by Andy Bowyer
One Industries Thursday Rev Up
Thursday, June 23, 2011 | 11:00 AM
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Hello, everyone, and welcome to the Rev Up. Who’s ready for some more? Dude, things have fired off at a pretty strong gallop. Just looking at the points in both classes has me raising my eyebrows. I’ve taken some hits for not saying so much about The Thunder, or his charge in outdoor 2011. Eh, I don’t know, he’s pretty much kicked everybody in the nuts and been a man among boys thus far this summer. Straight talk, my man has won every second moto that’s run and after watching every lap, he really isn’t sweating.
Speaking to that point, I think a lot of us overlook the fact that Chad Reed battled Ricky Carmichael and James Stewart for the better part of a decade. The new kids are fast, but the noise RC and Stew were bringing circa 2006 was profound. Reed’s been through that, beaten both of them numerous times, but couldn’t bring the titles home. He finished second and third a lot. And he keeps coming back for more.
Now when you think about what Reed’s mindset is like as he stepped into the outdoor nationals this summer, you would be a fool to think he didn’t have more going than any rider on the gate. He’s fought countless times, and knows a “series” better than his current competition. He’s spray painting the writing on the wall thus far. His point lead is growing and they better dent his grill soon, or Reed is set for the summer of his life.
This has been a familiar site for Reed this season.
Photo: Simon Cudby
On to Colorado. Man, I’m from Kansas so we would hit up the Denver arenacross and about ten Colorado races a year growing up. Things are different at altitude. There’s no air. In those days my KX125 that was full PC modified felt like it had the power of my Snapper lawn mower. You have to improvise the machines in the thin air to perform to peak. Which, no matter how good you get it, it’s way less power.
With the four-stroke world we live in, the song remains the same. But different. The mechanics have fought boiling the fuel on the bikes for the past few events. I’m not a mechanic, but I know that the race we are staring down this weekend is a kicker in that the performance of the machines is different than any hit on the schedule. It’s a major factor.
All history, Reed stroking, and mechanical speak aside, the Thunder Valley National in Lakewood, Colorado, is a very cool place to watch a race. Colorado is beautiful to begin with, but there is something real about the thinner air and the way colors are sharper and crisper at four-thousand feet. As one of the more, ahem, “mellow” states in the union, the state has an enjoyable vibe. There is a plethora of females, and the locals are great.
This one is shaking up to be the best race yet, folks. Let’s check it out.
250
I’m not enjoying the domination of the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit team much anymore. They’ve created this dynasty of domination that is literally unbeatable. The best riders, on the fastest bikes, backed by arguably the single best management body in all of motocross. Either class. That’s what you’re up against with these boys. I love those guys, known Bones and Mitch since I was 16 years old, but it’s like they need to use restrictor plates. Well, it’s almost not fair they’re so good...
The Pro Circuit boys have been dominant thus far in 2011.
Photo: Simon Cudby
As it stands right now there is a hornets nest between point leader Tyla Rattray, Dean Wilson, and a pack of wolves scratching to gain points back. It’ll be heavy this weekend and after the aforementioned PC powerhouse comes Justin Barcia, Eli Tomac, and now Kyle Cunningham and a very salty Darryn Durham. Things have a penchant for shaking up in Colorado, but look for the day to be very, very Monster Energy Green. Can "Bad" Blake Baggett come back and regain Alpha Male status?
450
We are going to see a show with the big boys this time around. There is some serious heat carrying the charge into Colorado in the 450 Class. Let’s go back two seasons ago when Mike Alessi was trying to ride injured and got cleaned out by Josh Grant. Take that moment and look at the helmets #800 and #33 are going to pull on this weekend. Since then, Mike’s brother dusted Grant early in supercross, and now the two are on the comeback trail. Lest you forget, Josh Grant won the first moto here last year and he is getting healthy on that factory HRC.
Mike Alessi is about ready to win a race. Watch those two this weekend. History speaks volumes.
But, before I go any further and miss any Reed action...why wouldn’t #22 go out there and nail down another overall fist pumper? Hey, Reed has impressed me. I never doubted, but didn’t think we would see this kind of riding. My man had his son on his shoulders on the podium at Budds Creek. Father’s Day Eve. He showed up for moto two and just rode to another win. He has the momentum and all of the confidence.
Will the Grant/Alessi rivalry reignite at Thunder Valley?
Photo: Simon Cudby
If it wasn’t for stalling his bike and busting a gut in the second moto at Budds Creek, RV Park would still be the man. But he did, and he isn’t right now. Reed has “the nuts.” (that’s poker speak). But, I don’t know, I really don’t see why Villopoto wouldn’t come back this weekend and win another one. Yep.
What needs to happen with this group is to have Jake Weimer and Davi Millsaps get a little rolling. A holeshot from either will rattle the cage.There is a lot that can happen.
Can Dungey get his first overall of the year this weekend?
Photo: Simon Cudby
But, on to the show, ya’ll! The first bell of summer rang on Tuesday and I’m telling you the scene in Lakewood this weekend is going to be epic! It’s time to see the damn show again, boys! We’re swiftly approaching the cross flags of this championship and it’s time to get nasty. Time to see who has the salt, with their lungs burning. No air up there, I tell you. It’s different. But, it’s all the way in a good way. And it’s going to roll this weekend. The totally on fire Rockstar girl with the black shorts is going to hold up the sign, then we’re going to hear horsepower snapping and popping, then those guys are going to go nuts up that start stretch into the tight right. That’s about all you need to know.
What’s going to happen this time?
Thanks for reading, see you next week.
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You can't beat me!
i did last weekend, and ill do it again this weekend
Denver 4,000 feet? You ever here of the mile high city 5,280 feet and TV is a little higher.
OH Yeah!!!! I Love MOTO!!!! Go getmmm Boy!!!!
Dudes, I just tore up that porta potty.........don't go in there.
im thinking this 1st moto-- 2 ,22, 1
im thinking this 2nd moto-- 22,18,2
RV is feeling better now he just has to stay away from garlic fries they make a crampy mess in yer drawers! stay safe RV and show us your courage and win because you know you can boy!
um,yeahr, the track was knarly dude! um yeahr, hat's off to villopoto! I'er tryed to run up on him with 3 laps to go but um'er he was just toyin with me and pulled er away so yeahr, he's got balls!
This reads like a bloated message board post by an RV fan.
"Hey, Reed has impressed me. I never doubted, but didn’t think we would see this kind of riding." come on, didn't think = doubt
"If it wasn’t for stalling his bike and busting a gut in the second moto at Budds Creek, RV Park would still be the man." So he would've won if not for the poop? You can peer into alternate universes? By the way, if RV had passed Reed and RD in moto 2, he would still be 2nd in points. So 2nd makes you the man? jeez
i keep reading about dungey is a little off from last year. maybe hes fine its just reed and villo are back this summer...
What's with the homo acting as Chad Reed???
I hope Honda is smart enough to replace Grant next year, he doesnt deserve to be on a the factory Honda !! He needs to be replaced by someone who really has a chance to win...
He really has no chance of winning any races and no way will never/ever win a championship !!
why is the almighty Honda wasting their money on him ??
Jeff Stanton is a bigger dork than I thought if he had anything to do w/ the hiring...
WOW Andy is there anyone you think can't win?? LOL Pick one guy would ya??
RV 1-1, RD 3-2, DM 2-4, CR 4-3 remember this !!! its gonna be GOOOOD
If JG#33 is STUPID enough to even look #800's way OR vice versa, they should just give up their paychecks cause that's what'll happen to their careers anyways. If they aren't "even" on their personal scoreboards by now, maybe they should take a look over at the #2 and figure out moving forward is best for the long-term health of their careers. #33 isn't at #800's speed anyways, as of now.
Honda got EXACTLY what they bargained for in Josh Grant. A mercurial talent that has potential to win races, but not titles which, is the opposite of what they had in Andrew Short. Also, Grant's hiring over Short was one of finacial considerations as much as anything else, if not more.
Reeds point lead is growing, really?....Seems to have shrunk the past 2 weeks.....No overall series points gained last week and lost a few points at Mt Morris.....
Reed is doing pretty good and obviously making things count in moto 2 to date, but lets not get carried away here. I think his grill was dented when he was 30+ seconds behind in a few motos..?.....Remember what even Reed said during SX when RV had a nice points lead " I guess we should cancel the remaining races". being sarcastic of coarse.....When we get 3/4 the way through and things are still following this pattern , which has been semi-inconsistent up to round 4.(yes only round 4)....then we can start talking
Carburetion vs F.I. @ altitude aside, I hope every exec at KTM is watching this weekend to see FIRSTHAND the difference between 450 & 350 at an AMA pro race with some hills & elevation. It's going to be a wake-up call.
Josh Grant rides for Honda because they share the same agent. Josh couldn't get a ride elsewhere so his agent worked it out with Honda.
@stills375- Wow, you REALLY think RD will finish off the podium, and that Millsaps will be the one to kick him off of it? Bold move, Cotton.
@Valentino- Grant can't win? He may not be consistent but that guy can sure as sh** twist the throttle on a good day. I'm pretty sure that Grant was the only guy to catch and pass Ryan Dungey all season last year. I'm not a huge fan of him, but to doubt his abilities is ridiculous. Give him a few rounds and he'll be up there.
The hills & elevation did not keep 222 from pushing RD for 25min's at the MXD last year on a 350. Nor did it stop Roczen from passing a few 450's on his 250.... Including Short!!
At the riders meeting this saturday RV should convince the AMA to play a clip from "Christmas Vacation". you know where cousin Eddie is standing outside his RV pumping his waste into the sewer shouting "shi##err is full!"
It might give him some good points on CRtwotwo cuz his gut would be cramping up from laughing his @ss off!
WHY ARE THERE NO FMF LOGO'S ON RV'S BIKE?
I agree Reed is riding great. But if Dungey's Bike wouldn't have ran out of fuel they would be tied for points right now. So i dont think there is anyting wrong with Dungey. He is right there. There is alot of racing left and im sure Dunge and RV will close in on Reed.
FMF and Monster energy clash as two energy drink sponsors now. FMF still makes there exhaust under contract
No disrespect to ANY rider, they're all waaay too fast in MY motoworld.
Short proved in 2007 he didn't have what it took to win a title. That season had no RC/JS for the full year, it was totally up for anyone to win it Plus look what Regal did to him twice last year. Second moto @ Freestone and Millville (passed him twice).
Who is the fastest of the "second pack"? I miss Townley out there. Liked Metcalfe better on the Honda. Sucks Windham is gone and no Canard yet. Hahn looked good until he tipped over.... Hoping for a little more out of Dietrich as well as Milsaps.
Reed is awesome....no doubt.....but he does benefit from other riders bad luck (all year in SX) or mistakes (yes its a part of racing) than he does beating them straight up or mano e mano.....
Welp[, by god, If j-Law shows up on his Hodaka with a gyt kit......he'll sweep both. Ain't no thin air gonna bust a super combat wombat. Ya heard it here. Love to see everyone up front battling with the Hodacracker though. Can't wait. epic. gas......check.......friggin visor......check......friggin goggles,....check.....friggin name spelt right on jersey.....check.....friggin boots, my size......check......ya know....7 p's. Joe.
@RV-2 maybe check into some of todays superior absorbant products. :P let the gate drop allready.
Leave it too BILLC to take ANOTHER backhanded shot at Shorty, Short beat the 222 in the last moto to help secure a win for the USA at the same Des Nations too...
And BILLC the 350 kept Cairoli from hitting the big triple at the finish a few times too. He had to rail the outside like the 250 guys to clear the triple, otherwise he had to double single. So the 350 hindered him at the Colorado track. It cost him time every lap there.
Bit interesting the guys pretending to be RV and reed? maturity level all time low.
also reed's points lead hasn't shrunk in the last two weeks. Last week it didn't change as RV and Reed got the same points and dungey lost a point to him.
And also JG33 has one races in the past.
Keyboard warriors on here.
Reed's desire is impressive but I thing RV takes one this weekend given he's healthy.
Who ever siad grant dont deserve the Honda ride is a complete idiot the guy has been hurt for almost 2 season he comes back to budds and has a great first ride back. And he is the only one who was able to beet Dungey staight up last yr at Colorado. So to you your and idiot ur just not a Grant fan and thats why u diss him.
RV deff not the man this yr like everyone saying he is he won 2 motos wow way to say he is the one to beat. If anything Chad Reed is the man and he is the one to beat he got smoked by both ryans at budds in first moto but came out swinging the second. For Dungey he would have beat Reed in the second moto but the lappers moved for reed then fell back into line and held dungey up a couple times so dungey had to real reed back in. I know cause i was their watching it in person. Dungey is just as fast as RV and CR he just needs to get a holeshot and he will be gone, if anyone knows how he rides a clean track means he is putting the fastest lap times down. did it almost every race this yr haveing the fastest lap times at the end of the day.
Now if they just did drug testing like in bicycling. Can someone answer why they don't?
My guess, ....and thats all it is, is a guess..... injurys/pain/meds.... its a guess and ill probably get reemed for it. Often wondered that myself, re stress it was just a guess.
So let me get this straight, Saying something that is a FACT.. Is taking a backhanded shot at Shorty.... OK bd200.... As for the big triple... lots of 450 guys did not hit that either and if it cost so much time how did Roczen do so well on a 250?? Passing 450 guys ( unnamed 450 guys... so you don't beotch again)and getting 2nd in the moto?? Bottom line 222 and his 350 were less than 1/2 sec behind RD for about 25mins and almost passed him a few times.
@Izzy132... You might want to re look at who had the fastest lap times the most this year... RV is that guy NOT RD....as for the lappers..They hurt RD just as much as they helped him. RD had MANY laps to make a pass but just could not get the job done............ His achilles heel!!
@ Bill, not to start nothin here, but Dungeys hard work is gonna pay with a overall or 2 here pretty soon. Now I wonder what kinda silly problem is in store this weekend? Boots maybe 4 sizes too small?......ahh....name spelt wrong on the jersey, always shows how they are truely in your corner....ahhhh oh I got it,....deisel fuel in the gas,....somehow.
*thats just something no one could have foreseen*
What dialect is this article written in? Flatbill? Its bordering on not even being English anymore.
@joemotocross589 how is that starting anything?? I picked RD to Win in TX and he would have if not for running out of gas and I expect him to win a few races this year for sure. IMO Reed and RD are very very close and I give RV a slight edge on speed. So a lot of this will come down to starts, But again I give RV a slight edge if he has to make passes because he has burst speed to do that, RD not so much and Reed not as much as RV.
The thing I like most about RV is, he has a quiet confidence about him. A lot of talk about Reed knowing how to win Championships and deal with the series, RV has 3x Outdoor, a SX and a couple .....he knows what a series is about just look at the facts.....
Hangtown - SX champ hang over , No bike test, sick as sh*t - Still gets 3rd overall
Texas - Better bike set up, still not healthy - Still gets 3rd overall
Week Off - gets his bike and body set
Mt.Morris - Bike is dialed, he is healthy - Smoked the first moto - Muddy second moto rode smart - closed in on Reed - 1st overall
Budds - Smoked the 1st Moto - Had some other muddy issues 2nd moto - 2nd Overall
Colorado - I think RV has more in the tank. In a way he has only been 100% for two rounds so he seems to be getting better each week....
Jeff Alessi taking out Josh Grant was well deserved.He blatantly took out a already injured Mike Alessi at Colorado a few years back.Karma's a bi#$h, huh Josh Grant!!!