by Davey Coombs
Racerhead #33
Friday, August 19, 2011 | 4:30 PMHonda is the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, and the undisputed leader in motorcycle technology. More motocross riders have won titles on Hondas than on any other bike. When you’re serious about winning, Honda is the machine for you.
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Welcome back to Racerhead and another off-weekend for the American Motocross tour. Last weekend's Rockstar Energy Unadilla National was epic, with a huge crowd watching series points leader Ryan Villopoto and Dean Wilson re-asserting their positions at the top of the rankings. For Wilson, it was somehow only his first win of the series, but he looked rock-solid in both motos. As for RV2, he was armed with that 2012 Kawasaki KX450F, and he's never looked better on a bike. That spells trouble for not only his title rivals Ryan Dungey and Chad Reed, but the rest of the world come the Motocross of Nations in France this September.
But I want to start by talking about Justin Barcia. The wild child (at least on the track) of motocross right now, he was allowed to step up from the GEICO Powersports Honda team to fill in for all of Team Honda in the 450 Class. He immediately introduced himself to the big boys with a holeshot and a subsequent blitz around his native New York track. Was I impressed? Absolutely. Shocked? Absolutely not. What Barcia did reasserted my belief that motocross is in a constant state of evolvement, and the kids are all right. I don't think we will ever see an athlete as dominant as Jeremy McGrath or a Ricky Carmichael once were. Instead, I think we will see a broader group of frontrunners, including this kid, plus Wilson, Blake Baggett and more. Dungey and Trey Canard are already proof of this growing group of frontrunners who have the ability to immediately compete in the 450 Class.
Barcia was impressive in his 450 debut at Unadilla.
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson
Of course Barcia took some heat for racing so hard with Dungey, who is still only seven points behind RV after 'Dilla, and Chad Reed fans who thought he should have slowed for the other series contender. I disagree, and I am glad Honda didn't put anything like "Let Reed Bye" on the pit board. Had this been the last round, well, that's different. But Barcia was there to race for Team Honda and the fans, and he rode really well. And I imagine he will ride even better at Southwick! I can understand Dungey being pissed off, but I think he needs to put his anger into going after RV2, not Bam Bam.
And then there's Justin Bogle, who was also impressive in his pro debut. After seeing the boards talk about how weak the Loretta Lynn's graduates were this year, I was happy to see this kid from Oklahoma jump right into the mix and battle for the lead in both 250 motos. It was one of the best outdoor debuts I have seen, and it was also cool to see his friend Dean Wilson, the race winner, come over and give him props on his impressive debut.
Not so fortunate was Joey Peters, a super-fast kid from New Jersey who was a podium threat in the A classes at Loretta Lynn's all week long. He just barely missed out on qualifying at Unadilla, racking up the 41st fastest time in the 450 Class. He then had to wait, in full gear, in the staging area and hope that someone dropped out before the start, but that unfortunately did not happen. I am sure the Yamaha privateer will get his shots in the very near future.
Everything about Unadilla seemed better this year. The crowd was huge, the track was exceptional and the racing was entertaining. After the race, however, some fans didn't get all of the messages about staying behind the fences, off the track, and leaving the banners alone. Stealing banners is never a good idea, especially at Unadilla, where security came under scrutiny when two bikes were stolen (and later recovered) right out of the pro pits. Now some are questioning how they treated fans who were stealing banners after repeated warnings not to do it... Can't win them all, but I prefer apologizing for great security than apologizing to privateers for having their bikes stolen.
Weege and Emig have actually been way ahead of a creature that's become trendy, as our friend "Bad" Bill Savino spotted out with this gem online:
Will Villopoto ride the MX1 class at the MXoN?
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson
MXMatti on Vital just posted this thread of the crash and the whole race involving Desalle and Bobryshev.
A small tempest is still brewing with Team USA. The team has been selected, but the MX1 assignment has not been decided. Ryan Dungey was the MX1 rider in each of the last two years, and he led Team USA to wins both times. Ryan Villopoto is the new AMA Supercross #1, and he's leading the outdoors. He also won the MXoN three times as the MX2 rider. So what to do?
Villopoto's team mentioned it often last week at Unadilla, and then in an interview with Eric Johnson this week, RV said, "I thought it’s always been just points leaders..." When asked if he cared, Villopoto said, "I do because in years past it’s always been obviously the points leader coming in and normally the points leader is the guy that’s better than most. This year we are closer. It’s a close race for sure. But it’s always been, from what I can remember, I don’t know if there’s an actual rule about it, but it’s always been the so-called points leader at the time of the announcement, I’m pretty sure."
Kyle Regal made his return to the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship at Unadilla and finished eighth overall.
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson
Not sure how this will turn out, but I do know that no matter who wears the #1 plate for Team USA, the rest of the world will have its hands full in both MX1 and MX3. And Blake Baggett is no slouch in MX2 either!
I have a concert to attend, so I'll turn it over to Weege:
My first live TV broadcast took place at the 2009 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship opener at Glen Helen. I was in the booth alongside David Bailey, and I knew that day presented my one shot at the big time. From what I was hearing, the SPEED folks were basically going to give the new kid one chance to not screw up a big broadcast, so everything I had worked for was coming down to that day. Mess it up and go back to the minors. Handle the job, and stay to play another day. I was pretty nervous. But in the first moto of that day, Justin Barcia blew everyone’s mind by immediately jumping into the lead on the first lap of his first pro race. We had a story, Bailey and I went with it, and it all turned out well.
Most of that day and that show is a blur to me now, but I do remember Barcia leading late into the second 250 moto, with Ryan Dungey in pursuit. At times, Barcia was fast enough to hold the more experienced Dungey off. At other times, though, Barcia was just crossing the track and cutting Dungey off to maintain the lead. Barcia crossed lines in front of Dungey one last time coming down through a really fast valley in the back of the track. Bailey, who was pumped on Barcia’s riding most of the day, finally said, “Okay, now Barcia is making Dungey mad.” Moments later, Dungey finally made the pass stick, and took off for the win.
Current GNCC points leader Josh Strang finished 24th overall at Unadilla.
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson
I had forgotten about all of that until we started running through the archives this week for The List: Notable Debuts, which we posted yesterday. That’s when I started recounting Barcia’s impressive first day on the job, and I remembered that Barcia and Dungey have a history that goes back before Unadilla last Saturday. And perhaps that leaves some clues to why Dungey was so mad!
By the way, The List always sparks some good bench racing, but there are a few facts we can set straight. Marty Smith did win the first 125 National ever, but that was not his first pro race—he even won a race at Hangtown the year before, although it was not part of the AMA National Series. Our Publisher Scott Wallenberg remembers this well because Smith was on a Monark, and Scott loves those old Swedish machines. So this means Eli Tomac remains the first and only rider to win his first pro race when that first race was an AMA National. I’m sure somewhere around the country, someone once moved up to the pro ranks locally and probably won the first race they competed in. But Tomac did it at the Hangtown National!
Here’s a pretty cool Marty Smith bio from the AMA Hall of Fame if you’re interested in more.
Weimer looked comfortable on the new KX450F at Unadilla.
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson
I’ll do anything to prove there is such a thing as a free lunch. Last week I wrote about my potential big meal at the Broadway Diner in Binghamton, New York. I went on a 48-hour fast to prepare myself for a feast once I showed up on Friday afternoon. But it turns out I had miscalculated, and while my new friend Anthony does indeed work there, his dad Tony does not own the place. Tony doesn’t even work there. So I was nervous that I may not get a free meal out of this. Anthony did introduce me to the owner of the place, and the owner was very excited to hear I was hosting a live NBC show on Saturday. “Great, you can give us a big plug when they’re doing all the flips and tricks on the show,” he said. Isn’t it funny how most people who don’t know motocross that well think it’s just freestyle?
Anyway, I was really getting nervous because I don’t think diner plugs on the NBC show were going to fly. Luckily, the waitress then informed me that Anthony was indeed picking up the check. Whew!
Two things you should know: Broadway Diner was great, and I recommend the Gyro Platter because it’s a Greek Diner so they know their gyros. Second, when I’m on the road on a Friday I could probably expense a lunch, so there was no reason to make this poor kid who works at a diner pay for my meal. But old habits die hard—I’ll never pass up a freebie. Just ask the JGR guys, who can see me show up at their shop every Monday just in time for a free catered lunch.
Can Reed still make a run at the championship?
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson
Here's Steve Matthes:
With no race this weekend, I find myself in the very odd position of having to do things with my wife. You know, like normal people. So after I’m done writing this little Racerhead piece, it’s off to Home Depot to get some stuff for our spare bedroom and then Bed, Bath and Beyond to complete the inexplicable redesigning of one of our spare rooms.... Help me MX Sports!
Oh well, next weekend we’ll be at Southwick to kick off the last three races in a row and then the Motocross des Nations right after that. It’s a four-week stretch of races that conclude in the middle of September and then I’ll probably be at the Montreal SX the first week of October and then the Monster Energy Cup right here in my hometown of Vegas two weeks after that. Then finally, that will be time to exhale and the off-season for me starts.
As DC eluded, the MX1/MX3 designation is kind of a big deal behind the scenes. Villopoto wants to be MX1 and I’m sure that Dungey also wants to be the MX1 guy at the MXoN. RV’s got a point in that he’s leading the outdoor series and won the SX title, but I like the comeback for Dungey in that he’s gone the last two years and is the defending MX1 winner. I see both sides and I’m glad I don’t have to pick!
Tomac finally put all the pieces together at Unadilla.
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson
What’s the difference you ask? Well, the MX1 guy, generally speaking, gets the better starting position in both of their motos and gets to wear the number-one plate. So you don’t have to come through the pack and your life is easier. In addition, the MX1 rider does not have to go back-to-back in their motos like the other two guys. That definitely helps, but both Dungey and Villopoto are machines out there so I’m not sure if that is THAT big of a deal. Now you know what’s at stake for the MX1 guy, so let’s see what happens.
There’s some stuff brewing behind-the-scenes in silly season that I’ve been sworn to secrecy on. But if it happens, it will be right out of left field and very surprising. Last year we didn’t get much action when it came to riders switching teams, but this year it seems that everyone outside of Ryan Villopoto and Jake Weimer are rumored to be doing something different.
Allan Brown is out at DNA Shred Stix/Star Racing as the manager and former Bridgestone tire guru Doug Schopinsky is in. I have more on that and other topics over on Pulpmx.com, so click right HERE.
As people who follow me on Twitter know all too well through my constant complaining on there, my trip to Unadilla could not have gone any worse. I flew from Vegas to Wilkes-Barre, PA, because it was about three hundo cheaper. On my way out to the race I was sitting there waiting on my flight in Newark, NJ, to W-B when I noticed that there was no one else around me and we were thirty minutes away from departure. They cancelled my flight!
This was the last flight out Friday night and I was effed. So that was it, I was driving from Newark to New Berlin, NY on Friday night, which is about four hours. I had to get a one-way rental as well, as I was still departing out of W-B. That was a nice hit. So I hit the road about 10:00 p.m. on Friday, drove through the night and got to the base of Hwy 8 south of the track before I got really tired. There I found a small motel (notice I said MO-tel) where the owner was fast asleep when I rang the bell. A few minutes later an old guy in his boxers checked me in, told me how the Italian team stayed there in ’87 for the MXDN, and I was asleep by about 2 a.m. The 5:30 a.m. wake-up call came not much later and I was off to the track for a long day of watching.
Smash cut to Sunday and my flight out of Wilkes-Barre going to Newark was getting pushed back more and more. I got to the airport and they said I should make my connection in Newark to get home, but to be absolutely 100 percent sure I should take this bus they had gotten for a bunch of other poor saps. It would get into Newark an hour before my flight or I could cross my fingers, wait for my flight in W-B and I’d get there an hour and a half before the connection. I hated to do it, but I took the bus. I wanted the sure thing, right? And it was a right choice as later on I checked and the flight out of W-B never got out.
Here's the notice on my MO-tel door at 1am on Saturday somewhere south of Unadilla.
So there I was on the bus, the wheels going round and round when all off a sudden the driver stopped and got out on the middle of the freeway. This wasn’t good. It was a flat tire and we had to detour to the depot to get another bus. Once there we all loaded onto the new bus, the driver got the bags switched and we were on our way after a 30-minute delay. Then he stopped the bus ten minutes later and got out again to adjust his mirrors. And when we hit traffic in Newark, things were real close for me to make my flight.
Then when the driver pulled into the wrong terminal at Newark airport, things got real tense. We all knew he wasn’t at the right one and in a 60-foot bus, things weren’t easy at an airport.
After talking to some dudes on the sidewalk, he was back in and we got to the right terminal. Only the driver wasn’t letting us out; he was waiting for a massive parking spot to open up for his bus. That was it for me, I led a revolt of the passengers by saying, “Let’s get off, he’s not going to find a spot to park this thing…” and we piled off. The driver protested that he wasn’t parked yet but when I flipped open the hatch door and started pulling bags out, he seemed to realize that we were indeed parked. I grabbed my bag, elbowed an old lady out of the way, stepped on a little child and rushed to the counter. I made my flight with eight minutes to spare!
What a weekend of travel for me. Not very many times does it happen, but sometimes this job sucks.
And tons of get-well thoughts go out to Red Bull KTM’s Andrew Short as he crashed while testing SX this past week in California and at last count it was a broken wrist to go along with two (!!) broken elbows. Short was sixth in the points and having a tough summer when he went down. Major bummer for Short and for the team, no doubt about it, and the pits will be a little less happy for the rest of the nationals.
Wilson was finally able to break through and capture his first overall of the season at Unadilla.
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson
Our thoughts also go out to twitter’s @CLmoser as he’s a major Short super-fan and has now vowed to go 29 days without tweeting, in what I think is the ultimate show of solidarity.
Here's Ping:
The guys at Braaap Energy Bars just released their second flavor this week, Chocolate Chip. If you haven’t seen or tried these things yet, you should. They taste like a candy bar, but the ingredients are shockingly clean. They are gluten free, soy free and made with all-natural ingredients. Check them out at www.braaapbar.com and ask your local dealer to carry them.
I got an update from the guys at www.firepolicemx.com and they are ramping up for a big event. If you live near the city you should check this out:
The World Police Fire Games, an Olympic-style event that will host athletes from 70 different countries, is set to begin August 26 in New York City. The games are held bi-annually and hosted by numerous countries. The worlds best Police & Fire athletes gather together to represent their countries and departments in 69 different events from angling to wrestling and, yes, even motocross. This event will respectfully coincide with the ten-year anniversary of September 11, 2001. The World Police Fire Games will be empowered by two themes: Remembrance-–we will always remember those who lost their lives on 9/11--and gratitude-– an opportunity for all New Yorkers to thank the world for the support that flooded in after the attacks. Everyone involved with the games is excited to integrate the multifaceted cultural, entertainment, and historical experiences that New York City has to offer. The concept of the games is to promote sport and fraternity within the police/fire community.
The west coast racing series, FirePoliceMX.com Nationals, has been running motocross races in California since 1989. With all the excitement surrounding the games in New York, they decided to put together a team of riders from the west. What started as a small group of core riders has become a forty-man team with riders from five different states. Our team riders include the Chief of Police for LAPD Charlie Beck, San Bernardino County Fire Battalion Chief Dennis Moon, as well as members from Los Angeles County Fire Dept., Las Vegas Fire Dept., and many other agencies. The ten-day event begins with a grand opening ceremony held at the beautiful Prospect Park in Brooklyn on August 26th.
The 2011 World Police/Fire Games in New York City are a week away and Team J.Y.G / FirePoliceMX.com / U.S.A. are putting the final touches on our forty man team. Riders will compete for the title of world champion in sixteen different age and motor displacement categories. Our team will be pitting out of two semis, racing with a ton of help from our sponsors and racer families. It is our goal to have multiple riders entered in every class competing to win every medal that is up for grabs in the 2011 World Police & Fire Games.
The Jacob Javits Convention Center will serve as host headquarters for the games and the motocross event will be just outside the city at Long Island MX. Pole Position Raceway will host a pre-party on the 29th, we practice the 30th, and racing for the medals will take place the 31st. After taking as many golds as possible, our JYG FirePoliceMX.com USA team will celebrate at our Monster Energy after-party. Big thanks go out to all the sponsors helping get the World Games! For more information visit www.firepolicemx.com.
Here are some miscellaneous items:
Psssst. Do you know what Jeff Emig, John Dowd, and Doug Henry are doing on Sunday, August 28th—the day after the Southwick National? They're joining all of YOU at Racer X Ride Day!
Current Racer X subscribers ride for FREE! Just bring the cover of your September or October issue with the mailing label attached and a form of identification. It's that easy.
New subscribers can sign up on-site for $20. Once you have your wristband you can ride the same historic track that all the pros battled on the previous day.
All riders and guests will pay a $5 gate fee.
For more details go to www.racerxonline.com/rideday
And, for those who are already attending the Racer X Ride Day and Saturday's National, bring your camper and set up home base in Pit Area #3 starting Friday afternoon. This special, limited-space camping area is only for those staying for Ride Day on Sunday. The price for two nights of camping and one rider admission for Sunday is $100.
Click here for more details and to download the camping registration form.
See you in the sand!
Our good friends over at ONE Industries have released their 2012 product line, and put together this cool video showcasing their new products. Check it out HERE.
This last Saturday the WORCS racing semi was lost in a catastrophic fire while en route to Washougal, WA. The race semi was an iconic symbol for WORCS and carried the very lifeblood of the program. Every tool, computer, trophy, banner and wood stake was lost in the fire. Over the last two days the WORCS troops have rallied and pulled together all the essential things to make sure this weekend’s event will happen. Sponsors have stepped up and the Huffman family at Washougal MX Park have been very gracious in lending their hand. Lastly, the racers have been there offering whatever they can. The road ahead is going to be a slow rebuild, but it will happen over the next couple of months. On behalf of the WORCS staff I want to thank everyone for the calls and support. When you come this weekend just say hi and enjoy the best off road racing in the world at the epic Washougal motocross park. Having our racing family around us this weekend is the best step forward. WORCS will rise from the ashes and it begins this weekend. See you at the races.
Check out Simon Cudby's "Re-Mix" film, which includes a whole bunch of his friends play-riding and testing over the last couple of years: Villopoto, Reed, Dungey, Roczen, Fiolek, Tedesco, Short -- even glimpses of the King (McGrath) and the GOAT (RC).
Last week a huge segment of the moto business industry traveled up to Boise, Idaho, for the annual WPS/Fly Racing rep convention. With all these industry folks in town it seemed appropriate for Racer X to do the right thing.... throw a party!
With the help of several industry companies, a bash was held at the famous Knitting Factory concert club. Ace photographer Allen Picard was on hand to document the action and a concert was held as well by the Blues Addicts and recorded on the house soundboard. Here is a video that combines the two. Enjoy!
Earlier today we heard that new Racer X cover boy Darryn Durham was headed North of the border to compete in the last Canadian National. Good luck, DD.
Finally, just as we were going to hit send with this version of Racerhead, we got this incredibly sad news from the Powder Mountain MX involving a participant and a terrible crash.
Dylan Perkins was 16 years. Godspeed.
Thanks for reading Racerhead. See you at the races.
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Did not remember that Barcia and Dungey had a bit of a history, Dungey just needs to get over it and focus on The Big Picture. Thought he would have learned from JL incident. Good write up all thanks for the info.
First of all whats up with weege and Baily in the booth? Didn't hear a thing from Baily, did anyone? Or was he just talking to Weege off camera? Anyway, weege referred to Barcia cutting across the track at other times during the race and I also heard that on other forums from people who saw him doing it live and I think thats why RD was upset, not just about the big jump thing. In another older broadcast Baily talked about rough or crazy riding with the contenders and how they (Barcia) needs to respect those guys and not take a chance of crashing them out. This point was never brought up on Vital, only that RD was moaning for no good reason.. maybe now the truth will come out?
Spill the silly season new!!! Come on!!!
Dungey should wear the number 1 plate at MXDN.He won the overall last year.It's a no brainer.Villo wouldn't like for Dungey to wear the #1 in supercross next year would he.Same difference.
If you actually read the above, Weege was talking about Bailey being at Glen Helen in 09 and Barcia and Dungey going at it.
Gee Davey, Mathes and ping, that was a good article now I got to get my dunderhead thought sin orser to make some comments Oh by the way this MD 20/20 is some good wine..... lol
Generally speaking I think that Ryan Villapoto is better at passing his way to the front than Ryan Dungey. If the MX1 class is a faster class than the MX3 (which I believe it to be), I think that Team USA's chances would be better served with RV in the MX1 class.
ah yes i can remember Baily saying that last year and talking about respect. oops!
NBR 1, Hey that track there that took out Clements De, looked prety good, I can only speak for myself but if the US promoters would back off a bit with this track prep we might have more passing for all because what I See is too much of the one lined stuff. Well I also always took the best line also but it did not get me anywhere but behind the next guy. Once Trey Clingfrost took over Tyler TX track it got much better. At that time it was the best track inTX I personally dont think Jerry surber gave a hoot although his wife was always nice to me but Trey made tracks the faster you go the better you finish. Maybe because I hatted it when they went to a combined format in TX. Oak Hill was always the toughest track in TX. I liked Conroe but too many trees yes it was a tough track also. Ok enough from me for now.
Weeg,WTF.So what if Smith rode a local pro race the year before.It wasn't a true pro race.Tomac had been riding A class at LL.I'm sure at some point he had rode local pro classes.I'm sure any top three Lorettas rider from the A or B classes could pretty much win any local pro race in the country.Weeg that statement in just straight up weak.
PS: I fogot to give a nod to ST Peters MX track that was one great track. 6th gear flat out of power and then promter Shults (sp)? put a drop off at the bottom of it to slow us down??? Yes out of all the track I raced that still rnank in the top 5.
rv made a easy pass on barcia,but he fought hard to stay ahead of rd.he put reed back four more ponts. so we got three more races to go thats twelve more ponts he drops reed. and he could clean rd out. my moneys on rv to win the title.dumb move honda.
Marty Smith and the Monark team I rember them... Monark ran the A engine while Rickman Mettese got the "B" engine we modified it and made it a "A" engine, any of tou amatures ever tried to put the ball bearings in the trasmision of one of those????? LOL
Why is there no talk about the rumors circulating about the cancelation of the national at Pala.
ge wizz I did not mean to hit the keyboard to make a comment , no way to back out???
I did not know about Palla???? need to find out more??
Did Kawi use the 2012 frame and swingarm, or just the frame? Looks like both.
I think all egos shoud be put aside, I would not care just would be glad to race the race. If i REmebber corectly Rick Johson has the nbr 2 plate at Itally do you think that mattered to him ??? Grow up Villo and Dungy. Draw out of a deck of cards.
For the sake of the MXdN team, it doesn't matter who rides which class. Either candidate will handily ruin his competition in MX1 this year.
More than anything, Barcia is a loose cannon.
This type of rider exists in the amateur classes as well as in the pro ranks.
And loose cannons can win races and championships ... like Stewart.
So, Dungey needs to man up and deal with him.
Seriously Matthes,Do your job.You were sworn to secrecy.REALLY.We will sooner or later know what it is anyways.When the news comes out make sure you don't say a word or write a word about any of the new teams since your sworn to secrecy.If your not going to tell us then you should of just keep your mouth shut,Fatboy.It wouldn't sursprise me Stewart is going to ride for Brooks again.
Dungey & Barcia battle @ Glen Helen - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LVGTGJlXeM
@Welker, looks the the 2 buck chuck is really filling your day. As for Pala, yeah need to hear more since I was planning to go.
@Fred, when he swore to secrecy, I think he was talking about tons of fun.
I said there would be tears about the MXoN picks ha...
Matthes
6 paragraphs of Wahhhh............... ?
JD
How dumb are you guys? Let's start with Honda first, you've got Reed who is trying to recover from a bad crash, trying to get up to speed to stay in the point chase, you bring in this wild child Bam Bam Barcia with no team orders, no help to Reed and he goes out and puts Reed 4 more points behind. You don't know how important those 4 points are, this is the championship. Let's say Reed gets up to speed next week & starts winning races, then those 4 points really start to become important. Ok, Mathis, you're suppose to know what your talking about. You say there only 4 races left & just let them race, if it's the last race then yeah have team orders. It's going to be to late if it's the last race. He lost the title last week-end with the help of Bam Bam and team Honda.
IMO Team OZ might give Team USA a challenge. Reed, Metty, and Moss. The sand will be nothing new and there all riding good. Canada is not on the entry list so I think we should send Jake Canada and claim half of DW s points.
I think its lame that RV and Dungey are fighting over MX1. We are a TEAM. I was surprised to hear that RV cared. IMO, the des nations is where the internal competition stops and we compete against the world, its just going to be a funny vibe now, knowing that someone will be bummed that the other one got the plate.
I don't remember hearing Dungey fighting about it.
Simple solution. The AMA says to both Ryans. "You two are unbelievable racers with a bunch of titles between yourselves, lets flip a coin and neither one gets insulted."
Or just kick Villopoto off the team and team Dungey up with J-Law!
Easy Sef154. I don't think RV is fighting over it either. He was asked his opinion on who should have it and he answered. Yes he stated he wanted the MX1 as any true competitor should. Wanting to be the man to win and get it done is what drives these guys.
@loose cannon
Lock that nonsense up. In whose opinion other than your own, is barcia a Loose cannon.
Yes the kid is fast and maybe a bit unpredictable, (450 debut holeshot) duh. But give the kid a break. He's a champion who will do anything to win. That is what a champion does.......period end of conversation. BAM BAM ALL DAY!!!!!
Where has nico izzi been?
@CZMark,I think I'm in love with Tons of Fun.I keep finding these tricked vintage bikes when I'm with her and she lets me keep those.I blew up that 589 Hodaka that I got.
Even though Villapoto is the SX champion why don't we let Dungey wear the #1 in SX next year.Ya'll keep on taking your TARD pills.Those seem to be working perfectly
@Mark, Nico is in prison.He should be out in 3 to 5yrs.He's young and should be able to make a comeback.I think he got busted for selling TARD pills.I know there is a lot of people on here who are hooked on those.
@ Loose Cannon and @ JMFNB
Loose Cannon is correct. Barcia is a loose cannon.
However, Stewie been more successful as a loose cannon throughout his career as evidenced by his multiple championships.
Also, JMFNB could benefit on taking some classes on how to argue from an intellectual level.
I cannot wait to see what happens in the 450 class at Southwick!
Villo is up by 7 and I do not think that Dungey can afford to let him go 1,1 again.
You say that you don't think that we will ever see another dominant athlete in motocross such as Carmichael and McGrath. I have to disagree with you there, I think that we will see another perfect season either with supercross or motocross overalls within my lifetime and probably in the next 20 years. I am sure they were saying that about McGrath until Carmichael came around. I believe if Stewart would ride motocross he could be that kind of dominant person that you don't think we will ever see. not a stewart fan
Villo was more effective than Dungey when it came to the erratic riding of Barcia.
Villo went 1,1 and had no complaints about other riders.
Villo is going to win the championship.
Villipoto for Mx1! NOt only is he leading and will likely win this yeaar He has the most race wins this year as well and is clearly the fastest...Dungey will kill it in MX3! mabey!!!
Keep on talking boy's about RV this or RD that, soon you will all be talking about Bob Jr. #17! RV will play the part of Howerton but JB17 walks, talks and rides like Hannah to me so far as a kid, and HRC just gave him a factory CRF450 to play with. I am just saying, although Bayle was the best I have ever seen ride in the USA in 125, 250, 500, Nat'ls or 500 GP's, props to all of our MXDN riders and good luck in France this year.
OK I see the "Blues Addicts " mentioned all the time. Who is in the band that works at RacerX or is a good friend of DC's?
The Dunge should man-up and say what EVERYONE already knows..........The points leader gets the #1 plate.
Sef154, it has been said That Suzuki (ie: RD) wants the #1 plate as well.
.I still say why pick now, Wait till the nats are over and give the #1 to the winner. What RD did last year should not matter...If it did we would be sending Short again(if he was not hurt)...right?? We always pick our team based on what they did this year not last year. Going by how some of you look at it RD might never lose the MXD #1 plate even if RV win's both US titles this year and next year some would say Well RD won the MX1 class last year so he should still get the #1 again...see my point? IMO ya need to pick it base on this year or someone could get the shaft.
Dungey won the one race World Championship MXDN series.He should wear the number one just like Villapoto will wear the number one is SX next year because he won SX this year.What part of this can you TARD pill popping idiots not understand.? You are baseing Villapoto's speed off of one race.I don't care what class Dungey rides in the MXDN as long as he gets to wear the number1 plate.If I was Dungey and I didn't get to wear the number one even though I was the reinging champion then I would tell the AMA and everyone one else FY I'm not going.I would then just get ready for the big money Monster race.
My post that was second from the top is now gone, it appears you can not critisise Racer x
RacerX removes my post all the time.They are like our government.They own the media and the races.Well they don't own all the media but they are one of the most popular.They own Matthes as well.
@ CZMark, ya I like to have some fun her on the chatroom. I always like your posts and a few others. I dont make a new name like some others do I just say what I think. Oh yeah MD 20/20 is cheap and it gets the job done lol.I am in taining from just having my hip replaced. Now I got a queston on my next post for someone to answre.
My queation is I did not know that Izzy was in prison and what are TARD pills??? .
to all I have trouble typing cause of my arthritic fingers. I can spell just fine my fingers dont always do what I tell them to do....??????
@ Welker and CZMark ya'll need to ge some of that highend wine that rich people drink.Yon need to get some of that BOO-NEA Frams wine.
@Welker, sorry to hear about that hip relpacement. I hope the MD 20/20 takes the sting out of things. Don't buy any tard pills from Fred, look what they did to him.
Then again with some 20/20 and tard pills my riding gets even better, in my head that is.
Fred, you cracked me up last night with the whole Izzi thing. Now I now why you are in love with tons of fun, its the tard pills. Funny how RX censors things, worst than the G men! Then again Mathis is a little sensitive.
Fred then what happens if RD wins the MX1 class again but loses both the SX and outdoors to RV again in 2012? RV would never get the #1 even though he is the champ 2 years straight?? See how one sided you argument is? Why should this year be any dif then years past when we pick base on how the guys are doing right NOW not last year??
.Maybe insted of the Tard and Idiot slers you think about it a bit. Why is this year any dif?/ Or are you just an Big RD fan?
POWDER MOUNTAIN SHOULD BE SHUT DOWN! The first time i saw video of that place i thought wow someones gonna get seriously hurt here. Track is SUPER high speed down hills and all that. Its a tragedy someone was killed but NO SUPRISE to me at least.
In MXDN all classes are equal to me.If RD won MX1 and RV won MX 2 or 3 this year and is the outdoor champion next year then I would have no problem with him getting the number one next year.If RV was the reigning MXDN overall champion and finnished 3 in the nationals this year I would be saying that RV should wear the number 1 because he would be the reigning champion of last years MXDN.I want CR22 to win the outdoors this year.I really expected RV to dominate every race like he did last weekend.
nico izzi is really in jail? any sources?
@CZMark,Here a little hint for you.Tons of Fun loves Trad pills and Boo-nea Farms.Thats what gets you free motorcycles.Well gotta go.I need to sell BillC some more tard pills.
@m c, just read the story of Dylan Perkins, yes it is sad, he was only 16. Also Fred is yanking your 520 Gold chain.
GP MX1 and MX2 qualifying is about to start.
Hey all thanks for all of the lol's and @CZMark I never races a CZ but tried a few out. I will say that when I got to race the Maico 125 Rotary valve intake bike it was unreal unfortunatly it did break. heck that was almost 40 years ago lol I do think I pulled the holesot and led till it broke??
The argument that Dungey should wear the #1 because he got first last year is invalid because the MXoN 1, 2, and 3 number plates have nothing to do with what place the individual rider got last year, it just means that the TEAM got 1st overall. If Dungey weren't running MXoN this year than someone else would still run the #1 plate. Unlike in the SX or MX series where the rider that wins the championship obviously gets to wear #1.
I dont think it matters whos #1 guy your racing for team USA.
They should get together at south wick and talk. RD has been it 2 times did great RV hasent doen it in a whilole so let RV get it. RD already knows he can charge hard catch up from what ever hapens. Give RV the start RD is better in the long race eny way so let the racing and team USA domination begin.
@MX33,Where do you get your Trad pills from now that Nico's in jail.
I thought who ever rides the MX1 class runs the number 1 for the defending country. The #2 goes to the MX2 class and MX3 runs #3. The big question is who will ride the MX1 class. From the pre-registration, it looks like Dungey is riding the MX1, but I am sure that will change. Also each team rider for their country who rides the Mx1 will run the lowest number.
Your right CZMark.But I don't think its etched in stone .
@Fred, Here is where polictics take place. I believe Dungey is the team captain and also Decoster boy. So your are correct as it is not written in stone yet, so let's see what takes place and who really calls the shots.
Pourcel is leading MX1 qualifying and is turning faster times than everyone.CZMark you just read my mind.
Tard pills have no affect on me, I am like Kryptonite to them!! LOL
@BillC. Hum! I think I'll just bite my tongue.Hahaha.
Wow! Pourcel just won GP MX1 qualifier with consistant lap times for about 25 mins.He usually get about 7th.Cairoli got 3rd.
MXoN is a team event for USA and the Ryan's should act like a team. So, Villopoto should let Dungey run in the MX 1. Here is my reasoning: MX1 gets a better starting position and does not have to go back-to-back in both of their motos. Villopoto being the better rider should take the more difficult position. Even though I would like to see Villo with the #1 plate, we are going to see him all next year with one.
RV should wear the No 1 plate if he wins BOTH series. Who cares about last year.. If RV is geating Dungey, he should be MX1, its simple. Amnd I hate to hear about Short, he was already struggling in moto this year on a handicapped bike. He was 6th in points and last year he battled Metcalfe all the way to the last race for 2nd. and all we have added is Rv and Reed, so Short was having alot more success on the Honda 450 last year. Another no-brainer.
RC wore number #1 at budds creek and he didn't even race all the nationals. RD gets the #1 this year if RV can win and make the team in 2012 he can run the #1
Matthes you are a tool. Maybe don't cut it so close or don't take the last flight on a Friday. You fly around the US and go to MX / SX races. Complain to someone who cares.
@Axle, who would have run the No.1 that year? Timmy Ferry?? RC earned that by winning 10 National titles in a row. Genious. And RC gave up his first gate pick to RV also.. To help RV get the start on the 250.
RV should wear #1 ... No, Villo should ....
This conversation has turned into a weenie roast. Geek city!!!
I can't believe we're still whining about stealing banners. Davy, I love you, but when a stupid banner blocks my view of the racetrack at a national, that's stealing from ME. I paid my hard-earned money to watch the fastest riders in the world ride, not see their helmets go past me behind an advertising banner.Come on, not all of us have pit passes.
Re institute the Grand National Championship. Simple.
I would like to see all of our top riders on an XR750 doin the 'mile'. That would be way cool, but who would win?
Belgium and Italy each lost a Des Nation rider this week. France should be the biggest threat to the US team. We should handle this race as long as the Ryan's don't take each other out trying to beat each other. Cairolli will not have to ride in the team mode, so he will be hanging it out for a moto win.
Seriously Racer X. Your gonna just erase my comment. This section is supposedly about what is currently going on in the moto industry. I live in the Temecula area and heard from industry people that there are rumors of the Pala National being cancelled. This is NEWS! You would think that Racer X which is owned by Coombs who also owns the rights to the Nationals would be on top of this. By deleting the post it only strengthens the notion that this might be true.
Any one else heard that Pro circuit kawi is switching bikes because of factory kawasakis pipe change? Could that be the secret about silly season?
@real news, I was researching what you had to say, but found on evidence. That doesn't mean I didn't look deep enough. I know a whole lot of people here in so cal who would be "BUMMED" if that was true. I myself am looking to be there and not to tan my ass in the hot heat for nothing! So lets keep our ears open. Thanks for the heads up though! Oh yeah, Pala's web site still has the race advertised.
As if Pala is anything spectacular ....
Anyway, there was a dork on here saying that Dungey went to Honda .....
You never know!
why? why? why o why did they let the chupacabra go???!!!???
why? dna testing that thing would have been crucial!
2012?
reed and dungey running red with team22.
both stewarts on the same team riding yellow.
Well, at this time during the 2006 motocross season, Ryan Villopoto did not have the points lead in the Lites class, Mike Alessi had the points lead and was not picked for the Des Nations.
By the way, the points chase is MUCH CLOSER than it has been in previous years. When was the last time it was this close in the 450 class?
I can see why there is all the whining about the mxd. This is a team effort and shouldn't matter who has the number 1 plate. We should wait to the end of the nationals and the 450 champ should run the mx1. It's not like the old days where the number 2 rider had to race the 500 cc class. They will both be on 450's like they have been on the whole year. I 96 emit won the championship but he rode the 500 class because Kawasaki had a 500. There was no crying. You know why. Emit was a team player and he knew it was an honor to be selected and go represent the USA. They should suck it up and do what is best for the team. Not really a fan of either rider but villipoto seems like he is whining a little. And as for dungey and barcia
Dungey needs to get over it. Garcia might not be racing for points but he shouldn't just let them go by. He is not a lapper. I can see if he was getting lapped then he should let them go by. But if it is for the top position the contenders need to earn it. Suppose at south wick dungey is leading the moto and villipoto is in 4th and barcia and someone else is between them. If they let villipoto by and not race them hard dungey would lose points he desperately needs and villipoto will get positions he would not have earned. Hard to make up serious points if all riders let the top 2 just ride on by them. Also this is a slippery slope. At which race would it be that we should let the top contenders just ride by not to interfere with the championship. Motocross is tough. Ride hard and stop whining. Dungey did what he needed to do to get by
Wel i think that roczen will win at des nations the 250 class and herlings will be the fastest man in the 450 class so maybe you americans can only win the open class haha. And Honda America Team boss should be send home because they don t want reed to be a champion because barcia should help reed. Greets from europe
Barcia. He just needed to do it a few laps earlier. Just my opinion. I just hope the next 3 races are great
Real News, I have never heard anyone but "Mr. Info" Mark on Vital and you here say anything about Pala being canceled. Neither has Ryan or Kirk at Pala. So when you call yourself "Real News" and post that you heard it's being canceled, that's pretty confusing, so we deleted it.
Feel free to post it under your "Real Name" or better yet, just email me: [email protected]
I will see you at Pala for the national.
DC
MX Sports
@Axel Dungey won the last two years at the MXdN plus the SX and MX titles so what has RV done in the same time frame ? Nothing. It is amazing the public is making a bigger issue of this then the riders. if you want to go back to the past RD has won more in the 450s then RV. Just work as a team and win the thing quit all the bull.
Pourcel won the first moto today in GP MX1 .
You need to check your records because Bob Hannah won his first race that was a national on a 125 Yam at Plymouth Ca, which they call Hangtown dude.
@DC, good to hear the truth!
@Fred, so frenchie finally won one. That CLS PC bike must be working for him, which makes me wonder, will he be riding that bike in SX next season?
WOW CP won a moto..Good for him, Shows he is putting in the work.
Pourcel 3rd in second moto.Cairolie 1st.They tied on points with Poucel 2nd overall.@CZMark I think the problem was a lazy rider.He was way back by about 20+ seconds in 2nd moto plus a lot of top riders with injurys.But it's a start.Maybe he'll come back to the states.You never know.Matthes was sworn to secercey.Brooks needs a rider.Boy if that happened I bet it would be a disaster just waiting to happen.
It does matter who wears the number one at MXDN.Dungey is the reinging MXDN.SX and Outdoor MX Champion.He wore the 1in SX and MX this year .Therefore he the Reinging overall MXDN champion and should wear the 1 there as well.RV wasn't even there.It's that simple.Why can't you people understand this.I guess it's because of Tard pills.IF USA win again this year and RV is the overall champion then he gets to wear the 1 next year just like he'll do in SX and maybe MX.DUH!!!!
@Fred, ya I don't think those two would get along. It sounds like neither one likes being told what to do. I just read that CP crashed pretty hard before the restart, so a 1-3 for the day is not bad at all. Hopefully he will improve, didn't care for his whole attitude here, but like his riding style. I am guessing he will be talking to Mitch about that 450 ride for SX next year. Also what ever happend to joemotocross?
Still have my huge "Welcome Supercross Fans" banner with Joe camel on it from the days Camel sponsored Supercross. I dared my buddy to snag it at Anaheim Stadium. It must be 20 something years old now. To many beers and a night of racing makes you do stupid stuff. Looks better in my garage then crumbled up in the back of a sponsors wearhouse.
Fred, someone made a comment about the camel series the other day. Wasn't the number 1 plate awarded for overall points in MX and SX? Maybe thats the way to go!
Good job DC !
Last years Pala drew more than Dilla and with the parking fixed and the points chase it will rock .
JD
So Ca lMX
Its not that hard .
Either last years 450 points leader or this years points leader picks and hopefully does whats right for the team.
JD
"I Was There Dude," sorry but that amazing race at Plymouth in 1976 was not Bob Hannah's first national -- he wore #39 because he raced a DG Suzuki throughout much of the '75 125 Nationals. He also raced in the early SX races that year. He wasn't that unknown at the time, but what he did to Marty Smith and the rest of the pack was so shocking that it seems like it changed everything right away. Motocross grew up a little bit that day.
DC
MX Sports
@CZmark,Yesterday I was woundering the same thing.Where is Joemotocross589.I was wanting to tell him How much I enjoyed the Hodaka he lost,before I blew it up.I don't think the GNC thing should be a factor because of to many variables.Andrew Short would of been the grand national champion for like three years in a row.I think it should be based on the last half of the outdoor nationals.This year if Dungey had been hurt and didn't ride until the last 2or3 nationals and he wasn't up to speed then I don't think he should even be consisdered for the team.Even if he was the overall reining champion from last year.Dungey is not hurt and is the reining champion therefore he should be the number1 just like he is in the outdoor nationals.RV has to earn it to wear it ,If he wins it this year then he should wear it next year as long as he is picked for the team.Dungey was picked for the team and he should wear it.It's his.I'm serious,If I was Dungey and didn't get to wear the number one this year I would step down and let someone else go this year.What if the AMA came in right before this years outdoor nationals and told Dungey that he wasn't going to get to wear the number 1 because they were going to let Villapoto wear the number 1 in this years outdoors.Even though Villapoto didn't race the nationals last year they were still going to give him the number 1.See what I mean.It's the same thing.Everyone on here would be pissed if the AMA did that.
Not sure I agree with all this entitlement crap. Just because he won last year makes him MX1 rider this year? Keep in mind, if Bubba still raced out doors and RV wasn't hurt last year Dungey wouldn't have even been on the team! Ironic isn't it
you bunch of retards. its not over yet dungey can still win the title.
@Ripdown I'm not talking about who rides MX1.I'm talking about who wears the number1.Then I guess you don't think Villapoto should wear the number 1 in supercross next year since you don't agree with entitlement.
Fred, I'm gonna go ahead and waste this 30 seconds of my life..... As many people have mentioned this is a team race not individual so to me whoever wins the championship (outdoor) should represent the US as their number 1 rider. I know that the championship has not been won and RD could still win which would make him a shoe in for the #1 plate, but lets say Dungey was in 3rd in points and RV won it by your logic Dungey should still be representing us as being the best we have to offer?? To me last year was last year and he rode great but if RV is riding better than he should.
I give up on you DUMB A$$E$. Keep taking your TARD pills.STUPID pills and your IDIOT pills.I guess most people just don't understand the concept of why anyone ever gets to wear the number 1 in motorcycle racing.
@Fred, I am taking my tard pills now! Washing it down with some Boo-ne Farms,
as I sit here with a shit eating grin on my face. Can't afford the good stuff. I already had to panhandle just to get the Boo-ne Farms. lol
@Ripdown, what makes you think Stewart would have beaten Dungey outdoors?? You said if Bubba raced outdoors and RV was healthy Dungey wouldnt have been on the Des Nations team, How can you say that when Dungey just beat Stewart in the only full season they raced against each other. Stewart tried to race at Unadilla, and Dungey spanked his tail. That was a totally stupid comment. You jusat dont care for Dungey I guess.. Tard..
DC I wasn't trying to spread rumors of a cancelation of the Pala race. I was only wanting to see if there was any truth to it. Being that you oversee both Racer X and MX Sports I was hoping for some news on the matter. When you deleted my original post I could only assume that perhaps there was some truth to it and Racer X was wanting to cover it up. In reading your post it pretty much kills that rumor.
Real News, I honestly have never heard one hint of that race being canceled besides your post and them Mark "Mr. Info" posting nonsense on Vital, and it's difficult to make sense out of nonsense. It's like people posting on here that someone is in jail -- neither accurate nor fair to the person they are insulting. So no one mentioned it because no one has heard about it, and why put it out there if there's no truth to it? Like you said, it's a rumor, so why spread it?
DC
MX Sports
@Ripdown
Couple of things, I like Dungey lots, would like him more if he could make a pass. Secondly, I hate Stewart with a passion but I acknowledge his abilities and know quite confidently that if he applied himself and raced the outdoor season he'd more than likely win......and only a 'Tard' would believe otherwise......
@Rpidown, didnt Stewart "apply" himself to this past season supercross series and finish 4th?? Thats right in case you missed it he finished 4th place. And the only race outdoors that they raced together, Dungey handily spanked him. Stewart is fast, but dont deny the fact that Dungey is running as fast or faster than anyone in the world, including RV.
@Ripdown
Dungey has world class speed as long as there is no one in front of him....in case you haven't noticed? Also, in case you haven't noticed......Stewart did not really apply himself last year......you may recall a pathetic reality show that provided much distraction to him and his homey's? if you call hanging out with that group of losers preparing for Supercross you are the one in denial. Stewart was the only one on the planet who had anything for RC! Unlike you I believe if he was actually serious he'd still be the one of the fastest if not the fastest. ( and yes....I still don't like him )
P.S.....RV seems to be doing a pretty good job against Dungey....especially since this is his first full season on the big bike and first full outdoor season in a couple of years.
@ Ripclown
You wrote: "Dungey is running as fast or faster than anyone in the world, including RV."
In actuality, Dungey needs to turn it up a notch in order to be running as fast as Villo.
I am enjoyingt this enough to give my opionion,
RV total ama and mxon wins 51
RD total ama and mxon wins 39
RV on 3 winning mxon teams and got 1st 3 times, on a 250 ! Beating ALL 450s !!
RD on 2 winning mxon teams and got 1st 3 times on a 450
NOW I strongly believe that we should pick our team based on how we are racing NOW, and we should only pick our teams based on their CURRENT ability to win.
I also believe we should place our guys in the best positions for their strengths and weaknesses.
MXoN is NOT a series and wearing the #1 plate should NOT be from last years position but rather as I stated above.
Now clearly RV won the most in SX this year, but then in MX seemed to be struggling with health and comfort with the bike issues. In spite of his struggles he was in the points lead before getting the new bike, got the new bike and immediatly got his first 1-1. I recall seeing him pass and finish ahead of RD 5 times this year.
RD has rode well in SX, got 3rd. In MX he rode top three and looked good but seemed to have trouble passing for the lead. In two races he did hunt down and pass RV, but the last race had trouble getting by JB who was clearly slower than RV. RD did have bad luck at Freestone that would have him in the points lead currently.
So far these are the facts now here is what I think about who wears the # 1 plate this year, Its not critical they have both proven they will represent us well. I do think RV is faster of the two if all is well with both. It does seem that he has found his groove and looks like we have expected him to look riding all year. The bike change looks credible as Metcalf also turned his best ride of the year on it also.
I feel that the guys will do their best no matter what is decided. Frankly I am more concerned with BBs consistancy than either of the top two.
We need to remember we took Mike Brown out because he started riding poorly AFTER he was chosen for MXoN, and that was clearly a good choice.
Right now I favor RV for #1
What RV should of said is, whats the best for the team I'll do. But he didn't.
In ama races where RV was in a race with RD here are the stats
in supercross RV finished ahead of RD 14 times, RD ahead 12 times
in MX RV finished ahead of RD 40 times, RD ahead 16 times
So in the RV, RD rivalry its RV 54, RD 28
Villomoto, didnt Dungey run down RV at Washougal?? Twice?? Yes he did, and the lap times from Unadilla there is less than 100ths of a second between the two. I agree he had problems getting around Barcia, but Barcia is fast too. But one race doesnt make a series either. Dungey ran down RV more than once. Taking nothing from RV(he is my fav. to win) Dungey is fast, and has proven as fast as Stewart, which is what I was talking about anyway. Stewart is on a downward spiral now.
I repeat! Dungey is fast when he's out front.....not when there are other fast riders in front. Don't put too much wieght on RD passing RV at Washougal as that was more a case of endurance than speed. RV was tiring and falling back. As we may have now learned that could very well have been a result of a harsh handling bike wearinf him down....we will see this weekend. He certainly looked a lot better on the new bike.