Nationals Spotter's Guide: 450 Class
Tuesday, May 17, 2011 | 5:25 PM
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With an epic 2011 Monster Energy Supercross season in the rearview, the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship kicks off this weekend with the same basic thread—contenders are here, contenders are healthy, and contenders are ready. So why shouldn’t we see another great title battle here, too?
To make you sound smart when Hangtown’s first motos hit the air live on Fuel TV, we’ve put together this Spotter’s Guide with an update on who is riding what in the 450 Class this summer. Stay tuned to Racer X tomorrow for the 250 class.
If we missed anyone, send a letter to [email protected] and we’ll get ‘em in.
Suzuki:
Team Rockstar Makita Suzuki
#1: Ryan Dungey: The Dunge narrowly lost his 2010 SX crown, so he now has more motivation to hang onto his 2010 AMA MX title. No one wants to give up two titles in one season, and that’s why Dungey has been spotted all over Southern California logging laps on his #1 plate-shod RM-Z450.
#24: Brett Metcalfe: After Metty missed half of his rookie 450 SX campaign to a broken wrist, you may have forgotten that he finished second in points to Dungey 450 MX points last year. And that was his first season on the big bike, riding for GEICO Powersports Honda. Now he’s on the full factory team with Dungey and fully healed up from his indoor injuries. Look out.
Dungey is going be very reluctant to give up both his #1 plates.
Photo: Simon Cudby
Team BTOSports.com BBMX
#26 Michael Byrne: Byrner needs a good series on his BBMX/BTOSports.com-backed Suzuki, since his supercross season started late with an injury. But Michael has been in this situation before, only to bounce back strong outdoors. His teammate Jason Thomas is out for the summer with after recently undergoing ACL surgery.
Team ARMA Energy Snax Suzuki City
#54 Jason Lawrence All your “Where’s J-Law?” questions can be answered here: he’s riding an RM-Z450 for the Suzuki City team. Is there any magic left? We’ll soon see.
Kawasaki:
Team Monster Energy Kawasaki
#2 Ryan Villopoto: It’s been nearly two years since Villopoto raced a 450 outdoors—he went 1-1 at the Glen Helen opener in 2009, then jacked up his knee and pulled out of Hangtown the next week. Further injuries have kept him away from motocross since. Now he’s packing the Monster Energy Supercross Championship in his return.
#32 Jake Weimer: Tough season last year on a 250 for Weimer, but the year before, he won two nationals and rode for the victorious Motocross of Nations team. He was supposed to make his 450 debut in supercross, but a broken arm kept him out until the last two races. He’ll be ready this time.
Villopoto has an SX title in hand coming into the outdoor season.
Photo: Simon Cudby
Yamaha:
Team San Manuel/Red Bull Yamaha
#7. James Stewart: Sure would be fun to see James outdoors again, and there were rumors he may ride the first four rounds, but he is not currently entered for Hangtown. Neither is his teammate, Kyle Regal.
Team Muscle Milk Toyota Joe Gibbs Racing
#10. Justin Brayton: Brayton twisted his ankle at the Las Vegas SX but should be ready to race by Hangtown. He came into last year’s season healing from a punctured lung and never got to show what he had.
#18. Davi Millsaps: Davi has been logging the test laps back east getting his machine ready, and he did show some improvement late in supercross.
Team MotoConcepts Yamaha
11. Kyle Chisholm: The Chizz was putting in the best rides of his career early in this supercross season before crashing and bruising a lung in Houston. He’s been recovering ever since and will be ready for Hangtown.
12. Tommy Hahn: T-Hahn missed some supercross racing with an injury, too, but did come back by Dallas. He hasn’t even touched a supercross practice track—he’s been fully focused on riding outdoors for two months now.
377. Christophe Pourcel: The Pourcel rumors went round and round, but the could-have-been 250 Class champion in 2009 and 2010 ended up on MotoConcepts. He’s only been on the bike for three weeks but has long said he favors a 450 over a 250, and was riding a KX450F at home for quite a while for riding and training. So he should be ready.
Team Rockstar/Valli Motorsports Yamaha
#27. Nick Wey: Nick Wey will be there all summer, giving it his all for team two-seven.
#74. Austin Stroupe: You may not see Austin this summer. His shoulder injury from last year was still nagging, so he went under the knife after supercross. He could be back by midseason, depending on how the recovery goes.
#539. Ricky Dietrich: RD gave up his very successful career in WORCS and EnduroCross to give full-time motocross a try. Remember, he was showing top-five speed two years ago as a fill-in for Monster Energy Kawasaki.
Team Rock River Power Sports Yamaha
#53. Jarred Browne: “Jet” Browne is going to miss a few races with injuries, so Vince Friese will be a sub for him wearing national #45.
#801. Jeff Alessi: Jeff is still nursing supercross injuries and will be out for a few rounds as well, so Drew Yenerich, #87, will sub for him.
Reed will make his outdoor debut on a Honda in 2011.
Photo: Simon Cudby
Team DNA Shred Stix/Star Racing Yamaha
#76. Kyle Partridge: This just in: privateer Partridge will now race 450 Yamahas for Star.
Honda:
Team American Honda Racing
#14. Kevin Windham: With both Trey Canard and Josh Grant out, Kevin Windham is subbing in at American Honda Racing. He nearly went out himself after his crash with James Stewart at Las Vegas, but we hear he’s healed up and will ride Hangtown.
#33. Josh Grant: JG tore his ACL at the Phoenix supercross and is just about ready to get back on a bike now. You’ll see him on the track after a few rounds.
#41. Trey Canard: After breaking his femur toward the end of supercross, Canard is in the same mode as Grant, trying to recover and hoping to return soon. Maybe RedBud.
#22. Chad Reed: Reed and his TwoTwo Motorsports team is in for the full season. You may recall that Reed is the 2009 AMA MX Champ.
Lucas Oil Troy Lee Honda
#144. Christian Craig: Craig injured his knee in supercross but is back and ready now—he raced the USGP. He’ll be on a 450 this summer.
Alessi returns for KTM in 2011. Only it's on a 450.
Photo: Simon Cudby
KTM
Team Red Bull KTM
#29. Andrew Short: Red Bull KTM returns to the 450 Class after taking a few years off, and Shorty will be competing on the 350 SX-F. The bike has come a long way since Mike Alessi raced it last year, and Shorty usually runs up front outdoors.
#800. Mike Alessi: Mikey boy gets his wish—he’s back on a 450. The KTM 450 doesn’t pack fuel injection like the 350 does, but it does have a linkage now. And, Mike was plenty fast when he last rode a KTM 450 outdoors in 2007. Holeshots, anyone?
Team J-Star Motors/JDR KTM
#942. Tye Simmonds: This 18-year-old Australian was under the radar in supercross. Because he’s too big to race Lites bikes, he had to jump into the deep waters of the 450 group. He’s riding the 350, still, and he should be a little more comfortable outdoors.
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Sure..., why not. HOLESHOT!
Just saw on JS& site that he says "OUR TEAM IS NOT READY TO RACE THE NATIONALS" so hes out!? I'm a huge JS fan but after that horrible crash ridden, contrvsy filled season, He thinks he can take the summer off again??? YOU DIDN'T WIN THE #1 plate guy!!! Good luck to those who are gonna race MX this year!
If only it were that decidedly easy on the track...
#32 Jake Weimer, big sleeper. finished in top 10 his only 2 SX's this year.
What about Team Husqvarna?
holeshot baby
I think if JS7 does ride MX he will do ok, but in the other hand if hes keeps the trend he had in SX, we would have to change the name from "The Fastest Yard Sale" to "The Fastest Swap Meet" in the world!! I think they are keeping it safe and taking ALOT of Advil for those horrific crashes this past season.
But that doesn't mean the MX season is not gonna be lame; on the other hand... IT's gonna be AWESOME!!
Prediction for 1st Round:
RD1
CR22
RV2
CP377
KTM will be strong, super bummed that js7 isnt racing he is fun to watch outdoors, and i dont think he realizes taking outdoors off makes him slower in supercross.... He needs to race year round to get back to where he was at.
rv should have no problem getting that #1 plate outdoors
I hope that JS7 and Regal get outdoors this season, even if it's just a few rounds; after the year they had indoors, I'd bet that they would do well and garner positive attention for their sponsors. Myself, I'd like to see Dungey spend a week w/ Bob Hannah and then go race, then he might have a chance of keeping his outdoor title, but that's just my opinion.
I hope that JS7 and Regal get outdoors this season, even if it's just a few rounds; after the year they had indoors, I'd bet that they would do well and garner positive attention for their sponsors. Myself, I'd like to see Dungey spend a week w/ Bob Hannah and then go race, then he might have a chance of keeping his outdoor title, but that's just my opinion.
Yea man...like Hakan Gunnerson wrote...what about team Husqvarna? or team Bultaco? or team Hodaka? What about team Penton? or team Maico? and absolutely no mention of team CZ....DouchNozzles!
if rd and cr spend a week with the pope rv will still clean there clocks!!!!!
Stewart thinks he's too good for outdoors. He's a 2x supercross champ and apparently that's all you need to claim fastest man and keep sponsors even after 2 years of zero, count, ZERO titles. Anyone else would be relegated to privateer by now. If he does come back, he'll be just as rusty as last years attempt and RV will make him see visions of RC.
@comedian.... Penton was KTM... they hired Penton to help build race bikes and Penton agreed under one stipulation, they would be marketed and sold as a Penton...
Stewart saying he isn't ready tells me he was never planning on running outdoors. Everybody else found the time to get ready. His Dad and his mechanic have NOTHING better to do than get his stuff ready. He has more tracks than almost all the other guys that will be racing outdoors. What's the problem? How can you not be ready?
Noone will have anything for RV Park outdoors. They'll be lucky if he doesn't go perfect season on their azzes.
Well here it is straight from JS7.com.........."Everyone witnessed the way I struggled during the Supercross series this year and while I’d like to race this weekend, we just aren’t ready. I hope fans will understand. The decision has been very hard to make, but we won’t race till we’re ready."...........I might just have to give a big "WHATEVER" on this one!!!! I will for sure if he ends up not racing at all!!!!!!
tc88...yea i knew that...thanks for the history refresher anyway...I forgot about team ATK
I think team Husaburg needs mentioned also....and please don't tell me they're also KTM...oh wait...go ahead
I wished Stewart was racing! But I really think they are not racing because of support! If Stewart and Regal do race, its on Stewart's own dime. But then again I could be wrong. I personally dont think he likes the Yamaha and its not really working for him. If he was back on the Kawasaki, he wouldnt be complaining like this. Stewart wants to race and wants to win. But now I feel his confidence has been shaken! Sad!
I think it's a good idea James isn't racing. Crashing like he does outdoors at those speeds would probably kill him. We'll just have to watch Malcom wad it up. My heart wants Reed & Windham to win but I think Dungey is going to redeem himself. I even look to the 800 to run up front. Let the REAL racing begin. Gotta love the nationals.
Team Penton? - thats some really old school- How about team rickman?
What do you mean it would be on Stewart's "own dime". He owns the team right? He has sponsors right? He already has a gajillion dolllars right? Are you telling me Answer, Oakley, Bell, Nike, Red Bull and all his other sponsors wouldn't support him racing outdoors if he really WANTED to race? Give me a freaking break.
Js7, not ready to race outdoors? Really? Seriously? Your a freakin pro racer what do you mean your not ready? Racers race! Fastest man on the planet not ready? Or fastest man not ready to man up and admit he he might not be able to maintain that title? FYI js no one cares if your not the fastest except you! Slap all your fans in the face why don't ya. We all just want you there dude. go RV been a fan since you where on a 80, go get number 2 good luck. good luck deidrick good to see what a talented offroad guy can do out here on a track where the talent is very deep. go get em Eli.make Colo. proud.
So here we go now outdoors. The speed gets speedier and the riders get tougher and RV go's over the hills and through the woods while the big bad pack of pretenders fade into the hazy glimpse of a moto's past:)
you got that right Burpand!! Wish I could be there to watch this historic day but hopefully one national somewhere else.
RD is going to kill outdoors.
But wow, look at Honda, they're going all out, look how many top riders they have. I don't think Chad Reed will keep pace with Dungey, he didn't last year.
JLaw is a joke and he's screwed up so many times, give his ride to a new amateur or a privateer that's deserving of it.
Christoph Pourcel will be a force to be reckoned with, either that or he'll end up blaming his failure on MotoConcepts Yamaha.
I don't think Short will have the same success he did last year on a 350. Really KTM? Just get over it already, pull out the 450s.
James Stewart just stirs up controversy on purpose to make media for himself.
Look at that ANSR ad with Stewart wearing a purple outfit. What's up with this ANSR stuff? Is it called "The Illiterate Series?" If so, I can't think of a better poster child for it than James "Frontal Lobotomy" Stewart.
Reminds me of something. What is hot pink, bright purple, neon orange and fluorescent green?
Stewart's momma going to church!
The fastest person is the person that wins. Motocross (and Supercross) is about who gets to the finish line first. The fastest lap gets you a gate pick, but that's about it. If this racing was a one lap sprint, JS7 is usually the fastest. But it's not, is it? Used to really look forward to seeing JS7 ride as he was the most innovative person I had seen in awhile. Kid could ride anywhere he needed to get by most anyone. Perhaps he has too many people telling him he is the fastest and he no longer needs to prove it. Not riding the outdoors should be telling us something, especially after not winning the indoors. There are too many other guys out there that have proved who they were. RD, RV, CR, KW and others that are out there week after week entertaining us and proving to themselves who they are. They all make good money, and they all have many fans. But it's their drive that makes them champions. They do not win because they can, or because the fans want them to, or the sponsors. They win because they HAVE to. They want to. The worst thing for a racer is to lay back because it's the "smart" thing to do. I would hazard a guess that RV really disliked what he did to ensure getting the #1 plate, because he wants to RACE every race. I really wanted RD, but RV gets my respect because he stayed in it until the end and he earned the #1 plate. I assume that he did what he needed to do (or was "requested" to do) to get the #1. Same with CR and KW and others. REAL champions push every race until they get to the top. Fast guys make excuses and whatever, but they don't win. They just go fast. I Lose a good deal of respect when a fast guy takes himself out and in doing so, affects the season of someone else by taking them out too. Perhaps JS needs to sit it out again and find out if he is still a racer... or a personality at the track. Quite the difference. JS is a COULD be right now. But the fact is...he did not take the #1 plate. This IS racing, and talk is simply, well, talk. The score sheets will show who the fastest guy really is. It's the guy with the #1 on his bike. Every time.
I could give a crap about JS7 and what he decides to do or not do. I can't wait to see CP377 and J-Law.
RD is not going to kill... I am sure he will do well but RV, CP and CR will all finish ahead of him.
My prediciton
RV
CP
CR
RD
Gotta agree with HJ, the yamy 450 doesnt fit james at all. Bike's just too big and awkward he would do better on a zook, honda or quite possibly the ktm 350. Steve Erkel your forgetting one little sponser San Manuel and they dont do outdoors due to marketing logistics, another words not enough bang for the buck. Stewie owns JS entertainment but the indians own stewie right now.
If San Manual was against running the outdoors why was Stewart considering running the first four? I highly doubt he is not allowed to run the outdoors because of his contract. His contract was probably up when Vegas was over. For the last time--quit blaming the bike. If he can turn the fastest practice and race lap times it is not a problem with being comfortable with the bike. He was plenty comfortable wadding up the Kawi too.
....and i'm the man for the job!!
Jairtime.. you are a true a**hole. It is one thing to hate on a pro athlete, but there is no excuse for bagging on someones mom even if you are a weak and uneducated person.
BAAAA HHHHHAAAAAA HAAAAAAAAA!!!!
All the desperate JS7 fans.... (that hate Reed) .... "Ohh the Yamaha isn't capable of winning....." blah blah blah
Reedy won on it and so did JS7 a few years ago. Get over it!
If JS7 wanted to race the outdoors, he would on his own wallet (like CR did). He doesn't really want to be out there and would only to it for Shyt loads of cash & a free ass whooping from the new gen racers.
Stewart is a flash in the pan. He has had his time.
Thinkin CP is going to short-shift and float around the Nationals looking slow.... while turning scary-low laptimes. He is all about throttle control and if he can turn that into good starts, it's going to be fun to watch finesse vs rodeo as CP and RV fight for the championship.
Ya..I would like to see Husky through their hat in the MX ring again. I guess they are more interested in Enduro and XC racing.
Where is Ben Townley?
RV is gonna rule the outdoors..SX was just a warmup ..
Guy: "Really KTM? Just get over it already, pull out the 450s."
You obviously haven't been following the sport too closely... KTM gave their riders the choice of the 350 or 450 for outdoors, based on what they were most comfortable on.
Also find it hard to believe JS7/Sam Manuel aren't ready. Unless James hurt himself in Vegas. Like someone else stated he has more resources than most, yet everyone else is making it happebn. Stating the obvious: CR22 pulled a brand new team together in less than 3 months...
pOURCEL is gonna be the one to beat. Pourcel and Alessi will be there too.
Gonna be
CP
RD
RV
Alessi,Metcalfe then Reedy
Zee Hooskervarnya vould vee veddy ah how you say kompetitive!
Lites gonna be Musquin all day,then Wilson,Tomac and Barcia.
I can't wait for Canard to come back.. awesome on and off the track
go jlaw!!!
Being a factory rider means racing 17 Supercrosses, 12 Nationals (24 motos) and hopefully the Des Nations. You have to pace yourself to be strong at the end of the season. It's been a while since Bubba, Reed, Villopotto, Alessi and more have finished a whole season. Ryan Dungey knows what it takes to do that. He gets stronger at the end of the season. Now that RV has Aldon training him he should be up for the challange. Everyone is fast for 20 minutes. We will see who put in the work when the temp and humidity go up this summer.
I like JS7, but it's time to put up, or shut up. I'm really tired of the excusses. I'm a Yamaha guy and my money's on CP377. He's got the skill"s and the speed, everyone's gonna be chasing Pourcel. But i just don't get Stewart, the skills, the speed, the bike. All i can think is the "Tin Man's Disease", no heart. If I had those
skills, I'd be racing anybody who would get on a bike, on any level, on any track. Come on, show us what you have. Man up, and prove us wrong. We're all waiting.
i hate these supercross only teams and racers stay true to the sport and race the outdoors thats where you can really prove how tough mentally and physically you are and i'm sure kyle regal will be hell bummed about not racing he's got alot more speed outdoors, and also props to reed for racing i used to be a hater but have turned into a fan
It's a bummer that JS7 isn't racing the nationals. I'm not that big of a fan of his, but watching him on a motocross bike is pretty damn amazing. It's going to be a great season even without him, but he needs to be out there. I think he should show up at Hangtown on a yz125. I still think watching Stewart on a 125 2 stroke was one of the coolest things I have ever seen.
Will Villo rule the outdoors? Not if Stewie ever decides to race!
All I can say is that its going to be helluva season! GO JLAW, cant wait to see you do well out there.
Pretty stupid how Stewart's all about the fans until it's time to go outdoors. He knows that's what his fans want, a return to his roots. What an ass. (LOL ROOTS.)
There is good news, though. James tweets: "It's easier 4 me 2 go racing then 2 go thru what I'm about to go thru..." and "...the next time I race, U will see a different person racing."
I find this news interesting, to say the least. If he's going to backpack to Bhutan and climb to the mountainous headquarters of Ra's al Ghul to train with the elite group of vigilantes known as the League of Shadows, which his tweets seem to imply, he should be well-equipped upon his return--both physically and mentally--to deal with the likes of Dungey and Villopoto.
Next year on the podium, after Stewart's first win, Erin will be like, "We noticed you spent some time this summer with known terrorist Ra's al Ghul. How much did that help with traction control on a slick track like this one tonight?"
To which James will reply: "You guys are nuts. We was just up there having some fun. And I think you're a piece of dirt. You're a piece of dirt, Erin."
(Any Batman fans in the house? Hopefully there's someone to appreciate all my laborious Batman research.)
@Whoops_Blitzer... Ha,ha... Nice post!! Laughed my head off... And i was preparing for a important meeting! Ha,ha!
@Steve Erkel... I think, JS never blamed the bike.. Knowing that yamaha is paying him a sh*t load of $$.. However, according to those close to the industry.. Whether it be a JS or the others.. The yamaha is not THE bike to win races... 450 class then... Just look at what the others have done?
But Vuillemin did mention on many occasions... JS seems to be setting up his bike wrongly... Hence the many crash's!
@Verge... Normally, that would be the ideal... Factory worker does ride the indoors and outdoors... but sadly... Reality states otherwise.
Nowadays, riders can choose, to ride one series and let the other one go. And still earn enough. Blame the factories and sponsors for this.
@Steve Erkel... All the sponsors you have mentioned... Have an agreement with JS as a rider.. Not as a team owner.
Do not forget, we still do not know why Brooks is spending such a loooooooong time with his family.. However, rumours are.. There are legal issues ongoing with what is becoming of L&M... Or San Manuel racing... Or JS racing....
Of course, you mentioned a valid point.. What stops Stewie in spending his own $$? I guess, that's where the difference is with Reed.. he did spend the necessary $$ to start his own team... And yet the guy still gets the flack by may stating.. He's not a privateer... because the guy is loaded.
And now.. Look at Reed... we still do not know what made Reed's team go through with the nationals? Some speculate that Honda is ow offering more support.. And knowing Reed.. he's come short in achieving his targets in SX... So he must have made an agreement with Honda to get financial support.. Meaning, he either gets $$ for the team with all the factory equipment.. Or he gets good bonus from the Factory.
Now coming backon Stewie's case.. Trust me... All those sponsors you mentioned... They will most certainly not pay the same of $$ compared to a factory.
And... San Manuel... In my opinion.. They do not really see a market for their brand name to be exposed in the outdoors.. And I reckon they are also a big contributor to JS earnings.
Part of racing Motorsports is knowing you equipment, its strengths and weaknesses. You cannot blame the Yamaha for his losses and epic crashes. He is fast and he takes unnecessary risk to do so. Personally, I think he rather crash than admit that someone was going better than him on any given day. He has a persona to keep up with. He needs to mature and learn to race for a championship, not a day.
we know pourcel is faster than dungey,so the fastest guys are pourcel and vilopoto,we wish to see epic battles with them
What happened to Bubba? I remember him saying, I think in one of the TGO videos, that he was all about the record books. Well was breaking the 125 class records enough for him? The way he is going he sure as hell wont be breaking any in the big boys class.
Bubba not racing. What a CS move. No injury to blame it on, so it must be between the ears. The bikes not ready. What is all 4 of the tracks in your backyard closed. Couldn't get any parts sent to your house to test. You had the wrist excuse last outdoor season. You got no excuses this season. What to much outdoor competition this season. Was really looking forward to see you race outdoors this season against the best. It's still going to be one of the best outdoor seasons ever even without you, but it could of been the best season ever with you. Thanks for nothing. Have a great season on the couch.
What Stewart meant to say was "I am not ready beacuse I can't ride a bike without soil sampling". What sucks is Regal was counting on his team supporting him. Now Regal is scrambling to find support for the nationals. You can expect this chickensheit crap out of Stewart every year........I bet he's got some stuff planned for his TV show this summer. Very sad, now he's dragging down others with him.
Regal get out while you can!
Ahh, don't discount the #800. Mike is terrible at SX, but outdoors he's extremely quick. Now he has a 450, holeshots are nearly certain and he was only getting faster as supercross progressed. Villo and the Dunge are going to be tough, and Reedy and Windham when they are on it. It's gonna be a good summer, lets ignore the drama crap and enjoy what we have.
PS: dang, Regal's getting screwed here. Someone give him a Honda like last year and let him beat everyone. Again.
What a mess......If James is not "ready", sounds to me or it better be a contract or legal issue over it being James not being ready....James could easily go out and ride and get a top 5 while they get the bike or himself dialed in...but I dont think thats what " Ready" means...He is contracted to race SX only until 2012 and when your talking millions of dollars for contracts, maybe he simply "cant"..more to come I hope.......I always wondered why they picked up Regal...He sucks in SX and does much better outdoors, so why would he go to an SX only team puzzles me.....
What about Team Ohlins?
By the way folks....Contractually, James can not come out and say " Hey, my bike is a pile of crap!! ever since the chasis change to accomodate the rear facing engine, this bike has sucked assss " so that can't happen..... Are there any other riders besides James having any good finishes on the new Yamaha 450? He was out all SX last year, took the bike to unadilla and the bike handled like crap.....I am no expert, but quite a few folks inside the biz have mentioned issues with the bike....how it doesnt corner well.....really rigid.......the way James rides, he needs a bike that can keep up.....he has lost faith in that Yamaha and wants off....it will happen.....
Just read were Ivan Tedesco will miss the entire outdoor season, that sucks. Hope he is better, he just had knee surgery by the way. Did I miss the announcement here somewhere??
I bet Pourcel gets some wins on it. Maybe the Yamaha is at a disadvantage but it has nothing to do with the bike. Ricky never used the bike for an excuse. Baby Stewies P hurts. Thats it, period.
STEWART IS A P#*&^@
BUBBA you punk better look at were you came from (outdoors), once you loose fan backing you'll just fade away. You have everything every upcomming kid dreams about and yet you won't ever try to ride outdoors, HA! Maybe your brother should get your ride at least he'll try to make the gate. And guys lets leave the cussing off the site or you to can just be a BUBBA
I heard JS7 is looking into racing Bultaco's or even an Ossa next year.
no its ZUNDAPP full factory backing
TEAM PUCH
Has everyone forgot about the legal issues js landed himself in? He's not planning some mind cleansing journey where he will return unbeatable. All the excuses are a smoke screen, js has legal problems to take care of.
I think Alessi's a brat but he still shows more heart and determination than Stewie. There is no reason big enough that James can't show up and race. Contract? Why sign something if you don't agree with it? Reed has shown contracts mean sh!t when your a top rider since you can always walk away. And it isn't the bike! Just ask Josh Grant (last year), Davi Millsaps, or Justin Brayton if their bike is horrible. Nobody can blame anything or anyone for Stewart's action or lack there of. He's a big boy now, he just needs to grow the F up.
i don't read most of these posts for the same reason you don't read mine but the pic of the 91 honda is bad ass! i say we talk more about john penton; isn't he the guy that said "gee whiz fellas, lets build a motorcycle that is made for off road"? isn't he the guy that gave us hi-point boots? who the hell doesn't know hi-point? thank you to the whole penton family for dirt bikes. if it wasn't for dirt bikes we would be talking about golf or nascar.
I read the charges against Stewart were dropped by the DA. Is that true? It doesn't matter because James won't win a championship again anyway. Another excuse.
James is a shell of his former self. He's not in shape mentally or physically. He doesn't have the equipment or technical support to make the bikes work right. He doesn't have any leadership to keep him from being a victim of his own ego. He dosen't have the drive or desire to do it either. His only asset he brings to the race is speed.........and he already proved this year that's only good for 4th.
The competition has everything he does not.
@BDS720: You're right. It's got to have something to do with Stewart's legal issues, IMO. Doesn't mean some of the other theories aren't right, too, but I'm sure the legal problems are weighing on him. On top of that, maybe he hurt himself in Vegas. I just hope Stewart's healed/out of jail/ready before Canard comes back so that Windham can kick his ass on the track at least at one race. Vegas was destined to be epic, and Stewart screwed it up, as usual, not just for him, but for Windham. A little payback is in order. KW was showing some incredible speed in LV; let's hope we see some of that outdoors, too.
Just wondering if JS is waiting to ride later in the season so he could be picked for MXDN team. He really wanted to compete last year but he was not ready. It would be a smart move to stay off the ground all year
Hangtown top-3: 1. Villopoto, 2. Dungey, 3. Reed
2011 AMA 450 National final standings: 1. Villopoto, 2. Dungey, 3. Reed or Short
lets be honest...(and use our memories a bit)...these are my opinions...
1. 7 ain't winning on a blue bike outdoors if and when he does show up
2. 7 needs a green bike, period.
3. RV is the fastest guy outdoors, the above posts thinking he is 3rd of 4th place guy obviously haven't watched his career much
4. 800 will holeshot and fade, maybe run away with a moto though
5. CR has more than people think, short term memory shows him on a kx, right after his friend died, with a new kid, and a virus...hmmm..and he still did ok, CR on a red machine will be just fine...having said that he isn't always the strongest in the beginning but he will be there in the end, for sure...
6. RD has the speed to win, but not dominate, he had it 'easy' by pro standards last year...only had to hold off metcalfe and townley a few times...he won't win many motos, but will steal overalls with 2nd and 3rd place rides...imo
7. JG/TC/JS...ahhh...what could have been for this series...
8. POURCEL on a motoconcepts yamaha ISN'T running up front for very long...he will come up with an injury or something to excuse him instead of blaming it on the team...he isn't going to be as fast as some on here think...
9. can i get a column please...jk
10. pulling for METCALFE to become an official player up front...how cool would that be
BTW that MX VS ATV ALIVE ad on the side is driving me nuts...the riders look like goons in the entire game and the physics are sub par to REFLEX...what a waste...maybe they paid js7 too much to be involved, should have stuck with what was right about reflex and made it better, instead of reinventing the dunlop every game...
boooooo
Lv.36 btw...I've seen enough...
JS not racing outdoors? Big surprise, he knows he'll get beat just like SX. I don't buy all the excuses, guys in his position can make things happen if they want it. Chad Reed just proved that all winter and he's going to do it again this summer. James Stewart fans love to chirp Reed, in my opinion you just lost all your rights to do that. Stewart needs to take lessons from Reed, he's a better champion and man all around, getting things done because he loves it. Stewart should be a rapper.
RV has raw speed over RD and everyone else (saw him run Dungey down in lites at Washougal from dead last) that kind of talent doesn't change. If he can keep it together it will be a dominating year for him.
Good to see Jlaw coming back and not just giving up. Hopefuuly he has some heart left in him and has grown up. I saw him finishing 3rd behind Reed and Desalle I beleive it was 09 at Washougal.
Maybe JLaw wants to be like Josh Hanson, reformed until the pressure builds then revert back to his old ways. Should be fun to watch. Didn't JLaw punk RD?
Bubba's a Bum now, let's just forget about 'em. If he comes back and wins some races then fine, but right now he's M.I.A. and doesnt deserve our attention. There are too names listed above that are going to throw down.
I truly believe that J-Law will be a real positive influence on Malcolm Stewart.
Anyone remember this pass? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJRsmxUNSTM&feature=feedrec_grec_index
why so many people picking CP? he is fast, but would fall off pace in the end. only gonna get worse on a 450-especially since he sat out last season. better get tuned up or get tuned up.
would love to see j-law come out and win- AHAHAHAHA that would be a finger to the world
would love to see j-law come out and win- AHAHAHAHA that would be a finger to the world
Stewart is a tool!!!!! Stay home and make excuses!!! Man he is getting old!!!!! REED, thank you for showing people what can happen when you apply yourself!!! RV2, awesome season indoors!! RD1, time to defend!!!!
Stewart is a tool!!!!! Stay home and make excuses!!! Man he is getting old!!!!! REED, thank you for showing people what can happen when you apply yourself!!! RV2, awesome season indoors!! RD1, time to defend!!!!
RV is an animal,can he make it the entire season is what I question. A 450`s easier to race than a 250,their all pinned on 250`s. 450 pinned all the time and you`ll be getting your bones pinned together. Pourcel will be interesting to watch,that dude is special. Wins a World title over Tony keep your lid on Canolioliole,comes here, wins his first ever sx race, beating RV . Suffers paralysis,overcomes that, and wins what, two sx 250 titles and challenges for two Ntnl titles.RD,has stamina ,drive consistency. Chad Reed ,seems to ride to the level of his competition,the guy is always there {not cntng last year relax} @ the end with a chance to win. I hope they battle,whoever it may be, for the win.
nobody seems to care about nationals anymore, mcgrath passed on them and it didnt hurt his career, no james stewart in the nationals just means a lot of boring ass races with chump reed ryan have a rat knaw that mole off your face scungey ryan the litle lepricon villopoto and some french a-hole kames doesnt have to prove anything no one will ever repeat what him and r.c did and thats go undeafeated he doesnt need the money he could quit tomorrow and never have to work another day in his life, not many riders can do that.
if reed does not do good what kind of lame ass excuse you think he will use to bale out of this series he is running out of excuseses just admit it dude you suck outdoors and you quit when your ass is being handed to you.
I like the "finesse vs. rodeo" description above for Pourcel vs. Villopoto...
I think Reed is content with his bike and riding, plus the new respect he's earned...I don't see him quitting.
I neglected to cheer for Dungey during SX, but I'll be nicer for outdoors. He'll be good, maybe even better than people think he'll be.
I was hoping Canard would be out there a little sooner. Red Bud is halfway into the season :(
I've always been a bigger supercross fan, but I followed mx last year and really enjoyed it, even with Dungey dominating the whole thing. I'm excited to see the pace of Pourcel, Villopoto, Alessi, Reed, Jason Lawrence, Tomac, Musquin, etc. Should be good.
First of all I do believe this will be the best Outdoor Series ever. But I don't think you are gonna see anyone run away with it. I also believe that you are gonna see different guys on the box every week,and that will be awesome to witness. Sure Ryan Villopoto seems like the early favorite with his outdoor speed. Ryan Dungey is packing the #1 plate. Chad Reed has shown that he has been able to adapt to Outdoors alot easier, plus after Vegas, this guy just loves Racing Now. Kevin Windham came and ruined R.C's win streak, not just one race either. He is at a whole new high in his career. It would seem that the louder people cheer for K.W the faster he goes. Tommy Hahn has been practicing outdoors for the last two months and he should be prepared to be a front runner as well. Brett Metcalfe came out last year and wasn't happy with his performance much. And after watching interviews of him, I wouldn't count him out either. Jake Weimer is another fast guy,plus has the opportunity to practice with R.V. Andrew Short wether on a 350 or not is gonna be there too. Mike Alessi, has proven outdoor speed and awesome starts. Davi Millsaps is also capable of winning, providing he is injury/illness free. he proved in the last few rounds of Sx that he could quite possibly be on his way back to the podium. Bottom line is fella's, the talent pool is deeper outdoors than it was indoors, because all of these guys know how to go fast. Oh yes there is also CP377 and J-Law. I seem them mixing it up with guys in the first 3 or 4 laps then fading or mechanical failure. whatever excuse their teams wanna give their handful of fans. I see Ricky Dietrich being a strong finisher this year, I don't know how he will stack up for speed early on but believe that his physical conditioning will separate him from the back half of the pack.
This IS Motocross ! Are you ready to ruuuumble? I Agree Bubba Isnt ever gonna be As strong,If he dont ride outdoors..It's certainly where he lost his edge,in previous SX seasons..Gotta be in OUTDOOR shape..either way.. This IS Motocross,
everyone forgot that RV smoked dungey in the lites n SX this season, he won a moto at MXdN beating RC4, theres no one who can beat RV...NO ONE, POURCEL was kicking dungeys ass in the lites until Southwick, hes a world champ so he will be 2 behind RV. As a reed fan im gonna keep it real he n dungey are at the same level so they will make top 5, and dude everyone forgot how fast alessi was on the 450 ktm or suzuki HES IS FAST, but he cant beat rv he will there with Pourcel, there the big 5 for this season. RV will win it he may not win every race he will win most smoking everyone RV is FOR SURE the next RC
everyone forgot that RV smoked dungey in the lites n SX this season, he won a moto at MXdN beating RC4, theres no one who can beat RV...NO ONE, POURCEL was kicking dungeys ass in the lites until Southwick, hes a world champ so he will be 2 behind RV. As a reed fan im gonna keep it real he n dungey are at the same level so they will make top 5, and dude everyone forgot how fast alessi was on the 450 ktm or suzuki HES IS FAST, but he cant beat rv he will there with Pourcel, there the big 5 for this season. RV will win it he may not win every race he will win most smoking everyone RV is FOR SURE the next RC