by Andy Bowyer
One Industries Rev Up: Dallas
Thursday, February 16, 2012 | 12:00 PM
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PrintHello, everyone, and welcome to the Rev Up. So, what’s going on with our sport? Are we riding a rocket to the top of the motorsports world? With the somber tale of the times juxtaposed with the fading of the factories, are we really placing our feet in the concrete with a product that the world is turning more attention to? That’s what the word on the street is. From time to time I hear talk from people—people who are more than worth listening to—and those folks are watching the 2012 Monster Energy Supercross series. Ah, the wonder of the social network. I’m sure you guys have noticed some names tweeting about supercross that you possibly wouldn’t have imagined twenty, ten, or even five years ago. The “network” is coy in her delivery because she is instant, and worldwide. Like most of man’s inventions, we harness and exploit the power of the technology before truly owning its value. Not to get on that tangent, but when I see NHRA, NASCAR, NBA, NFL, and Hollywood superstars alike tweeting as the main event is taking place, it raises my eyebrows. But that’s the deception of the ’net. You see the names and think, everyone must be watching. But they aren’t as much as that notion leads you to believe. Are more “influential” people and Forbes 400 companies watching supercross with a vested interest more than ever before? Well, why wouldn’t they?
The charge heads east to Dallas.
Photo: Garth Milan
What a show, folks. The charge and energy is at a level we’ve never been this lucky to flaunt. Supercross LIVE on SPEED has been the beating heart of American motorsports since the turn of the new year. Our product is compact, dangerous, sexy, and intriguing. Professional motocross has always been admired by her peers, loaded with legends that the indigenous have long held sacred, but we’re peaking at a unique time. And right now we are kicking some ass. We defenders of the faith are standing up and screaming for our heroes like always, but the boys are reaching far and away while riding a wave of instant global synergy. There is no exploit of the combustion engine that does what we do, with so much passion and style.
This fact is fueled by the characters on the stage. What a contingent of gladiators we have. On one hand we have Ryan Villopoto and his current status as the annihilator. He has a stellar fan contingent, but do people really connect with RV Park as a person and a brand? When he rode off the track after a duel to the death with Chad Reed last weekend, he didn’t turn to give his comrade a high-five. I didn’t like that, but that is kind of what makes him Ryan Villopoto. He doesn’t have much in the hater column. His fans love him for his raw aggression. Everyone else seems to respect his demeanor. He is nails, but boring. And he carries the red number plate into Dallas.
I told you last week that Chad Reed is a racer’s racer, and he didn’t disappoint in San Diego. As a fellow racer I know the feeling when you see your prey in front of you and reel him in. You know you are riding on the edge, but you’re watching your dinner just in front of you. It’s a hell of a realization to know you’re on the brink but that prize you want so much is right there. With the help of lapped traffic (which is part of the game), The Thunder pushed himself past his comfort zone and looked good doing it. He blasted the whoops and ate himself some dinner. Problem is, this particular prey has the ability to claw his way from your mouth and fight harder. But Chad felt it. He knows he can get him. Beware the animal with blood on his jowls.
Can Stewart get back on track in the Big D?
Photo: Garth Milan
Then we have the debacle of James Stewart. Why can’t he do it? Why can’t he just put in the twenty laps it takes, week after week, to win the championship? He has more talent than any rider that has ever ridden a motorcycle. His capacity for speed has left all of us mouth agape. But his all-too-common folly leaves us … well, I don’t have the words. I’m tired of the hype. Stewart needs to string together three or four main events before I’ll count him back into this title fight. I'm actually mad at him as a true fan. He has to do better and find the balance to get back into the fight. So much and so many are behind you. He has to man up and get it done.
The rest are what makes the story all so much more compelling. Look at Jake Weimer with his born-again flow and speed but sour luck. What do you like about Ryan Dungey and his recent fade out of podium contention? Hopefully not a lot. I think the machine is capable, and the racer has the juice. He came out of nowhere at Phoenix, and he needs to reciprocate. How can you not cheer for Kevin Windham this weekend? As one of the venues closest to his birthplace, KW always digs a little deeper in Texas. What would we do if he yanked down a holeshot this time around? What would HE do? Old man Windham can get it done if he just gets a little help. He can make things look so easy. Look for #14 to put the hammer down Saturday night.
You want more? The opening charge of the East Region Supercross Championship takes place this time! Defending champion Justin Barcia, wunderkind Ken Roczen, Blake Wharton, “Bad” Blake Baggett, Malcolm Stewart, Kyle Cunningham, and a lot more are going to add nitro to the blazing inferno.
Can Windham secure his first podium of the year in Dallas?
Photo: Garth Milan
How about the setting? Texas Stadium is the utmost in human development and technology. It’s what you can do with a billion dollars. And we’re going to take the charge there. Screw football, this is the heat. As much as we’ve been through already this weekend in Dallas, Texas has the mettle to take it further. The world is watching. All of the adrenaline rushes we get through the week in our grind are set to climax in Texas. The world is ours, and they want us. They want us and we’re going to give it to them. This is American supercross, son. Time to get it the hell up and do what we do. Who’s ready to scream for the boys?! Let’s get up, ONE TIME!! Right now. Let’s see the show. The damn show.
Thanks for reading, see you next week.
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I get up on a pretty regular basis, don't know about you...
Great read Andy. I agree with alot of the "big stars" who show up at the races. I wonder how many are real fans of the sport, or just show up in the LA area ones to get seen..
I did notice how RV didnt stop to shake hands with Reed after the race in SD, I think there is a big rivalry brewing there. Outdoors RV and Dungey always showed each other some respect after races. And Decoster said in an interview that RV and Dungey DO NOT really like each other. I think RV1 was still a little pissed from the Reed move over on the face of that triple jump. That really bugged RV I think, and its why he didnt worry about coming in hot on Reed at SD. But RV kept that pass clean. I think the Reed move was a little dirty though. That can be pretty dangerous,
And I will catch he!! for this, but why does everyone say Stewie is the most talented guy to ever race a dirtbike. I feel that belongs to RC. People say RC won because he worked harder, thats crap. Before he got into shape, he still woin every outdoor title on the 250/450 class. Even his rookie year. And has 15 titles. You dont do that from herd work alone. You have to have talent also. Same with Mcgrath. He won supercross titles with not being in the best of shape some years. In my opinion, a guy with the most talent ever doesnt crash that much. He has crashed himself out of entire seasons, and crashed while riding around by himself, that isnt very talented to me. And before everyone goes off on me, I AM NOT SAYING HE ISNT TALENTED.. But I dont feel he is the most talented ever. Noway!!
@bd200,, They say he the most "talented" because he does things on a bike the no one else has ever done. He scrubs jumps like no other, and he does sections in SX races that nobody else is doing. On his good days, he can absolutely crush his competition, like he was doing at Daytona last year. Thats why.. "Talented" and winning are two different things..
Well I'm officially REV'd up!
@ bd200
Don't let it get to you....I'm pretty sure these guys are all contractually obligated to tout JS as the best ever??? I've learned to just ignore it.
Ya RC worked hard....but the guy could flat out ride! OK...so he didn't have 'Hollywood' style but he simply could hold the throttle further open and on longer than anyone else in history! That my friends takes a ton of talent ( and a great deal of intestinal fortitude )
Just don't get caught in the trap BD.....I swear these guys say stuff about Stewart purposely just to see the message boards light up....after all, this whole story is about the new global awareness and mainstream presence of this sport we love....
P.S......as you may know I'm a huge RV fan and I too was a little intrigued when he just rode off into the pits after the race......I'm thinking there is a little something brewing!
@ mxmofo....he may have invented the 'new style' of scrubbing....but there are guys out there who are better at it than him......Barcia and Canard come to mind.....problem with Canard is he has a hard time landing it!
Not so much lately, but if JS is on the line, you would be a fool not to bet on him to win..
@Ripdown, thats true, but I'm talking about 9 or 10 years ago when JS was scrubbing..
come on really? not hating but if you've been betting on him to win this year you'd be in a bit of trouble wouldn't you? 1 win out of 6 trys ???? Seems RV is running at 50/50 as far as odds go? That's where my money would go.....but I've been know to be a bit foolish!
oh crap!!!! I just fell into the trap I warned you about BD200.......frig, see how easy it is? That's it, I'm going back to work
2 1/2 days til race time.......awesome!
@Ripdown ,, I said "Not so much lately." But, between 2002 and 2009, you would be stupid not to...
How is Reed a racer's racer? I know I fly to all my races in a private jet. KW's a factory rider and shows up in a pick-up truck. He is a racer's racer IMO. Reed makes a big deal about an aggressive pass when he did the same to RV the week before on the first lap or to JS in 2011.
70% chance of rain, but I'm pretty sure that joint has a roof on it.
One thing is for certain these are great times. And the outcome of the champoinships are still wide open, just ask E.T. RV is strong for sure. CR seems mad and motivated. JS7, well... I used to be all "OHHH MAN! Stewart crahsed HOLY CRAP!" Now it's like, "when is he going to crash? " He has always been prone to wadding up but not every single week in either practice or the main. He has goes down with the regularity of a drunk sorority girl!! RD... man, I just don't know, you think he ever sits and regrets his move? He's just not the same on the orange bike. And before I get called a hater or an idiot or having man love for RV, please be advised that these comments are merely one guy's thoughts.
great rev up! Go Dungey take it to the east coast! I hope Reed does well too, and I would like to see some of JS magic, Why am I becoming an anybody but RV fan? Is it because I want to see a really close series, he is wicked fast, I am just not connecting...
@bd200 & Ripdown -- I agree. It used to be Pastrana. RC would be be doing amazing things and Laymen would tell me about how Pastrana was the best ever. And how many times did RC pass Bubba by out jumping him while Bubba was scrubbing.
@mxmofo--If you was betting on Stewart to win in the 450's, you were losing money. RC took every single title over Stewart. I would have bet you and you could have had Stewart every race. I would have put my money on the GOAT every time/
He took the scrub to another level, but talent and innovation are different too. I dont think a guy with a bunch of talent crashes out of almost half of every race he runs. Mcgrath has a ton of talent, so does K-Dub. So does Chad Reed, to keep healthy for all these years racing against the guys he has, and still be fast enough to go for a title, TALENT.. RC of course, goes without saying. Stewart is very talented, no doubt, but I agree with a few others, the MOST talented ever, no I dont think so. Top 5 for sure, but not the top.
@mxmofo1, @ Ripdown, @ BD5000
you guys need to get a room...and have your love fest there...
and Ripdown, you take every shot you can at Stewart, so for you to say that you have 'learned to ignore it' is hilariously hypocritical...
hard to see around gingers nutz is it?
I don't think anyone needs to talk about the agressive pass anyway we all know it's just CR22 trying to get in RV1 head and it might also fuel his fire a bit. Not a big fan of RV1 but he's riding the best he can which is better then the rest and his monotone (like) attitude is probably how he stays focused.
But this weekend will be a different day and what will probably happen is one the front runners will get a bad start and have to salvage as many points as they can.
And we will get to see a new face on the podium, hopefully it's KW.
But if it does happen that Rv and CR are together in the latter part of the race they are going to show us a good ol time.
KW also has a multimillion dollar property and airplanes. Not sure what year his Piper Cub is but those bad boys can cost a pretty penny. I love KDub but don't act like the guy doesn’t live an extravagant life style. I would if I was in his shoes. Yeah he’s down to earth, but most Motorcross riders are. As for JS7, you cannot compare anyone to his scrub stature he evolved it and no one has ever mastered what he has done in a race situation and his speed. I encourage you to go to you tube and type James Stewart scrub, better yet type James Stewart scrub on google.
@halfe316,, Agreeing is something that you see as sexual ?? hmmmmm..
Stewie is the scrub master. A technique he doesn't always need to land more quickly on the ground. He does it all the the time... but not always with his bike
Half316--is a notorious Stewtard, always has been. Just take any comment he has and throw it out, it means nothing..
@PW29, agreed on the K-Dub thing. He drove an old truck from his suite to the track, big deal. He owns airplanes and a multi-million dollar estate, he isnt starving. He seems down to earth and very regular. But he isnt a privateer either..
Red44, Ripdown, and bd200 will absolutely always have something negative to say about Stewart. Those 3 chumps think it is out of line for anybody to be a fan of Stewart, or to say anything positive about the guy. I can't stand little weasels like those 3. It's funny though, in every post that they dog JS they simultaneously suck on RV's ballz!! @bd200, dude, get over the whole "reed crossed over on the triple" thing would you?? That is ridiculous. RV is just as much of an ass at times as anybody!! RV nuthuggers you!! @Red44, what the hell makes you think that anything you say matters either?? Guess what?? It doesn't!!
Halfe is all about sex.....he goes through a bottle of hand lotion every week...
@ PW29....sorry bud.....i know you love the guy but Roczen is another dude who scrubs better than Bubba....
V-O-R......how do you presume we're all little? Just wondering?
"I used to be all "OHHH MAN! Stewart crahsed HOLY CRAP!" Now it's like, "when is he going to crash? "
Zackly.
Reed's got a kid. He'd be smart to make a path for RV when he comes up behind him cause that boy is COMING THRU.
VOR, a notorious Stewtard swing on Stewarts sweaty bag. NEVER contributes anything of any intellegence to any thread. NEVER just insults and idiotic statements. And if he would read, (if he can) he would see I said Stewart was easily one of the top 5 most talented riders ever. I just dont feel he is the NO.1 most talented. Not really much of an insult really. But to VOR, a Stewtard nut licker, its blasphamey. What a tool!! LOL!!
Even RC has said JS is unreal, What he can do on a bike the most talented, he even said thats why they call him TFMOP. You said in the other thread bd200 that people should not dis on DV12 for what he saidabout the yzf450 so you saying RC is wrong??
JS and Ronnie Lechein are a lot alike.. Lechien was by far the most "talented" in his time. When they were (are) on, no one could (can) beat them.
Good article as usual Andy, however, I wish people would stop using this phrase when referring to Stewart, "He has more talent than any rider that has ever ridden a motorcycle. "
While he is a great rider, this just isn't true in my humble opinion. What about guys like Malcolm Stewart, Carmichael, Baily, Johnson, ect. ect. ect.
I find it interesting how James' last championship was before RD moved up to the big class and before RV got his shit together (for 14 rounds 2010). Have RV and RD stepped it up that much and JS can't keep up like Reed has? I don't think it's the Yamaha, I think it's James, and how he was so successful until 2 years ago and now it is hurting him because he can't win as much. Sorta like how MA dominated the amateurs and hasn't even gotten a SX win.
@BILLC, since you are fishing for a response on 2 seperate threads. Here goes. I NEVER disagreed with RC's statement. Prove to me that I did!! I said RC has always has praise and good things to say about all his competetors. He has said that he had NOTHING for Reed during Reeds 6 race win streak against him. He said Stewie was fast and talented. RC has never bad mouthed his competetion. I just said I dont think Stewie was the FMOTP while RC was racing because RC won every title. And in his retirement tour, he won ALL 6 OVERALLS against Stewie. Including a 28 second spanking at Southwick. Thats all I said I NEVER heard RC say he was the "most talented ever" He always praised his competetors.
Great write-up again, Andy. Gladiators is definitely how I describe these guys, but it wouldn't be the comments section if your balls didn't get busted for something...
For the love of God man, the nickname 'RV Park' is just bloody awful. It's worse than the standard initials+number and that's hard to top. It's a good nickname like Nicki Minaj is music. I'm joking... but seriously, it must die.
The vibe in Dallas is always weird. It seems the series takes a strange turn at Dallas every year. Last year Stewart went buck-wild taking out Reed, RV crapped on the start and Canard got game and took it. Its always an unpredictable place.
If RV can make it out of Dallas and Atlanta OK, he'll be tough to catch. He's had some rough nights in those venues.
I'm "rev'd-up" about the East starting this weekend. New cast of characters in the 250s, and East Dirt, Football Stadium, tracks coming up.
You just said it now BD200, He did not beat RC so YOU don't think he was TFMOP but RC did, RC said JS was faster but he was better at winning titles. Not trying to argue either but The FMOP does not mean you have to win the title it just mean your fast. At least thats what it means to me and RC as well I guess. Why can't this FMOP thing just go away but it just keeps suckin us back in LOL
Let me see.......Reed is "Thunder" and Villopoto is "RV park". Great imigination. Can you please quit auditioning for Saturday Night Wrestling! That hype might impress a 10 year old.
Ryan "The Machine" Villopoto!!!!!!!!!!! RV Park my but
Funny how almost every thread turns into a JS7 debate.
Just want to mix it up a little bit with "most talented rider ever".
for me that person is Robbie Ryenard.
I believe that anyone who can make riding a motorcyle look so effortless and yet still be so fast must be full of talent.
I also believe that it is very rare the most talented guy wins that much.
My reason. Because they have the ability to just turn up and win. No training, no fitness and no moto's during the week.
Just because that is what the talent they have makes them capable of.
This of course does not lead to championships.
That comes from hard work and a relentless desire to get get better and be the best, Jeff Ward, Jeff Stanton, Mike Larocco to name three.
Just my opinion.
Great rev up also Andy.
I for one like that RV doesn't need to shake hands, slap high fives, or fist bump the competition after having a close race. Right about at that point I doubt very much that Reed was looking for any "nice ride" condolences either. I noticed they really didn't even look at each other on the podium either. As far as I'm concerned this is some really serious bizness and the head games continue off the track. I like how Hannah used to view it (as many do). He has stated that if you were on the track with him, he hated you. In any Pro competition I like when they view each other as enemies and see getting beat as someone stealing money off their table. In essence, that is what the guy that wins does. How much would Reed's bonus have been for winning last Saturday? RV took it right out of Reed's grasp and jammed it in his own pocket. I doubt a "nice ride" handshake would have cheered Chad up.
Thanks for the comments, folks.
And he'll always be RV Park as long as I pen this column. It's totally because I liken him to a mobile home community. Cheese and rice. Really?
Somebody once elegantly described RC as a like a diamond cutter when racing cutting off laps with lazer percision lap after lap. That's RV too, and when challenged he also vengence. Stewart might do some pretty stuff on the tract and even put together a win now and then, but he ain't no diamond cutter; never will be.
To bad RV's championships didn't come with personality.
"The Machine" is a good nickname but it belongs to Ron Lechien.
Agree with Chillamatic, RV needs some personality!!! His mannerism makes him look like he does not even want to be at the track,,,,
I think RV has pleanty of personality.He has a quietness about him, yet he can be pretty damn funny too.... The podium speaches unfortunatley are rather dull for a lot of these guys.., but after a 20 lap SX race or 30min+2 national moto, he may need a few minutes to gather himself....RV is serious when its game time as opposed to some of the other guys that are too busy trying to win everyone over by trying to be in the spotlite all day.....Reed at times for example, reminds me of the kid in school that tries too hard to get people to like him...always making comments about everyone and everything rather than worrying about Chad Reed....He seems to want to draw attention to himself while RV just goes with the flow.....Remember, just a few years ago it seemed Reed was public enemy no.1 when it came to media relation, his attitude and all that and now he turned a new leaf....whether it sencere or just an act to win folks over is up to interprurtation.....
When you race Am, you can be all cordial & friendly with your competition after the checkered flag waves. I like this part of racing very much myself. But when you turn Pro, it's all business. Now it's for money $$. You have no more friends. A pro will run you high in a turn & block-pass you all day long. This is what makes a Pro a 'Pro'. No more Mr. nice guy. That's just the way it is. Dont go looking for a handshake after the race.
I tune in on Saturday nights to watch the best in the world put it all on the line......if I was interested in personalities I'd watch Survivor with my wife!!
RV is at the track for 1 reason... To WIN....not to be a social butterfly.
you guys treat this comment section like its a private message board...and you 3 'masters' gotta come up with something better than 'stewtard'...Every time someone makes a point in his favor doesn't mean they belong in the stewtard club...
RipDown...as long as your hanging from RV's nuts, your comments should be thrown out...you weren't hanging from them before he was dominating...were you? nope, you were all about RD couple years ago...fair weather i guess...
google hammer...look it up... :)
the 2 guys that look the most comfortable on their bikes are on the top of the box...CR and RV...
RD and JS look off on their machines...(that doesn't mean they would be running away if they were fully tuned...just saying they look uncomfortable compared to where we have seen them in the past...)
is it really an excuse or is it reality? the man most in sync with his machine is going to be the most confident and therefore go the fastest....
Halfe you're a f'n moron.....not much more needs to be said. I've been an RV fan since the first time I seen him ride on the 80's......I'm sorry if I hit a nerve but you're obviously a Survivor fan......
you're the Nut Swinger......I'm actually a bigger fan of KRoc and Wilson to be honest so suck it!
Bd200: Please don't feel the need to apologize. ANYBODY who calls Stewart the most talented after seeing RC dominate and win 15 championships is simply uninformed or letting their emotions (that tingle they get when they watch Bubba) get in the way.
BillC: It pains me to say it because he's my favorite of all time but, yes, Ricky is wrong. He has gone from respecting Stewart to acting like he has a crush on him. I wish I could tell you why... :)
RD5 DOUBTERS: Please don't feel sorry for him. The move that you wonder if he's regretting came because Suzuki forced it. And that same move got him a 2.5 million dollar contract(not counting bonuses and peripheral earnings). Trust me KTM, The Man and RD5 will be just fine.
CR22 and RV1 conspiracy thoughts: (I'm a Dungey fan but like both riders so I don't have a horse in this race). RV1 is awesome but he would be smart to at least act like he respects Reed if he wants to win championships. Just ask JS7(another talented rider with sick speed) what happens when you turn it into a personal thing with Reed.
Lets get racing!!!!!!!!!!!!
more of your comments are anti-stewart than they are pro-villopoto
just sayin
(might be a hater...might...)
rv is a straight badass, cr is a stubborn ox, rd is in an orange dreamsicle, js is gasping for air...truth...
how does that make me a stewtard?