it.” And I think if the tables would have been turned, and if I were ahead, he would have been the same way. He would have had to just wait for a mistake. So that’s what I tried to do, and he didn’t make one.
Will Villopoto be ready to challenge Stewart at Dodger Stadium?
Photo: Simon Cudby
Okay so last week James was fast but didn’t win, tonight you were fast but didn’t win.
Oh yeah, tonight, my riding was way better. But, the track wasn’t…you really couldn’t do anything different. We were the same. He had one section of the track that he was better, I had one section of the track that I was better. It was like cat and mouse out there. I knew that, basically, someone was going to make a mistake and that was going to decide it. Unfortunately, that turned out to be me that made the mistake first. But even if I had not crashed, I think it would have been the same way. In and out, in and out, for twenty laps.
Villopoto couldn't track down Stewart, but he did hold off Reed.
Photo: SImon Cudby
So you weren’t just sitting there waiting and setting him up?
No. It wasn’t like I was saying, “I think I can pass him right here, and I’m just waiting for the right lap to do it.” And I think if the tables would have been turned, and if I were ahead, he would have been the same way. He would have had to just wait for a mistake. So that’s what I tried to do, and he didn’t make one.
Is this all due to the layout of the track, or the soil?
Phoenix has always been slippery, so it’s mainly the soil. It’s just really hard to push on.
Explain this. You were able to roll up on him quickly and close the gap when he had a lead. But then you couldn’t gain any more time when you got to him.
Well, that’s the thing. I was behind Kevin early, and he was able to pull away a little bit. So that kind of lead, those tenths, they’re pretty easy to go get. I was able to do that. But to pass someone, you need to make up like a half second, or a full second, all at once. To pass someone, you need to go so much faster than the guy in one section just to get next to him, and it’s not going to happen out here. We didn’t have a long set of whoops, they were short, and it seemed like the straight sections were short. It was fun, but it was hard to set something up.
Will Villopoto be ready to challenge Stewart at Dodger Stadium?
Photo: Simon Cudby
So it was a fun track to ride?
Yeah, it was okay. And the sand section got rough, which was cool, but everyone just held it on through there and did the same thing.
What was better about your riding this weekend?
I was just smoother and faster. It was good to get a race under my belt and just be more comfortable. If I had to pick out anything, it would be the corners. I think that was good.
It looked like you were faster in most of the corners, especially after the finish line into that flat turn, and then around the sections after that.
Yeah, but he had one turn down really well, the corner that led us into that triple onto the table top. He was quicker there everytime. Then I would close back in on him through the whoops and after that.
So, you get second place, and you crashed. Normally you’d be bummed with that, but are you happy because of the speed?
Yeah it was good. I just wished I would have stuck there and pushed him to the end. But it’s fine for tonight. It’s only the second round.
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He definitely makes the races worth watching when he's focused, Go RV!. .
Love his style, reminds me of RC, push hard all the time.
Whats with the caption under the pic "Villopoto couldn't track down Stewart, but he did hold off Reed".... Ummm Reed was no where near him.
I think that picture is from the Opening Ceremonies parade lap...look at all the smoke....I think Reed was behing RV2 for one section on Lap 1 and then it was over.... GO RV2 !! I hope he wins the title...long way to go...but looking great so far!
Villopoto couldn't track down Stewart, but he did hold off Reed... And so did Canard...
These 2 1/2 Minutes With.... are pretty nice if it means getting two racers with succinct honest replies instead of one racer rehashing PR cliches for 5 minutes. Good job!
RV study Bubba ,he rarely puts his foot down in the corners.he rides both feet up through them,check it out !!
Two great riders RV and JS and RV has a promising future of being 1 of the greats,GET IT ON!!!
Haha. DC did you really just give a tip to RV to try and make him faster?? Hes one of the fastest riders on this planet. Im sure he knows exactly what needs to be done.
Yeah call me crazy but im pretty sure i remember there being more questions in these features? yamalink you had it right 2 1/2 minutes with, But undeniable, Villopoto is railin this season will not disappoint!
I agree BILLC, that caption doesnt make sense. But it was a pretty good race, just wish they both could have raced like that for all 20 laps. RV is a smart guy, hope he stays healthy all year.
This is going to be a great season, both are pretty equal so far and hopefully soon Trey Canard will be there too, I think Reed can also get up there, but it will take a little longer. Dungey needs to get his ass in gear, I think all four of them are a little faster right now. Please all of you stay healthy for an awesome season.
Yup, the interviews are shorter. I had basically asked the guy everything that needed to be asked in order to know what happened in the race. I could have turned the subject to his favorite song or show, or what his travel plans were for Sunday. I don't know...what would you like me to ask? Otherwise I will have to start calling it 2 minutes 52 seconds with... - weigandt
I think Villopoto was being modest. If he had not gone down in that corner he would have passed Stewart. I believe this is his year, providing he stays healthy.
Villopoto looks Great this year
Not sure for the comments on the 5 minutes with title, its just a article name, might as well only ask important questions, otherwise everyone will be bullsh!t they have to read through the whole "5 minutes"
While I admit js and rv look like the two major players so far.Remember there`s a long way too go.Dungey will be in the mix before it`s over.
@weege I like the hot lap interview format. I'm sure the super busy racers do, too.
I like these short to the point interviews without dumb questions! Keep it up!
Ya could ask him the same question 8 times like Cox'a does...
When rv has faster lap times chasing dungey and crashes, dungey is lucky. When rv has faster lap times chasing Stewart and crashes, Stewart had him handled and was riding safe ? Only difference is rv never had the point lead last year.
Weege, you are awesome no matter how long they are I always enjoy reading your articles! I know it's kind of meaningless at this point in the year but ask everybody what their favorite national tracks are. Or favorite track all time. Then fun stuff would be sick too!
he rides just like keven windom and ricky charmical, always strong and doesnt give up he is a good rider.