Racer X Race Report: Freestone MX
Sunday, May 29, 2011 | 7:20 AM
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PrintThe heat and humidity at the Rockstar Energy Drink Freestone National in Texas means every rider is going to have to dig through pain late in the races, but Ryan Dungey’s heartbreak surely felt a whole lot worse that any kind of physical fatigue after the second 450 moto. Near the end of a hard-fought day of racing, Dungey appeared to have the overall win in hand. He finished second in the first moto behind Chad Reed, and then pulled away from the field in moto two and looked to have the win locked up. But then, with two laps to go, his bike let go, and Dungey coasted to a stop on the side of the track, powerless. Chad Reed, cruised past, and took his second straight overall win in the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship—as well as a sizable points lead.
Ryan Dungey appeared to have the 450 overall won in Texas....
...until his bike broke with two laps to go. A determined Chad Reed rolled past to take his second-straight overall win.
Simon Cudby photos
There was also a shakeup in the standings in the 250 class, as Hangtown winner Blake Baggett had a bad day, while his Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki teammates Tyla Rattray and Dean Wilson battled for the win, and in WMX, Honda’s Ashley Fiolek battled back to make up championship ground as well.
Reed won the first 450 moto, and he did it in impressive fashion. Lucas Oil Troy Lee Honda’s Christian Craig led early after grabbing the holeshot, and Reed was off in second early. But Motoconcepts Yamaha’s Christophe Pourcel was on the move, passing Reed and going after Craig, while Dungey was making his way back from a bad start. Pourcel’s run at the front didn’t last long, and he started dropping positions to Reed and Dungey, and then pulled off the track, saying he wasn’t comfortable with his bike set up.
Dungey was all over Reed for a few laps but just could not find a way to make a pass. Then Reed stepped up his pace and pulled away from Dungey while also going after Craig. Reed took the lead, and eventually Dungey took second, but Dungey was never able to mount a serious challenge to Reed. Craig finally fell back a few more spots but held on for an impressive fifth.
Monster Energy Kawasakis Ryan Villopoto fought his way to third after a bad start, but the new Monster Energy supercross champion was never in contention with Reed and Dungey. Muscle Milk Toyota JGRMX Yamaha’s Davi Millsaps took fourth ahead of Craig.
JGR's Davi Millsaps rode well, and took advantage of trouble for Dungey to net second overall with 4-2 scores.
Cudby photo
Not quite the day Ryan Villopoto wanted. Bad starts and a second-moto crash held him to third overall with 3-5 finishes.
Cudby photo
Cudby photo
In moto two, Dungey passed his Rockstar Makita Suzuki teammate Bret Metcalfe to snag the early lead. Reed was quickly up to second and kept some pressure on, and it looked like a rematch of Hangtown’s second moto was about to materialize. Then Reed tried a new line and crashed, handing Dungey a big lead and what seemed to be a sure overall. Until his bike quit. With two laps to go, Dungey started slowing, and then soon his bike let go altogether. Reed, some 25 seconds behind, rolled through to take the lead and the win, while Dungey was left to push his bike off. Dungey’s team said they were not yet sure what had gone wrong with the bike.
Millsaps logged another great moto to take second ahead of Metcalfe and Valli Motorsports Rockstar Yamaha’s Ricky Dietrich. Villopoto suffered another bad start and a crash, dropping him to fifth. Millsaps’ 4-2 scores carried him to second overall ahead of Villopoto’s 3-5 for third.
The 250 class was equally crazy. GEICO Powersports Honda’s Justin Barcia holeshot the first moto with Red Bull KTM’s Marvin Musquin battling with him. But Barcia slid out and crashed, and his bike flipped right into Musquin, knocking the Frenchman from the race with a broken thumb—that’s about as bad as bad luck can get.
Justin Barcia (17) and Blake Baggett (57) looked like early stars in Texas' 250 races. But it didn't last.
Cudby photo
Cudby photo
Last week’s Hangtown winner, Blake Baggett, jumped out to an early lead, only to crash out of the top ten. Dean Wilson picked up the lead from there and checked out, winning the moto over his Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki teammate Tyla Rattray and DNA Shred Stix Star Racing Yamaha’s Kyle Cunningham.
Things got crazy in moto two, as well. Barcia got into the lead again but stayed up. Wilso was second, and then Wilson started round 137 of the Barcia/Wilson battles. Dean tried to make an aggressive pass, tangled with Barcia, and went down. This left Rattray and Cunningham battling for the overall, and when Rattray passed Cunningham to get into second, he had the race won overall. Until Wilson started making up time and passed his way into third, putting him into the overall lead based on points.
Dean Wilson won moto one, but crashed battling Barcia in moto two.
Tyla Rattray outlasted the field in the second moto to take the win and the overall.
Cudby photos
Kyle Cunningham rode well in his native Texas to grab third overall.
Cudby photos
Barcia held a big lead at one point, but he couldn’t hang onto it down the stretch, as Rattray logged some impressive laps late to reel Barcia in and steal the lead with two laps to go. That gave Rattray a 2-1 for the overall win, over Wilson and Cunningham.
In WMX, American Honda Racing’s Ashley Fiolek struck back to win the overall with 2-1 scores. Fiolek had crashed hard in practice and wasn’t even sure if she would be able to ride with a back injury. In the first moto, she sprinted out to an early lead, but then stalled, and last week’s winner, Jessica Patterson, ran into the back of her. They both went down, but Fiolek got up and going quickly, while Patterson had trouble restarting and finished 13th.
Patterson came back to win moto two, but there was no stopping Fiolek for the overall with a 1-2. Lucas Oil Troy Lee Designs Honda’s Tarah Gieger took second overall and Mariana Balbi was third for the day on her Motoconcepts Yamaha.
The 2011 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship takes a weekend off, before returning to action on Saturday, June 11, with the Rockstar Energy High Point National. Round 3 of the season takes place at High Point Raceway in Mt. Morris, Pa.
Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship
Rockstar Energy Freestone National
Freestone Raceway - Wortham, Texas
May 28, 2011
Round 2 of 12
450 Class (Moto Finish)
1. Chad Reed, Australia, Honda (1-1)
2. Davi Millsaps, Murrieta, Calif., Yamaha (4-2)
3. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki (3-5)
4. Brett Metcalfe, Australia, Suzuki (9-3)
5. Ricky Dietrich, Menifee, Calif., Yamaha (8-4)
6. Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki (6-7)
7. Christian Craig, Hemet, Calif., Honda (5-8)
8. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki (2-25)
9. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, KTM (15-6)
10. Nick Wey, Dewitt, Mich., Yamaha (10-11)
450 Class Championship Standings
1. Chad Reed, Australia, Honda - 97
2. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki - 76
3. Davi Millsaps, Murrieta, Calif., Yamaha - 72
4. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki - 69
5. Brett Metcalfe, Australia, Suzuki - 64
6. Ricky Dietrich, Menifee, Calif., Yamaha - 53
7. Christian Craig, Hemet, Calif., Honda - 47
8. Kevin Windham, Centreville, Miss., Honda - 45
9. Jake Weimer, Rupert, Idaho, Kawasaki - 44
10. Tommy Hahn, Decatur, Texas, Yamaha - 40
250 Class (Moto Finish)
1. Tyla Rattray, South Africa, Kawasaki (2-1)
2. Dean Wilson, Scotland, Kawasaki (1-3)
3. Kyle Cunningham, Aledo, Texas, Yamaha (3-4)
4. Justin Barcia, Ochlocknee, Ga., Honda (9-2)
5. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda (5-6)
6. Martin Davalos, Ecuador, Suzuki (10-7)
7. Matt Lemoine, Collinsville, Texas, Kawasaki (8-11)
8. Cole Seely, Newbury Park, Calif., Honda (14-8)
9. Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., Kawasaki (7-16)
10. Gannon Audette, Cain, Ga., Yamaha (12-12)
250 Class Championship Standings
1. Dean Wilson, Scotland, Kawasaki - 90
2. Tyla Rattray, South Africa, Kawasaki - 85
3. Eli Tomac, Cortez, Colo., Honda - 69
4. Blake Baggett, Grand Terrace, Calif., Kawasaki - 66
5. Kyle Cunningham, Aledo, Texas, Yamaha - 64
6. Justin Barcia, Ochlocknee, Ga., Honda - 52
7. Gareth Swanepoel, South Africa, Yamaha - 46
8. Martin Davalos, Ecuador, Suzuki - 44
9. Cole Seely, Newbury Park, Calif., Honda - 42
10. Broc Tickle, Holly, Mich., Kawasaki - 38
WMX Class (Moto Finish)
1. Ashley Fiolek, St. Augustine, Fla., Honda (1-2)
2. Tarah Gieger, Puerto Rico., Honda (3-3)
3. Mariana Balbi, Brazil, Yamaha (2-4)
4. Jessica Patterson, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha (13-1)
5. Tatum Sik, Temecula, Calif., Yamaha (6-5)
6. Marissa Markelon, Winchester, Calif., Yamaha (5-8)
7. Sara Price, Canyon Lake, Calif., Kawasaki (4-11)
8. Alexah Pearson, Rocklin, Calif., KTM (8-7)
9. Kasie Creson, Byron, Calif., Honda (9-9)
10. Lindsey Palmer, Conifer, Colo., Honda (10-10)
WMX Class Standings
1. Ashley Fiolek, St. Augustine, Fla., Honda - 91
2. Jessica Patterson, Tallahassee, Fla., Yamaha - 83
3. Tarah Gieger, Puerto Rico., Honda - 72
4. Mariana Balbi, Brazil, Yamaha - 66
5. Tatum Sik, Temecula, Calif., Yamaha - 59
6. Kasie Creson, Byron, Calif., Honda - 48
7. Jacqueline Strong, Sedona, Ariz., KTM - 48
8. Marissa Markelon, Winchester, Calif., Yamaha - 47
9. Sara Price, Canyon Lake, Calif., Kawasaki - 43
10. Alexah Pearson, Rocklin, Calif., KTM - 42
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I'm too old for these friggin 4 stroke things. Are they that good??? I mean,....won't start,.....blows to hell ,.....cost a first born to fix....& maintain....And I'm just guessin here .....it has to feel like a pig.....if not, it sure sounds like a pig.....Are they worth it?
For, $8,500.00 bucks I'd like to think one engeneer would have guessed it might be 100 degree heat at some mototrack some place???, heck maybe even the states?? I know i'd be done w/ the sob. 1st time it didnt start hot.....kickin , after a fall saps the starch right out ya. Fk this thing, gimmie something that'll run.
Talk to me Goose!
No, they are not worth that... I personally switched back to two strokes recently and its the best decision i've made in my career. I really cant understand why AMA doesn't change the rules that 250 class would be a 250 class, nevermind the stroke of the bike. And if Honda and Kawi cries about it, let them cry! There is very potential european two strokes, for example TM. This change would do nothing but good for racing, privateers could afford to race and stuff...
Saw the 2nd 450 race last night... Dungey was rollin, 25 sec. lead, amazeing late race speed, then the bike stopped with 2 or 3 laps to go .... WOW! Hard to imagine.. Then to put salt in the wound he's the one pushing the bike back. How about Milsaps!!! Also Emig and Weigandt noting C. Craigs beautiful riding style. Happy Memorial Day to all.
There did seem to be quite a few mechanicals. Im no specialist, but can heat do that much to a motocross bike? I thought these things could take anything. In motogp heat only is factor when it comes to tires.
Really happy Reed and Rattray are winning, but I gotta say, Poto's performances are the biggest surprise. Everyone was expecting the dude to walk away with each win in the bag. Pourcel stopping after he was not happy with his setup??? I mean then slow down, but finish the race man.
Agreed.. Whats your problem Pourcel?
I feel bad for Marvin... Talk about bad luck
yeah, I was surprised to see Dungey pushing his own bike, up hills even, with no help. after a bike failure, no matter what it was caused from, I'd think the mechanic would feel obligated, and the rider so frustrated that he'd drop it in frustration. Dungey's a good kid, he'll fight back. maybe that cool looking aluminum tank could be used as a pressure cooker? but didn't that happen a few years ago on some of the other brands in Colorado, with plastic tanks?
I cant believe Reeds good fortune. His speed is better than I've ever seen it and his rivals are having troubles. Will he be cashing in another huge insurance check?
And absolute shame about Marvin and the whole KTM camp. They have to be about gutted right now. It seems as though every Euro has to pay with blood or bones early on in their AMA careers. The kid looked good so hopefully he heals up quick.
Congrats to Reed, he won't have to wine about the red plate this week as he has earned the right to have it all to him self as he broke Dungey again, lol. Ryans good luck from last couple years is reversing this year, throwing some adversity into his title defense, but he is a good kid with his on straight and I think he has a great chance to still take this title! Good luck to all but I am pulling for Dungey!
Wow! A message board where guys aren't calling each other names, just talking Moto! Awesome! Sucks for Dungey but it's a long series and he has some serious speed outdoors. It was weird for him to have to push his own bike but I'll bet that was his own decision, I doubt Goose would make him push.
I love how after riding the wheels of that RMZ pile for 30 minutes Dungey had to push the bike back to the pits while the Suzuki guys waddled along next to him looking around at the sites. During the broadcast I heard them say Honda replaces the motor between motos. Yea that's a great platform for dirt bikes. Everybody can carry a spare motor with them. F-four strokes. They have ruined our sport.
POW-MIA!!!! America,,,, love it or LEAVE it.......
WOW those guys are getting faster, glad I stayed home and continue Bubba's world and my egotistical lifestyle.
I would love to see 360cc -400cc 2 strokes in the open class again.
Dungey wont get a lot of sympathy from Metcalf. Remember last year when Metty ran out of gas with a big lead and a lap to go and Dungey cruised by for the win? What I don't get is after Reed backed off after crashing and losing time, why didn't Dungey? Partly his fault for not breathing the motor on a hot day. Just like Reed's fault for not backing off in the Daytona super-slop a couple years ago.
Wonder if we'll be reading a PR regarding 377 and the team "amicably" parting ways.
I don't get it, why is the RMZ a pile, or junk, because the fuel got hot? while short's KTM and windhams honda, and last year, Short's Honda, and Canard's Honda straight up failed and they have a great bike and great program? Suzuki's had several championships since 05 with 3 different riders, Honda hasn't won anything since 03 and KTM never, here anyways in the SX class.
Wow, I couldn't help but notice the shortage of spectators! Especially after the record crowds at Hanghtown!!
Yah, kinda weird Dungey not getting any help pushing the zook back to the truck...unless he waqs tring to get it across the line for some points huhh??
I cant believe Pourcel pulled off the track ??? He must be hanging with JS and picked up on some pointers from him from Unadilla last year..............
" James Stewart" .... If you cant beat them just pull off the track and blame the bike set
" Pourcel " ...... Ok James, thanks for the tips I will try your suggestions ! After all you are the best at that
" James Stewart "..... It has always worked for me, You can also just take them out one at a time and get positions that way, Works like a charm !!
"Pourcel" ..... Ok Stew, you da man, Thanks ! Oh and by the way can I be on your show ?? please please !!!
Good for Dungey, pushing the bike back. It shows his good upbringing. It always bothered me to see a guy drop his bike and walk away from it. I saw JLaw do this at an amatuer LL qualifier and it's just immature. It's usually not anyone on the teams fault that some part let go, so why make it look like it was the mechanics fault. Plus the fact that it shows more respect for the bike and team to push it back yourself. You get a little more exercise that day too seeing yuor obviously not going to get the full amount of saddle time!
Missed the first moto broadcast on Fuel most likely because the network decided to change the name from last week. WHY MUST THE NAME OF THE BROADCAST CHANGE EVERY WEEK? F#%K Fuel tv and this new multi network broadcasting format. How about both motos on the same channel in the same show with the same name every week so my dvr can find the broadcast? That would be amazing.
Hey Yamalink, Pourcel will probably need to go attend to "family matters". He can talk shop with Larry Brooks.
@CA207 Hot fuel or a grenaded motor, the end result is the same, zero points in moto two therefore it is a pile. There are steps one can take to keep the fuel from getting too hot. Didn't seem to be a problem for any of the other front runners.
Just realized, if Dungey had won and Reedy finished second, they would be tied still for the points lead and the dreaded RED NUMBER PLATES!
There is a new bike being developed actually it produces almost twice the horsepower in half the work and it is lighter and much cheaper and more reliable to run. Its called a 2 stroke. I think we are the only sport that has actually has gone backwards in our development in the last 15 years. It really is a shame when a championship can be decided because you can't start your bike after tipping over in a corner.
Hey weigandt how long have you been waiting to uncork that "izzi in 3rd yes he is" ? I have been waiting for someone to say that.
@byrner99 I completely agree with you except for the fact that RD had already put in a hard 30 minutes in the blazing heat. After kicking the heck out of the bike and watching the win and overall go up in smoke, I feel he more than deserved to have the mechanics push his bike back.
Don't know what the big deal about is Dungey pushing his own bike. Back in the day before the pros were prima donnas and their heads actually fit into their helmets they would not think twice about pushing their bike back to the pits and in the early days of true works bikes it happened quite a bit. Dungey is just that kind of kid. A good mid western (not Californicated) kid with his head on straight and he will be back stronger than ever after this. He is good indoors and this happened and he still almost won the title, but outdoors is his thing and you can tell it. With his work ethic and determination he will be right there at end if his mechanic can keep his bike together. He has learned from two of the best the sport has ever seen (DeCoster and Carmichael) and he seems to be someone worth actually rooting for. Come on Red Bud!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Im thinking he probably refused the help and wanted to push it back himself. I was a top mini rider in the 80s sponsored by honda and my father never let me thow my helmets or have a mechanic push my bike. It shows character in my opinoin although I am not a fan I can relate to him still pushing his own bike. I rode with Hannah once way back and he would run his bike out of gas and push it back through the sand and do it all over again. That is training hard trust me.
I believe RD1 was pushing his bike in hopes of it starting again, he can't have assistanse or he is DQ'ed. That makes sense except his helmet was off. Great start for Reed!!!!! When will Villipoto show up?
@Seve Erkel-whatever happened shouldn't have, but to say the bike is a pile is a little excessive, that bike won the last 4 of 6 outdoor titles with 3 different riders. that doesn't happen on a pile. Windham Dnf'd the 1st moto, with smoke or steam coming from the engine, is his a pile? I say not, things happen.
You two chump losers above who still have to rail on Stewart need to shut the ---- up!!!! Get a life and move on would you?? It's obvious that you miss him, and i get that....but you really should focus on who is out there racing, and stop worrying about js!! Don't hate on people just because you have small "weeners"!!
@CA207 I'm calling all 4-strokes piles. I have raced and wrenched on dirty bikes for 25 years. 2 stroke racing was just as good if not better and way cheaper. We would all enjoy watching the Pro's just as much on 125 and 250 2-strokes. That's all I'm saying.
Pourcel is a sissy. period. And RV just doesnt look strong, he must still be sick or just not up to full strength, he just dont look the same. Reed is running the best he has in years, just seems to be full of new life. And I hate to see Dungey lose the race like that, it sucks, but why didnt Goose push that bike bake to the pits, he was walking next to Dungey while Dungey pushed it, after running two motos. Gotta hand it to Reed, he said in his mind Dungey won that moto, and he hated to see him lose it with a mechanical like that. I thought that was cool. And I want to know where DGIZZY is, he was saying Pourcel was going to win this title, and be on the podium every week, the guy wont even finish a moto. And Millsaps has new life, looks like they have his anemia under control and he looks as strong as he did in the 250 class years ago.
Not really abig deal about Dungey pushing his bike, but Goos was walking next to him, why not help some anyway, start pushing the rear fender or something. It looked like Goose was the prima-donna to me.
Millsaps was impressive. He simply rode away from Villopoto. Or was that after Ryan's crash? That'd be different.
Still a good ride.
Dean Wilson needs a belt. NOW. Or suspenders with little Scottish flags on them. His mechanic needs to keep spares in his toolbox, and make sure everything's fastened properly while Dean's on the gate. I'm completely over seeing his pasty ass floating on my big-(for 2004) screen in hi-def.
It was hilarious when we were watching Dean ride around out there with his pants four inches past the point of no return, and then they showed him this time last year, riding around with his pants six inches past the point of no return.
Did I say hilarious? I meant revolting, offensive, immoral.
So what a bunch of you guys are saying is that four stroke bikes are piles that have mechanical problems constantly (more than likely from your lack of maint) and that back in the day when two strokes reigned supreme none of these pro's ever had a mechanical, gimme a break!!!! These guys are pushing the bikes so hard whether it be two or four stroke that mechanicals are bound to happen to someone. In my opinion F1is the most technologically advanced form of racing, what kind of motors do they run? I don't think I saw a V8 or V12 two stroke motor on the back of the Ferrari F1 car unless I missed something. For those of you that LOVE your two smokes, ride em, wrench em, buy em, but don't trash my four stroke that I love and maintain to a T and never have a problem with. Now if I could only find someone that makes better fork seals...Jeez! I do like how someone pointed out how Dungey won Southwick last year when Metty was beating him straight up, maybe his luck has just run out a little.
You guys at racer x should do a privateer profile on the two Swedish riders Calle Aspegren and Fredrik Noren! Their bikes are as close to stock as you can be! Aspegren scored points in his first AMA National Pro race last weekend at Hangtown and both riders scored points at Freestone. Noren had to come trough the pack in both motos he was in a start crach the first moto and the second i dunno what happend but he lapped in 39th the first lap and came back to get 19th! Two really impressive guys that definitly deserves coverage.
yeah-I still have a 125 and wish I wouldn't have sold my 250 2 stroke. I'll get another when I can. I'll ride my pig til it grenades. and WHOOPS-BLITZER- I was watching the lap times, I don't think RV ever had a faster lap than Davi, in moto 2.
I agree with bd200 on every point, but seriously, what issss wrong with Pourcel? If he can lay down decent times in qualifying, what is wrong with his bike? I would also like to see 2 strokes make a come back.
Jason, are you talking about changing oil and keeping the valves adjusted, or is there more? I don't ride mine hard, because I'm just not that good, but I have an 08 rmz450 and no problems yet, cept for the fork seals, I put the Honda seals in last time, they seem better. Still love the lightness and zip of the 125 tho.
Hey bd200 what you think about Barcia, Two weeks in a row goes down all by himslef and this time ends MM's season!!! Is Barcia training with JS now?? LOL
I feel bad for RD, Man that hurt to see. Only good thing is now he gets to see wht guys like Metty and Grant felt like last year.
Funny how some guys were SLAMMING KTM last week when Shorts bike DNF'ed and then this week K-Dubs HONDA blows and then RD'S Suzuki BLows!!
ODD how many bikes are breaking this year. Are they running them longer to save money??
.Speaking of Shorty he rode very well in Moto 2
My Guess is RD told Goose I WILL push it back!!
@Bob,They do the same thing every year,check your dvr on friday and quit bit%chin about the best tv coverage EVER! Thank you FUEL,SPEED AND NBC
Trouble with fork seals? You may need to replace the bushings. The best fork seals I have found are the NIKS PRO-X. They just seem to use a better quailty rubber.
Honda is replacing the motor after each moto. I bet they weren't doing that with 2-strokes. The four stroke may be full of technology but it doesn't make the racing better.
There is no way that Goose didn't offer to push the bike back. I'm sure he feels terrible that the motor let go [ even though it's not his fault.] Dungey pushing his bike back in that heat, after a 30 minute moto, shows more character than actually winning the moto.
I remember Tortelli pushing his factory honda up hill at Red Bud till he nearly died...outta fuel, I guess thats even worse than a mechanical. What nobody here at factory Honda knows how much fuel it takes to run a moto?? results the same.
SO MUCH RESPECT to Ryan Dungey! he didnt drop his bike kick it hit it or anything. he just got off and pushd it HIMSELF not like all these other diva racers who would have thrown there helmet on the floor and left there bike. RD will win it
Everytime my bike breaks I push it back to the pits...everytime! Can I get some love? haha But I'm sure Dungey wanted to push it, everyone knows it upsets the motocross gods if you don't push it back.
I am now becoming a Ryan Dungey fan. When his bike quits after 30 hard minutes of racing, he just calmly pushes it back to the pits himself. Ryan is a great example for young motocross riders.
People who say Dungey should have backed off are idiots. He rode that fast because he was set in that pace. He didn't set lap times that were drastically different from Reed most of that race, yet Reed's bike made it to the finish. It sucks, but it's not really anyone's fault. Bad luck. The word now is that his fuel boiled. Strange that it was hotter at Freestone last year and his fuel didn't boil. I do like that he twice has pushed his own bike back to the pits this year after a DNF. I hope he comes out swinging at High Point.
None of these guys impress me. I would ride away from them on my 125TT. We need some real racers in the US. Wish Carolli would come here
The same Cairoli that got beat rather convincingly by Dungey in Colorado, and left his Yamaha laying on the side of the track at the MXDN in 2007 after it broke? You're right, we need guys like him over here....
These results should list where people are really from.
That guy, Barcia, he is just racing to create problems to other riders, it's bad for Musquin, he could win the title in my opionoon and now he'll probablyl be out for some time I guess. Pourcel in my opionion doesn't like the Yamaha and wants to get fired if the set up story is true, even if I doubt it. It's strange Villo's speed is not yet up to Reed's or Dungey's, I think these latest riders are the favorite for the title. Another DNF for Suzuki, which could cost it the title like it already happened in SX, this year the competition is much stronger. The KTM 350 is not good for the National races, which much higher average speed.
I get RD, pride,push your broken scoot yourself with your helpless doughnet mechanic in tow thinking how to explain this one away.What a pathetic sight. Hats off to Mr. Reed. Smart& tough. Tough break literally for KTM and MM.Hated to see that happen to him.Wish you a positive recovery. Still say that 350 doesn't belong, show me some results, Making the top 10 , not good enough here.
JIMMER: yes, the same Cairoli who beat rather convincingly Villo at the MXDN in England, the same guy who beat everyone, including Reed and Dungey, in Franciacorta, just a sniper paid by who knows who stopped his way to victory in moto3, remember this for the rest of your life! I don't understand what you wanna mean when saying "left his Yamaha laying on the side of the track at the MXDN in 2007 after it broke", it doesn't have anything to do with Cairoli' speed, he won three out of four World titles on private bikes. Both Tony and Desalle would have been on the podium of all the 4 motos, remember this! Reed, Dungey, Villo are very fast and are very respected in Europe, please do the same for our riders.
I race a 250 crf , and a YZ 125 in the vet B class . My results are the same on each Bike , But the 125 is the most FUN .... Bring back the 125 class
I think everyone forgot that the engines are modified, modified engines create heat, and heat is the enemy. They try to alleviate the problem but, when an engine is built for performance, you sometimes sacrifice durability. Modify your engine and you walk that line.
It seems that everyone is ramping up the performance because they know the "other guy" is doing the same thing. This year we've seen a significant number of mechanical failures probably as a result of trying to squeak every last ounce of HP out of an engine.
As for RD. I'm glad to see he's riding strong. At the beginning of the SX season, everyone was dogging him because he won a title without all the players on the track. He finishes a respectable 3rd, not being the fastest SX guy but being super consistent. Same with Reed.
Now he and Reed come out swinging, and when RV gets up to speed, if Alessi can put it together, and we see solid rides from Metty, Windam, and some others (maybe Millsaps) we're gonna have one hell of a summer.
And then we have the whole 250 class....AWESOME.
Now if Fro and Weigant can figure out how not to butcher Musquin's name I won't want to throw my remote through the TV. I laugh.
SIDE NOTE: Looks like race leaders are having bad luck this weekend because the rookie Hildebrand just threw away the Indy 500.
What,s "Memorial Day" holiday about?
i feel like they need to have more euro riders that are 25 plus out there racing with the 16 through 19 years old. seems like sand bagging doesnt just happen at local races.rattray needs to be forced out hes been in the lites class for 6 years i believe and hes not the only one doing this.
"yamalink wrote:
Wonder if we'll be reading a PR regarding 377 and the team "amicably" parting ways."
Soon! Then what? Twotwo honda?
hwy all I doubt this gets read? but mostly good comments and make sense from some perspective, thank you posters!. now all I gotta say is those 2 pics of Dungy and Reed are outa this world both are ridding the limist of physics unreal that the talent is that good now days. I gotta get busy you all have a good and safe Memorial Day and remember our fallen troops including the MIA/ POW's I have that flag out also, I have lost a few friends.
Why do Suzuki always brake down for dungy? i ill stick with honda haha
That's funny, I remember both Short's and Metcalfe's CRF450Rs running out of gas at Southwick. Short's CRF450R wouldn't run and he missed the first moto at Freestone last year also.
@ manes
' It's strange Villo's speed is not yet up to Reed's or Dungey's, '
actually RV had the fastest lap in Hangtown and I'm pretty sure he had the fastest lap in Moto 1 at Freestone! For some reason his endurance is lacking which is strange. He looks really thin and sickly to me! Also wouldn't hurt if he'd get better starts. Seems Reed and Dungey get out front early and check out where the other fast guys are buried in the pack and lose a lot of time fighting their way through......IMO.
Great racing, great coverage. Anyone else notice how Emig got his stuttering back. Its really anoying, bring back Bailey
I just hope that Barcia gets his ass handed to him sometime this summer atleast once. He is such a dirty rider. I know that he didn't really do anything on purpose this race at fremont, but the dudes just out of control and overly aggressive when someone wants to pass him. It looked like he kinda took dean's line from him at the last second but the camera angles were bad so not sure what happened. It just seems like every time wilson and him get together, wilson ends up going down. Then dumb ass barcia breaks french guy's hand by being an idiot.
Someone please park Barcia's ass into the bleachers this summer
@BILLC, as much fun as I had watching my 2 guys in supercross kick butt, it isnt happening right now. Barcia looked good in moto 2, but is having problems staying up. I supercross he looked sharp. But Dean Wilson beat him last year outdoors too. Maybe he will be a supercross specialist, who knows. He better wake up. I havent seen Barcia doo anything dirty since the 2nd supercross east race, he has been clean since, and Slarveson, taking a guys line isnt dirty if there isnt contact, its called racing. And Barcia didnt do anything being an "Idiot" as you call it. He crashed it happens, and the Frenchie hit him after the crash. Nobody was being an idiot, if you dont like him fine, but easy there. Sounds like you are a big Wilson fan, even Wilson said he was being Barcias bit#h..
And Ripdown and Manes, RV has been sick since Vegas..
cr250 dude-Don't forget Windham's Honda broke just yesterday, Hahn's Yamaha did too, Short's KTM last week. they all break occasionally. For Suzuki to have as many titles as they do in the last 6 years, I think they're pretty reliable. I'll keep all of my Suzukis, you can keep your Honda. that's what's so great about this country, Thanks to our troops past and present.
congrats Dungey. He really did win that race n should be tied for points w/ Reedy but thats MotoCross. Stupid Ralph sheheen with his Honda comments. "honda was the only manufacturer to completely swap motors in between moto's". Guess thats why K'dubs bottom end went out in the 1st moto. I honestly believe dungeys bike ran out of gas. Listen to his bike as he lands off the table top and it totally boggs. Couple corners later he was pushing. Cant believe the suzuki guys would make him push it but oh well. Surely RD will come back. BArcia is doing a good job of putting himself in the highlight reel w/ those crashes. Thanks to idiot barcia, Marvin musquin's season is over. His season lasted 2 motos and one holesot. Thanks Bam Bam, maybe now people will see that Making a lot of noise doesn't mean going fast. Dean wilson will eat Barcia alive. He could drop his bike, take a piss, and still pass bam bam. Why so many mechanical issues this year. Tommy hahn had such a good season going, Dungey, Windham... Biggest question is? how did Reed and Dungey get the speed to run ahead of Poto? Why did Lance vincent get the geico ride... I was pretty sure it would be Durham. Double D diserves it more than anyone in that class. PC and geico bikes are like cheater bikes compared to what Durham and Izzi ride
3 wins in 4 motos w/ a 2nd to back it up. Reed is the man. Sucks to be Dungey about now, he's a legit contender. RV's people are expecting a little more than 3-5 especially with Dungey dropping one (uncharacteristically) like that.
Freakin' KTM cannot get a break!!!!!!!!! Scratch that.......Heads, thumbs & bikes breaking........This sucks. Mike Alessi & the 450 are KTM's only hope for redemption this season. Ironic that the bike they don't want & the racer everybody else doesn't want are the ones in position to bring prestige & glory to the team. You couldn't make this stuff up....
only got to see half the 1st mot because of the wonderful telecast format what a bunch of sh@##$% Two wheel racing at its absolute highest level and we're at the mercy of the fical unreliable internet.It is just to much to have a network step up and show both motos on the same day at the same time f@##@#@$
@SLArVESIN..... Very much agree. I always thaught short was dirty. Nobody comes close to being as dirty as barcia. I decided to watch the arlington/dallas SX lites before Freestone. Barcia was dirty as ever there and it didn't end at freestone. I'm surprised marvin only compounded his thumb. Watched it in slow mo' and it looks like barcia's bike was gonna decapitate him. He's givin Dean wilson the short end of the stick so many times, while dean pretty much rides on eggshells aroud him. Otherwise dean's gonna get taken out again. Barcia literally cant win a race without riding dirty. Somebody take him out,,, Hard like he diserves (or maybe he'll get himself first)
Barcia did nothing wrong in Moto 2 with Wilson. Barcia held his line and Deano ran into the back of his bike because he tried to squeeze him in. Barcia, love him or hate him, makes the class interesting. If you listen to what he says in his interviews, you might as well stop saying someone should park him, because he feeds off of talk like that.
As for Dungey pushing his bike, I commend him. In most instances, Goose would have, but I'm thinking Dungey told him off. He was pushing hard to prove a point like last year, and his bike quit, sounds like hot fuel because his bike coasted with little to no power for a ways. If it blew up, he probably would have been thrown off the bike. Kudos to Reed for pushing hard, I respect him more now for pushing threw all the negativity in SX and proving himself now.
@SMART BOB- The coverage sucks.
I Gained a LOT of respect for Dungey. How many of the Factory "rockstars" would be pushing their bikes back to the pits after 30 mins of leading in 100 degree weather. God only knows how many times he tried kicking it over. Another shout out. Dean Wilson and Davi Milsaps were the only riders to jump the "sand wall" . And they both did it consistantly lap after lap. Marvin Musquin was headed for big things until Dipstick17 ruined his year. Marvin's the best in the biz, yet he's only raced a couple races all year due to injury. Thanks again justin. this kid needs to learn that if he cant beat em', follow em right on their @ss. pressure them into a mistake, find different faster lines to pass, every novice knows this. Hansen was a key player in a title fight and still he didn't take out tomac in Las Vegas. justin cant have any friends out there. only enemies. Now I know why Martin Davalos left MTF. I wish those two would have been on the same coast cuz Davalos would have parked him in the bleachers
Dungey probably pushed his bike back cause he didn't want his emotions to get the best of him, so, he spent his anger on pushing that dam machine up those hills in that gnarly heat. PROPS! reed,stewart,alessi, and probably anyone else out there would of tossed their bike to the floor and stormed away.
Motocross is an inherently dangerous sport, but hopefully JS and Barcia realize that they are losing fans big-time when they are injuring and ruining the careers of others riders that are known to ride safely and within their limits.
The only reason factories hire riders is for the sales. Winning is only important because it usually translates into sales. Barcia is making his employers look bad and decreasing Honda sales by ruining the season for Musquin. I really wanted to see MM ride in Colorado but I guess I will not.
So if I understand correctly, you guys are saying Barcia's crash in the first moto was on purpose because he knew MM125 was behind him and he could take him out for a couple races, but still recover to finish 9th. And then in the second moto it was his fault Wilson ran into him and fell. I got it.
Hey, enough of this racing stuff - the Rockstar Energy girl with the long, dark hair who was standing behind the riders on the podium is GORGEOUS!
She's my new motocross girlfriend.
I cant believe They sent Casey home Before James , Big mistake
Just heard that JS is ready now? Could he come from last and still win the 'ship? Anything's possible I spose, only JS will say "I gave it away" when it wasn't his to begin with.
I was a little surprised with Dungey pushing his bike back. Goose was right there to help but just like other guys posted seemed to be taking in the sights. This probably sounds like not that big a deal but keep in mind it was almost 100 degrees out and RD had to have been exhausted as it was. When Rattray pulled up even he was tired, you could see it and the PC crew was just dumping water on him. With these things happening for Dungey this year the prospects of him changing brands next year seems like a lock. I know it hasn't only happened to him but the chain derail could have cost him a title and now we will have to see how this fits into the scheme of things down the road for defending the outdoor title.
OK, just a quick question if anyone knows. Dungey is set to win second moto and is grinding it out hard when his bike gives out. Next picture is see is Dungey and his mechanic with Dungey pushing the bike back to the pits, is he not allowed any assistance from his mechanic or what? No way I'm pushing that thing back after a mechanical that could cost me the championship!
Anyone thought the speed coverage of the race was disappointing? Seemed like an awful lot of commercials butting into every part of the race. What's more disappointing is that the UK is covering both races live in HD on tv and we get the short end of the stick over here.
erinlive the sport hasn't gone backwards it has gone forward with the technology of 4 strokes and now with the fuel injection these bikes are so much faster then a worked 2 stroke. not only that but the racng has become alot better on the 4 strokes and most the fans love the sound and vibration a 2 stroke is just weak and most people that arnt hardcore fans hate the sound( though nothing still beats a revving 125)anyone that still thinks 4 stokes are stupid are living in the past they are a better bike!!!
Is there anything that SOUNDS better then a wide open 125? A four stroke? Not exactly.
As for Dungy, hey anything can break but the reality is that the four strokes run way, way hotter and have at least twice the number of parts. When you combine that with a 100 degree day it isn't surprising that the bike "ran out of gas."
Aww. Must suck being an American and seeing an Aussie and a South African take the top steps in your back yard. Boo friggin hoo. Aren´t Americans the best in the world? That´s what we keep hearing anyway. LOL.
@Mike. It must suck being a jealous piece of crap. NO it doesnt suck to get to watch the greatest motocross series every week all year long. Its awesome. Rattray really should be winning the beginner class alittle by now. He is older than over half the guys running the 450's. Its fine though. We get to watch the best and guys like you hate it and are jealous of us. Thats alright, we here in the United States are used to others being jealous. And we know who will win, Dungey or RV. And we really know who will win the Des Nations Again!! Have nive day Mike, maybe someday you will get to visit the greatest country in the world.
I agree about Rattray, he has been in the MX2 for 8 years I think, between National and GP's. I think the MX2 will be a private thing among the PRo Circuit guys. regarding the MX1, it's impossible to say who will win among Reed, Dungey and Villopoto, but I see Dungey better.
JS is not ready and now Pourcel pulls off with set-up issues. I've been watching these Yamaha's for some time and the only one that looks good is Millsaps and the off road guy, Ricky D. seems to be working.
JS back in the S/X series looked like crap and he couldn't ride the thing, I don't get it. They have all the resources in the world, unlimited budget and they can't get it dialed for his riding style. Then, Pourcel is having the same issue, "can't ride it". Whats up with all that?
Sounds like Yamaha needs to spend some time in the Joe Gibbs shop, as Millsaps ride looked pretty good. At least he races, don't pull off, and runs top 5.
I'm a Yamaha fan and these things are crap!
Anybody else see any of this?
Shocker Barcia being run down, passed, and gapped outdoors; no disrespect to TR. Angered me seeing Zuk mechanics not pushing but may RD said he'd do it; that's in keeping with RD's character. Dean Wilson is a nice kid, great work ethic, much like Dungey in all respects; would love to see these two guys get the titles. Thanks to Reed for his heart coming out this season, he's really putting on a show for us. I think RV is still sick and will make a comeback once fully well
RF817... Milsaps is riding great so far!! Man, I am happy he's finally making thigs work... The guy is oozing with talent!!!
Yamaha is a revolutionary bike... Maybe a bit too much...
Problem with Yamaha.. they have no real rider a la MC for Honda for example to develop the bike.
The stock prod bike is a weird bike.. Am amazed people still buy it. The '09 bike was an excellent bike..
Suzuki are still benefiting of the yrs DeCoster, RC helped develop the bike to what it is....
No, I certainly can not ride as fast as Wilson. But, I hope he sees the tape and realizes when you fall:
If the bike is running, make sure you pull in the clutch before standing the bike up.
Never try to start the bike in gear.
He lost a bunch of time and energy when he crashed, stalled the bike and could not start it....let alone the lost energy.
I agree Didierlotsyeng.
I also think that new engine design and position has upset the chassis to a certain extent, but you would think that those guys would get it figured out. Like you said, maybe some of these high profile riders can't relay any good test riding input, maybe MC could come back and test ride these things! LOL
@ RF817
Sorry bud but I have to disagree.... Personally I'm getting sick of everyone blaming JS7's failures on the Yamaha. Seems the bike handles just fine in the practice and heats of SX as he dominated both regularly??? Amazingly the handling disappears when the gate drops for the main events and competition is more intense.
While Stewart knows how to ride he simply doesn't seem to know how to race!
Poor-cel = What I don't get is he looked fine before pulling off....Like Stewart, that Yamaha just doesn't seem to fit him right.... These guys are pros and will go fast on anything they swing their leg over...but is it the "right" fit...... Reed said the same thing about his Kawasaki.....He looked good...but just didn't feel right...its all about comfort...then if your riding and thinking about not being comfortable....you will lose it.....
Love how guys make excuses and blame the bike. these guys can set the bike up anyway they choose. They have countles options. Changing linkage to lower the rear, raise and lower the triple clamps to change the rake, and ahost of spring rates and all. Options regulart people could olny dream of, and when they lose, guys want to blame the actual brand of bike. What a joke. Stewie won 5 mains in supercross, and got beat by better riders, and people want to blame the bike. Pourcel pulls off the track with no heart, and guys blame the set-up. BULL, he has no heart, that was shown last summer. And Stewie has none either, it shows because he cant say he got beat, he blames other things. Makes excuses. What a joke.
It's not the bike, like Ripdown said. Bubba had no issues winning 14 or 15 of the 17 heat races he entered while throwing fast laps all supercross season. He grenades under pressure, always has regardless of bike brand. Millsaps and Dietrich looked awesome this weekend along with Les Smith who has next to no time on the YZ450. Pourcel looked great, I think he just gassed out personally.
Went to the races, great day. Little warm, but not bad. Had a simple question.
As an older (okay ancient) rider, how is that they grade the track after the women have raced so the MEN can race? You would think the MEN would ride the toughest track to me....
Neither Wilson nor Musquins crashes were barcias fault! AS u know he was in front on both occasions. Barcias Fast and thats that. Sucks that marv got injured; he is also fast and would have made an already fast bunch even more interesting.If anything Wilson is riding over his head as usual and it will cost him;thats racing.Barcia has got the holeshot in 3 of 4 motos and in the one he didnt he had Durham BLOCKING him for laps and didnt try any over-aggressive moves to get by. Barcia is solid and will be in top 3 when dust settles
Thats was my point BD200, It happens, BUT when JS goes down you say he was riding above his abilty don't you?? and when he went down in the whoops and K-Dub hit him some people said he took out K-Dub. All I want it people to judge all the guys the same.
@bd200
Dream on dude. LOL. The MX of nations is a typical American con job. A country with 51 states, that´s much larger than Europe and with a bigger population than the combined population of Europe, takes on each individual European country (states). It´s a loaded dice, and when you win you howl like a pack of coyoties from your Mexican invaded homeland. Gee well done, you beat Belgium which is the size of Manhatten island. LOL.
If your riders are so great, why don´t they contest the official WORLD championship where borders are wiped out and it´s every man against the next? Conditions too tough? Not good enough maybe?
Jealous? Hell, that´s laughable.
Tired of yanky bullshit? Now that´s more like it.
@Mike there are only 50 states, (even though Obama said he went to 57) LOL.
. Question for you why do so many come to race here?? Why would our top guys go over there when they almost never they get beat buy guys that come here? Pluse there is way more money to be made here whitch is the bottom line anyway.
Conditions too tough to run a GP?? hahahah!! Thats a riot. W#hy would our top rider go to Europe to make no money and race a series that isnt as good as the one here?? that makes no sense. the ONLY riders that go there to race are ones who CANT get a ride here. That why the top Euros come here after winning everything in the GP's and never win anything.
If you are tired of us Yanks, why are you on a "Yank" website reading about a Yank motocross series?? Because you know its the best series out there. And sorry if some of those countries dont haver alot of people in them, if they were better countries people would want to live there. And hey genious, we have 50 states not 51.
And BILLC, when Stewie went down, he was landing on top of people, or flailing throught the whoops and his bike slammed Reed, Barcia didnt hit anyone, he got hit by Musquin. And Stewie has an entire career of crashing onto or into people, Barcia doesnt, he has gone down twice, if he crashes 7 or 8 times this season like Stewie, then yes, I'll say he needs to back it down.
Mike... Give it a rest...
The USA is a bigger nation.. Outsells Europe, or Asia (Let's not even talk about the middle east or Africa...) in sales of motorcross bikes...
And putting the blame on this big country producing more riders... because of it's population.. It's bullcrap of the first order.
Yes, it increases the chances of having a bunch of talent... But is it their fault? They have more people who are interested in riding dirt bikes? You should put the blame on the europeans or the rest of the world for not producing enough? (Look at the tennis scene.. US produces enough talented players but seem to be shitless against the rest of the world.. But again, in atheletics.. The USA is again the far better nation.. )
And wake up to 2011... The europeans or the rest of the world are not the dominant force in motorcross since the begin 80's.... But in other disciplines.. Take joy that there are no US dominance... If you have a thing against their dominance...
However, there are some talent in Europe... And for them to prove themselves.. They know very well, that being a champ in the GP scene... Is nice.. But to be the best, best... You go to the USA.
Bayle did it.. Reed did it.. Albertyn did it... Maybe Roczen will follow their footsteps?
Unless you want to be a Everts who takes great pride in all his championships won in the MX GP scene... Good for him.. But who is he really kidding? His championships won is not as much worth as a foreign rider winning at least 1 SX or MX championship in the USA.
Of course, the Belgians and die hard europeans do not think so.. But hey... Look at the MX des nations history... The USA seems to win a lot of editions lately.. And that shud be a yardstick on how good they are in the motorcross discipline.