10 Things to Watch: Atlanta
Friday, February 24, 2012 | 9:25 AM
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PrintBy: Aaron Hansel and Chase Stallo
Nowhere to Go But Up
Opening night of the 2012 Eastern Regional Supercross Lites season didn’t go well for Star Valli Motorsports’ Kyle Cunningham, who DNF’d after going down on the start and failed to complete a single lap. In the past, Cunningham has shown us that he has the speed to get on the box in supercross if he is able to keep it on two wheels, but unfortunately, it seems like he crashes more often than not. It’s a trend that Cunningham will no doubt be looking to reverse tomorrow night in Atlanta.
Brewing Rivalry?
We don’t often see an overly aggressive side of Ryan Dungey, but in San Diego, he sent Jake Weimer over a berm. In Dallas, the two came together again, ripping Weimer’s shifter off in the process. If you’re Dungey, you’re just trying to race to the front. If you’re Weimer, you certainly don’t appreciate a series of hard knocks delivered from the same guy. Will things come to a head if Weimer and Dungey find themselves in yet another battle this weekend?
Career Highs
In the past, Phil Nicoletti has logged some decent results in the Lites class, so by itself, his fifth place result in Dallas isn’t entirely surprising. What is worthy of note, however, is that Nicoletti raced to a career best finish in Dallas after being absent from AMA supercross since 2010. Will Nicoletti be able to back up his top five in Atlanta?
Can Kyle Cunningham bounce back from a bad crash in Dallas and capture a podium in Atlanta?
Photo: Simon Cudby
Northern Exposure
Canada’s Cole Thompson came out swinging to get ninth place in what was only his first AMA supercross race as a professional. Even more impressive is the fact that Thompson is coming straight out of the B class as an amateur. With a learning curve this steep, how much better will Thompson get with a few more rounds of experience under his belt?
Home Field Advantage
Whether it’s the increased support from the crowd or a feeling urgency to do well in front of friends and family, many riders will tell you that there is nothing quite like racing in front of your home crowd. This weekend, Davi Millsaps is doing just that in Atlanta, the same venue in which recorded a premier class win in 2008. What kind of effect will the local crowd have on Millsaps this year?
Seely Gets His Fill
Lucas Oil/Troy Lee Designs Cole Seely currently sits third in the West Region Lites points standings—15 behind Dean Wilson. But starting this weekend in Atlanta Seely will be filling a different role—riding for Honda Muscle Milk, replacing an injured Trey Canard. Seely filled the same role last year when Josh Grant went down with an injury. Seely had varying degrees of success in his maiden 450 voyage last year, with a seasons best ninth coming in Indy. After getting his feet wet in the Supercross class last season will Seely be able to lock down a top ten in his 2012 450 class debut?
The Clock is Ticking
You can’t win a title after the first round, but you sure can lose it. For perennial pre-season title contenders Kyle Cunningham, Matt Lemoine and Blake Baggett, their championship hopes took a nose-dive in Dallas. Both Cunningham and Lemoine went down in the first rhythm section (check out the GoPro footage below) while Baggett suffered the same fate with an early crash. These championship hopefuls are now staring down the barrel of a huge deficit just one round into the series. Can Baggett and company rebound in Atlanta and salvage their title hopes?
Main Man
BTOSports.com Jimmy Albertson began the season on a high note, making the first two main events of the year, but has since been singing a different tune. Albertson has only made one main event since Phoenix, Anaheim 2, and currently sits 25th in points—not exactly where Top Jimmy expected to be in 2012. Can Albertson rebound in Atlanta and make his first main since A2?
Filling the Void
With podium mainstay Chad Reed lost for the season and James Stewart clearly not up to his old standard, a major hole has been left on the podium. While it’s not out of the realm of possibility for Stewart to catch fire and fill the void entirely, it could provide an opportunity for veteran Kevin Windham to lock down his first podium of the year. Or will Brett Metcalfe nail down his first career podium in the ATL? How about the surprisingly steady Josh Hansen, or a rejuvenated Mike Alessi? (Keep an eye out for Justin Brayton and Andrew Short when they are back to 100 percent). Will Atlanta open the door for another podium contender or will it be slammed shut by the usual suspects of Villopoto, Dungey, Stewart and Weimer?
He's On Fire
Ryan Villopoto has been on an absolute tear as of late, winning the last three rounds on his way to the top of the standings. It was not long ago that Villopoto was struggling to keep it on two wheels and trailed in the point standings. Now with Chad Reed out of the mix, can Ryan Dungey, James Stewart and the rest of the field step up and find a way to slow down the RV train? Only time will tell, but until then get your fill of the Villopoto Kool-Aid, get on the bandwagon, sign up for the fan club and maybe bust out some green body paint.
Can anyone stop Villopoto in Atlanta?
Photo: Simon Cudby
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HOLE SHOT
Reedy was the only one with a legitimate shot (definitely faster in Alrington TX) to beat Villopoto and now with him healing and out for the SX season. It's a runaway Villopoto freight train.
I'd sure like to see K-Dub make the podium in what will be his 200th start in SX.
Sure, Now we will see Stewart on the podium with Chad Reed out, Thast a given. But he will say “ they got The bike Better now ” and thats why, not the fact that everyone is getting hurt and dropping like flies opening the door for better finishes with less top guys to race with and get beat by. No………could never be that.
But this is the route we will see Stewart take you can count on it, watch what happens when he is up front from now on, I can hear it now............. But you will never hear " but Chad Reed wasnt there " so it is not so significant, no that wont happen……….. Only If Stew was the one out everybody’s accomplishments are tarnished because the won them without Stewart being there. This nonsense is getting so old......................
I believe the fans are starting to see right threw all of this excuse nonsense and bias media favoritism, I do think Stewart is a great rider but no better than any of the other top guys.
Get well CR22
Go RV1
Funny, I didn't see Dungey as the aggressor. Kind of reminded me of Trey, just wasn't going to take a back seat.
biker 143, what should JS and fans say if he wins ? or do you think he should just quit ? let them know so they don't hurt your feelings !
In at least 2 articles about SX lites East I see people talking about Cunningham and crashing - and yes, he did in last week's East opener - but have you guys already forgotten that last summer he was very consistent and finished 4th overall in the outdoors?
Dungey and Weimer are like the most passive riders out there, I think it is hilarious when they try to bang bars. its like an Ivy league college kid vs a surfer dude.
You know what has been naice as of late? The adbsense of the Stewart wing nuts. Perhaps they are finally seeing things without the rose covered glasses.
Stewart is just one of the extremely talented riders in SX today, and there are a few!
The general speed of all the riders has elevated and there are more guys more closely grouped. YEAH! This will ultimately give us great racing for years to come.
When Stewart sorts some things out, and I hope he does, he will be a part of some close championship battles.
BUT for right now the guy who has the confidence in his setup, and program, is RV, The other guys will figure it out, as was CR.
Go RV!
Chad Reed Injury Update: This just in..... Chad Reed is now experiencing blisters on his ass from so many people kissing it..... Seriously, not taking anything away from the dude...but he crashed, got hurt and is out...yes it sucks for him, his team and his fans..... Is this the first time we have seen a rider push his limits and crash?... No it is not and certainly not the last....It happened during the 2011 nationals too, Ironically to a guy with the same name trying to beat the same guy......crazy world im tellin' ya!!.... Now all we are going to hear is " Well, Chad wasnt there thats why RV won the title.."...... Very reminicent to when Chad won his titles, RC or JS7 were not there.....crazy world....
I bet a hot quarter that Stewart will still crash his brains out with or without Reed racing. Karma!
KilloMoto--quit being such a jealous hater. Just because all the talk isnt around Stewart. And dont forget Stewart didnt win his titles untilk no RC. So is his titles tainted too. Reed beat Stewart last season, heck so did Dungey, so quit being such a hater. You were doing OK until you threw in the part of Reed winning titles when RC wasnt there, kinda like Stewart..
Reed was running up front, not Stewart, Reed was in the title hunt not Stewart, Reed has GAINED fans the last few years, not Stewart, and its killing you..
KillMoto... i agree. it is funny how he was the guy who used "to win because the good guys were out"... and everyone said they're should be an aterisk by it. Even look back to 2010 when The Dunge ruled supreme.. everyone said the same thing..even though he straight up railed Stewie at Unadilla when he attempted to race. Like the old saying goes... nothing is new... Anyways, the only thing i won't agree 100% with is the statement about him pushing too hard and getting hurt. I believe his outdoors wreck was just one of those things that happened. He wasn't trying anything crazy when it happened. It was the first lap, the track had changed, and whatever he hit wasn't expected. The same thing i'll say for his wreck at Dallas. What he was attempting wasn't uncharacteristic to his riding. He was easily pulling it off lap after lap.. but... thats the drawback to the seatbounce, all it takes is one thing mistimed and it all goes away. Not trying to bash your statements, just my opinioin, which holds no more weight than yours.
Crazy how fast these gentlemen are riding, especially R2V2. (always #2 in my eyes, not necessarily pertaining to speed or ability)
KilloMoto the dif is RV was beating everyone before Reed got hurt, RD never did that before everyone went out in 2010 and same with Reed before RC went out.
FYI, for the 2011 Nationals up until the Moto 2 crash at Milleville, Reed was the points leader and had the most moto wins for the season. He won moto 1 at Milleville, and passed RV in the whoops for first place, prior to the headshake launch off the jump on the opening lap. I believe anyone would take a few weeks/months to get back up to speed after falling 20' in the air going 40 mph. I was there for the crash, I really thought he was dead or would be paralyzed, then Reed being Reed, got back on his bike and still made the uphill triple, finishing 14th and getting a 5th overall.
2011 Outdoors was Chad's, he gave RV a gift. So did Dungey with his DNF. Like them all, just want one season with no injuries and no mechanical DNF's for all the top riders. Doubt that will ever happen.
Get Well soon Reed, Canard, Hill, Short, and Tomac!
They could also mention it was Weimer who moved over on the straight during the heat and took out Dungey's wheel. I'm not saying he was trying to do it, or even knew who was back there, but that would be another "clash of the nice guys".
At this point in the season, things don't usually change much, but Reed being out opens out for some of the "other guys". If RV makes it out of the second turn of the Main in the top 5, only a mistake can stop him from winning.
Prediction. This in no way reflects what I want, or even think, should happen. I'm going on the anything-can-happen vibe. We all know what should happen almost never does.. so..
1. Stewart
2. Villopoto
3. Windham
4. Millsaps
5. Dungey
6. Hansen
7. Seely
8. Weimer
9. Brayton
10. Wey
Looks like Dungey got a really bad start or had an incident, Weimer and Brayton struggled, way to go Kdub, Davie Dukes, and Seely! Wey broke the top 10, not bad :)
"Open_Class wrote: about 1 hour ago
You know what has been naice as of late? The adbsense of the Stewart wing nuts. Perhaps they are finally seeing things without the rose covered glasses.
Stewart is just one of the extremely talented riders in SX today, and there are a few!"
Well said, the bike excuse could only holds weight for so long before the rest of us stop listening. On another note, I'm saying this weekend JS wins because he's furious and RV won't risk wadding up with him if there is an opportunity for a real battle.
Hey Bill C , you forget that Dungey strait up beat Villo several times in 2010 before Villo took Dungey out, then crashed and broke his leg ( instant Karma) Dungey also stait up beat Villo serval times last year outdoors. So all the people that keep saying it will be a runaway are fools. Villo will hit the ground a few more times before it is over. Remember without the bike problems Dungey IS THE CHAMP INDOORS AND OUT LAST YEAR.
Dungey and Weimer hard-core battle? Hmmm. I'm seeing 'sparring' from a couple 'nice-guy' riders more than all-out aggression. Couple of low-key riders who need to toughen up & are learning from the best (Reed & Jame-o). I'd like to see Weimer come back with a little more but I think Dungey's faster right now. It's hard to get the guy when your falling behind lap after lap or picking yourself up from the backside of the berm.
and #11 on things to watch is KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR BIKES AND GEAR, THEY STEAL STUFF EVERY YEAR IN ATLANTA.
Could Star Valli have possibly any more bad luck? Stroupe has been tasting soil and sitting out races all season. Morais had the horrible crash in LA. Sipes was riding super-inconsistent and then smacked up his shoulder in practice. Nico Izzi has been their most consistent guy but he has a wrist problem that requires surgery. Head to the east coast and Kyle Peters get hurt before the series starts, and then Cunningham eats it on lap 1 of the first main. Man, what's a team have to do? At least they have Kiniry who keeps rocking the LCQs.
Runner-up for bad luck is anyone riding a factory-backed Honda 450. Reed, Short, Canard, Brayton, Windham. What's left? Brayton riding injured and Windham hoping this pox does not ruin his 200th career main.
Such a brutal sport.
motobk... Last year in SX RD had a DNF and RV had a DNS advantage RD 1 point. You could say it's both there faults for getting bad starts so I call it a wash. Also RV won 6 races passing RD many times, RD had 1 win (holeshot) and NEVER passed RV all year.
.Outdoors with 8 moto's left RD was 1 point out and RV won 6 of the last 8 motos to win the title so RD had a shot with 8 moto's left but it was RV who steped up and took control so don't blaim the DNF for the whole deal.
Forgot to talk about 2010, Yes RD was better then RV at the start but as the season went on RV was the faster guy and yes got hurt but even missing the last few rounds still won more races than anyone that year, but sence the early part of 2010 RV has been the better guy.
I can't believe a few are still sucking on the if bottle from last year. I have watched this sport for decades and do not recall ANY top rider that has not had a Mechanicl dnf from clutches to fuel and chains and motors, from RC KW RV CR JS- all of them have, but I have NEVER heard more people STILL whining about RD's breakdowns last year !!! Last time I checked it was a sport of man and machine and if either makes a mistake it costs. Should we change the rules ?? Good Lord shit happens. I am not whining about RV having the flue last year or getting taken out in Jacksonville ON and ON and ON. How about RD was awesome but just a tic shy of beating RV last year and we believe he will do better this year. ALL the racers started at the gate with their OWN race prepped bikes by their OWN team and had the same chance at winning and with RD's bad luck he didn't step it up enough to overcome and win last year- He DID have the chance we all saw the same races. Heck he DID beat CR and EVERYONE else- he is DAMN good !!!
Billc is excatly right
Good luck to Cole Thompson! A great kid doing it full privateer!
Deja Vu
Villopoto dominant on the 250F
JimM
Oala374
Team Kawi is whats up and everybody knows it.
@therealmofo - Simmer down daddy-o
1. I am not a "hater" of any rider on the track, including Mr. Reed. I happen to think he is one of the best our sport has produced. Now, do I spank my noodle to a Chad Reed picture slide show while listening to the Pet Shop Boys like you apparently do??? no I do not.But I do respect the guy as a talent just as i do James Stewart or RV......
2. My point was we are already hearing the " he only won because " nonsense we have heard many times before and has nothing to do with James Stewart or being jealous... Reed crashed out of the Nats last year in similar fashion...Racing is racing and crashing sucks, but crashing is part of racing and unfortunately so are injuries..if you crash out of a series, too bad....you lose
3. Dont forget Reed mechanical DNF' both motos at Southwick...so Milleville crash oor not, he would have lost the title....Racing is man and machine like mentioned by DavidL.....Bikes break and riders make mistakes... you cant control it....
@KilloMoto,,, Thats good stuff right there..
@therealmofo- ...furthermore, whether I like Chad Reed more than the next guy or not has nothing to with my opinion of why he crashed..am i right? who the F cares!.But like every guy out there, there is risk every time you swing a leg over the bike and I dont think Reed deserves any special treatment because he is the injured guy this time around.....it happens and it sucks.....Like James has done many times or Villopoto, they gave a little too much and it cost them....Reed has avoided that scenario his entire career for the most part.. this past week in Dallas, prior to the race he was talkin' a little bit of crap and he was going for it, no doubt and things looked good ...in doing so i think some over confidence came into play and he may have pushed too much chasing lil' carrot top and down he went.....
Maybe JS can lap RV 10 times, and gain 30 points... hahahaha
I don't understand why no one can just every rider that shows up for practice is a champion in there own right. There is a reason we sit on our couches every weekend and look on these forums for moto news, and that's because we love the sport and we were never able to get to where any of these guys are. P.S I agree with BillC not trying to start stuff, just my thoughts.
billc is not right and dungey will win this championship- he should have won the last 8
Aaron and Chase need to wake, describing RV as struggling to keep his bike on 2 wheels. When someone falls directly in front of you and takes you out it is not you struggling dude it is Millsaps! RV has been on fire since the first race and if not for bad luck would have won every round.
To all RD fans, keep making your pitiful excuses for his short comings, I remember him winning 2 championships when others broke down. RD is not up to speed and he could not pass my dad on his Penton if he blocked him. Now add this to the KTM enduro bike and you be lucky to get second. I am trying to think of a big name rider RD beat that raced all season and no name comes to mind.
I remember another red headed freight train that took all of us on a "GOAT" ride. Just sit back and enjoy the ride.
Another thing to watch, just food for thought: Does anyone think the rear shock on JS bike fades as the race goes on from the heat coming off the exhaust. None of the other Yami rides grab an extra gear in the whoops. My thought why he's good for one lap.
mustardog do you know what your talking about? dungey will win the championship? claxton i couldnt agree more villo is the man reed was riding over his head to saty with rv even he said it en s.d he said that he was glad that he could see rv in the closing laps and we all know that happened only because of the lappers dungey won in 2010 just because there was nobody there js7 rv1 cr22 so that only leave us js7 to pick it up end try to battle with rv1 but i think villo would play it safe james is not a factor in the championship it would take two dnf from villo , i see rv and i remember rc he is a lot like him it took him 2 years to start winning ita fast but also rides smart that last part i dont like that much because ()as ricky) he will ride cruise control and we wont get good racing
RV has everything going his way. It would be hard to bet against him. I want JS and RD to get a good starts to bring this series back to the level it began at. I am a huge RC fan but, during his reign I sometimes would get droopy eyes watching him go round and round all alone.
200 main laps---80 heat laps---numerous qualifying and weekly testing laps.Mudders and mechanicals. It can change things quickly.
I am super duper pumped to watch the 250s.
you guys are all a bunch of crap .... and what the hell are you talking about @biker 143
I seem to remember RD passing RV in moto 2 at Millville last year to take the overall.
Time to break out the Gentle Jack, and watch Villopodium crush the competition. Reed we're already missing you get better soon!
I'd be SO disappointed in RV if he was behind JS in Atlanta and 'went for the the win'. It wouldn't reflect the smart 'racer' I take him to be. Doesn't need the points, could crash out in the process, or get landed on or something else by crazy balls. Stay away from this guy. We know you are the man, no need to prove it too us in any given race. Stay safe, take home the hardware at the end.
Stewart wins this week. Because he has to. Milsaps 2nd if I'm right about this sport. We shall see tomorrow.
"you guys are all a bunch of crap..." - lol Finally, something I agree with.
@Killomoto--WOW!!, What a Tard you are, this has NOTHING to do with Reed crashing. It has to do with yoou getting all worked up because Reed is getting alot of attention. And for some reason YOU dont like it. Ass evidence from you first post about Reed getting butt-blisters. Why do you really care how much press he is getting ???? You care because your a hater, period, its easy to see. Most Stewtards dont like Reed, simple as that, dont know why you wasted so much of your time writing on here..
You and "fake" mxmofo make quite the couple.....
@Killomoto-- And I love how you dont respond to my remark that Stewart also NEVER won a single title until RC was gone, since you pointed out that Reed didnt in your first statement.
im just telling this guys we all can forget about rv battling with js7 if js7 starts in front of villo for the rest of the season rv its not putting a fight its a bummer but thats the way its gonna be rv will play it safe thinking championship i hate to know this because we are the ones that wont see battles for the rest of the season its really bad but you will see im right, the good thing its that rv already proved a lot hes faster than js7 this year
I'm just interested to see how Cole Seely does against the top guys on the 450. I think he may be finishing higher than the 7th spot someone put him in earlier, maybe even a top 5 or podium. He has the talent that could put him there. And you guys are nuckinfutz, but that's what makes this stuff fun to read! Keep buttin heads bench racers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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