Racer X Notebook: Washougal
Monday, July 25, 2011 | 5:15 PM
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Authors: Steve Matthes and Jason Weigandt
Even with rain during the week, Washougal was in pristine condition on Saturday.
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson
"Everything is fine with the team, I’m not quitting or anything like that.” - Tommy Hahn
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson
Albertson finished 9th overall in his first ride for Valli Yamaha.
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson
- After the RedBud and Spring Creek tracks absorbed a deluge on Friday afternoon, it looked like Washougal offered up perfect weather in comparison. Not quite. Locals commented that the track had actually absorbed rain from Monday through Thursday, leading to the cancellation of a bunch of amateur motos (which we pushed back to Sunday to preserve the track for Saturday’s pro race). Plenty of sunshine came through on Friday and Saturday, though, and you’d never know the facility had absorbed so much rain by the time the motos began.
- The rain had a bonus effect on the track: the promoters were able to open up the upper terrace section above Horsepower Hill, which is usually off limits on drier weekends.
Even with rain during the week, Washougal was in pristine condition on Saturday.
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson
- The promoters of Washougal threw a bunch of sand on the track in an effort to combat the normally quite slick dirt but it didn’t have desired effect, as most of it was pushed off and the track returned to its roots. Many riders commented that the roost was as bad as it’s ever been, as well, as Washougal is known for producing some of the most painful roost on the tour. Under protectors were the norm for most guys.
- Ryan Dungey couldn’t catch Ryan Villopoto in the second moto at RedBud, but he was able to make up ground on him in the second moto at Millville and the first moto at Washougal. What changed? “At RedBud, it was tough,” he explained. “We made a few bike changes, and we kind of went the wrong direction. It’s amazing how much of a difference a small change can make, just one click on the shock can make a big difference on how comfortable you feel.”
- After he crashed out of the first moto at Millville last week, Tommy Hahn said in a TV interview from the pits that he was “going home.” That led to some incorrect reports that Hahn was quitting the series or his team, but he was indeed racing Washougal and explained the interview was not correct. “When I pulled off, I was so hot that I just wanted to get my helmet off,” said Hahn. “I didn’t throw it down because I was frustrated, I threw it down because I was hot. I didn’t mean going home like quitting, I meant going back to the semi. Obviously I’m here racing today. Everything is fine with the team, I’m not quitting or anything like that.”
"Everything is fine with the team, I’m not quitting or anything like that.” - Tommy Hahn
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson
- JWR rider Tyler Bright switched from a Honda to a KTM 350 for Millville and although that race didn’t go as well as he would have liked (41st qualifier- missed the motos), at Washougal Bright qualified better and just missed out on some points in going 24-24. Bright is very bright on his future on the orange machine as he feels it suits him better.
- Privateer Tommy Weeck had a pretty good week as on Thursday night he took home first place at the PIR race and collected a huge bounty for his efforts. Then this weekend at Washougal, Tommy used his home track knowledge to his advantage as he charged through the pack in the first 250 moto to get a sixth. Second moto wasn’t as kind to Weeck, as two crashes held him to 19th. But he made an impression on many on this day. Tommy’s only other national appearance this year was at Hangtown where he didn’t score any points.
- Weston Peick has had a rough motocross season after a pretty good year indoors. Switching from the Rock River Yamaha team to a Kawasaki, Peick has had nothing but troubles in the form of DNF’s and crashes and before Washougal had only scored 14 points. This weekend was a break out of sorts for the number 43 Kawasaki as he ended the day with solid scores of 12-15 and doubled his number of points earned so far in one race.
- Jimmy Albertson was running out of money trying to follow the national series on a privateer Honda and despite putting in decent results was going to skip the Washougal round. Then Albertson was thrown a lifeline in the form of a Valli Yamaha ride and he was back in. Testing during the week went well and Albertson was offered a spot on the team for the rest of the series. Having ridden on the team once must have made Albertson comfortable as despite not having much time on the Yamaha, he scored 11-9 finishes to end up top Valli rider and 9th overall.
Albertson finished 9th overall in his first ride for Valli Yamaha.
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson
- Stillwell Performance-backed privateer Kevin Rookstool managed solid 13-16 scores in the 450 class for 16th overall. Proving his versatility, he’s packing up and heading to X Games to compete in the Enduro X race at X Games next weekend, where he hopes to make the 10-man final. Rookstool made every final in the 2010 EnduroCross series.
- Who were the most consistent riders at Washougal? In the 450 class, J-Star Motors JDR KTM rider Tye Simmonds went 14-14 in his races, and in the 250s, ARMA Suzuki City rider Malcolm Stewart went 8-8. They were the only riders with matching scores in the two motos.
- Lucas Oil Troy Lee Designs Honda riders Cole Seely and Travis Baker rode in some new colors for the weekend, with blue and orange Hondas to match the blue and orange TLD Steve McQueen gear line. The team started with black fenders and painted them blue.
- Lance Vincent once again showed impressive speed on his Moto Innovations/Ankle Savers Honda, battling with Tyla Rattray for second early in moto two. But he hooked his ankle in a rut and sprained it, knocking him out of the moto.
- Rockstar Suzuki’s Martin Davalos scored his best moto of the summer with a fifth in moto two. Davalos has quietly moved to ninth in 250 points.
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Didza anyone NOTE my drunkass on the boobtube stumbling around on the track waving my (tiny) american flag that i was using as a caution flag when uh...hiccup , when thay Tracy Canard crashed and broke his Fima???.....I proceeded to trip in the dirt and damb near fall right on top of that there poor gingers broken leg.....
got to love the redneck racefan is alive and well.....
we saw you drunk flagger - go USA - see you at unadilla
top jimmy is a funny guy - best of luck on the yamaha - now go kick some ass
Albertsom doesn't have a muffler in that photo... man this fmf deal is hitting hard
and where can we pick up that blue paint and graphics kit?
Quite ironic that Lance Vincent injures his ankle while riding for a team sponsored by AnkleSavers.
Albertson does great in his first ride with Valli Yamaha, good for him. The new TLD Hondas are cool with the new blue colors scheme. I like it.
@ Weege and Matthes, you should proof-read before pooping out these articles. "...The top Valli rider and 10th overall." and a caption later "Albertson finished 9th overall in his first ride for Valli Yamaha." Exactly where did the 108 finish?
Good to see that Weeck got some exposure, even though, between Weege and Emig, his name was pronounced incorrectly and like 50 different ways live on Speed/FUEL... Speaking of live on Speed/FUEL, it is awesome that we had all 4 motos live this weekend.
Momentum...never heard this word used more often than I did this weekend. Emig needs to bring a thesaurus to these live recordings because he sounds like a broken record when nothing exciting is happening. I know it's extremely difficult to broadcast live how they do it, and I applaud them for the great job they do (especially Weege, actually), but every time he says "momentum" I want to punch a baby.
When Lance Vincent pulled off the track I rewound and replayed it back on my Tivo/DVR in slow mo, his foot twisted all the way round inward and it looked painfull just watching it. no wonder he pulled off, those ankle savers only work when your feet are on the pegs not dangling in some 2ft rut.
Anybody catch Alessi's tweet that his new number is going to be 822. So will he be riding Red for next year? Is that a possiblility?
@joemotocross589- are you signing with Hodaka again next year?
I think Albertson lost his silencer right in front of me, landing off the Rockstar triple. Some fan ran out to grab it but apparently didn't know exhaust is !HOT!....He tried to pick it up a couple of times to toss it back over the fence, even tried to use a tear off lying nearby as an oven mitt. Lulz.
I'm liking the battle (I hope its a battle anyway) between 108 and 592 for top 10s. Would like to see 539, 942, 26, and the Swedes get up there as well.
Sewell (67) has been scoring solid points too, I really dig the teens on back to the low 20s guys, sometimes scoring points sometimes not, still absolutely HAULING the mail on a dirt bike!
WTF?? Was Albertson penalized for losing his silencer?
Of course not. John Ayers does not care about rules!
T. Hahn & J. Albertson, just enjoy the heck out of your yamahammers. Yep they are super bad machines for sure, roost on! Oh by the way Jimmy the #108 numberplates you saw in the trash can in the Honda pits were not ment for the now vacant #41 bike.
Dudes, how about that mean ass scowl on the fan of the week! two weeks in a row. She will certainly make some lucky man a nice wife forever and ever.
Who the hell would want a girl / doll like that, imagine chasing her skinny little arse all over town, keeping her off your mates.
Sorry i forgot you cant imagine that, cause you all GAY
I wanna say Dungey will ran away with it but REEdy is a real bad dude
@czmark . . .
Alessi's new number "822" means that he will be on Reed's TwoTwo Team next year.
Why else would Alessi pay Reed a visit in the hospital after Millville . . . to check on his new boss and make sure he is still in business.
Hmmmm... Alessi on Two Two eh? He was also out at Reeds place a few weeks back, so it could be a friendly gesture as well.... I guess that would be a good pick up for Reed, although I think Reed and Poppa Tony might bump heads if things dont go well....Also, I think whether or not Reed races is a factor too.....If Reed races, he wants to be the top dog, so he has alessi covered in SX.....Outdoors I am betting Reed sits out next year and they groom Alessi to make a comeback for the title on a Honda....IF he becomes the 822....
@wheelspin, that what's I was thinking! Well I hope it works out for him. You have a good day!
That is ironic, Bob. Also ironic: the fan of the week is wearing those silly ankle-tweaking spike heels in the dirt at a motocross race while also wearing AnkleSavers attire. And, by the way, she is wearing that AnkleSavers attire QUITE WELL!!! You guys need to stop being so picky. Nice legs, girl.
@Trend Killer, Remember when Reed was showing Mikey how to ride SX in 09? Maybe Chad has some compassion for Mike and see's that he needs some grooming. As for Poppa Tony, I'm sure Chad is not afraid to put an Alpinestar up his arse.
@your all gay, but I know you could imagine Justin Bieber? So your still gay too.lol
Re: "...Most Consistent Riders..", what about Rattray's 2-2 finish?
The only reason Tommy Weeck didnt score points at high point was because his bike blew up 4 laps into the first moto. Kid works so hard! and deft deserves a dang ride! someone hook em up!!
WHAT? the bike blew up after four laps! hmmmm, lets investigate this injustice shall we. Was he riding a red bike? Do the red bikes on the starting line sound like they are grinding up rocks inside the engine when the two minute board comes out and they fire the bikes up on the line next to you? Do your multi line dealerships keep at least two "new" new 250F heads in stock like they do for the CRF 250 Honda's? NO! oh well, this kid is a great rider and I wish him the best and hope to see him roost before the season is done. By the way I Iove the Red bikes when they are good, but when they stub their toe I go to green or yellow fast. Hey, 2009-2011 CRF 450 riders, take solice in the fact that your dealer not only stocks clutch parts for you, but yes transmission parts as well for the below base gasket blow up maybe headed your way. Cheers
It's nice to hear Alessi has somewhere to hang his hat next year. He was big on Hondas in his amatuer days so, maybe he'll have a resurgence. I'd really like to see him stomp out a win before the season is over just to show he's still relevant.
The Reed / Honda & McBrooks / Honda deals are interesting, I'd like to see more of this development.
Saw a picture of Mike Alessi posing with a guy with a "Team 22" hat on and Reed asked Alessi if he tried it on for size.. Wonder if that is a hint that Alessi will ride for Reed next year?? That would be cool. Alessi on that Honda might make sense too. I think Mike knows he wont be back for KTM next year. Its no secret that they are pursuing Dungey. But his results are better than Shorts, maybe Short is cheaper.
I would think with his results, Honda would help Reed out more than Brooks/Mcgrath. I know what MC has done in the past, but that dosnt mean the team will win. Reed is getting results, we dont even know who will be riding for Brooks/MC's team.