by Andy Bowyer
One Industries Rev Up: Battle of Los Angeles
Thursday, January 19, 2012 | 11:30 AM
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Hello, everyone and welcome to the Rev Up. I’m ready for more. We’re still in the gestation period of the beast that will grow fangs around Atlanta, but the opening rounds have been stout. What a great race we got to see last Saturday night live on SPEED! It didn’t look like the typical Phoenix soil, but it was good and the track layout was great. The higher speeds, wider corners, and sand section culminated to form a proper battleground. It was a great “racetrack.” We saw tons of passing, and while certain sections looked simple, others reached up and grabbed the best of the best. Through it all, Ryan Dungey rode 20-laps that were nothing short of legit. When a racer makes a big change such as Dungey did, he wants nothing more than to answer (quiet) the critics. The 2010 Supercross Champion showed the world that he is lethal, and so is his KTM. Did they finally put it together over there in the big orange tent? Hey, they had an Austrian machine on both podiums and for the second week in a row, Ryan Dungey looked extremely right on the bike. Last weekend he was gone after the second corner.
Dungey and KTM broke through in Phoenix.
Photo: Simon Cudby
Windham shined in Phoenix with a fourth; can he continue that trend in L.A.?
Photo: Simon Cudby
Can Wilson make it back-to-back wins this weekend in L.A.?
Photo: Simon Cudby
Much more needs to be made of KTM’s accomplishment. I didn’t think they could win coming into A1, but I was obviously wrong. It took them two races, and they’ll win more as the season progresses. Huge win. Respect.
Dungey and KTM broke through in Phoenix.
Photo: Simon Cudby
Now we’re going to take the show to the “City of Angels.” Los Angeles, California is the most popular city in the world. Packed with 3.8 million people, L.A. truly has it all, from the highest watermark, to the lowest scum pit. From the Laker’s floor to Compton. I tend to reflect on the rock band Tool and their cynical perspective, regarding L.A. “Learn to swim.” But, it isn’t all bad. The indigenous love it, but folks who visit mostly shake their heads. I know I do. None the less, she has supercross on the bill this Saturday night. It’s already time to ring the bell and fight again. We’re products of our environment and while the charge didn’t need any prodding, there is going to be a tremendous amount of juice flowing when the lights go down for pre-race ceremonies. Welcome to the Jungle.
Time to reset the deck and see what round three has.
Supercross
I took a beating last week with my predictions, but I’m going to stick with them. I ghost rode my man, Kevin Windham though, which was earnest. Hey, I miss a few gears now and again. I’m still saying that we’ll see at least eight different faces on the podium in this group by round 10. It’s a sweet time to be a fan right now because of the uncertainty and scenarios. That said, there is one steadfast constant in that Ryan Villopoto remains the man. He made mistakes last weekend, but he was incredible. Past that, Jake Weimer has made an early voice for himself that could quickly get roaring. He was riding top shelf supercross in the tiddler division, and after some injuries he’s back. Winning a heat race and standing on the podium is big. I see some things with Jake that only need a little more confidence and he’ll be at the next level. The top level.
Windham shined in Phoenix with a fourth; can he continue that trend in L.A.?
Photo: Simon Cudby
The Thunder is riding strong, but I think that Chad Reed is still getting going. He’ll get smoother, grab better starts, and win races very soon. Maybe this weekend. Man, it sure is cool to see how much faster he goes when he has #7 in his sights.
The storm behind the aforementioned top guns is bouncing around like a tornado. Justin Brayton, Kevin Windham, Andrew Short, Brett Metcalfe, and now Trey Canard can make things happen. Canard will be ready to go soon. I hope he maintains and gets his steam up before throwing on the charge, but he’s a racer and who knows, maybe he’ll pull the trigger right now. Ice Trey can run.
Don’t give up on James Stewart just yet. If you don’t think he can rattle off 6-7 wins really, really fast you better think twice. He’s been woefully unimpressive in the first two main events, but it’s too early to know what he’s going to do. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him become the third different winner in as many weeks. Wouldn’t raise an eyebrow if he missed the podium again either. Pretty substantial head scratcher here, I say that because I'm picking him to win this one. I think.
Trouble is brewing with the big boys and it’s going to get nasty.
Lites
As mentioned, I got drilled for my forecast last week, but you just watch Dean Wilson dust these guys off again. He’s tall and lanky and rides the track with a lethal flow. I think he is the guy in this group. Cole Seeley has already beat him and Eli Tomac is riding faster than hell, but #15 is my pick to make it two in a row in L.A. Let’s see what happens if Tomac and Wilson gate well together. Tyla Rattray and Marvin Musquin have been stronger than a garlic milkshake and could be ready to upset.
Can Wilson make it back-to-back wins this weekend in L.A.?
Photo: Simon Cudby
Huge weekend, son. It’s the championship games in the NFL playoffs and smack dab in the middle is the L.A. Supercross this Saturday night. Who is it going to be this time? Can Dungey carry the momentum and win two in a row, or will Villopoto come back with furious rage? Are Reed and Stewart ready to put it together? Two things are for sure. The gate is going to fall and the boys are going to battle in Los Angeles.
Thanks for reading, see you next week.
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***NEWS FLASH***Stewart has a trick up his sleve!!!! VILOPOTO scared, DUNGEY says stewarts gonna win so ill take 2nd.,,,REED says Mr. Motorcross knows too much...............
Chrystal ball summary: Musquin and Rattray win Lites semis. Brayton and Stewart top the podiums in the big boy semis. Grant will fail to qualify for the main, again. Tomac wins the Lites division. Weimer in the fo-fitties.
The supercrosses have been nothing but a good time. Stewart's been crying tough. I want action. Im talking dirty. I hope Rv rides like the wind. Dungey, i wont forget you. Every track has a thorn.
***NEWS FLASH*** Mr-Motocross wads it up in turn 2. Taken off on a stretcher unconscious.
I keep hearing you Media people saying must be something up with Stewart ? The fact is Stewart never slowed down, he is as fast as he’s ever been, What you media heads seem to look past is the fact that the COMPETITION caught up!!! And is as fast and even faster now than Stewart....There is no longer 1 guy he has to compete against at his speed, and if that one person got a bad start Stewart would win by a comfortable margin resulting in NO pressure and NO crashing....there is at least 5 of them now !!!, Stewart has had to ride over the edge to compete now resulting in Pressure and Crashing.
Remember when he raced RC outdoors….It was a crash fest for Stewart because he had 2 elements called COMPETITION and PRESSURE……This has always been his weakness…history tells the real story, Today we have those same elements but unfortunately for Stewart its not just one guy anymore where he could catch a break and ride relaxed……
You Media people are so bias as to thinking Stewart is this god like untouchable rider, that you are ignoring the fact that they all caught up to him and in some cases are faster and better. Instead of discrediting other riders for their accomplishments against him and saying “what’s up with Stewart“....How about acknowledge what they have done and that they have stepped up and answered the call producing results !! Stewart hasn’t answered back yet, maybe hes caught off guard ? Underestimated his competition and under prepared ?? Remember when RC took down MC in supercross , what did MC say ???? He said he was caught off guard with how fit and fast RC became and he came in under prepared, He couldn’t do anything about it. AND HE ADMITED IT……. No lame excuses……………..
***THIS JUST IN*** Bubba says "if this 4-stroke throws me off again this weekend im demanding Yamaha build me a FACTORY 2-stroke,I could easily win the championship on consistancy alone,the 4-stroke will cost one of us top riders points or an injury over and over,give me a factory yz250 and I WILL WIN THE CHAMPIONSHIP"
Mr. Motorcross, you're a trip dude. Stewie may catch fire this Weekend.
barn burner
biker143 - you are correct on that last post.
Actually the divisional playoffs in the NFL were last weekend. This weekend is The NFC and AFC championship games. Rookie
biker143 = you nailed it!
biker 143 your right the rest of them have caught up because they didn't take the summer off!!!!!!!
Biker 143 - Bla Bla Bla..Didnt you write that last week?....James is still a step above most the guys....RV may be a half step above James....Speed and skill wise James is right there and the "media" and people who know a thing or two see that....The fact his race finishes suck are the "head scratchers" and if he gets decent start and would f*ckin stay off the ground, he'll be right there.......he isnt riding over his head and seems to have relaxed a bit...so thats a good thing....but like RV showed in PHX, you need to keep tha extra push in your pocket....excited for round 3...wish it was live.....do i wait for next broadcast and not check internet for results...or do I sit and watch RX twitter feeds all night....man its tough not to know what happened when it so easy to find out....in real time ...Twitter updates are more "live" than the live broadcasts...
@KilloMoto- You said if he would get a decent start and stay off the ground he'll be right there?? That is the same for at least 5 or 6 guys out there., No kidding. Stewie will get his races, maybe this week, with no whoops and it looks like a combo jump track. It may fit right in Stewies style. He has had a few close calls in the whoops, and now this track has none. So it may be this week for him. But if any of the top guys get a great start and stays out of trouble, they can win. Not just Stewie,
The only one I question still is Brett Metcalfe, He has not looked good yet.
killoMoto = Stewie ballL!cker
Need a tissue? Your boy is Mortal.... get used to it.
I agree and disagree bd200, There are 5 or 6 guys maybe more who "could" win but only if thing fall into place. If RV starts 2nd I don't care who gets the holeshot and "stays off the ground" my money goes on RV (unless its JS who holeshots then its a push) so I don't think its the same for all. See what I mean.
. I would love to see this at the end of lap 1.
.1 Reed
.2 RD
.3 RV
.4 JS
.That would be fun to see!!!
that
@maniac - I know he is mortal dude and ceretainly not a ball licker either, just stating my opinion. Watching the PHX race in person, James and RV were clearly the guys with the speed.. ..I personally feel that if James were to start top 5, and had let say Reed, Dungey, K-Dub and Weimer in front of him...if he kept in on two wheels I think he would be able to make it past those guys....If RV is out front, at the moment I dont think anyone other than RV will beat RV.....
*** Mr-Motocross Update ****
He is in stable condition. He has a sub-dermal hematoma that is applying excessive pressure to the spinal column. Symptoms range from emotional hi’s and low’s, intermittent turrets, and he appears to have lost the last few years and believes that the year is still 2008-2009.
A full recovery is expected but he will not be cleared for racing for at least 6-8 weeks.
James Stewart has this to say “The guy is crazy! I have no idea who he is and I think e may be stalking me”.
More later.
Lap 1 more fun would be:
1 Alessi
2 metcalfe
3 windham
4 brayton
BillC that would be a great show and with what we've seen the paste 2weeks RV will come out on top. the rest is a little blurry.
BTW- part of racing is staying on 2 wheels. If i could stay on 2 wheels, was really fast and had good stamina, i could win the championship. its just that easy
Racing = skill, stamina, speed, confidence, testing, bike setup, and crashing.
He who has the most of this on any given night and makes the least mistakes....wins!
Fastest for a lap is qualifying and has nothing to do with "racing".
2012 has the deepest field of legitimate "Racers" who can podium, and perhaps win. With the increase in racing talent it creates additional pressure on the other racers who now have to consider that minor mistakes that did not cost a position, may now actually do so.
Remember when JS could make mistakes and still blitz back to the front? Well, now he has to do it against a larger number of faster guys. threats to the podium.
The pond is bigger this year, and so are the fish.
open_class, love your "mr. motocross" update!
Mr.Motocross didn't you see the ytube vid where stewie rides a 2poker and states how much arm pump he got, and if a 2poker passes you and your on a 4stalker, you should prob quit riding.... i don't hate 2strokes i still have one. but damn, he's right 4 strokes are so much easier to ride.... good intro to the thread Mr.moto you made me laugh..smoke em if you got em. (2 stroke that is)
Windam in the mud!!!! Word to your mutha!!!
Stewart is not riding as bad as his finishes say he is, and the other guys have gotten faster, but he most definitely has slowed down some. He in no way resembles the guy that was out there in 2009. Still fast but he no longer is crazy-balls Stewart fast. I think he is capable of being 2nd regularly, but unless RV is crashing and getting bad starts, he isn't going to be winning any 6 or 7 straight.
Can't wait till Sunday ..... Villpoto has the speed and race prep hoe do you factor inn wiemer or canard no way you count them out ... Every one of them has crashed wrecked ESP when taking it to past warp speed ... Ryan v and James are capable of riding at an speed no other rider can keep up with I would like to see a couple Ryan and James battles to really get the answer of who is king of the hill
@KilloMoto- I'm right with you on the 'twitter' shiiit- I can't stand the suspense either!
SX/MX does need Stewie for now.what we dont need are SX/MX profits! (i know the treu spelling is prophets) just that profits has a mening.
Lap 1 even more fun would be-
1 Albertson
2 Wey
3 Hahn
4 Partridge
5 Alessi
6 Blose
7 Brayton
8 Milsaps
9 Chisolm
10 Tedesco
11 Hansen
12 Metcalf
13 Windham
14 Short
15 Weimer
16 Canard
17 Dungey
18 Reed
19 Stewart
20 Villopoto
Or something like that...
LA better drop the gate for the main event pretty soon! After reading this installment of "THE CONVERSATION," it seems like the natives are getting restless ....
I'd like to see Weimer up there regularly, I don't think his ride last weekend was a fluke by any means. He's training with the best trainer and best rider in the world right now. He's a past champion and that's deadly considering he knows his program is on top, his bike is good, and he knows he can run the pace now. I think we're going to see lots of Weimer this year.
redmax, SX/MX doesnt NEED anyone rider. The outdoors has survived just fine without Stewart, and so would Supercross. No rider is bigger than the sport, and I think Stewart has finally realized this. I just wish the promoters would. I am wondering if this isnt one reason there are no whoops at Dodger Stadium right now. Hoping Stewart gets a win and back in the chase, they are thinking it "would be good for the sport"..
I think Stewie still has a step even on RV all things being equal if the both get off the gate 1 and 2. That said thought Stewie is much more inconsistent and so disappointing pulling for. RV on the otherhand knows how to finish a race.....all 20 laps.
LMAO cr500 !... ......Stewie RV battle to the last lap.......write it down..... @ mrmotocross, ya remind me of my lil brothers 1st attempt at moto, coached him thru a holeshot, but he had no chance at all to make the 1st turn,....theres a creek if ya miss Deltas 1st turn......FUNNY FUNNY stuff!
The short downhill start- then turn right- at Delta under the lights- circa 1979 ad.
Glass city MC.
Anyone catch Reed's recent Tweet jonesing for some In 'n Out burgers? Tracks, yeah it has been obvious that Stewart still has a step on RV. I would love to see a Stewart holeshot with RV 2nd and "all things being equal". In fact, to make it more interesting, make RV's start around 5th or so.
On Speed 12pm Monday I think for the lites. I book marked it last night but can't remember.
Its on Speed Monday at 12 I think. I can't remember but I found it and bookmarked it lats night.
Its on Speed Monday at 12 I think. I can't remember but I found it and bookmarked it lats night.
Could ya see JS's eyes if his pit board read like this over 5 laps.. +6....+5....+3.5......+2... RV is ON YOUR AZZ!!! LOL it would be go time!!
Am I missing something, or are we not getting a 250 broadcast this week? I've checked every TV schedule I can think of and can't find anything. What a step backwards if they don't show it. I don't see any reason not to have 17 rounds live. The CBS/NBC "coverage" of this sport is an absolute joke anyway. I guarantee you we won't see a single race in its entirety, and half the show will be some BS about the riders that no real fan cares about.
All these predictions and hoopla - so i am going to say it one more time gents (4th time now on various posts)...racing ALLforms (motor racing) essentially boils down to corner speed...faster in, faster off, faster on the straights. It is really that simple. RV has the most corner speed and barring injury will win the championship.
That simple.
I am so ready for this race I woke up this am and thought it was Saturday???
@dinosaurmedia,, I bet the riders wish it was that simple.
Its on Speed Monday at 12 I think. I can't remember but I found it and bookmarked it lats night.
How about Drag Racing?? Does corner speed help there?? LOL Yes corner speed is huge but there is way more going on than most other motorsports.
Didn't you get the memo? If we all just stop using the "lites" designation, they will eventually have to change it.
SX1 and SX2
I saw in the track pick this morning that they added like three whoops to the track... watch out
You guys who think Stewart has something on RV must have watched different races than I did the past two weekends.
Ryan Villopotto is the new fastest man on the planet. The lap times are proof.
@drkelly, nothing NEW about RV being the fastest. He beat them all last year too. And the former FMOTP finished in 4th, off the podium. So its nothing new, he has carried that title over a year now..
When Stewie finishes 6th in the points this year and bails on the outdoors, will his followers still be telling us how fast he is? I'm not sure which one I enjoy more, Villopoto winning or Bubba loosing. I do miss the amazing dance moves bubba used to display after winning, not.
I cant wait to see what coat the GOAT wears this time.... Perhaps fur and a pimp cane?