by Andy Bowyer
One Industries Thursday Rev Up: Time/Steel City
Thursday, September 1, 2011 | 10:15 AM
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Hello, everyone, and welcome to the Rev Up. Time is perhaps the most pure, yet relentless aspect of life. Hard to believe it is going to be September as you read this. I try to remember a lot of the things my older/smarter friends told me, but if one thing stuck it was, “the older you get the faster the time goes by.” I stay very busy through a tornado of so many different things that...well, it’s a damn blur. I suppose it hits close when I see someone tell me and/or celebrate their 30th birthday. I’m like, “Hey I’m 30 too, er, wait, that was four years ago.” It’s getting faster every year and for someone that personally never wants to grow up, time is running out on that notion.
Such is the case with the 2011 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship.
It seems like just a moment ago I was getting text pictures of the preseason press conference in front of the capital building in Sacramento, CA. The flash bulbs of Chad Reed and Blake Baggett ripping off the opening salvo, like it was in last week’s Cycle News. On through Texas, High Point, and all of the charges of Ryan Villopoto, the return of Dungey, and unfortunate demise of "The Thunder" at Millville...The long-awaited return of Trey Canard brought fresh, but brief, life to the series. I’m still really bummed out about the road Canard has had to face. It should be easier for the man. But his season is long over and after that comes a burst of white light that lands us here.
After two DNF's at Southwick, Reed's championship hopes are over.
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson
With four motos to go to see who is going to hold the title belt, the only thing that’s for certain is his name won’t be Chad Reed, but it will definitely be Ryan.
The charge is headed to historic Steel City.
Historic? Well, from the top of my head I remember the USGP in 1987, the sound of Ron Lechien’s KX500 panic revving as he went over the bars in 1989, Robbie Reynard winning his first overall in 1993, Ryan Hughes and Doug Henry throwing punches in 1994, Ryno pushing across the line in 1995, Jeff Emig winning the last two motos of the season, and the championship in 1996, the same year a certain #768 was straight-legging it around the corners for the first time. In 2001 the same man rode a KX125 with black number plates with #4 to pass Mark Barnett as the most-winning tiddler pilot of all-time. Mike Brown won the title that year in an all-out “donnybrook” with Grant Langston. Zulu broke a wheel. One of the only two perfect seasons in history took place at Steel City thanks to James “Bubba” Stewart.
I remember Tommy Hahn earning a big moto win here. I remember what remains the best outdoor battle I’ve ever seen between Kevin Windham, Grant Langston, and Mike Alessi in 2008. And not to be completely goofy, but the last trophy I earned was the Plus 25 Pro plaque on amateur day there in 2010.
When I was a kid, Steel City was always one of my favorite tracks before I ever laid eyes on the infamous uphill start stretch. One of the coolest aspects of Steel City is her history. The off-cambers, the up and down hills, and diverse layout makes for some of the best racing—and spectating—in the world. At least I think so.
Going back to Southwick, there are times when our sport doesn’t get its due diligence, like the women’s EnduroX. The boys weren’t floundering last weekend in the wet-sandy-gnarlboro-country course at Motocross 338, but what they were doing didn’t get justice on the boob tube. The track was straight jacked up at the cross flags of any moto that ran. What else could produce four different moto winners, two first timers, deliver the sweetest of dreams (Metcalfe and Barcia) and the most soul-crushing defeat (Reed). I like to puff my chest when I make good on predictions (Barcia winning a moto) then epic fail with wanting Chad Reed to have a chance. No tears for one of the best (and richest) riders to ever throw a leg over, but from a racer’s pride it was a 100 percent flat tire, cold weather bummer.
Can Villopoto stretch his points lead at Steel City?
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson
Chad rode his ass off in 2011 and while he is going to go home sans #1 plate, he made a lot of fans in in my mind. #22 isn’t done riding motorcycles for #1 plates yet.
So, what reason do we have to show up for a race and swing our t-shirts? Ho, ho. The heavyweight championship of the world. The right and the reason to say, “I am the undisputed alpha male of kicking ass on a dirt bike. I am the 2011 450 Lucas Oil Outdoor National Champion, and if anyone has a problem with it, push your ass to my starting line. Because it is MY starting line.” Only the hard and the strong can ever talk that noise.
It’s time to see who is going to be the man. I have to say, it has been Ryan Villopoto’s year since the gate fell at Anaheim 1. He’s stumbled this way and that all year, but he’s come back with a vengeance that can’t be denied. What I think is cool is that the alpha of 2010 is going to head into the last four motos of 2011 with one last chance to walk the pits as the man. It’s always that way with motocross. Someone is simply un-equivalently the man.
Time to see the show, son. You cannot win the title at the penultimate race of the season, but you can no doubt lose it. It’s a good reason to take it to the track this Saturday afternoon. It’s time to see what Steel City has in store for us in 2011.
I’ll be there and can’t wait to see it again. Follow me @Hattica77 if you want to.
Thanks for reading, see you next week.
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It's been a great ride all year thanks guys for keeping it interesting. 450 been realy good ...nice to see a new bike in the 250
Can someone at RacerX please get this ridiculous pop up flag " share this story" CRAP OFF your website!!!! All this social media shit is beyond annoying!!!
A good read Andy, not the best since I did not get goose bumps?? no pun intended. Brought back some old memories you young pup, hey I am only 55 and remember bringing in the new long travel suspension days. from the 3 moto format to the presrnt day 2 moto's. It was still a good read and I alway like your articleles! Thanks for being you!!!
YES to the Racer X staff I agrree with BONES we dont need that ther is another way to do that. Most of us read all of the articles anyhow. So maybe you can block the Pop Up for us that are regualar. I learned a long time ago do not complain unless you have a solution. Just put the pop up for the non regular participants of the chat forum!! Thanks.
That pop up at the bottom of the page SUCKS!!! please get rid of it!!!
The racing in both classes has been great! Choose a different story line each week. The mech. problems, the crashes, rider clashes and all the tough it out, come from behind, save a season rides! We fans have been treated to a Supercross / Motocross season that will be hard for next years season to match. So, thanks again to all the riders who go out and give it your all, dispite the risk to reward, you have kept alot of people entertained and on the edge of there key boards.
I would also like to say a big Thanks to those of you who have stepped up the to the plate and made same day race coverage possible. I see alot of remarks about the coverage, some not so good, but it takes time to get the bugs worked out of something new. What we have now is so much better than coverage fans had just a few short years ago.
Now on to Steel City: In the 250,s RR might have a few insights for young Bogle on the track ,since he always did well on that track, in the 450's hope to see the 1 an 2 out front settleing who is THE MAN!
unsubsribe me from the pop up wtf
I agree with Bones and Welker; This "Pop Up" "Slide Out" thingy
Is really starting to foul out my spark plug,,
Lose It!
@ Andy hey great job as always. Broke my tib/fib at the Racer X Vet event at
Red Bud...bummer missed you this yr at Red Bud Natl.
Yes, please omit this pop up stuff. Can't even remove it...
Wit #27
Yes I even checked my pop up blocker and it is on? I know someone though it was a good Idea but lets cancel it , thank you, I even crashed my puer tryin to get rid of it! ???
What a bummer it is Larry, been there done that, so sorry. But us racers still have to laugh about it! no hard feeling meant lol
Steel City ... one of the oldest and best tracks on the circuit... who can predict anything this year......RV is a charger and I think when the pressure is on, he rises to the occasion....We have seen it a few times before and I hope we see it again...
Geeez,, and I thought little things bugged me ... hahahaha
The popup irritates me also, please take it AWAY !!
On the flip side Racex is the best SX
HEY RACER X, CAN THE BANNER! THIS LITTLE POP UP IS ANNOYING! It's not like we don't already read the articles. These are articles have HEADLINES and we can see them. "Isn't that cute, suggested reading for the blind, all on same web page".
The return of the great Rev-Up! Well done!
Now find the guy who put the pop-up there and clamp some jumper cables to his nipples!
RV is going to win both motos and BB is going to get the overall in the 250's...... also, hopefuly, Racer X is going to loose the irritating pop up.....
agree with everyone get rid of the pop up!
i really hope it doesnt rain this weekend!
@BD25.
Couldn't have said it better. This entire year has been awesome. Spend the majority of my weeks waiting for the weekend. Despite what flaws some may perceive in the coverage I for one am glad to have it.
@Welker- you are right! Don't be part of the problem, be part of the solution! How about having the pop up only on Ryno's training videos? Then again, I like Shockers idea too! lol
Please lose the pop up...Good article, however...My vote goes to Dungey...Can't stand green bikes...
LOSE THS STUPID POP-UP ABOUT LIKING THIS PAGE OR LOSE THIS READER, PERIOD.
pop ups gotta go.
look at the bright side. Skull Candy can now afford to support a few more endeavors.
I love these dam headphones.
I'll add my vote, as well, to get rid of the pop-up flag. It is extremely annoying.
Popups are as well liked as the tax man.....Never have spoken with a person that cared for them. And yet......there is always SOMEONE that that feels that THEIR popup will be well liked and have a good response. This is the best site for MX news anywhere, and I will still look at it daily, but the popup is a bad decision. Business wise, you are not even selling anything with it!
What an incredible season....Thanks for bringing it to your readers as well as you have so far.
I am logging off cause I am tired of that pop up the alpine add was bad enough but I neve complained about it!
TC alll
I am wondering....what do people think of the pop up ?
In other news, I just finished my spray tan and I am hitch hiking up to Steel City....Please do not throw slurpies at me as you drive by....
It took YEARS but RacerX found something we ALL agree on..The POP UP SUCKS AND MUST GO!!!!
I will give you a ride Erin!!! LOL
mark this day in history ...we all agree the pop up SUCKS...at least put it in the right 1/4 page where were not arguing and making stupid comments.
Pop-up= Fail
Racer-X, I suppose we will all find out how much of the forums you read and how quick you are to respond. POP UPS HAVE GOT TO GO!
Maybe that is why I still love to read the magazine, NO POP UPS!
I'm with everyone else!!! Gonna punch a hole though my monitor if you don't get rid of this pop-up......I understand this web-site is revenue driven but seriously...it's getting difficult to decipher the content from the advertising...????
@ Trend Killer, this weekend is HUGE!!!!!!!!!! It could be the difference in Pala being a nailbiter for us or a foregone conclusion.
GO RV2, win both moto's in a hard fought battle with the Dunge where he finishes close second both moto's.
Want to see Villo get title # 2 in 2011 and Dungey get the respect he deserves as a very fast, very close second!!
Can't wait for Saturday, already feeling it!
How about adding a Dislike button
I am sure you would get more then 22 hits.
agree.... lose the pop-up at the bottom of the page.
Hey Andy B. Got an idea for you that I've been meaning to share. A couple weeks back RedBud hosted VetFest, which if you've never had an opportunity to experience, you should bring a bike and come ride one of the greatest, if not the greatest, tracks in the world. It's no 4th of July national weekend, but a great weekend nonetheless. Coincidentally, this years event was on the same weekend as the Nascar race in Michigan. Just saying, maybe next year, they will fall on the same weekend again....could be a dream weekend...bring the bike next year if your going to be in Michigan anyway.
@ Welker Hey no hard feelings. Been racing since '71 and had many a bones
broken. Heck, I put my work boots on had the medics put ice on tib fib area
and went up in the tower and announced the Racer X Vet Fest for five hrs and
then went to hospital. But thanks for the laughs.
Triple Nickle...heck I would offer Andy to ride one of my bikes...
What the hell is this pop up? It's pissin me off.
See above ....
RV can and has won both motos but it has been rare enough that its going to be a nail biter, hope he does and I will be there to see it all !!!
WILL YOU PLEASE GET THAT DUMBA$$ YOU MIGHT LIKE POP UP OFF THE BOTTOM OF THE SCREEN!!???
Sorry andy, but last week you said Reed would still pull this title off and now you are saying he is not done racing for #1 plates. You're half right.....he might keep racing, but there will be no more #1 plates in America for the skipster!!
You all ride moto and you are whinning about a pop up?!?! Sissys....
Just read and shut up!!
Please get rid of the popup at the bottom of the page.
Weren't their three perfect seasons? Two by RC and one by JS?
NC