Observations: San Diego
Wednesday, February 23, 2011 | 11:15 AM
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Reed was on the pipe in San Diego.
Photo: Garth Milan
This week the supercross series made its stop in San Diego, which we all know is Spanish for Whale’s Vagina. I always like going there. It’s a real cool city, laid back and is small enough that it doesn’t feel like LA or wherever. I used to live down there in my KTM days (2000 and 2001) and thoroughly enjoyed all the things to do down there.
The rain fell off and on all day long and it was a weird day for sure. On Friday, it poured all day, but then Saturday morning started out sunny and hot. Despite this, the AMA and Feld pushed the practices back because of the condition that the track was already in, as well as the upcoming rains expected. And sure enough, the clouds came in, the skies darkened and rains fell. The delayed program was super-rushed and keeps the riders and teams on their toes. There is only about an hour from the end of practice to the start of the opening ceremonies, so the guys are still prepping their bikes when the huge fireball comes out signifying it’s time to go racing.
Reed was on the pipe in San Diego.
Photo: Garth Milan
So what about the track? Well, I have to give Dirt Wurx credit for covering the track and saving it the best they can. It was a weird paradox of super slippery sections and then lots of traction here and there. Then the rains came and it was slipperier than John Candy in Stripes. If dry, I think the track would have been pretty good, there was only one triple and that’s always a good thing in my opinion. The whoops were pretty gnarly but were flattened before the night show because I imagine they anticipated rain, and slick whoops.
Quite a story Chad Reed is cooking up this year. After seeing last week’s first-time winner Trey Canard go down while in the lead, the two-two retook the lead (he had the holeshot) and sped off to become the fourth different winner this year and improve his record in San Diego to 6-2. I’m not sure if anyone out there has noticed, but Reed’s catching fire lately with three podiums out of the last four races after none in the first three. He’s getting used to the Honda and may just make a run at this thing. He’s 16 points back right now.
Some of you out there in Internet land can say that Reed’s win wasn’t straight up or earned, but the fact is that idea would be wrong. Once Reed got into the lead he had James Stewart right there and Stewie was powerless to stop the 22 train. It was a great ride for Chad and well deserved for everyone on the team.
I went back and forth with Reedy on Twitter on Sunday because David Vuillemin had said he was a privateer who won a race. In my opinion, he’s not a privateer at all because he’s got parts on his bike from Factory Honda, that’s the end all to the argument. Access to riding on the Honda track is no big deal, that happens all the time. But it’s the parts that I can see (and the ones that I can’t see that I know he has) that make me wonder if he really should be considered a privateer.
Are JT and Reed in the same boat?
Photo: Simon Cudby
Y’see I was a mechanic for the top privateer in SX twice (Ferry in ’99 and Wey in ’02) and we didn’t get any special parts from anyone. There wasn’t much of an acknowledgment from anyone for what we were doing besides a “good job” and some technical questions answered here and there. Wey did get to ride the Yamaha track in ’02 though. I drove the series, slept in rest stops, showered in truck stops, and feared for my life in parking lots at 4 a.m. My biggest issues were finding water I could steal for the box van’s water tank, and finding a place where I could get power for working on the bike. In short, I am not mentally able to wrap my head around Reed as a privateer. But then when I step back, maybe I’m just being the old man who walked uphill to school both ways. I’m the crusty old-timer who says, “Sure Chad Reed is fast, but Steve Stackable, now THERE was a real racer!” I’m starting to sound like one of those guys that wears the orange helmets and thinks all bikes should have holes in the side panels to help them put their dirt bikes on stands.
And I don’t like sounding like that one bit.
I had Reed on the Pulpmx show on Monday and he was on for an hour taking calls from fans, talking about his race and many other things. He’s always a great interview and the fans always light up the phone lines when he’s on. We got into the privateer thing and his point was that if a guy like Jason Thomas started making podiums or winning races, you’d be damn sure an OEM would start flowing parts his way. He does buy many if not all his. parts and the team is operated by Reed himself. I asked him what he got for winning San Diego and he said purse money (12K) and Honda contingency (10K) and that was it. No OEM bonuses or anything like that.
His transmission has stock ratios but is hardened, and he has factory clamps. Despite that I’m going to say that he’s very much a privateer. No, he’s not like a Jason Thomas (but then JT’s support is far above a guy like Tanner Riedman, just like Reed is above JT, and we all call JT a privateer right? You see my conflicts with this right?), but he is indeed a privateer and he convinced me on the show.
Last week I wrote about how his team was a little bummed that they couldn’t have someone in the first turn to help Reed out if he went down. Things were made right this week when Feld awarded each OEM a third armband for first turn access, with the stipulation that someone from each OEM has to be in the first corner in the LCQ, even if they don’t have an official rider in the race. I think that’s a good move all around and glad to see it was handled in the right manner.
Hansen salvaged a sixth in San Diego.
Photo: Garth Milan
I wrote a few weeks ago that Josh Hansen might have saved himself the championship in LA when he came from dead last to fifth to salvage points. Champions need to limit the damage on your worst days. Well, Ryan Villopoto had one of those rides. RV could only make it up to seventh but it was a valiant seventh at that. As he explains in the post race podcast HERE, that he hit Justin Brayton in the third turn and then everyone piled onto him. By the time he got up he was way back, he pulled into the mechanic’s area pulled off his rear fender and front number plate and headed back out to get whatever he could.
At first, he was closer to getting lapped than catching anyone in front of him, so it was pretty remarkable that he made it up to seventh. He remains in the points lead by the slimmest of margins, but it could have been a real disaster. RV hasn’t won in over a month now and while he’s been fast, he’s got to get on top of that box to get his mojo flowing again. After Atlanta this weekend, I’m going to be staying in Florida for the week and hanging out at his place for a day, I’m sure that will be what he needs to get going.
I really thought that KTM’s Ken Roczen was going to win the 250 main event. I had no doubt about it, kind of like how you know getting married and signing up for Ashleymadison.com is a bad idea and you’re going to get busted. Think about this: Kid Rocz was fastest in the abbreviated practices by almost a second, he’s from Europe and loves the mud, he had a great ride last week on the 350 while the other jerkies took a week off, he won his heat and simply, he’s due. This was the perfect combination of speed, luck, fortitude and good old German know-how that was going to produce this win.
Roczen overcame two crashes in San Diego to finish seventh.
Photo: Garth Milan
Except he got a terrible start, crashed in the first turn and was way back at the beginning of the race. So that was it for him, onto Daytona he goes on the 350 and then back to the 250F to get ready for the GP’s.
But you know what? Even if he had gotten everything right with his start, I’m not sure he had anything for the guy who actually won the race and that would be GEICO Honda’s Eli Tomac. Tomac was a force on Saturday night and at one point he had somewhere around a 14-second lead until he ran into some lappers. What a race for Eli and congrats to him and his family, they all seem like real cool people who have a good grasp on this whole professional dirt bike racing thing.
With the win, Eli moved into third in the standings--he’s got four podiums (all in a row) in six races--and he’s actually in the running for the title right now. In the Racer X Podcast I did with Weege and Ping, he seemed to be Ping’s pick for the title, actually, as he’s twelve points down with three races to go.
And if you check out the official AMA points, you’ll see that there are only two more races left in the championship. Hopefully someone tells them soon that Las Vegas actually counts for the title this year, which would make it three races. Think about that, the west and east guys are going to have practice and then BOOM--what would have been their heat race is actually going to be a final main event for all the championship marbles. That alone makes it worth going to the final race. Ping brought up a good point on the podcast: if previous races in Vegas are an indicator; I hope they lay off the water because the heats are always goopy and poopy due to overwatering (which you could argue is needed in the dry Vegas air). I’d hate for the title to be decided because dudes were just sliding out everywhere.
Tomac is 12 points down with three races to go.
Photo: Garth Milan
Broc Tickle was also a favorite for the race win based on previous rides in some sloppy conditions. He took third. I think that if he loses this championship (he’s second right now, three back of Josh Hansen) he’s possibly going to look at the two points he could have gotten by passing his teammate Tyla Rattray. Ratters is a great guy and a great rider but if you’re Tickle, you have to find a way to make a pass on a guy that’s coming back from injury, has raced a grand total of four Supercrosses, is on your team, and frankly, isn’t as good of an indoor rider as you are.
Ryan Dungey is going to win a race this season, there’s no doubt about that. He’s got to be frustrated by seeing Trey Canard win one and Reed, a rider he was clearly better than early in the season, win his first of the year. The Dunge has been very solid (he’s got the second most podiums in the series-tied with RV and one back of Stewie) and take away his chain derailment, he would be right there for the lead. The thing is, there aren’t too many guys that believe Dungey is faster than Stewie, Villopoto, Canard or gasp, even Reed. Take an informal survey on this scenario: line them up, drop the gate and no one have any problems and I think people would tell you he’s coming out either fourth or fifth fastest out of the above group. He’s consistent, he’s there, but he’s been unable to close the deal when provided an opportunity. I do believe he’ll win before the year is out but I don’t believe he’s going to straight up beat these dudes in my, and many others, opinion. Got to be frustrating for Ryan but he’s working hard, having fun and you have to give it up to his team.
Will Atlanta be the place for Dungey to get his first win of the season?
Photo: Garth Milan
Two guys who have had tough starts to their years are Tommy Hahn and Kevin Windham. Hahn just came back from a shoulder injury when he went down in his heat race and twisted an ankle. He didn’t come back for the LCQ, he’s nineteenth in points with only one decent race and has at no point been at the front of any race. He’s better than that and needs to hit reset on his year.
Windham has now DNF’d three races out of seven and has slipped outside the top ten in points. KW went down in his heat and I honestly thought that was out, as he was holding his wrist/arm/shoulder and got carted off. But then he lined up for the LCQ and won it handily. In the main he pulled out with front brake problems. When it rains, it pours for sure and for both of these vets I predict sunnier days lay ahead.
Trey Canard probably should’ve won San Diego as he blew by Reed and started checking out early in the main but, I swear to you guys reading this, I thought to myself that he looked to be pushing it a little too much out there in the slop. No sooner than I thought this, he slid out in the mud. Canard left this win on the table, no doubt about it--he had the best lap time but was charging a bit hard. I spoke to his trainer/man-friend/coach/shoulder to lean on Tim Ferry (I know, you’re all shocked I spoke to Ferry) and he said that Trey wasn’t that upset by the crash. Things happen and he’ll learn from it.
Windham had a rough night in San Diego.
Photo: Garth Milan
And I heard from someone that knows things that Honda is looking to put someone on the vacant number 33 Honda CRF450 of Josh Grant. They had great luck last year in reaching down into the GEICO Honda team, maybe they’ll look to do it again with Eli Tomac? You’d think they wouldn’t want to do that because of Eli being only a first year SX’er but stranger things have happened for sure.
The dynamic KTM duo of Andrew Short and Mike Alessi have both been much better in recent weeks and I can see Shorty kind of, maybe, getting into the mix for a podium soon. I’ve hammered KTM on the 350’s so it’s only fair to talk about how the #29 and #800 were 2-3 going into the first turn and for Shorty, that’s two pretty good races in a row. With his sixth, Andrew moves into the points lead of the “B pack” of 450 riders, which is anyone that doesn’t have the last name of Villopoto, Stewart, Canard, Dungey or Reed (for more proof of that B pack idea, consider that in seven races, with a total of 35 top-five spots available, those dudes have scored 29 out of the possible 35 top five placing’s so far this year. The fifth place rider in the points--Dungey--has over a race lead in points on Shorty, and he DNFed Anaheim 2. Not hating, just saying. Top of the next group is a goal for Andrew to shoot for.
He’s figuring out that bike more and more. Let’s see what he can do with a few more races under his belt. I’m definitely not abandoning my absolute crazy, nutball theory (to anyone that bleeds orange) that having a motorcycle that is 100cc less than the guy next to you in a race isn’t ideal, but let’s just say I’ve eased up on the pedal a little bit.
Alessi is starting to turn around his season.
Photo: Garth Milan
As far as Mike is concerned I feel like he’s back to his “ I don’t care that I can’t win or even sniff the top five right now, I’m going for the start and to hell with what happens after that” mentality. His results have picked up after his father Tony came back to the races (Tony vowed on the Pulpmx Show that he wasn’t going to the races this year because he didn’t want to be perceived as a problem anymore). Both Mike and Tony say that is coincidence, and Tony is not taking credit for the turnaround. I did hear that Tony told Mike after his sub-par performance at Oakland that he had better go get a real job if he was going to ride like that. I know “real job” would put the fear of God into a lot of racers out there so maybe that’s it.
Let’s take a look at the results shall we?
250 class
1 19 Eli Tomac
2 28 Tyla Rattray- great return for Ratters as he grabs a career-best second place in the mud. He must have thought he was back at Bulgaria or somewhere like that.
3 20 Broc Tickle
4 36 Cole Seely- Good ride for Seely.
5 66 James Decotis- Decotis was pretty good for most of the race and seemed to be ready to make his first podium but he slipped at the end of the race for whatever reason. Three laps over the one minute mark doomed him.
6 100 Joshua Hansen- As I’ve written before, Hanny can’t seem to not start drama in his life or racing and, like I’ve written before, he’s going to need friends at some point if wants to hang on to his points lead. His clean out of Cunningham wasn’t cool and he should’ve taken the route that Decotis used to pass him a few laps before, but nope, he couldn’t seem to do that. I hope he doesn’t find himself needing to get around KC or Jake Canada at some point at the end of the series.
7 194 Ken Roczen
8 49 Ben Evans- Evans gets his best finish of the series and with it, the title of top real privateer at San Diego.
9 71 Ryan Morais- Mo is finally back practicing during the week and trying to get a win here but he’s running out of races in his last year on the lites bike.
10 35 Kyle Cunningham- I’m sure that Cunningham has the #100 on blast at some point when the series picks back up.
11 903 Antonio Balbi- Antonio got the tap on the shoulder to fill in on the Motoconcepts Yamaha team while Kyle Chisholm is recovering from his injuries.
12 23 Martin Davalos- It’s official, the wheels are off the Davalos bandwagon.
13 831 Ryan Smith
14 55 Tommy Weeck- Tommy was pretty good in the slickness of San Diego. He was clearly the fastest rider in his practice group and this was his first main of the year.
15 72 Nick Paluzzi
16 149 Casey Hinson
17 152 Scott Champion
18 965 Travis Bright
19 166 Dakota Tedder- I feel like I’m a long way away from knowing which Tedder is which.
20 132 Kyle Beaton- Canada’s kid wonder again made the main but another rider took him out early in the race and his bike was too jacked up to continue. Good thing he rode his practice bike.
A couple of mistakes cost Canard in San Diego.
Photo: Garth Milan
450 class
1 22 Chad Reed
2 1 Ryan Dungey
3 7 James Stewart- Quiet night for JS7 and this was his Tweet after the race: “Man it's so funny that people are calling me Like Yo what happen last night??? My answer is pretty simple... I GOT BEAT lol. Merry Christmas.” Love the Merry X-Mas line in there and love the “Proud to be an American” podium speech.
4 41 Trey Canard
5 18 David Millsaps- Don’t look now but Davi’s on the move. He’s passed his teammate Brayton in the points and his last two races are top fives. Want to bet he keeps the roll going for this weekend in Atlanta?
6 29 Andrew Short
7 2 Ryan Villopoto
8 24 Brett Metcalfe- Metty has five eighth place finishes in seven races with a fifth and a ninth in there.
9 800 Mike Alessi
10 10 Justin Brayton- Brayton’s had a couple of bad races (for him) in a row now and he needs to get it back up there. Like he told us in the podcast, last year he was top ten every single race but this year he’s faster but way more inconsistent. He likes it better this year, because when it clicks, he’s up there.
11 27 Nicholas Wey- Nick did in San Diego what he does, keeps it on two wheels and puts in consistent laps to almost make the top ten.
12 30 Kyle Regal- Regal and Wey tie for the “I didn’t really notice them all that much but I suppose they’re doing okay” award so far this season.
13 321 Fabien Izoird- I’ve spoken to Fabien a few times at the Kawi truck and he seems like a very cool dude, he’s happy to be here and he works hard.
14 38 Chris Blose
15 9 Ivan Tedesco- To me Ivan’s best ride of the year was in the opener and since then he’s shown some speed but I’ve also seen him on the ground a few times.
16 26 Michael Byrne- “That was embarrassing”- quote from Byrner after the race but I mean, c’mon, it’s his first race on a beaten down track. Don’t be so rough on yourself Michael!
17 877 Maxime Lesage- He’s from France and rides for Le Top Kawasaki team. Now you know as much as me.
18 74 Austin Stroupe- Stroupe didn’t have a good night. I maintain the fact that he’s fast and talented though.
19 43 Weston Peick- Weston didn’t have a good main but hey, at least he’s in the main! Last year he made six mains in seventeen races and this year he’s four for seven so that’s an improvement.
20 14 Kevin Windham
I didn’t give out my award for best-dressed rider last week and got more than a few emails about it. It flatters me that people actually care enough about that and also scares me that people actually care enough about that.
So with that being said, the best-dressed rider in San Diego was…
Fly Racing’s Andrew Short and his orange and star laden General Lee motif! I have already stated that I do love the look of the KTM machines and when you combine the gear with the bike, it’s a winner to me! I know that Thor did the General Lee motif a few years ago so this Fly stuff isn’t original by any means, but they do a nicer job than Thor did a few years back in my opinion. So congrats to Fly and Shorty on this prestigious honor, I’m sure it’s right up there with the MXDN win.
Shorty won best-dressed in San Diego.
Photo: Garth Milan
Thanks for reading and email me at [email protected] and we can be column buddies. See you next week from Hot-lanta!
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Yeah, Ben Evans top 10!!!!
1st off: great win for Reed and Tomac i don't think there is anything we could come up with to take their great rides away. Canard "might" have won the race had he stayed on 2 wheels but Reed was on a mission. We got to see a Chad Reed we haven't seen in a long time and i think he would have come out on top regardless of Canards ups or downs... and Tomac? well he just simply checked out and there was no question from the drop of the gate who was taking the Lites win.
I can't see Honda pulling Tomac up and putting him on #33 bike... he's in contention now for a Lites title he's only something like 12 points back, alot can happen in 3 races.
Villopoto still the man to beat in my mind... again he gets into a crash and is way back but is able to ride the hell out of his beat up bike to get a 7th place finish? how is not considered the man to beat this year? Stewart didn't even look motivated this race and even felt "vulnerable". I'm yet to see Stewart "turn it on when he needs to" like some people say, he should start thinking about doing it soon because if Villopoto can keep that bike on 2 wheels he's going to take the win. Love the racing, it's been such a great season! bring to ATL!
MxSxPlanet.com
Good recap of the San Diego 'round, Steve.
Though now I can't get that Spanish translation out of my head. AAAAHHHHHH! Thanks a bunch.
~
When the Lites 'Main' gate was about to drop, I was betting on Roczen's momentum for the 'W' too. Didn't think anyone could stay with the kid from Germany if he nailed the start.
~
But as soon as Tomac pulled the holeshot, started to gap the field in the first lap and #194 was picking it up out of the dirt, everything changed & I was eating my own words. (Jaw-drop) Wow!
~
Seemed like the #19 bike was trying to keep up with Eli! He had a plan and boy was he workin' it! Robot, monster, animal..., call him whatever you want, Eli Tomac looked like the Eli Tomac we saw last year at the Hangtown Outdoor National Opener!
~
I know Hanny is injured but his TKO of KC looked blatant on the telecast. Dumb move by #100. What goes around...
~
Can't stop thinking about the #19, though. Tomac is looking Sooooooooo Faaaaaaaaaast! His Mom & Dad are so proud! Great job Kid! I hope whatever he ate for breakfast that day remains a secret and he keeps having it before every round from here on out; Nationals included.
~
Vegas will be unbelievable in the Lites devision. Who could disagree!?
~
Lastly, what can anyone say about Two-Two Reed that hasn't already been said? He just perceivers and is showing more heart & determination than ever; especially when you consider what he's accomplishing as a Privateer.
Hats off to him and the respect JS7 gave post race!
~
Best Supercross series in years! Keep up the good work!
Wierd to say at 3 up but Hansens in a bad spot right now. 1) He needs 2nd or better here on out to nab the CShip 2) That may be tougn since ET knows and has what it takes now. 3) 100 wont be able to practice for 4 to 6 weeks. 3) No way Tickle ( whos 3 points down and wants the CSHip on his mantle) is going to block for Hansen 4) He needs everyone to get amnesia and play nice for 93 laps ( 45 in mains, 24 in heats and 24 in qualies) . If he overcomes all this he deserves it , if he doesnt, well he deserves that too. Dirts prediction : Not gonna happen.
Dirt
I'll bet you, 2 doulble doubles, 2 monster fries and 2 shakes against a PulpMx Tshirt (Loser settles at Pala) that you cant go 1 column without metioning your man friend. On the plus side i. like the numercial style of the column.. Even though I've been hard on Hansen all year , theres a teeny space in my heart that wants him succeed (kind of like the show intervention) .
JimM
Carlsbad
I think KTM should go to a 380 or a 390 if they want to win races. The lap times on the 350 or no better than the 250. What do you think, Matthes?
The TARGET companiese are proud to announce their support of Josh Hansen through the remaining races of the SX season. It is obvious to us , his every fan and fellow competitor, that Mr Hansen is hands down the the rider most deserving to wear the TARGET logo. Congratulations and good luck.
K. L. Cunningham
Hansen has it coming for sure! there is no reason for him to just take people out like that...everyone keeps saying how he has changed, IMO he is still a punk!
It is possible to be witty without being crude.
...if I was an OEM Rep I would be in that 1st turn for practices and all... LCQ wouldn't be an issue, heck, I probably would be in the way when the crews were buildin' tracks.
i want that job, - gimmie that job !
\\m//>_<\\m//
ifyouknowhatimsayin"
Thank you Mathes for backing up the opinion in my head that Reed has EARNED the title of privateer. - Feel bad for Roczen. Met him in the pits. He's a real nice kid and I was jumping out of my seat when he won the heat but got real bummed for the main when I should have been excited for Tomac. - I was 100% behind Hanson at the beginning but now I'm convinced he got a "too cool for school" attitude that just not cool at all.
He said it. >I do believe he’ll win before the year is out but I don’t believe he’s going to straight up beat these dudes in my, and many others, opinion.< I know a lot of guys on here don't like the straight up talk. But thats what i have been saying all year. Others can and will win but they aint going to pass RV or JS for a win unless there on the ground.
carddead if you want to see a 350 win, Put RV or JS one one. Don't blaim the bike because Short can't win, He never won on a 450 Honda either so whay did you expect to happen??
Awww come on guys. I was just trying to survive out there and then Cunningham went all scrubtastic next to me over the finish line. I thought to myself that I need to man up and take the clown out, but really I went gentle on him. I could sent that clown Spencer Pratt and him because you know I have those connections from banging his sister. You all know after being a Lites rider for most of my life I deserve to win this championship and end up with more than a broken pinky and a shitty haircut.
....the "orange helmet guys" are old but they are good at what they do.when given a bike or product to test they dont feel obligated to give them the good rating or are afraid of hurting their feelings. unlike others who love every thing they test..
I have some new terms that will put and end to this privateer debacle...all in good fun of course....
Type "A" Privateer - You are a rich mofo and get lots of help from the factory because you should be on a factory squad anyway. But you want to do things your own way, so no winning bonuses for you sucker!!! Also big name sponsors will kick down loads of cash to support your efforts.
Type B Privateer - Everyone else scraping whatever they can get to make the main event.
Again...all in good fun.
You missed the point Billc. I like the idea of the 350, I just dont think 350 is the magic number.
BillC , anytime you get a chance to put down RD you do it..RD has passed and beaten Trey in your version of straight up. Last week he ran down TC and JS from 10 seconds behind and was within a few bike lengths when stewart killed it. JS restarted and was unable to close back in on RD. Many times RD is as fast or the fastest on the night or in average or in sector lap times yet no respect? Many times he has closed in on those riders fat ass talked about but because of lappers, his mistakes or time running out he was unable to pass. But to say that he is not in the same league as those others when he has battled side by side and passed them ALL is just plain stupid..
The way I remember it, we all rode like Hansen in the 80's. I'm so sick of the wussification of our sport. All you girls whining about any rider who makes contact with another....have any of you actually ever raced???????
Here's how I see it....If I'm Josh Hansen, I'm thinking "Ok, I'm hurt and falling back...even if I pass Cunningham back, He's probably gonna get passed me again"..."I need to somehow take him out and get myself a cushion"..."awesome...he just gave me a reason to do it....and...now he leaves the door open!"
Smartest thing I've ever seen Hansen do. Those couple of points could mean the championship.
Photo caption: Reed was on the pipe.
Reality: Reed was on the cam. I wish he had been on the pipe.
Type A privateer hmm... yeah I could go with that. Kinda like how Stewart is type A Factory and Regal is type C Factory. Griffter- if Hanson really was thinking that, pre-meditated takeout, than he really is a douche, so I hope that wasn't the case. Now I'm all for aggresive riding, I thought the Barcia/Wilson battle was epic, but taking someone out intentionally is a puss move, like biting your opponents ear. Wanna race me? Race. Wanna sucker punch me? Get off the track so I can F you up.
raddad, RV came from 12th when RD was leading and beat him, RV and JS have both passed and gapped RD more than once when he was not on the ground or staled has RD passed and beat RV or JS under the same Scenario?? NO. Last year everyone was telling me how great RD was and that he could run with and beat JS and RV and so far this year he has not. Matthes said the same thing I did. I am not bashing RD just stateing what I see. Sure he might beat them sometime but in the Scenario stated , head to head with no crashes he got beat everytime this year. Why do people get so upset anyway? So far it's 100% true. Hey there were people telling me K-Dub could win the title this year back in Dec and called me all kinds of names for saying no way. Why get so mad over someones opion?
Well carddead you said >I think KTM should go to a 380 or a 390 if they want to win races< so I don't know how else to interpret that but that you feel the bike is not good enough to win as a 350. All I said was I feel the bike can win but not with the guys they have ridding it.
This is a great article. I think that because of the fact that Reed was the last one to start preparing for the season, he is definitelly the one that will improve the most as the season goes on.
I remember Canard on the lites class on the rainy Daytona, he totally killed everyone that night, including RV, so I know he can ride the mud.
As far as Hansen goes, that was his own certified chicken shit move, the AMA should take away those points, one thing is to block pass someone, but to intentionally take someone out like that, please, what is wrong with Mitch, he keeps hiring that a hole...
Good read, Where's Waldo applies again found Ferry Part way down. KTM needs to put a 380 Two stroke out there. Reed is a privateer once and for all don't blame him for success in business. Dungey is consistently top 3 and will probably win a race....I like that and consistency wins championships. Reed however is just as likely to remain consistent from here on in. JS and RV are leading the way but CR and RD aren't going away, TC has the speed but I'll call him the wild card which is probably a mistake and I want him to prove me wrong by being on the podium. Regardless it is on!!!!
I believe Ron Burgundy said: "You know I don't speak Spanish. ... they named it San Diego, which of course in German means a whale's *****"
thats about right Redbeard I remember DV12 refusing privateer money.saying"im not really a privateer'' give it to the next guy..when offered money..
It was nice to hear The Lip say he was proud to be an American. In the past, I've thought that he was ashamed to be an American because of times when he didn't want to ride the MXoN for us, and I still do. I thought maybe he would be more proud to race for certain countries across the south Atlantic Ocean instead of ours, and that maybe he might want to move over there. Since America has opened its arms to him and provided him with plenty of bling, cribs and riches,worshiping spectators and high dollar contracts, TV shows and Sports Illustrated covers, I would hope that he would have something nice to say about the place.
I also hope he quits calling other riders "boy." Seems like if the shoe was on the other foot, he wouldn't like it, so he shouldn't feel entitled to dish it out.
"after being a Lites rider for most of my life I deserve to end up with more than a broken pinky and a shitty haircut ' That was fn funny JH100 !
Bubba's known for the "scrub" Mcgrath's got the "Nac Nac" and Hansen's claim is the " hip check,the youngster punt, the front wheel chop, "
Dirt
"jairtime"...you are turning in to the biggest blowhard on this site!! Take your passive aggressive BS elsewhere!!! Please specify all the "times when he didn't want to ride MXDN for us"!!! Why don't you man up and say what country across the Atlantic you are speaking of??? You say "America opened it's arms to him".....what do you think, he is some kind of foreigner???? Ya, America just decided to take pity on the poor soul and "provide" him with all those things didn't it?? I suppose i'm playing right in to your hands here, because you cant possibly mean the incredibly stupid things you say! You need smacked!!
carddead.. Agree.. That for now.. On the pro circuit.. the 350 is definitely not the magic number... Stock bike is indeed lighter than the 450 and has more power than the 250.. But apparantly, what Short and Alessi ride on.. Is as heavy as the 450 and has less power compared the other manufacturers... WTF??
But I guess, that is the reason why they have hired DeCoster... Friend of mine told me that KTM is even scaling down the 450 production.. And ramping up the 350.. Meaning KTM will stick by the 350 policy.
raddad.. RD is a consistent dude.. And winning last year's championship is a great achievement.. No matter what others believe in regards to the other contenders being injured. Hell.. Even MC still believes RD is the man who will win and JS & RD will eventually injure themselves by crashing...
However.. It is evident (So far) RD is not on the same league as JS, RV and to some extent TC & RD... The last two is only because they did manage to win a race as to RD did not. For me.. RD can redeem himself by winning one or more races..
Redbeard65.. Nice assesment on the privateer part.. Agree on that!
jairtime.. You definitely do not like JS.. Ha,ha... Man, you will always amaze me on you trying to be subtle in calling out names to certain riders... Or should I say.. Rider?
Anyway.. On the Mx des nations... Who really cares about it?
I recall from 2001 to 2004.. The USA did not win it... Where was the GOAT? Let me guess.. Because he's not the "lip".. He is excused?
Honnestly.. The USA has the luxury to choose from a pool of talent... Meaning, not every rider has to or wants to join for this event... Ask the GOAT.. He could give many reasons why he did not participate.. And yet he is THE greatest when comes to outdoor racing.. Just like des Nation..
jairtime.. Last.. Isn't it ironic the most "patriotic" rider on the MX des nations, in terms of wins is a small rider, who is born in Glasgow, Scotland... And moved to the USA at the age of 4... Yet he won it 7 times? Try guessing who he is...
JEFF WARD!!!! My FAV!!!
BILLC, I think Reed won this race straight up. I dont remember Stewie crashing, he was way behind Reed almost the entire race and never reeled him in at all. And RV2 was behind Reed when we crashed at the start. And looking at the lap times, it doesnt look like RV2 would have caught him. Just my opinion, but Reed won this race on his own, no help from crahsers. If he and RV start together after the first lap who knows what would have happened, but we can "what if" all day, Reed took it to everybody at S.D.
RV2's ave. lap 58.6--fastest lap.56.9; Reeds ave. lap 57.9--fastest lap 55.8; Reed was over a second faster than RV during the race per lap average. I think Reed was just the fastest in San Diego, that gives him 20 seconds over the whole race. That is straight up if I have ever seen it.
You are right ENDO4 - If you go back to when MC started his own team or Emig, they didnt consider themselves prviteers because you know they had factory support, sponosors forking over money and they were stars of the sport , its almost an insult to the true privateer and DV12 understood that.And before MC had is team, there was no grey area of who is a privateer or not.... I just dont want to keep hearing Reed say how much of his own money he spent and all his sacrafices .... thats how it works as an owner......He could roll around in a Econoline van and park with all the other privateers and still win races....so he doesnt have to spend millions of dollars flying himself and his entourage around and all that jazz....but he wants to live the factory life style...its his choice to be a "privateer" if thats what he wants to be called, so I hope he doesnt fall into his old habit of whining about things....Atlanta Live Saturday...pumped to watch !!!
Was talking about RD bd200, Not Reed. Yes Reed rode very well but Mud races are always odd.Also not a good comparison to RV's times, RV was in the pack the hole time wile Reed had the lead. K-Dub flys in the mud but when was the last time he won or top 3 on a dry track?? I hope Reed found that next gear but till I see him do that on a dry track I still say RV and JS are a step ahead on 95% of the weekends.
Next 3 races LIVE then Jacksonville (NY next year) then I am at Toronto!!!
Hey all I think you said all I would have. MxSxPlanet, that was a good post. jairtime needs to get his head out of the sand. and Redbeard you make some good comments although I dont alway aggree! Yes Reed is a privateeer if you have the money you can buy it all exept his talant brains, and luck which no matter who you are is a factor in racing. Note to Chad Reed if you see this I think you called it right when you said "buyateer" I built some bikes that would not pass the production rule but then I was just a slow guy. It is good to have access to a machine shop.
Oh yeah to the post about the 80's slammin you should have tried the mid 70's no rules just first one to the finish line lol.
Buyateer ...I like that!!....Its almost like political campaigns, those with the most cash and those who are former elects have a leg up on the other canidates...Does CR22 really pay for his tires, bars, sprockets, chains etc.? What "parts" does he actually pay for if Honda is also hooking up "some" parts?
Good Article Steve. A Note on the 350. Check out the Holeshot Kurt Caselli got in Round #1 of the WORCS Series (Which he also won) on a KTM 350 XC. It was the real deal. I know you let up on the 350, but thought I would mention that !
Plus for us non Factory Riders, the 350 is just what we need !
Reed is a privateer, just because he has the skill and past success to set things up how he wants doesn't discredit that. Although on a different skill level, how is it different than privateer kids with millionaire parents setting them up with 6 bikes and a huge rig to drive around in all year round to hit races? They buy amazing bikes as well but just don't have the skill or knowledge to set the bikes up maybe, something mainly gained through experience. There's no doubt in my mind with a big bank account and some knowledge (and advice which $$ can get you) anyone with money could set up a ridiculously good bike for the pro ranks with off the shelf parts and services. Chad Reed isn't the only rich guy in the pits that isn't a factory rider. On another note, what about amateurs with factory support, nice rigs and 10 bikes hitting every amateur national in the country? There's multiple tiers to amateur and pro racing and money gets you perks and relationships/access to things others can't no matter who you are. If you're not riding on a factory team with a big salary from a manufacturer, bonuses, unlimited factory parts and options you are not a factory rider. It's still good to give props to the guys on the bottom of the totem pole though, scraping by to do what they love. It's guys like them and us that make this sport survive.
Honestly, the 350 is a really dumb idea. You want less weight and slightly less power? Buy a 250 smoker. Save yourself thousands. Brap!
Redbeard65.. According to a podcast where Jason Thomas.. Who apparantly is a close friend of Reed.. He mentioned that Reed coughs up everything..
As for the second question.. Give it some time.. And we will know more what Honda is exactly giving Reed..
And I will not even bother mentioning what Reed says.. He sees himself as a privateer.. And has mentioned more then once in different interviews.. Every penny counts.. So this can only leave to suggest.. He is paying something..
The "350 is fine against 450's" argument is defenseless...at least by anyone who has short-shifted a tall-geared KTM 520/540 before. Even in the tight woods, it is like riding an old automatic Husky on steroids.
Sure, Short and Co. are doing "better"---that's what professionals do, they "improve" with the tools that they are given...it would take a perfect synergy of a twiglike rider+ideal track layout+ideal conditions to make me put my $$$ on the 350. Period. I believe that KTM believes that US vet riders would buy 250f if they were not so parts-greedy/$$$ to operate...and that the 350 will deliver that.
But EYE don't. Current fat-a$$ vets are from the Mo'par'! generation, and in short time will become quite disillusioned with their new mid-tiddler toys once they get pulled on uphills by their 450-mounted torque-rich counterparts. LoL
"Torque Rules!"
acejas.....Hansen taking out Cunningham was the same as biting your opponents ear off???? ....or sucker punching someone????? Your outta your mind.... I'm pretty sure Cunningham saw it coming! acejas....you wouldn't have survived a single lap back in the day!
So Matthes, you don't want to sound like the "Orange helmet guys"? Guess what? We don't want you to either. Those guys actually race and are knowledgable about all things moto and have left more at the table of racing than you bring to it. Yeah, some of them are aloof and quite douchy in fact but, their contributions to the sport we all love are significant. Who else could we count on to give us the straight scoop without a watered down politically corrected speech? The TWMX guys? You? I don't see it happening. Rage against the machine all you want but, they are the standard which you (and all others) are measured against. Thank the Lord for a magazine / publisher / company with the integrity to tell it like it is, advertiser dollars be dammned. Paying respect shows humility and professional courtesey, what you've done is alienate yourself from people who know better and shown immaturity. Furthermore, handholds are more useful on bikes than boxes of doughnuts,
"Once Reed got into the lead he had James Stewart right there and Stewie was powerless to stop the 22 train"
Stewart stalled his bike and was five seconds behind, rode conservative and got through the race without a crash. To say Reed won straight when a guy stalled his bike defeats the purpose of having a term 'straight up.' Many guys have won races when their competition have stalled out. We would be able to say james stewart has been beat numerous times straight up already, but we can't say that. It's pretty hard to beat james stewart straight up without a crash or stall out isn't it? yes, it's never been done. Eat your crow dungey fans, eat it down.
Reed is a cry baby asking to be a privateer. The guy is a 3x champion. What an idiot. I've followed him ever since he got here and this makes me lose respect for the guy. That's what you want to be remembered for? He could have ridden factory but his ego got in the way. Don't cry now *****
James stalled, too bad. Nice to see Canard pass Reed like nothing! Reed can't feel too good when all your comp has problems and that's the only time you win. (in your whole career)lol
The only reason people think dungey can win is because there has been lots of craziness and almost everyone fast has won or been close. Does that mean dungey will win? No because the faster guys get more consistent at the end of the year. Dungey has nothing, no man above even.. he moved to KTM
I think Dungey is going to start crashing like he was on a 250 trying to keep up with Villopoto outdoors a couple years back. I can't believe people actually thought he had a chance at Stewart.
Dungey isn't thanking the lord much now. That Jesus is a speed sapper.
jock.. Understand your comments.. Let's say Reed.. became greedy.. And was hoping on his name and past achievements to secure a ride against the terms he was gunning for.. Which basically came down to $$.. i am sure you ask Mike Fisher on how much Reed got for his season at Kawa... He will turn green in disgust.. Ha,ha! And I bet.. They are more than happy to have someone like RV who does the job, for way, way less $$ as to what Reed was getting back in 2010..
So it left him no choice but to start his own team.. At least.. Give him this one.. Showing he still wants to ride and believing he can still win and be with the best...
From earning millions to earning squat.. Still shows some character... And he even won one race... And there are 10 to go.. So he might win more!!
godonthepodium, you couldnt be more wrong. Stewie has been beat "straight up' several times. And he was benind Reed by 5 seconds when he stalled. Do you think Stewie would have caught Reed had he not stalled?? NO WAY. Reed was gapping him when he stalled. And RV beat Stewie at Seattle 2 years ago and Stewie didnt crash, so what is that??> Stewie crashed a ton while he was behind RC, so what is that?? He has been beaten several times, and he has crashed while NOT in the lead. So it is straight up, as you like to call it.