Bench Racing Ammo: Worst Nights For Points Leaders
Thursday, March 24, 2011 | 2:20 PM
MOTOREX is used by factory teams worldwide, by independent pros and by top amateurs who demand the best performance from their race machines. The complete MOTOREX line includes a broad range of synthetic engine oils, lubricants, aerosol sprays, cleaners and care products. MOTOREX is available at dealerships nationwide.
Tweet
Advertisement | Advertise with Us
Share
Comment
Email
Print
When Ryan Villopoto, the Monster Energy Supercross series’ leader, didn’t make the main event in Jacksonville, trivia buffs started studying hard. We’ve seen lots of crazy things happen in this sport, but a points leader simply not qualifying is a rare bird, and in fact, no one could come up with a time or place where it had happened quite like this before.
In Villopoto’s defense, he and the rest of the field today have a much harder time making it to the main event than riders did in the old days. Up until 2006, the SX format included three races—and three chances—to get in: heat races, semi finals and the last chance qualifier.
But the semi races were eliminated for 2007. But the top riders still had a safety net. Riders ranked top ten in points could take a “provisional” and select the twenty-first starting gate up to two times in a season. Chad Reed was leading the points in 2008 when he went over the bars hard in practice in Detroit. He simply cruised up to the first turn in his heat race, turned around and headed back to the pits, using his provisional to take a gate in the main event. He scored a few points that night and ultimately won the title.
RJ had a unforgettable night in Pontiac, Michigan nearly 25 years ago.
Photo: Racer X Archives
The provisional rule went away for 2009. Since then, riders have been living without a net for the first time in supercross history—crash early in two qualifiers and you’re not making the main.
We dug through the record books to find out the last time a series points leader lined up in a heat race and didn’t make the main. It took place nearly twenty five years ago, when Ricky Johnson crashed in Pontiac, Michigan. Here’s a snippet from Cycle News’ coverage of the race:
"Team Honda's Ricky Johnson crashed in his heat race and severely injured three fingers on this right hand. Unable to finish the heat race, Johnson tried to qualify in the semis but the pain was too great for the defending SX champion. After the semis, Johnson packed his bags and headed to the hospital to have his hand X-Rayed; the pictures revealed two broken fingers. Instead of racing Sunday, Johnson caught a flight back to his El Cajon, California, home. Needless to say, Johnson scored no points in Michigan, which most likely will ruin the Honda rider's chances for the 1987 championship title. But, as Ward put it after Pontiac, "Anything can happen."
Points after:
Jeff Ward - 194
Rick Johnson – 154
RJ’s weekend was especially bad because Pontiac held a double-header round back then, with a race on Saturday and Sunday. He lost 50 points that weekend by crashing in his heat.
Still, Villopoto’s night in Jacksonville is the only time we can remember a points leader not making the main without having a major injury—RJ couldn’t even line up for the LCQ back in 1987. The good news for Villopoto is that he’s healthy and managed to hang on to a slim points lead heading into this weekend’s race in Toronto.
Did you like this article?
Check out CAUGHT OUTSIDE
in our Latest issue of Racer X available now.
One of the most successful—and controversial—team managers of all time, Larry Brooks is looking to return to the races. Page 146.
Look for the verified symbol 
Impulse Studios
Didn't Bradshaw have a couple of meltdown nights, thus handing "Droopy" the titIe in '92? Conversely, Josh Hansen comes to mind for next weeks article, "Guys who got lemons and made lemonade".
SO glad they dumped the "provisional" ruling........if you don't make it through qualifying......you watch for the night.....fair enough!!!
.....i just wish they would have done it in 2008!! hehe
Carlsbad.. Yep... Bradshaw crashed in Indy, while he had I think 25+ points lead over Frog & Droopy... And did lousy in Charlotte... Enabling the frog to have the lead, followed closely by droopy.. Won the next two races, before LA... Bradshaw was again leading and we all know the infamous meltdown in LA...
It would have been Great if K-dub would have won in 2008, if anyone deserves a major championship it's Kevin. Great guy for the sport, has kept his nose clean all these years.
i miss the semis.. and the heat races where only the top 4 would move on..
also miss the qualifying races to get into the heat races!
Thanks for the in depth about the provisional. That was really bugging me. I think only 8 guys should advance through the heats and 4 guys should be able to transfer from the LCQ.
I remember when they had 3 heat races, 2 semi finals and 1 last chance.
Bring back the Semi's format I say.... Instead of more racing, we get more downtime and lame interviews you usally cant hear or dont care about anyway....Start the racing earlier than 7:30 and you wont have to worry.....WTF....with the 40 second lap times you cant even get a beer without missing a race these days....
I like the provisional... I don't think it was perfect in the old set up. I think that only 4 riders should be eligible for the provisional. The top 3 guys in the title hunt at the start of that race (total points) and the defending champion. And it can only be used once.
I know privateers hate that, and I understand why. And they have a point, it's already hard enough for true privateers, the sport should not cater to the top guys... in theory.
The problem is that the fans pay a lot of money, and with TV revenue at a premium we HAVE to have as many of the big names in the races as we can. There is a lot of sponsor money on the line too. These companies want riders on the line.
I remember the daytime qualifying back in the day....then you had the semi's too....more racing..more action...now its less racing and less action....
Rick Melon... Well... Attendance dropped as well towards the end 80's... And the format you are refering to was in place.
There was some revival with the young guns of the 90's and MC contributig the mainstream factor...
I think the format is ok. Just make sure the race last at least 20 mns.
you want your moneys worth? bring back 3 full 45 min motos- oh i know
@Rick Melon it's less racing, less action, and more commercials. I mean honestly. Why the HELL, do they cut to commercials in the middle of the damned main event..
I miss the semi races. The show is too short now and it cuts into who has a legit shot at the main.
Yamaha625 sucks.
Strike up another vote for missing the semis. I enjoyed the extra racing, personally.
Guess they should call it an RJ scrub... :)
I don't think you can contribute the lack of attendance to the racing format honestly......I don't think the sport was marketed to well in the 80's. I knew about the races because I rode dirt bikes and began racing in 1988....my first SX ever was the 86 Anaheim race and my friends dad took us cause he knew a guy who knew a guy that knew Johnny O'....allegedly....advertising the supercross races on SPEED is kind of silly....thats the only place I see them advertised, on the channel where the people watching probably already know about the race and bought tickets the day they went on sale...I want to see a supercross commercial come on TV while I am watching Modern Family or Wipeout.....not the channel I watch the races on....anyone else notice this?
to whatever and whoever.....when Reed won in 2008 he won by a margin of 13 points. At Detroit he scored 9 points. All this woulda shouda coulda stuff from the Reed haters is becoming more than boring, its illogical.
As the old saying goes......"if my aunty had balls she'd be my uncle."
Bring back the Semis!!!! Hated the Provisional.
Bring back the double header! Oh...and more over/under bridges please.
Rick Melon this is Bad Billy Robinson and I don't race for kicks..LOL go ride your man made bike with the american flag harley tank in the hills with Judy..Most of these kids are going "WHAT" ..classic mx movie dude... I miss semi's and two strokes too, but we all need to know the stupid fan pays the bills and that is okay....Drunk bros dressed in black pay the bills then go to Glamis and drag there Bansheees all day its Okay...
Hannah's throttle cable breaking while leading the last moto of the 500 Nationals. Handing the Championship to Marty Smith.
Thanks for the memory Mr.Weigandt-I remember watching RJ going over the handlbars by the triple jump during the first heat. He rode back to the pits then came out for the semi only to do a lap then pulled off and walked out of the Silverdome. In fact, he even cut out some of the fingers in his Fox pawtector glove because his hand was in so much pain.
beancanyon (classic handle ~ I rode there back in the day) , I remember that 500cc championship series so well. Hannah was in his prime and basically unbeatable by anyone at the time, including DeCoster, Mikkola, and Jonsson. However, he and Marty Smith (#9 ) duked it out like a UFC event every round that year. I was so conflicted, as these were my two favorite riders. I can't remember what SuperMart thought about winning the preeminent championship of American motocross back then because of a mechanical by his arch~rival...but that's racing, as Al Unser Jr. (the best racer ever!) would say.
Check this link out, Pro Circuit fans...moto has gone mainstream.
http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/news/story?id=6205919
20 minutes + 2 laps. Most of the so-called tracks are way too short and one lined this season. Besides they do 2 motos of 30 + 2 in the man's series (outdoors to you fags) so fitness isn't an issue.
Bulto totally agree about that's racing. I was just commenting on the subject of this section Worst days for points leaders. These two were the start of Motocross being what it is in the States. Back in the day you were either a Hannah/Yamaha fan or a Marty/Honda fan. Just hated to see it end like that.
Here's a link with Marty talking about it.
http://dirtbike.off-road.com/dirtbike/feature/whats-up-with-marty-smith-12181.html
I agree the format is hurting attendance. It's hurting MY attendance cause with all the hassle and the money it costs to get to one, there is not enough racing to justify going. I'll watch the generally lousy coverage on TV. I used to drive 12 to 20 hours to watch, now I've got one 40 miles away and I haven't been for 2 years now. I'm no less a fan than I was 25 years ago either. To much BS! Don't care about the girls. Don't care about the big fire gun or whatever the hell it is. I hate the opening ceremonies. The current LCQs are usually just a bunch of guys who never had a prayer anyway. I want to see the semis come back. There were still good riders left to qualify in the semis! I want to see the double header weekends come back. I go there to see racing and check out the bikes in the pits. Problem with that is they look the same as the bikes at the local shop except for a bunch of stickers. That lame ass race in Vegas is gone that I attended once. Tickets were nuts for that POS. Just not worth the money anymore. Glad it's on TV!!!
Been watching motocross and supercross since 73. It has been great. What I would give to line up Smith, Hannah, Tripes on a good night, Johnson,Magoo(Stewart in another life) Stanton, Bailey, McGrath, Carmichael and Stewart. Add enough other good ones to make 20 rider main from the past 25. I want to go to a supercross to watch #7,#5,#22,#2 and everybody else but a $400 flight, $200 in room, whatever tickets are $75?, for 48 second lap times which equals a 16 minute main. I will spend my money elsewhere. I used to like Nascar till the politics got into but wait maybe they could call it the Daytona 5. if they used supercross format. Even Villopoto looked peckered at Daytona. One moto format and exhausted. I laugh when the pros when talk about arm pump half way thru the moto. Lets see , that would put them at about 8 minutes of riding. Wow. The first time I saw Decoster ride was at a Trans-AMA race. 45 minute moto. He ran about 7th for 30 minutes. I thought what a slow dud. Especially after the hype. Then in the last 15 minutes he passed the other 6 and won. Wasn't uncommon to see lap times from the leader to second vary by as much as 4 seconds in the last few laps.. Conditioning meant something. Not much for the money in Supercross nowdays. Supercross is a kids meal Motocross outdoors is a buffet.
The races suck now and the tv shows suck too!
What about Jeff Ward not being allowed to race the semi because he dnf'd the quali? I think he was defending champ that year, and i think it was the first race of the year. 1988 maybe?
beancanyon, carlsbad, trick, and everybody else OM (Original Motocrossers):
The days when the race outcome was determined by mechancial failures are thankfully less prevalent than 'in the olden days'...if you have ever had a throttle stuck because of a frayed cable, you know the stain~producing rush that situation engenders. Relevant to today in that if Dungey hadn't mechanicaled he would be right in the thick of things.
REMEMBER WHEN:
Straight~pull throttle
Moved~up shocks
Monoshock
leading axle forks
reed valves
Jofa mouth protector (!)
Preston Petty fenders
Carrera Model 98 goggles (did no good at all, but made you look like Joel)
dang
the height of trickness...lol
I'm with Mr. G. on the longer motos, but I'd like to add something.
Two 45 minute motos, and 40 rider gates! This will eliminate several problems or provide interesting perks:
- First turn crashes: good for the spectos, and the 45 minute motos give the riders plenty of time to catch up.
- Plenty of races where the leader laps the entire field
- Physical conditioning becomes a major factor
- Long, numerous between-race breaks can be eliminated, which should be a relief for overworked concessionaires ;-)
- Tracks can get rough and rutted, which is better for the spectators and better for those riders who are in shape and who have the ability to handle ruts
- Only four races per night, but they're all important, points-paying races that are 45 minutes long
I didn't like the fact that we have to watch Villopoto & Baggett sit out for the main, how would you like to watch RV, JS, CR, RD, TC all sit out for the main because of a crash or DNF in the 2 qualifiers when you know they are going to be out front under normal conditions, it would not make for a very entertaining race, they should change something so this doesn't happen & give the fans what they want to see.
I recon there should be:
Heat 1 (1st half of the field)
Heat 2 (2nd half of the field)
SX Moto 1
SX Moto 2
50 Points up for grabs.
the height of trickness...continued.......
magura levers
oury grips
hooker headers
trelleborgs
twin airs
vented gas caps
fox shox
gas bilstiens
anti-sieze
finn fighter
flak jak
21 inch front wheel
sunburst head
electro helmets
hi point boots
skid plates
HEY WHATEVER:
go suck one you douchebag, reed won by more points than he wouldve got with that provisional anyway. and who the F### are you to bag out another pro riders championship? im sick of you ripping on reed, i rarely comment as i think, why should i dumb down to this guys leveI? ive had enough of your crap! i hope reed wins his 3rd this year. so i can rub it in your fat, computer-seeing pimply face and then watch you bash out another heap of comment garbage as to why everyone here should not say your the biggest moron on the net. stick with youtube and box of tissues pal
TJ - Buddy...suppose you think that someone running for office that has the most money should also win an election...wit that happns already...
Qualify or go home...this isn't tiddlywinks dude...or however it is spelled
Who knew Mitch Payton loved Reed so much?
Francisco Bulto, trick & all the other OM's (I think I dig that handle), the height of trickness for me was anything my dad "turned down" on the lathe only to have to break out the coat hangers and torches to weld it back together during the days motos ('cause he made it "too trick"). Or when he told his gullible kids he was putting a special "race pattern" on the knobs with tire knives. The ultimate was my days as a factory rider (AKA: dad paying for everything in trade for me washing everything). Showing up to races alone was a right of passage but, something was lost in the transition as well, just didn't realize it at the time.
Reed shouldnt have won the 2008 title, in my opinion he should have recieved a DNF for his daytona race (cause clearly he Did Not Finish) i dont care if he lapped up to 13th, he didnt finish! which would have put him behind windham in the points.
RV2 will win Toronto, silence the doubters and put himself in position to close out this championship. He will show how well he handles pressure. He's fit, he's pissed and he is simply not getting the respect he deserves for coming into this season having raised his game to give James the most pressure he has felt since trying to beat RC outdoors!
I remember one time, i got this bright idea, to cut my worn out knobby rear tire, with a hacksaw, to make it 'fresh" again. The knobs were ripping off of the tire, as i rode, and spitting out everywhere. when i stopped and looked at it, half the knobs were gone. don't try this at home.
What was funny about marty smith was, the chicks dug him.
""At times during the early years in his career, he was such a teen idol that women would literally pursue him. There would be knocks on hotel doors at night, giggling autograph seekers giving him big hugs and outrageous flirting was more common than berms. This presented some strange situations when Marty got married ... but he managed to emerge unscathed, and 24 years later, is still married to wife Nancy.""
I can remember standing in the pits, after the mid ohio 125 usgp, and seeing the chicks all around him, and he had this hot young california blonde with him, and that was nancy.
that picture of R.J. is the bomb
that picture of R.J. is the bomb
For the record, that's an 84 YZ250L without the yellow fork gators. This and the 490 were the bikes RJ and Glover had to race Bailey and OShow's works Hondas on. My 490 was way fast but pinged really bad under certain conditions. The 490 came stock with a 40mm Mikuni round slide and 68 horsepower. I raced that bike for 2 solid years without ever having to pull the topend. Airbox was really easy to service through the left side cover. The wheels had the "Z" spokes and the front had a double leading shoe drum brake. You could probably by a new one of these for what it would cost you to rebuild the topend of your average 450F. I promise you we had just as much fun in this era as you guys are having now. That 490 would smoke anybody's 450 in a straight line all day long!!! You don't even want to know how fast an 87 CR500 was. The 87 Honda's were the zenith of that era hands down. They were the first with discs front and rear and cartridge forks. Essentially what you saw Bailey, RJ, and O'Show win the 86 MXDN on in Italy. That was Dymond's championship winning 125 O'Show smoked everybody on that day. Somebody back me up on this cause when I saw Dymond win at Sugartree in 86, man that thing didn't sound like any 125 I'd ever heard even to this day. That scoot flat out hauled ass!!! There was something special goin' on inside that thing!
@Harddog 321...........I purchased a new 87 CR 125 back in the day and I have to say that was and still is the fastest production 125 cc motocross bike I have ever ridden. The bike was also bulletproof reliable. My brother raced the A class at local races and one night his 250 Kaw broke in practice. WIth nothing else to ride he asked could he race my 87 CR 125 just for the hell of it in the 250 class. Believe it or not, he won that night on my CR. The only changes we made on the bike before the race was to the suspension, we made it stiffer due to his speed. After the race, everyone was wanting to tear my bike down saying it was illegal and had a big bore kit in it. That was not the case at all, the bike was just plain fast. The only mods to my bike were a pipe, reeds and the local Honda shop cleaned up the ports but that bike was an absolute rocket for a 125.
I just wonder why the Mobile Medic Team didn't hold up JS bike, put him on it and push him back out on the track like they did a Daytona!?
So excited I found this article as it made things much qiucekr!