Observations: San Diego
Wednesday, February 15, 2012 | 5:00 PM
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The San Diego Supercross has been on the schedule since 1980 and other than ’83, ’84 and ‘88 (there were races there, but not AMA sanctioned ones), there has been an AMA supercross there every single year. That’s a long string of races, and with notable pros like Marty Smith, Broc Glover, Ron Lechien, Rick Johnson, Mike Fisher, Scott Burnworth, Larry Brooks, Regis Harrington and Mike Craig all from the area, San Diego is a breeding ground for future stars. And guys named Regis.
Coming into San Diego, we read all week about how Chad Reed felt at home in San Diego, and how he has posted a winning percentage of 75 there over his career. That’s no fluke ladies and gentlemen, and I’ve figured it all out. I’ve got the secret to Reed’s success in San Diego. You ready for it? San Diego is closer to Reed’s homeland of Australia than any other mainland city in America. Boom! You’re welcome for that. Whatever the true key to Reed’s success Qualcomm Stadium is, the bottom line is that he feels lucky there. But would he be able to duplicate his landmark win from last year? You know, the race where there wasn’t a dry eye in the house and the old man of supercross proved that he’s still got it?
Before we dive into that, however, let’s talk about the track. Let it be known that I’m sometimes the first guy to jump on the, “Let’s bash Dirt Wurx because they made the track too easy, too hard, too one lined, too short, too dumb or without an over/under bridge,” bandwagon, and sometimes, they deserve it. But this weekend in San Diego, I think they did a great job for one reason and one reason only: the whoops. The whoops were the difference maker out there and riders would basically hold their breath, count to three, and hit them wide open. They were big and nasty and they separated the men from the boys.
The whoops played a big part in San Diego.
Photo: Matty Fran
The rest of the track wasn’t that tough by any means, but it was creative and it taxed the riders. There was one rhythm lane that that the guys were getting a little ridiculous in by tripling their way through it in practice, but Justin Brayton ate poop doing just that, and it seemed to knock that silly idea out of the guys’ heads. That and the fact that the people I spoke to who use the rider overlay imaging software to watch video could see that it was only a tad faster and not really worth the risk.
More than a few mechanics and riders have told me that the test tracks they ride on during the week are tougher than what they see on Saturday. Consequently, their bikes may not be set up properly for the race. It’s definitely something to chew on because the tracks have been pretty easy up to now. Oakland was tricky and tough because of the dirt breaking down, and A2’s whoops were troublesome until they rolled them flat. Most riders I speak to have commented that the tracks seem easier than they can ever remember, but I think I can safely say that that one rhythm lane (in practice anyway) and the whoops provided some thrills in San Diego.
Don’t look now, but Ryan Villopoto seems to like that red number plate, and with two consecutive wins, is showing that he has every intention of holding on to it. Villopoto won San Diego in a great ride as he held off Reed’s San Diego Super Charger Charge to the front. RV wasn’t the best guy in the whoops (Reed was), but he was the best guy everywhere else, which he demonstrated by grabbing the lead from Brett Metcalfe early and sprinting away for the win.
The race wouldn’t have been that close if it wasn’t for some lappers holding up Villopoto and allowed a closing Reed to close faster, and even make a pass. It’s a difficult situation for those guys getting lapped, and I’ve worked for guys that got lapped every weekend, as well as guys that did the lapping every week. I’ve seen both sides, and I get it that those guys are racing and trying their hardest to get around the track faster. They’re just significantly slower than the guys lapping them. On the other hand, is there that much of a difference between thirteenth and fourteenth at the end of the day? No. No matter what, both RV and Reed were feeling some anger and harsh feelings after the race toward the guys that wouldn’t get out of the way.
Reed was able to track down RV late, but had to settle for second.
Photo: Simon Cudby
Reed was good and he led a race for the first time since Oakland, but in the end, he was a bit off. Still, he seemed happy after the race. He passed his way into the lead (like L.A), and didn’t fall back like he did at A2 and Oakland. That’s the thing with these guys, they don’t like to be passed. Like, ever.
I wrote last week that I thought Dungey and the KTM guys would be out at the test track burning through clutches trying to get his starts right, and it looked like they made some improvement on them this weekend. This week, the mission for the orange guys is figuring out how to get through the whoops; Dungey and his teammate Musquin struggled through them all day long in San Diego. Rob Hendrickson at RG3 handles the bumpsticks on the bikes, and he’ll get it right, but on Saturday, it was ugly.
Speaking of Dungey, early in the main event, it was nice to see him show some aggression with Weimer (unless of course, you’re Weimer, who definitely doesn’t think it was nice). We’ve long talked about how Dungey lacks the aggression of his competitors, but in San Diego, he showed us that he does indeed have it. Dungey got third in a smart, calculated ride. He didn’t have anything for RV, Reed or Stewart on this night, but he didn’t go down in the whoops like others did, and when it was over, he walked away with twenty points. With a little work on his setup, he’s still in it.
Stewart on the other hand, is facing a much more serious situation. I guess I shouldn’t say James is out of thid (a guy like him is never out of it until he’s mathematically eliminated), but it’s going to be a lot more work for the #7 as he crashed himself back to a fifteenth. And where did he go down? Three guesses, the first two don’t count. Yep, the whoops. Stewart was in third with RV and Reed inching away from him. This is the type of situation that illustrates just how differently Dungey and Stewart are wired. Dungey realized that a third was the best he could do on the night and took it. James wasn’t going to accept a third and pinned it to make up time. The result? A big crash and Stewart’s worst result of the year.
Dungey and KTM struggled in the whoops at San Diego. Can they find a solution by this weekend?
Photo: Garth Milan
I texted back and forth with James this week and there’s no doubt that he’s as frustrated as he’s probably ever been. He’s not able to accept just being another guy right now (and really, if you put yourself in the shoes of a multi-time champion still in your prime years, and you’ve crashed in five of six races, you would feel this way, too) and is working hard to figure things out. The JGR team went to Florida again this past week to test with James to try and get a setting that he feels comfortable with. Just know this, Stewart’s either going to figure this thing out and be more of a factor, or he’s going to crash more and more trying to push to the front. He’s not going to accept his current mediocrity (mediocre for Stewart, anyway) much longer.
In the 250 series, it was Pro Circuit’s Dean Wilson who won going away. Just when all of us smart media types were typing out stories praising Eli Tomac and throwing dirt on Wilson’s grave (I include myself in this category, by the way), he comes out and dominates while Tomac crashes out. This wild night resulted in Dean-O becoming the new points leader! Yes, just like that, a twenty-four-point swing in the series in a single night of racing. Wow.
In speaking to Wilson, he just said he went back to having fun and was letting the pressures of being this big-time “next” guy get to him. He did some whips, hung it out in the whoops and probably ate some Lucky Charms or something. Wilson was absolutely killing it in the whoops and he used that and the fun factor to easily win in San Diego.
Poor Eli Tomac. The “Elimator” (by the way, that’s the name I made up for him and I haven’t seen it anywhere else so if you want to use it, please credit me for my awesome-ness) was charging up to the front and was in third when he went over the bars in the “hoops,” and that was it. Tomac’s DNF is a major disaster for both him and the GEICO Powersports Honda team. And even worse, he’s got eight weeks to sit there and stew about it (well, maybe not. More on that below). The good thing for Eli is he’s been on fire this year and he’s only two points down to Wilson. Know what the gap between the first and second points payout is? Three points. So if Tomac wins the next race, he’s back into the points lead. And that folks, is making lemonade out of some lemons.
Wilson got back to having fun in San Diego, and now holds the Lites West points lead.
Photo: Simon Cudby
From what I hear, Factory Honda is planning on putting Tomac on Trey Canard’s unused 450. At least, that was the plan before Eli endoed his brains out in San Diego, and I’m not sure if the resulting points shakeup will change things. Maybe Honda doesn’t want him to focus on this west title now that his huge cushion is gone. If you’re Honda, you see the success that Canard and Barcia had on the bike and think, “Why Not Eli?” But to me, I wouldn’t do it. I realize that Honda really doesn’t care what I think, but too bad, it’s my column and I’m going to tell you guys.
Eli is only in his second year and he’s still in position for a title (in contrast, Barcia was out of the title hunt outdoors last year when he jumped on the 450, and Canard was a ways back in second when he tried one in ‘10). You have to keep Eli wrapped up in bubble wrap for the next eight weeks (memo to Honda guys, don’t use the stuff you used on Ben Townley because it didn’t work). And unlike Canard who was pointing out and moving to the 450’s the next year, Tomac has another year in the class.
Why not put Cole Seely on the bike like last year? He was pretty good on it, and although he’s third in the points, he’s still a ways back. Or how about putting privateer and former factory rider Billy Laninovich on the bike? Lano has filled in before at factory Kawi, knows the drill, will give you solid finishes, and it’s a feel-good story. All of us hacks in the media and all those kooks that scream “the privateers get crapped on all the time!” will love it. I say kooks because what most of these people don’t realize, the reason privateers are privateers is because in 96 percent of cases THEY AREN’T AS GOOD AS THE RIDERS ON FACTORY TEAMS. There isn’t a grand conspiracy by the OEMs to keep good, hard working riders from being on their teams.
So, Honda, put Bad Billy on the bike and we’ll all be good. Stamp it.
After a second in San Diego, Cole Seely finds himself right back in the hunt for the championship.
Photo: Simon Cudby
Congrats to Matt Moss and the entire JDR KTM team (even team manager Nathan Ramsey, who stole the ‘02 Pontiac SX win from Tim Ferry) for their first podium here in the USA. Look, no one's made more fun of Moss than I have when he was on factory Suzuki and did nothing due to injuries and probably not being ready to be on a 450, and he'll surely not be brought up when someone writes a column detailing Roger DeCoster's greatest hires. However, in the last two weeks, he's shown that he has a future here in America by putting in some great rides. His third this weekend was great for him, JDR and KTM. In speaking to KTM head honcho Pit Beirer this weekend, he really sees the JDR guys as a Pro Circuit-type setup for his factory KTM team, and Moss’ podium finish will certainly help out.
Let’s take a look at the results shall we?
Lites West Overall
1. Dean Wilson Kaw
2. Cole Seely Hon - Seely rode well and that’s back to back second’s for the TLD kid. Did you know that Seely and I share the same weird California area code of 805? Now you do.
3. Matt Moss KTM
4. Gareth Swanepoel Yam - Of course we all knew that Star Yamaha’s Swanepoel would record the team’s best finish of the year. Such a supercross specialist that Gareth. Only natural that he be the indoor lynchpin of his team.
5. Nico Izzi - Yam
6. Gavin Faith Hon- Faith’s best finish of the year. He was a curious choice to fill in for the injured Wil Hahn on the GEICO team but hey, a sixth is great.
7. Billy Laninovich Hon - Billy’s comeback has worked out much better than Michael Jordan’s stint with the Wizards. Laninovich is right there with that next tier of guys and seems to be finding another gear.
8. Travis Baker Hon
9. Vince Friese Hon - Look, I know that Friese is a good starter but I watched him this weekend a little more. He’s like Jose Canseco back in the day, no fielding but all hit. That’s what Vince is, all starts.
10. Nick Paluzzi Kaw - Paluzzi made his second main of the year and ended up doing pretty well in the main. I don’t know what’s up with Nick this year but I thought he’d be better. I’m sure he did as well.
11. Kyle Beaton Kaw - The pride of Surrey, BC, Canada, made his first main of the year and registered a career best at that. Beaton’s main event qualifying to races entered ratio was pretty high (I’m thinking it was something like 85%) until this year, when he didn’t make the first five main events. Always a good starter, teeny, tiny Beets’ starts came back this week, and so did his main event. Imagine that.
12. Bruce Rutherford Hon
13. Max Antsie Hon
14. Killy Rusk Hon
15. Martin Davalos Suz - Martin’s team manager Dave Gowland told me that Davalos started working with team trainer Randy Lawrence recently but since then, he’s done worse. Maybe back to the old ways?
16. Marvin Musquin KTM - Poor Moving Marvin The Martian Musquin. He was taken out in the main and was forced to come from the back. I didn’t think Marvin was going to win the series or anything but I also didn’t think he was going to have all this bad luck. He also struggled in the whoops.
17. Jason Anderson Suz - Anderson had another rough night. It really sucks to get a bad result in the last race before the break because then you’re just left sitting there stewing for eight weeks.
18. Jean Carlo Ramos Hon
19. Scott Champion Hon - Hey, at least he has Erin Normoyle to go home to.
20. Eli Tomac Hon
Matt Moss celebrates his first SX Lites podium.
Photo: BrownDogWilson
Supercross Overall
1. Ryan Villopoto Kaw
2. Chad Reed Hon
3. Ryan Dungey KTM
4. Brett Metcalfe Suz
5. Josh Hansen Kaw - A career best for Hanny and a nice rebound after his DNF last week. He’s the rock steady of the H&H team. Who would’ve thought that?
6. Justin Brayton Hon - Justin went down hard in practice and most people down there with him figured he was done for a while. It was a vicious crash, but being the tough guy that he is, he got checked out and gutted up for the main event. After the race he told me that every pass caused him unbearable pain.
7. Davi Millsaps Yam - That’s three straight seventh places and one eighth in the last four races, and to me, that’s good. Take a look around at the other riders, they don’t seem to be nearly as consistent as Millsaps.
8. Kyle Chisholm Kaw
9. Mike Alessi Suz - Mike was on fire in the heat race before a red flag came out. He passed Stewart and was holding strong in front. Bummer for him, I didn’t think he rode as well in the main as he did in the heat for whatever reason. Big whoops are not Mike’s friend but he was okay through them this time.
10. Nick Wey Kaw- Best finish of the year for Wey and hopefully he can keep it up.
11. Jason Thomas Suz
12. Cody Mackie Kaw - Mackie is on a week-to-week deal with the Jeff Ward Racing team, and there are no plans to keep him once Josh Grant returns. So if you hear about Josh laying on the ground yelling, “Why me, why now?” you know that one of Mackie’s henchmen has struck.
13. Weston Peick Kaw
14. Robbie Kiniry Yam - I spoke with Kiniry for a while in the morning and I asked him if he’s on the team for the whole year and he said, “I don’t know, I guess as long as I’m doing good I will be.” He was smiling when he said this. But then again, Bobby is always smiling!
15. James Stewart Yam
16. Kevin Windham Hon - KW went down in the whoops while running fourth with just two laps to go. As he said on Twitter afterwards, at least he went down going for it.
17. Matt Goerke Suz
18. Broc Tickle Kaw - Broc had a rough race after a good ride last week. So far this year he’s been on a good race/bad race rhythm, so the good news is that Dallas should be much better.
19. Kyle Partridge Kaw
20. Jake Weimer Kaw- Weimer’s night wasn’t good. He had an incident with Pooh Sipes in the LCQ that left Sipes on the ground and upset (rightfully so). After apologizing to Sipes afterwards, Weimer went into the main and was cleaned out by Dungey in what looked to me to be a racing incident. Then he crashed by himself a lap or so later. Weimer’s been unable to recapture the magic from the early rounds, and I bet he’s so frustrated that he’s working himself into the ground during the week and thereby hurting himself at the race. These racers judge their self worth by how they do on Saturday so right now, Weimer’s probably in bed with the covers pulled over his head and not coming out.
Thanks for reading, send me an email if you want to chat- matthes@[email protected]
Photo: James Lissimore
This is Jason Thomas [above]. He hadn't made a main all year and is a fan of the Rocky movies. Remember in Rocky IV when Rocky grew a beard and wore a beanie while training for the Drago fight in Siberia? Yeah, well JT copied that mentality for San Diego (I'm being dead serious) and it worked. He qualified and got 11th. Afterwards he was seen pulling Forrest Butler around in an apple cart.
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***NEWS FLASH***Stewart said will be riding a 2stroke this weekend since his 4stroke sucks!
Stewart interview on monday "Thats the worst handling P.O.S. i've ever ridden"
Stewart said "I wish JGR was running old honda CR250's because these YZF's are dangerous"
Stewart said "I think my best days are behind me"
Stewart said "I like money more than winning"
Stewart said "I forgot how to ride"
Stewart said "I may just get wasted insted of race this weekend"
Stewart said "Mr. Motorcross can beat me on his worst day"
Stewart said "JGR=JUST GET RAGDOLLED"
Stewart said "JGR=JUST GOT ROOSTED"
Stewar said "JGR=JAMES GOT ROOSTED"
JGR said "YOUR FIRED"
@mrmotocross .....Stupid Post
I know,and thank you for your comment!
Preston's just mad cuz I got a massive HOLESHOT!
Stewart,if you win this weekend i'll quit makin "stupid post"
no you wont
Get Moss on a 350 out East. Then, he could be Dungey's teammate again, sort of.
I say put Tomac on the 450, he can get hurt practicing betwwen now and the next West coast race andyway so way not race.
Serious LOL at the Moss picture.
Im sorry for all my posts,I got drunk at work today.I clean out porto-johns,so I drank a bottle of vodka and probably shouldn't have takin the whole bottle of pills my doctor gave me.I tend to make bad desissions when I do that...
Well i guess i'm a kook after reading this article. But I bet i can lay some roost in your face any time any where too. I don't think there is a conspiracy or anything stupid like that. I do think giving the "signed riders" tons of practice on the race track for press day while privateers take there recycling bags in to pay for another 60 dollar practice at milestone or starwest is B.S.
I watched my friends son qualify in San Diego on a 2008 250f with stock suspension and no previous laps. The top guys were turning times just 2 to 3 seconds lower on the best of the best and had tons of seat time on the layout. I just wonder what the outcome would be if they switched roles. Let Wilson and Tomac run a clapped out 2008 out of a pick up truck with an ice chest full of gatorade and a flat head screwdriver to make susp adjustments on your stock stuff. Put the privateer on the factory bike with Bones tuning the suspension. Ohh and get to ride 20 laps of practice on press day. WOULD IT BE WORTH THE 2 SECONDS????? I just wonder thats all I'm saying.
There is no conspiracy and the teams have the budget to have the best for there riders. But this sport has become the have's and have not's, and there is alot of space in between the two camps. Just like the real world there is no middle class any more. It is a huge obstacle to hop over.
@yamyblues....
Here is a novel idea. Instead of complaining on Racerx about your friends son, maybe help him out and get him some suspension and motor mods, eh?
Mr motocross!!!! That was some funny sh[t... I must say though, I agree halfway... I think if Stew would have been more concerned with setting records, than setting up his bank account, all the competition would really be struggling with coming up with ways to beat this mad man. I just don't understand it. No one is going to convince me James is not already "set" for life financially, so why not just get on the best bike, for little money, and then make bank by being the first rider to go un-defeated in a supercross season. I think he is the only man in the world who could ever do that, but not on that bike. Yamaha has made a bike that is good for the regular guy, but for the super human STEWART, that bike simply cannot be made to run that mans pace. He is too fast for that motorcycle, and if they have not figured it out yet, I have a hard time believing they will. Everyone in the industry says "it's not the bike, watch the other guys, they look alright on it" There is not another James Stewart, He is one and only, and that man has skills we may never see again. That bike is ruining his career...
Bad Billy to Factory Honda to ride 450's would be awesome.
"Have and Have nots"??? I usually do not pay attention to this crap, or make comments for that matter. However, It appears this is "Occupy Motocross". Nothing against the privateers. I know they work their asses off and struggle to get to every race while the factory guys fly first class. They have earned it. They went the extra mile, or they are genetically gifted. Whatever the case may be. The factories want them and are willing to pamper them. Some get factory rides, some do not. Some make lots of money, some do not. That is the real world. Whether it is motocross or making a living. equality is not an entitlement as some may think.
What next? maybe a union for motocross?
It's interesting there is talk of not having the same track that they race on as compared to what they practice on. Sand sections have been around for ages! There were walls last year too, I don't get their problem
Stewart said, "Mr. Motocross has too much time on his hands!"
Whatever Billc says.
Well done Mr Motorcross. That's a lot better than the pissin contest that most guys get into on the comments.
The whoops were great, and made for a better race. What sucked was only using part of the floor. In a small stadium that might be excusable. I for one, won't buy a ticket until mains are ~20 minutes.
Definitely mix up the track design. I'm tired of hearing about whether the riders liked the track, how about checking with the fans.
Fastest in practice, wins virtually every heat race? Yet everyone keeps saying its the bike ? It's not the bike it's the racer! Accept it!
Yamaha should ditch him until he learns to ride within his abilities before HR completely destroys their reputation!
I said it b4, Its the Yamaha. No one can deny something is seriously going on. Ever since yamah swiched the engine backwards it hasnt been the same. JS needs to get a privateer Honda or suzuki
You guys are either really blind or just don't know much about sx,
If JS can't win on that blue POS nobody can. Period
Blue P.O.S with crappy Pirelli tires
Someone said it perfectly yesterday. He used to ride a kickass Kawi with Dunlops and his rep was still win or crash. He's been crashing for years. Only difference now is there are more fast guys than ever and he's pressing even harder. Hence crashing more! Anyone want to bet he eats it again this weekend?
Does Stewart finally realize Supercross Only DOES NOT WORK. He really screwed himself by going that route.
Ripdown, I totally agree JS problems have NOTHING to do with the bike. Its so suprising to me to see him go perfect in heat race and then blow it in the main and people say its the Bike?? I guess the bike is moody and works well for a race and then kicks him off ?? If it was the bike he chose to stay on it and that was his decision. He has always wrecked more than most ecpecially since moving to the big bikes, He wrecks in whoops, rythms, corners etc... equally. We all expected him to grow out of it and instead he has gotten worse. I really fear too many concussions takes the edge off your reactions, along with a fading confidence. I have no idea what its like to be champ and then be where hes at for the third year. I bet it was tough for Mcgrath. Here's hoping he can keep it on two wheels.
Didnt Havoc already win on the "pos" (your words not mine)..? his problem isn't a bike unless its a green one with #1 on it. Hes pulling the wire ,the tuff block and exposed wire at a bike track (VIOLATION) did'nt jump out and grip him.. @toom38 pissing contests break up the boredom of reading the guys that post 50 times a day per topic. Mr Motocross your stupid ,insane wrong and funny ...i like it.
Matthes, as a rule I like your stuff. But "Just know this, Stewart’s either going to figure this thing out and be more of a factor, or he’s going to crash more and more trying to push to the front."
Well, that was a penetrating glance into the obvious. Had to break out the crystal ball for that one. Really going out on a limb with that prediction. Seriously, man. You must have been quoting Weege, or smoking weed, or something like that.
What will it be next:
"Just know this: if Stewart twists the throttle, the bike will go faster."
"Just know this: if Stewart wants to slow down quickly, he`ll use the brakes."
I LOVE the fact that some guys on here think they know more than a guy like DV12, a guy who has been involved in professional motocross at the highest level for his entire career. But a few guys watching on TV know more about setting up a bike than him.. LOL!! Get over it. Stewie crashed on the Kawi all the time, and nobody mentions that when they blame the Yamaha. Must be the "color" that is doing it. Darn blue..
@joshuamc..
@dgizzy
jimmyc261--All 3 of you, lets here it. If its the Yamaha?? Then why did Stewie crash all the time on the Kawi too?? SOMEBODY please answer that??
Because he can only keep it upright when he's the dominant guy! Like when he was racing against a 30 yr old Tim Ferry! Now he's up against guys just as fast, who race all year around, train extremely hard and want it more!
RC showed it time and time again..... Put pressure on him and he self implodes!
Not hating...... I truly wish he could get his head together and take what's available, what he's capable of on any given night and be more of a factor!
I'm afraid all this crashing has him rattled and he may not pull out of it.
JS did crash on the Kawi but not like this. On the heat race at SD clearly that bike was all over. All I can say is theres a ton of 450 KX on the line and hondas than any other brand. Show me a privateer that has qualified for the main on a Yami. Usually its only JS and Millsaps the only blue that make sthe main.
Windam was huckabuckin all over the hoops on his yamaha. oh wait he rides a honda, Dungey had all kinds of problems on his yam..oh wait, metcalf had buckin all over the place on his yam...dang it, maybe the whoops were just tough!
Didn't Erin report that JS7 said his setup was great and they weren't going to make any changes for the main?
"Just know this: if Stewart wants to slow down quickly, he`ll use the brakes." or the tough blocks.
Maybe it's not the bike in terms of causing the crashes but more of the bike causing HIM to crash. If the bikes not handling as well as RV or Reeds bike in the corners, thats more speed that Stewart has to make up on other parts of the track and even at that he may still have to push it more than the others? That's just my opinion. It may not make alot of sense. When Stewart was on Kawi, he was super fast in the corners, just like RV is now. He used to make a ton of passes in the corners. Now it's hard to tell where he's fast. The bikes not causing him to crash, but more so making him have to ride harder than the rest which causes him to crash. I'm willing to bet that if he did not have to fight the bike as much, we wont see as many spectacular crashes as we have in the past 2 years.
Ricky has crashed under pressure as well, Stewarts not the only one..
I think Kawasaki used Bridgestone when JS rode for them.
@ Joshuamc....didn't feel like going and looking for that long ass name to get it right, sorry. I agree with part of what your saying, Mr. Motocross made me laugh as did SA11.
I don't agree however that Stewart could go undefeated in Supercross on any bike! He has always crashed too much. Indoors and out. Yes now more then ever but he crashed his brains out the first SX he ever raced in. He has been untouchable at times but never unbeatable. His 24-0 outdoor only happened because he could fall and still beat the best competition on the gate those days. He just never had to push so hard that he crashed his brains out and could not finish.
I mean Alessi was the best competition. That guy can't finish within 30 seconds of RV, RD or Reed outdoors. Of course Stewart beat everyone else.
Not so fast BD200, You disagreed with RC when he said JS was the Fastest guy out there.
I like a tough track but I think these whoops were a bit much. Matthes talks about separating the men from the boys, but these whoops were separating the top SX riders in the world from their bikes. We all complain when we lose a top guy to injury and that almost happened a bunch of times this past weekend. What would we be saying about those whoops if Tomac was done for the season with a broken arm? I think the whoops hurt the actual racing too. I want to see good racing for the lead, but until the lappers got in the way there wasn't a race, that was mostly because of the whoops.
@davidl and Riptown - The track is smooth in the heat races... not so much in the main... hence Stewart's bike doesn't seem to handle well when things get chopped up. Also, just watch old videos of Stewart riding from 09 back... He looked much more aggressive. Now he tip toes around the track in the mains (and yet he's still sometimes the fastest guy). Something isn't right.... Stewart has always crashed, but not as much as the last two years. I think it's a combination of not riding the outdoors, the new Yamaha, and lack focus or endurance. Stewart and JGR should have went with Suzuki. He rode one and loved it... but Yamaha was more money and better for JGR.
I think JS7 has Cole Trickle disease.....as lame as it sounds, it seems to be true. JS7 can ride the wheels of a cycle and obviously has skills no doubt...However, hey may be able to do that only and can not relay what is wrong with the bike.....or what needs to change and they just hit and miss....I dunno...I am sure he is frustrated and from what I have seen he appears to have tamed himself and seems to at least be more patient....
On a side note....Anyone else hear dipstick Ralph Shaheen call the dude from the movie Friday (Debo) the wrong name??? He called him Michael Clarke Duncan, who was the other big black dude from The Green Mile......He made some other lame comment too (whats new)...but i havent gone back to find it.....
My opinion is Stewart is Stewart. He will always have the win or crash trying additude. Always has even when on Kawi's and winning like mentioned above. The Yamaha is defferent, but I think the problem is James setup. Alot of power and very ridgid and extremely stiff bumpstiks. Loosen that thing up and detune it. Not a surmen, just a thought.
Oh and Matthes seems to always be getting his balls busted, but the reality is his columns get the most interest and furum post feed back. Like or hate him his fat ass is a rocket scientist of motocross media. Your best mechanics are ex racers, your best media guys are ex mechanics. I just made that last part up.
I should invest my money in excuses stock. I can't believe people think JS wouldn't crash and would clean up if he was on a different bike. RV would have something to say about that I'm sure. Apparently the bike setup was great before the main event in the interview. It's bike setup, not the bike. His teams have tried to persuade him away from his dump truck spring forks forever and he doesn't do it. Riding with your head over the front fender doesn't help much when you get into trouble on the track either. If it truly is the bike, then I still don't see it as a legitimate excuse considering he could have switched. If he stayed Yamaha for money then he sold out so he gets what he deserves. Bottom line is, RV has replaced RC in a way. JS can beat him sometimes but RV uses his head and limits the damage on off nights and can turn it up at any given time if needed. If the risk outweighs the reward he's smart enough to take what he can on the night. JS has never been capable of this. If he has, show me an example other than beating Tim Ferry consistently.
@ Retardcross,, I will give you an example,, how about Daytona last year ??? You also must know that RV can "grenade" at any givin" time also.. Not saying the Yam is to blame for ALL his crashes, but it sure does contribute a little,, and CR said the same thing, so it would be hard for you to argue with that...
say what you want , but Js is still 3rd all time wins in the history of the sport , and I am sure more wins will follow , you all are a bunch of pesimistic sofa racers ...LPF
@ mxmofo1
Not starting an argument but I find it funny when people make comments about RV being able to grenade at any time? Any racer who goes that fast can crash at any time but some guys on here like to compare RV to JS in the crash department. Last I checked RV won everything humanly possible last year? Sound to me like he keeps the bike upright pretty consistently....
Well Preston: you always tell everyone on here with one liners they are Pesimistic, retards, lamos, sofa racers and on and on. All good I get a laugh out of it, but question is whats your take on Stewart? I know hes 3rd all times and will win again, probably soon now that its going East with rutted and softer soul. But whats your take on the current happenings. Obvouis by watching the bike is to stiff and hes crashed at some point in five of six races. Spill your beans.
@Ripdown,, RV can grenade at any time, but he has gotten a lot better in the last year or so.. I am in no way comparing JS to RV in the crash department. JS has got that won hands down. There is no dought, RV is the man right now.. JS has issues he needs to work out, and CR and RD are waiting to see what happens, because they are by far the most consistant out of the big 4.
@ mxmofo1
Good observations....can't disagree. I do think Reed is gonna start pushing the envelope a little more. That loss last weekend had to sting. If so you may see him eat some dirt this winter too.....that would leave Dungey as the lone conservative guy!
Really wish he'd amp it up a little.....
.Lets see.. RV
.Lites outdoor titles... 3
.lites sx titles ............1
.outdoor big bike titles...1
.SX titles.........................1
.2009 raced all SX's but a few do to being sick, Won the first 450 nat then had an "OLD knee isuues fixed. 2010 crashed out of SX at round 14 I think.
.Years pro I think 6... I think he is for form ready to grenade at any time.
.So in 6 years as a pro crashed out once in SX that kept him out of the nats too.
.Not to bad. Look at Canard.. Now he is a grenade.
@ Ripdown ,, I think RD REALLY has some bike issues, but they will get it figured out. Last week was the best I've seen CR ride in awhile.. Not to say he hasn't been riding well, but he was haulin' the mail last week.
@BillC,, I agree, TC is the definition of bad luck.. Maybe Honda should drop him and TWOTWO pick him up for next year..
@sjf350 I never ever use the word Tard , Or Retard ... That being said , James is looking into the future , and it does not involve Dirt Bikes , Talk within the industry , leads me to believe that James was told to stay Visible , He is at this time the most reconized Racer we have ever had , And all his controversy adds to his appeal , if he gets hurt , and sidelined , he , and They get no exposure JGR . He has backed it down , in his head at times , but not in his wrist . He does not know how to not go for it , and that is why he is off kilter ... As for the Bike , James was only happy with it , because JGR was happy with the deal they got from Yamaha , He has been overheard saying that the bike seems to wander in a straight line . Ther is a gyro effect going on that yamaha wont admit , but are trying to fix , Look for a new motor placement next year . I spend some time around these guys , and keep my ears open , Now you can all rag on me , but facts are facts . Now I have to get back to teaching people how to hammer whoops
It is odd how people expect an athlete to continue to always be what they were at one point. James 2006-2007 isn't James 2012, even if Chad Reed 2012 looks better than the 2009 version. Some guys just lose it without understanding why. Tiger Woods is no longer THE Tiger Woods that dominated golf. Not too long ago there was a golfer named David Duvall who was destroying everyone and then....poof, he just lost it....and he has never gotten it back. You see pitchers and hitters in baseball lose it. Mike Piazza was one of the best hitters in the game and then one year he just wasn't. It looked like a slump, but it never ended. He just no longer was what he had been. Jeff Stanton ran into that in his last year. He was 28 but just couldn't be what he had been no matter how hard he worked. MC was still winning at 30, but many others lost it way before. Maybe MC starting at 15 instead of 5 has a lot to do with it? James has now been racing MX for about 22 of his 26 years of life. Even though he is now 40, MC has only raced for about 16 years of his life. I really think James never had to work much on it and just rode. That means it was just there and didn't come through a lot of work. So once it goes away some, there is no amount of work going to get it back. Then again, if RV isn't out there James would be the fastest guy and would probably not be pressing so hard. Maybe he also would not be crashing so much. One thing I don't get about the East tracks and James liking them better.....James won 3 of the first 5 just last year in the West and only won 2 more over the next 12 races. He's better in the East?
@mxmofo--I'm glad someone finally mentioned the Dungey may still be trying to figure out his bike. He is the only top guy on a new bike, And Reed may push a little more after that loss in SD, but he is well known for not crashing much, and he had chased RC and Stewart both at the fastest points in thier careers. So I dont see Reed crashing anymore than normal.
@misoheye ... Not always the grammer , pretty sure its the typing for some of us ...peck peck peck peck .. sometimes we hit the wrong key , and dont give a rats ass if we spell check ..
@Red44,, I agree..
@ Preston. Thank You, finally we get your take. I knew you had something bottled up to say about JS7. Good opinion. Keep on Keepin On.
Think Preston may know what he's talking about. Check this outhttp://motocross.transworld.net/1000123673/news/dubach-racing-yz-450f-engine-relocation-kits-now-for-sale/attachment/engine-relocating-kit-2/
Stewart used to crash all the time? I remember when he crashed all the time when he had a perfect season! Is it that out of this world that the Yamaha just doesnt fit Stewart? I am sure the Yamaha is a great machine,,,,,,just not for the chocolate rocket!