450 Words: Lommel
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PrintA couple weeks ago, I wrote 250 words about how great the Pro Circuit team is and how they’re so dominant. Well, the same sort of thing is happening on the other side of the Atlantic ocean.
This past weekend, I travelled to Lommel for the Grand Prix of Belgium and it was there, in the endless beach sand and whoops over top of my head that I saw another team make history.
For the first time in it’s history, the Red Bull KTM factory squad (MX1 riders Antonio Cairoli & Max Nagl, MX2 riders Jeffrey Herlings, Ken Roczen and Jeremy Van Horebeek) put every rider it employs on the podium. Cairoli dominated the MX1 class with 1-1 finishes, Nagl ended up third, Herlings went 1-1 in MX2 with Roczen and Van Horebeek right behind him.
The once sand struggler, Antonio Cairoli had 1-1 finishes at Lommel.
Photo: Ray Archer
Cairoli is one of the very best riders in the world, there is no doubt about that. Watching him on Sunday, it was amazing for me to imagine the Italian at one time struggling in the sand as he told me after the race. Herlings, from Holland, is just 16 and has a bright future and Roczen, well what can you say about the German that hasn’t been said already? Many wins and championships in his future, no doubt about that.
The orange wave over there in the GP’s is slowly making its way over to America as well, don’t look now but the American team is going to be a big factor next year with returning rider Marvin Musquin, Roczen is over here full-time and of course, rumors persist that they have landed Ryan Dungey. Add in the possible re-signing’s of Andrew Short and Mike Alessi and you have a great team for the 2012 sx and mx seasons. One would think that KTM’s streak of never making the podium on the big bike in supercross is really close to ending.
Roczen (2nd), Herlings (1st), Van Horebeek (3rd)
Photo: Ray Archer
Over there, it’s the management team of Pit Bierer, Stefan Everts and Claudio De Carli (who runs the 450 team) that have made it happen. They are the place where every rider wants to go and much like Pro Circuit over here, they have the machines, the resources and the leadership that turns riders into winners.
In the sand of Lommel where so much can turn the wrong way in an instant (just ask Rui Goncalves), the orange team was as dominant as any team on either side of the Atlantic has ever been. You would have to go back to the Honda squads of the mid-90’s (McGrath, Henry, Lamson) to find the last time one set of teammates were so good.
Hold on tight, the KTM tidal wave is heading to the American shores starting in 2012.
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Not sure why, but I just don't see it and I hope that Dungey does not go to KTM. But then again remember when Suzuki was the place that didn't have it? Then RC and company changed all that. Maybe its time, but for now they just can't seem to do it over here.
Despite the unusual DNF's this year, Roger left Suzuki with great equipment and R&D infrastructure. KTM is not there yet and Dungey may struggle while getting the bikes up to par.
PC and its riders are ahead of the curve. Geico is pretty dam good too. Its going to be much more difficult for Roczen in the US than GPs.
There seems to be some kind of denial in th US of KTM and anyone that rides them as the 2 posts above show. Or is it FEAR?
Please do not underestimate the ability of the riders or the bikes they mean business and will win so please get you head out of your backside and see whats going on, orange domination will occur.
Funny thing about European companies for which I work.... they always have a tough time adapting to US. The 350 is a total flop over here and at least last year, Short was near the front at the start of every race, the non linkage suspension they tried pushing over here was sub par to the Japanese suspension, the signing of Mcgrath was a total flop and cost mcGrath a dislocated hip and a black eye for KTM... but they keep coming and the if they do sign Dungey, they will indeed have a podium threat- finally!
It's not fear or denial, its called RESULTS. KTM does not have any... until they do people will talk...
KTM is up to par with the Japanese brands. It is only a time of waiting for a top contender to ride one in SX and MX.
What riders have wins to their name since SX 2010 besides Stewart, Reed, Villo, Dungey and Canard?
They have the riders in Europe and will be a force in the US soon.
Oddly enough, KTM head total sales of all off road machines in the USA. They dominate the enduro scene and will dominate the MX scene as well. It might take them a little longer to dominate SX, but they will eventually, wait and see.
The quality of their bikes is way ahead of the Japanese, so I don´t see any reason why they can´t, once they sign up winning riders. It´s hard for the 350 to get results with only Shortie carrying the flag. With Dungey or Stewart (please let it be Dungey) on the bike it´ll kick ass. Also Mitch Payton´s reign at the top is coming to an end. Rocky and a fit Musquin will see to that.
We saw how good Clement Desalle was last year when he rode over here, and Ciarolli is kickin his butt, so there can´t be too much wrong with the 350, particularly as the works Suzuki´s in GP´s are the factory, factory bikes, and one step up from the bikes Dungey and Metty are riding.
KTM will rule dude, you better believe it.
Only the brotards that ride dirt highways bash on KTM. They are the best bike by far.
Why doesn't Bubbles race for them, with the Red Bull connection and all?
Maybe I'm weird but I get bored when one rider dominates.I get bored when one OEM or brand dominates like KTM in GP's and PC in the states.If Villo,Reed and Dungey were all riding the same bike the racing just wouldn't be as exciting to me as when they are on different bike.Its just borning when three team mates run off from everyone and battle amongst themselves.
I would like to see KTM winning over here. I Hope they did sign RD and he wins there first SX main and finishes 1 point behind RV for the title!!
I've owned five ktms over the last 4 years and the quality could be better. Having reoccuring clutch issues with one right now..........
What I was talking about is the performance of the bike at the highest level of motocross (not GPs). They are not at the level of Dungey's factory Suzuki 450 and definately not up to par with Pro Circuit Kawi. Not talking about local yocal.
There is going to be a new KTM team in the pits next year.Chad Reed has added a new sponser and rider.Remember you heard it here.Team22/OrangeCrush/KTM with riders ChadReed and RaynDungey.I'm so excited.Team22 is about to put the Orange Crush on the US.
Do you think Short is getting worse results this year because he's on a KTM or the fact that Stewart, Reed, Villopoto and Canard weren't all competing last year? Hmmmm....
Shorty's not even running with, much less beating the guys he did last year. ITS THE BIKE!!!!!!
Will KTM put together a serious effort to win the AMA outdoor titles next year?
If so, the USA fans could see even more competition.
You guys are all idiots, You need to get away from your computer, go ride, and enjoy the motorcycle you have. All motorcycles are pieces of shit in one way or another, anyone can point out a flaw in any bike. Damn keyboard warriors. Stop trolling and bashing companies online.
I love my KTM, but it is a little different handling on a moto track with alot of jumps. It is mostly due to the linkless rear, but its great for most everything else. My sons Suzuki is great handling the big jumps and square edged hits, but I hate the tranny, so its give and take. All bikes have something everyone would change. So it is what it is. I really hope KTM really makes a big splash in supercross and the Nationals here, I think they are a good quality company and they are very innovative. And they havent given up on the 2-stroke either.
short is sitting in 6th behind villopoto, dungey, reed, metcalf and windham. how many of these guys was he beating last year lawndart ?
And the rumor I heard about Team 22 is the new rider will be Mike Alessi. Just what I have heard.
I don't if any of you know that DeCoster graduated with a mechanical engineering degree. He is very well educated and can use the machine shop to his full advantage. Short himself was suprized to Roger working ain the machine shop on a lathe. I would want him on my side no mater what bike.
@wiseoldman.... ROTFLMAO!!!!!
Freakin people are so judgmental. I guarantee, you can post that the sky is blue.... ans you'll get smack-tards arguing the fact. "no...it's periwinkle...." or some sheet like that. Come on people.
Steve the author has a point. You can't just say hmmm, he might be right. No, its KTM this and Short that. Say what you want but by the seasons end there will be two KTMs in the top ten, namely 5th and 6th. Not bad I think. And Alessi didn't run a few rounds. But I guess unless they win, they suck.
As far as Non US riders, FYI, 1st and 2nd in the 250, 3rd and 4th in the 450, ARE NOT. So yes the talent pool in the US is greater, but other countries can compete. If its Musquin and Kroc, RD and Alessi... it's going to be a great outdoor season!
PS- If Herlings comes down for Southwick.... better tivo that one........
@ Chromob Last year, until the very last race, Shorty was in 2nd place ahead of Metcalf and beating Dungey around the first corner in most races.He also took the hole shot at the MXD This year, he is 60 pts behind Metcalf with many races to go.
@orange crush ru jokin around or serious because i have been saying their is something going on between dungey and reed i think reed and dungey will develop factory 450 ktm maybe im wrong ....cairoloi comes over to u s on the 350 ktm for sx and mx
too bad its mx and not dragracing I guess
Check out who wins the motos after "dragracing" to the first corner.. not someone who comes around in 10th... this applies to RV, RD, CR and anyone else
That last picture is roughly the next six years of heartburn for the entire PC squad.
I'm stoked there is an alternative to the J-brands. If there was a competitive American dirt bike made, I would buy it, until then, KTM suits me just fine, not to mention all the positive things KTM brings to the table: elite accoutriments, superior build quality, durability and they are always at or near the top of any horsepower ranking of any motor application / class.
At one time, Harley-Davidson was considering acquiring KTM, it appears now that KTM could purchase Harley-Davidson.
@dmc and bd200, Alessi and Short stay at Red Bull/KTM. Reed and Dungey at TwoTwo. It will be just like the old Suzuki Team except with KTM.There is an offer to JS7 as well.That depends on what happens with the Yamaha thing.It looks like he is going to get out of that deal because it was made with SMB.
and short with his holeshots last year that never translated to a win , that must've been the bike too, huh ?
Chromob Your'e right. Short never won on the Honda but he spanked the world GP champion Cairoli, and his 350 KTM last year in the MXD, huh?
I used to be a KTM, Kawasaki, Honda salesman...KTM out sold them all...Short and KTM are currently running 6th in the national standings. That means on any given saturday in the summer a 350 is beating approximately 34 seriously built 450's...I'll take an orange bike please!!!
@sherpa, you forgot to mention that K-roc smoked shorty by 10 places in the second moto, and AC schooled Ice-Trey by 10 places and battled with Dungy till the end where he lost by seconds in the first moto.........
This can go on forever dude.
@ comx says it right, if Shorty is 6th overall soon to be 5th.... he's beating 34 450's and only being beat by 5. Is there math to be done or do you get it?
I'd like to see more Euro bikes get into the mix. I thought racing was more interesting in the 70's when there were a lot of Euro brands plus the japanese brands - I like the international flavor. It's like we have riding buddies all over the world.
Mitch and Roger have to be among the biggest success stories of all time. What's great about that is they are 100%+ racer - don't think either one them has to keep working like they do.
Oh and @comx... at a dealer meeting, we saw the numbers, KTM was like 22% of MX sales, and over 60% of total off road sales, just to add to your argument.
We are always going to get the Red, Blue, Green, and Yellow bleeders of the world telling everyone that anything other than their brands suck. That's fine.
When buyers do the research and want the best bang for the buck... 60% of them make the right call.....
KTM's are excellent machines, their engines are out of this world str8 off the show room floor. Riding the EX models on almost a daily basis, with just and after market exhaust system makes the bike have crazy gains across the board. Thought I have yet to try the SX models, if the power output is the same then no worries there. Suspension on the other hand is the issue with them.
I think what has held KTM back on this side of the world is the dedication to winning like their team mates in Europe. With that said I believe the stable of talent they are hiring proves their commitment to dominating the scene over here. I think its just a matter of time before you see orange atop the podium in SX.
I just thinkk it sucks to say that KTM wave is headed to America. Where have you been Mathes for the last 3 yrs to just realize that now? It was only a matter of time and I cant wait for MXON. Coward CP was scared of Lommel. I really dont know whats wrong with Pourcel, I guess he is just like Stewie. Sitting at home and watching tv.
@ orange crush, I don't think it's going to pan out like you have predicted. As of now, Alessi to Two Two is looking more & more like it's gonna happen. I consider Dungey & KTM a done deal. As far as Stewart goes, I think the logical move for Suzuki is to go after him with the loss of Dungey to KTM but, he has a lot of baggage in terms of sponsors that might not jive with Suzuki's sponsors. He is certainly not the pivotal force in this seasons negotiations and that may be weighing in on his ego and how they conduct their business. There are still some very good racers without contracts this silly season and racers will work much cheaper than they have before or go without. That is simply a reality of the economy and cannot be avoided.
As far as Porcel is concerned, he may have to stay in europe, because after his Motoconcepts debacle I don't see anyone putting up the coin he would be asking, especially considering what we know of his work ethic.
I hope Ryan Dungey stays at Suzuki....I don`t like the idea, of KTM getting all the good riders and we have a wave of orange in the future, like it was in Lommel last weekend.But the fight between Rozcen and Herlings was so cool, I was there.
How can KTM finance all those riders???
you have to wonder how much money KTM has i reckon they got the most cash right now out of any OEM they'll sign dungey or any rider they want for sure remember these guys also Look at the money offers rather then a teams history.
It´s Red Bull money. Both are Austrian firms and support each other. What a great example of national unity.
@Carlsbad.. Dungey is the big name KTM will sign for their US program... And he will ride a 450. And Dungey will be earning the big $$ for this.
KTM still is tight lipped on their 2nd rider. As of now.. Alessi & Short are free to look elsewhere.
Would make sense if ever 22 motorsports wants to have a 2nd rider.. Alessi would be a good move... Again, it all depends if Reed can attract another big sponsor or (s). So far.. KTM is not ready to offer a supportive role as what the japanese manufacturers do.
As for Stewie... He's just considering the options... he seems to be paid soooo much $$ by yamaha.. Unless he's willing to cough up his own $$ to get himself out of the contract... Or one of his existing personal sponsors is willing to step up... Which I doubt... And of course, Suzuki still has to decide how their program will look like as there too, are some rumours going on... Such as Rockstar pulling out.. And even Suzuki joining yamaha to offer support only, which i think is their best interest as well...
Stewie was stupid to go for the uber money... Which is now keeping his hands tight to Yamaha... Unless yamaha wants him out... But again... Yamaha's is also in a dilema.. Knowing their bike is weird and they need someone to bring their bike to the front.. Even if it means crashing.. ha,ha
As for KTM having the $$.. In Europe, they are the nr#1 bike manufacturer in terms of sales... Whether it be Enduro, or motorcross... And KYM also is venturing on their roadbikes.. And they have a excellent management to keep the cost down... Meaning they can outsource way more than what the japanese manufacturers do. Redbull is another success story who is just clever enough to use KTM to have brand exposure. It just so happen that 50% of redbull is Austrian.. The other half is Thai.. Redbull has their origins in Thailand.. ha,ha... D. Materschitz was just a clever, business man to have realised , this drink can be sold all over the world....
All those other energy drinks, can not match the worldwide presence of redbull.. Redbull is just trying to get more market share in the US market...
@Mike... Redbull is just using KTM to have brand exposure.. It so happens that Dieter is Austrian... And for logistical purpose, they chose Austria as their headquarters iso Thailand...
redbull could not care less to be an Austrian pride.. Trust me... Have met enough sales guys from redbull... It's all about sales and being the nr1 energy drink in the world... Now that's what makes it a great company!
@orange crush....do u have this on insidse info or your prediction...I hope it plays out the way u have it would be happy with that...if stewart rode the 350 would fit him better and would fly ... if they can sign him..
I'd love to see KTM put at least 1 rider on a 2 stroke. CR was a beast on the smoker, wouldn't that be fun to see.
I'd bet my garage full of Suzukis that KTM will NOT fill the podium in 2012 with Dungey, Short, and Alessi. I can see the domination coming, but not that soon, they'll need a better lineup than that. and kawi 720, I agree, if they put ANYONE on a 2 stroke, they'd be an instant fan favorite. that would get me on their side.
@dmc, I dont see Stewie on a 350. If he signed with KTM, I would think he would pick the 450 if he has the choice. Havent ridden either myself, but like everyone else I can just go with what I have read and heard, and the KTM 450 is awesome, it won the bike of the year at Motocross Action mags bike test, they raved on it, and said the 350 was just too slow. But this is for normal riders without factory support. I'm sure the 350's that AC rides are NOT slow. But Stewie seems to be a horsepower jumkie, he likes alot of power and likes them fast, so I couldnt see him making the 350 his bike of choice.
IMO NO way Reed signs RD, Where is the Money going to come from?? KTM has the Money and the Most to gain from getting RD. Like i said before If I am the head of KTM I sit down With RD open the check book look him in the eyes and say what do you need... Lets get this done.
Didierlotsyeng, I always appreciate your insight.
I don't think Stewart is going to get anything close to what Yamaha was / is paying him, different times, different players in the field. They may try to arrange a conglomeration of sponsors to make that number but, like Rockstar / Makita, it may not gel.
I don't think KTM should offer support (to Reed or anyone else) because they have all their eggs in the DeCoster basket right now as far as team building and that will pay dividens faster than any other combination of possibilities. They should begin building a 250F program from the PC/GEICO template ASAP but, since half of their talent is 250F mounted, I assume DeCoster will keep them under the factory awning for the time being.
Unfortunately, I do think Alessi will leave KTM but, I like the thought of him landing at Two-Two with Honda support. For whatever reason, I still think #800 has a championship run in him (outdoors).
As for running a two stroke, it would make them a crowd favorite just like CA207 says but, without the rules changing to accept the two stroke again, nobody serious would take the challenge...........the economy & consumers will eventually no longer bear the elitists idea of what is best for us and two strokes will return.
@BIILC, I agree that I dont see Reed signing Dungey , but I dont think its money. The money would come from sponsers who would line up to be invoved and sponser Dungey. I think for one Reed isnt going to hire one of his top competetors, and Dungey is just that, and Reeds team just might not be ready for two top riders. It could get ugly if the owner is getting beaqt by his own rider. But I saw a picture of Alessi posing for a pic with a guy wearing a Ream Two-Two racing hat on. And Reed tweeted to Alessi asking him if he tried the hat on and how it fit. That was kinda telling to me.
I think a 350 just might fit Stewart a little better than a 450. He wouldn't need to meter the power as much, which I don't think he bothers with anyway. A little less power might help him to keep the greesy side down.
This is what I hear.When this deal goes down Reed doesn't have to get DeCoster.He gets Roger because of the KTM connection.Moneys no problem because of sponsers.RedBull is or has bought Orange Crush from DrPepper.Reed will go in to team owner/manager mode when he retires this year or for sure after next year.He needs Dungey now.Remember McGrath/Brooks and team Suzuki will need riders.I assume that they are talking to JS7.Honda and Suzuki are both looking at possable full satilite teams because of the economyJS7 might get out of his deal will Yamaha because he no longer has ties to San Manuel Band of Indians.This will be one of the most unique and exciting silly seasons ever.Remember you heard it here and not from Fatboy Matthes.
thanks for the info orange crush and bd 200... one of my friends has an insider.. heard couple things...but don t want to get that person to get in trouble so i won t say anything as of rite now...bd 200 why i think stewart would fly on 350 not too much power for him to get in trouble with as compared to 450....he was fast on 125,250 two stroke pinned it all the way around.... 350 and two strokes have to be wound i heard to stay in the meat of the power rite up stewarts alley
thanks for the info orange crush and bd 200... one of my friends has an insider.. heard couple things...but don t want to get that person to get in trouble so i won t say anything as of rite now...bd 200 why i think stewart would fly on 350 not too much power for him to get in trouble with as compared to 450....he was fast on 125,250 two stroke pinned it all the way around.... 350 and two strokes have to be wound i heard to stay in the meat of the power rite up stewarts alley
How come Carioli doesn't come to the US to race?
I was always disapointed how Everts stayed in Europe after his initial foray into SX. I think he knew it be very difficult to get a championship in the US and didn't want to spend his career getting 3rd place. I hope Carioli doesn't take the same path.
Orange crush Roger is not going to be done next year, The whole reason he went to KTM was he wanted at least a 3 year deal so he ha 2 more to go at least.
.True bd200 but that same money and more form KTM will out bid Reed... If Reed even wanted RD. There is not as much to gain for Reed as there is for KTM IMO.
.We should know it all in about a month and a half. Either way its fun to think of all the things that could happen.
@BILLC, I agree, even if Reed wanted Dungey, there is no way he could beat out KTM and DEcoster for him. It is getting intresting for sure.
@dmc, I know how Stewie used to ring out the 125, but if you remember, he said the KX250 was too slow is why he had to wind it up. He isnt happy with any bike that is down on power. He feels he can handle what the 450's put out. And I dont feel it is the power output that gets him in trouble anyway. I think it was more impatience this season.
Bill C,I didn't say Roger was done.I said Reed and Dungey with factory backed KTMs on Team Two Two. They will be based out of Factory KTM they have access to Roger.
I agree with what Didierlotsyeng hypothosized. KTM will keep their talent in-house and not farm out.
Reed & McBrooks' teams will get Honda support and might be the writing on the wall for future Moto teams as far as structure, sponsorship and factory involvment.
I think Stewart's next move is dependent on several things. 1) What JGRMX's OEM will be. 2) Who is Suzuki's title sponsor.....or will there even be one. 3) Who signs Josh Grant. I know #3 sounds like a stretch but, someone can have #33 for cheap and still have a possible race winner compared to whatever exorbinant price tag #7 thinks he can still command.
I don't care who you are, #7, Carioli or the Moto GP guy "Doctor" (forget his name), sponsors expect much more nowadys than what JS's people are accustomed to negotiating for. I would expect that #7 will be doing full seasons as part of a contract because I can easily see SX only deals dying off from the economy.
Another interesting point is, #7 just bought the L&M team lock, stock & barrel (and giving pink slips to the company heads). What is going to become of this?
I can imagine Larry & Mike laughing their way to the bank right about now.
sorry Orange crush I miss read, You said Reed will be done within a year. But Reed is SOOOOOOOOOOOOO happy on the Honda would he really go KTM?? I don't think he would and I don't think Honda would want him to go.
.@
Carlsbad... #7 and &33;... come on...Yes the 33 would be waaaaaaaaaaay cheaper but the guy has only done about 10 races in the last 3 years. If you want your name out there the 7 is a better way to go. Ya know he will win the 33 ya never know what will happen. #7 will have to wake up to whats going on price wise...Or he can just stay with what he has its good thru 2012 right?? Unless he really wants off that YZ. If he buys his way out I guess that will tell us he realy did not like the bike.
Reed will stay with Honda for good, he will never change because Honda is the best 450 on the market and he knows that. I hope Dungey won't go to KTM, using a 350, because that bike is not competitive enough on US soil, also Cairoli realized that last year, average speed in USA is higher than in Europe, not enought power. Reed deserves the National, he has been the fastest guy and he was coming from GP's, yes he was, so I have no problem to say that also Cairoli, Desalle, Roczen, Herlings could do well in USA.
@manes, Reed deserves the National?? Why?? He hasnt been the fastest, that title has been split between RV and Dungey, with Dungey being the fastest lately, and is it reaaly correct to say Reed is coming from the GP's, I know he spent some time there, but he has been in the US for 10 years now, he is an AMA guy. But I know you cheer for the GP guys though, so thats alright. I do think he will stay with Honda, he has had success with them and is getting all kinds of factory help now. And he is pretty much the only Honda rider they have now, so I think they would sweetin the deal if they thought they were going to lose him. He has been the most successful rider Honda has had since RC left I think. Honda would be dumb to lose him.
And I am thrilled to see Larry Brooks gone from Stewie's camp. He is successful as a team manager, but look at his riders and thier attitudes when he is around. Reed was not well liked by many fans when he was with Brooks, hiding in his RV and not dealing with fans at all. And he has turned around since to be a huge fan favorite with help from Roger Decoster, It seems that is when his attitude changed. And now look at what was happening to Stewie, turning into the same arrogant jerk when after his time with Brooks. Brooks gives these guys some rock star mantality and makes them think they are the greatest thing in the world. Our sport will be better off if he stays away.
In my opinion Reed has been the fastest guy in the National 450, he was first in the standings and during the famous moto in which he crashed on that jump he was leading after passing Villo like he was standing still, the moto was his for sure. Anyway, anybody is free to think the way he/she wants. Dungey in SX showed people that he won last year because everybody was out, let's see in the outdoor how he ends now, I am not against Dungey, just to point this out, it's just what I think of him at the moment, I like him as a rider, even if he beat Cairoli last year...
@Manes, Dungey finished only 10 points out in Supercross, and was ahead of RV in 2010 when RV went down, and Dungey finished ahead of Stewie, He did fine, even giving up 25 points with a DNF from a derailed chain. And he is only 1 point out from first behind RV now, and has been riding better than RV and turning the fastest lap times. I am a Reed fan, I just dont feel he can beat Dungey or RV outdoors over the entire season. I am rooting for RV, but Dungey is no slouch, as Cairoli and the rest of the GP fans saw at the Des Nations.
What I'm hearing is the deal with Reed and KTM is done.When RedBull announces the purchase of OrangeCrush you will hear about the Reed Dungey or Reed Alessi team TwoTwo deal.Just watch CNBC and wait for RedBull OrangeCrush deal.It won't be long after that.
Well if thats true where is RD going?? Honda??
oops Ment to add some say RD KTM is a done deal too.
Bill C.Dungey will be at one of the KTM teams.
BD200: you're right about the fact that Dungey finished just a few points off of Villo in SX, but consider that this year the championship was very tight, he didn't impress that much as it also took him ages to win a race, when last year he won many. He finished third, not even second. Stewart threw the championship away, Villo almost, Reed was the most consistent, Canard was a surprise. Outdoor I am on my opinion that this year Reed is the fastest, I really hope he will win it, I look forward to the next race.
@manes, you are entitled to your opinion for sure, but its obvious you will root for the non-American, we all know. And how can Reed be the most consistant, he didnt get many more wins than Dungey??
Dude, again, I think about it the way I want, I see a great Reed that lost the red plate because of a huge crash, followed by 2 mediocre motos. Then consistent doesn't mean more wins than others, we should ask sef154, he knows English very well. Who was the more consistent in SX? Reed. How many wins?