Racer X Notebook: San Diego
Monday, February 13, 2012 | 5:10 PM
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Print- Forget names like Villopoto, Reed, Stewart, Dungey or Windham. The real star of the night was the whoop section, which didn’t look that bad early, but turned into a game-changer by the evening. For example, during the track walk, Red Bull KTM’s Marvin Musquin sized up the whoops and said he liked them, because they were, “good, fast and not as tight and sharp as last week.” But as the lines deteriorated, the San Diego whoops turned into by far the toughest of the season.
- A ten-minute sprinkling of rain came through about an hour before the night show got started. As light as it was, it increased the moisture content of the already-damp dirt enough to make things slick, which no doubt had a hand in producing some of the carnage that was the night show.
- Coming into the season, most expected Josh Hansen to show great flashes of speed but perhaps struggle to grind out consistent finishes. Instead, he’s done the opposite, as the Dodge Motorsports Hart & Huntington Kawasaki rider continues to log quiet and steady results, capped by a season-best fifth on Saturday night. While plenty of riders were crashing through the whoops, Hansen remained solid en route to a career-best in the 450 class.
Matt Moss (right) chats with Dean Wilson (left) after securing his first career SX Lites podium.
Photo: Simon Cudby
- Yoshimura Suzuki’s Brett Metcalfe’s fourth-place finish in the SX main was also a career best. In the Lites class, Rockstar Valli-Star Yamaha’s Gareth Swanepoel scored a career best fourth, as did Gavin Faith on his GEICO Honda with a sixth.
- The San Diego race will mark Faith’s last for the GEICO Honda team, as Wil Hahn should be ready when the Lites West tour resumes in April. Hahn is back to training—for example, he bicycled 109 miles in a big trip from his house down to Qualcomm Stadium on Saturday!
- Matt Moss secured his first career podium and first for J-Star JDR team with a third place in the San Diego Lites main event. The Aussie has come a long way—few remember his complete washout as Ryan Dungey’s teammate with Rockstar Makita Suzuki in 2010. He then started the year with an 11th at Anaheim 1 and failed to qualify for the main in Phoenix. Since then, he’s improved rapidly, including a last-to-seventh charge last weekend at Anaheim 2 that set the stage for his strong ride in San Diego.
- In Lites, Nick Paluzzi scored his first top ten of the year in what has been a tough season so far. Canada’s Kyle Beaton scored his best finish of the season with 11th in the Lites class.
It's has been a tough year for Paluzzi, but he bounced back in San Diego with his first top ten of the year.
Photo: Simon Cudby
- Jason Thomas qualified for his first main event of the season and then scored 11th in the SX Class on his BTOSports.com BBMX Suzuki. In front of that, Nick Wey scored his first top-ten of the season on his MotoSport.com/Foremost/TiLube Kawasaki.
- Ben Lamay had the most frustrating results of all, taking tenth in his heat race and third in the LCQ—that’s missing a transfer spot by one position both times!
- When James Stewart crashed his JGR Toyota Yamaha in the main event, it might have looked like he was stuck under a wire or cable on the side of the track, but he was only stuck under his bike. The track crew helped him by cutting a piece of his pants off—and yes it’s legal for the track crew to assist a rider in that manner.
- Supercross.com Honda’s Andrew Short went down in the first turn of his heat race and was out for the night. We’re still waiting on updates on Short’s condition, but we’re hearing his condition might not be as bad as first thought.
- If you missed Jake Weimer’s interview on the SPEED television broadcast, it went like this: “I got taken out. I’ll be back with a different attitude in Dallas.”
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I like how Wiemer makes that comment right after doing the exact same thing in the LCQ...
The Stewart camp has just confirmed that the whoops crash was caused by the backward yami configuration verses the extra whoop length/height verses the additional weight of the GoPro on his helmet. They simply had calculated for the combination of the three in their testing. Now that it's been cleared up JS is promising no more crashes and smooth sailing to the title :)
If I was RV I would be pumping up Wiemer all week. "Hey Jake did you hear what RD said about you"?? then later I hear RD is going to park u you again this week.... RD said your a wimp!! >>>> LOL get him all pumped up and watch him go after Rd LOL
One thing is pretty obvious. Nobody's gonna be callign Dungey the fastest man on the planet any time soon. Maybe the blandest guy on the planet.
BillC...are you like 12 years old or what. You need to get out of your mommy's basement. Grow up man.
To bad the guy leading right now is such a Boring athlete ,, Where is Bob Hannah when you need him ..At least Stewart and Reed have something to say ... RV fast and boring .... JS7 Entertainment!
Anyone know what part of the bike JS7 was stuck on? That just seems weird that the had to cut his pants to get him free.
@two250 I was thinking the same thing. I thought it was classy of Weimer to apologize when he cleaned out Sipes, maybe he should have bit his tongue and though about what he was going to say about what happened to him. It looked like the exact same move.
Hey SpottedMarley, Another thing's pretty obvious. Nobody's gonna be talking about how Dungey is laying on his tail watching a complete season or 2 go by because he's a media hound, selfish, showoff like a few of the other top guys I'll not mention by name. Check out his career stats and see how bland they are.
BillC: I pull for the Dunge and thought that was pretty funny. But I don't think your guy needs much help right now!
Its good to see the non top 4 SX riders climb in the standings. They all had to go through those whoops and keep it vertical. That part of the track made the racing unpredictable.
Roger Decoster has the right combination of rider and factory support, its just a question of time. Will he find the magic before the curtain closes?
Mike Alessi was very impressive leading the heat race. His stock was rising only to plummet during the main. He can make it go either direction. Its his own decision.
The lites guys looked to have their hands full with the track layout. It made me wonder (if the rules allowed it) how a 250 two stroke would of fared. I do miss the 2 bangers.
It was great race action to say the least.For those that did not go as planned I wish you the best and congratulations to the ones that did well.
How many times can you remind us about Moss's 'forgettable' crappy year in 2010 as the Dunge's team mate?
Interesting that there is no mention of the broken C5 vertebrae Moss suffered racing in Reeds Australian SX series early December 09.
Guessing lining up a month later for US supercross should not have influenced his results that year.
Kinda looks like Wiemer can dish it out but can't take it!! It's called"carma" and it will come back on you!!
I like Jake Weimer, but yeah, the whole double standard thing took me by surprise. Not surprised he wasn't happy about what happened in the main, but I WAS surprised he got up on his high horse about it AFTER taking out Sipes in the LCQ. That was just a little bit hypocritical - just sayin'...
Haven't been on here this week - haven't had a chance to read all the excuses from the Stewart minions. I'm sure there's plenty.
@Tracks - good one.
@ Preston
Don't worry....I have it on good word that if RV wins this SX championship he's gonna one up JSE and steal an actual Police Cruiser........that should legitimize him with the Stewart fans!
All this talk about what Weimer said is a result of the interviewer getting him to talk in the heat of the moment.
I love the toads that comment the champion and race leader is boring. What a hoot!
Love the guys who hang it out and crash? Well you have a guy to hang your hat on that is for sure.
Oh, I see! You want your champions to be great on air talent as well! really? Think the team managers would rather have RV or a "more exciting" rider? Well, Kawi had that choice to make and they went with RV....and all the titles.
Yeah, I think I would have made the same decision.
BUT! good news! We have Adam Cianciarulo coming up and as far as I can tell he is about the best combination of racer and on air talent I have seen.
I have not seen Weimers take out in the LCQ but I can understand his frustration.
Two mains this year when he has started at the front he has ended up on the ground.
One thanks to JS7 and the other RD5.
Not saying either was a bad take out but you can understand him being pissed.
You train all week, the field is stacked, he has real good speed and then gets put down.
Wonder if JS7, RD5 and CR22 are worried RV1 might have an allie the closer we get to Vegas.
Weimer is showing flashes of good speed.
This weekend should be real good, can not wait.I think all of the big four are going to go all out. Maybe KW will get in there, and I also hope that CR or RV punt Alessi off the track this time when they are lapping him! Will serve him right that's for sure, then we can hear the jokes next week on Pulp Mx. And maybe Speed will replace Emig and Erin, tired of listening to those two. Heres to a great race (and safe).
Wonder how many people got hurt in San Diego when they fell off Bubba's nuts.
The tracks are great finally some real whoops and the winners ride it without complaining. I cant believe how bad RC is at commentating. He just says whatever, no filter, repetitive, and a lot is just wrong.
Great racing this year. KTM looked bad in whoops.
Why is everyone calling out Weimer? Yeah, it's a bit hypocritical, but obviously we was upset and he has every right to be and so did Sipes. I'm not sure if RD apologized like Weimer did to Sipes. I wonder if JW does something to retaliate? All Weimer said was he got taken out and he did (whether RD meant it or not) and he said that he will come back will a new attitude, which could be true or a ''heat of the moment'' thing...
@claxton ..lol (and i like havoc7 and ole whirlwind even though they are in the midst of setting a world record for crashes in one season..er ah maybe two seasons) ...I hope billc doesnt hurt himself now jumping on the Wilson bandwagon and the doesn't get hurt part might be a lie...@preston if you thought that guy on the green bike with the 1 on it was boring you were watching a COMPLETELY different race than the rest of us.....@recycle... RC had the day off those voices were in your head bro but the critique is correct...RV1 that was one fine ride....
RV is gonna dominate until Eli Tomac moves up to 450.
What I love in the 450s is how no one seems happy on the podium except whoever won. These guys want it!!!
RCRDDW LOL thanks I was just havin a little fun but i gusee coldhands it way to uptight!!
RCRDDW LOL thanks I was just havin a little fun but i gusee coldhands it way to uptight!!
tonewall = tool
On the Weimer take out, Finaly the Dunge gets dirty... But Why Weimer? Next time you can't get by reed Park him!! LOL He needs to ride that way more but wioth the guys up front not Weimer, he should be able to blow past him quick and clean. Now Weimer will be looking for pay back and RD don't need that from someone out of the title hunt. Maybe RD will bake him some cookies to make up LOL
Oh hell BillC, why not have an obsticle behind you encourageing you to go faster? LOL I like Jake no doubt, but I think RD will just steer clear and try to let it go. Yeah, he doesn't need any controversy, as he has his hands full. Maybe they all need a busload of figure skaters to help them get through. LOL (inside joke)
Like I said before, years of everybody blowing up Stewart's ego has done him harm. Nobody thought people would progress to his level. That time has come, now sit back and enjoy the ride.
I dont think Weimer is mad at just Dungey, he is mad at getting parked twice this season already. He is frustrated about being the new guy and getting pushed around. I seriously dont think it is at just one rider. Stewart did the same to him earlier in the year. Just like Weimer did to Sipes.
The racing just got exciting, RV let Reed know that he is not gonna be punked while going through the lappers, by the way they should be allowed to park them if they don't move over..Reed was obviously pissed after the race, which is awesome, more fuel to the fire. Stewart, well I wish he could get in the mix and have a run at the top just to add to the excitement, and was it me or did Dungey just seem to be kind of content to be where he was?? He was struggling bad in the whoops and for the level of effort and commitment they put in he had to be pissed, was he not like 20 seconds behind the leaders?? Don't quote me on that..but the top 250 guys were going through them better than he was..step it up Dungey! And for the guy who said RV was boring?? While it would be sweet to have a racer quote Ricky Bobby, grab a couple Monster girls asses and talk about something other than sponsors, I watch pro racers to see aggression and speed and yeah, I believe RV's got those..here's to the racing getting good!! I am a fan of anyone who rides a bike so good luck to all of them! Bring on Dallas!!
RD5 should be able to pass JW clean. IMO the lappers who are getting flagged and don't move out of the way should be punted maybe they'll learn to pay attention next time to the flags, them's the rules follow them.
There was more than 1 bus load Bucky!!! LOL
skylerp331 I think JS will be in the mix a few times at least, The title would take some HUGE good luck at this point but some win's I think we will see. Question is will RV go after JS now that he does not have too? If he can win and have JS in 2nd he puts big popints on Reed and RD.
JaminGeorge-- I hate the lappers too. but the rule doesnt say get out of the way, it says hold your line till the leaders pass. Doesnt say that they have to move..
Red44 I'll take that, so what your saying is those back markers are going so fast that the front runnings can't just get by! I don't think so they just lost a whole lap on the leaders. Not saying the race that they are in on the track is not important to them or there teams. But imo they need to get out of the fast line, which is usually way inside. I just hate see race's decided by lappers I don't think CR would have had that opportunity with out the lappers.
Just wait... it's coming... DUNGEY is going to crush them all!
It's a "sneak attack:" he's lulling them into a false sense of security by not winning and letting them run up the points over him. Do you see how excellently he is executing the plan!?! And then, ... Oh Hell, I don't know... but he's going to crush them!
Bad starts lappers lcqs crashing emig erin rain mud
That first comment you made BillC was a classic I liked it.
And @Tracks that was a good one also .
JGR will be putting on some serious spin if their PR tries to pretend they have much of a chance at the title now. But, I was so happy to see RV beat Reed! Mr. San Diego huh? "The Champ is here!" Hahaha! If you've been to a race this here you know what I'm talking about...
That Weiner needs to STFU. That's the second time he has been run high w/o contact and tipped over. Saying, "...I'll be back in Dallas with a different attitude that's for sure." This isn't the lights class anymore, round 1 you should've had that attitude. Besides the gentlest rider in the class just boxed you out and now you try to act bad? Get over yourself.
@gbs417 - well said...and, Dungey is on a new bike for a company that prior to this year had never put a rider on the podium. Weimer on that Kawi has nothing to complain about.
Start of season many said Dungey committed career suicide signing with KTM (wrong), would never be on the podium (wrong), would never win a race (wrong), would not have any chance of winning the Title (wrong at only 10 points out), and is not aggressive enough (wrong). I am curious how RV and Stewart would do on that KTM?
@billc thats all you got ..tonewall=tool ....i'm crushed. Now change out of your jammies ,put your big boy pants on and get back to typing even more boring takes.
Tonewall, for someone who said in another thread they want to fight me cuz I dis agree with them then comes on this thread and says they want me to get hurt I should not have even wasted that much band width on ya so be happy you got some press.
Billc you call me a liar and a tool.then act like the innocent baby you are..no one wants to fight you physically you idiot....i'm sure your much to sensitive for that anyway...and i was being sarcastic which i'm sure you'll learn about in jr high. you can dish it but you obviously can't take it....talk about press , don't you bore us like at least ten times on every site. @misoeye thanks for the compliment.lol But I still believe a steel frame is as capable of being as stiff and finely tuned as an aluminum one its just not as easy to pop out and costs more to build. KTM could very well follow suit though or go carbon/aluminum and get the price up into the low 15's lol.
@JamminGeorge--Dude chill, when did I ever say the lappers were fast or anything?? I didnt, all I said was what the rule states.. I think they suck and need to move personally. When a lapper can change the outcome of a race there is a problem in my opinion. Its wrong when a guy puts in 17 or 18 perfect laps for a win and a lapper gets him caught and passed. Not saying that is what happened in SD, but it could happen if the lappers dont get out of the freaking way>>
Tonewall.... When someone lies what do you call them?? Sounds like your the one who is to sensitive, As I have said many times on here I don't care cuz this is fun to me and the fact that your really think it bothers me makes me laugh... Thanks