Racer X ReduX: Atlanta
Tuesday, February 28, 2012 | 3:50 PM
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In this article…
Riders
- Kevin Windham
- Josh Grant
- Ryan Dungey
- Chad Reed
- James Stewart
- Justin Barcia
- Ryan Villopoto
- Cole Seely
Races
Boy did we need the Atlanta Supercross. Just a few weeks ago, “four winners in four races” set the Monster Energy Supercross hype machine to Linsanity. We were just as pumped on 2012 as we were on 2011, which had provided a Tebowmania dubbed “The greatest season ever.” But then came one section of track—the San Diego whoops—to reset the field. Ryan Dungey struggled in that section, and with that, the hype died a bit—maybe Dungey’s new KTM wasn’t as ready was we thought? A few laps later, James Stewart crashed in the same section, reigniting all the troubles of Stewart’s past: he crashes too much, and/or that YZ450F sucks.
Which left Villopoto and Chad Reed pulling away from the competition. Reed, in fact, was better in those San Diego whoops than RV, and while he didn’t win the race, he came close enough to keep things exciting. Then he and RV battled some more in Dallas—until Reed crashed out of the series. Meanwhile, Dungey took a distant second and Stewart had more troubles en route to sixth. After the first four rounds produced four winners, the next three produced just one, and Villopoto went from two points down on Reed and Dungey to leading everyone by 13. Were we set for a runaway?
Luckily, Atlanta showed up to provide the shot in the arm.
Some races can do that. I think back to Anaheim 1 of 2009. By the end of 2008, new economic realities were hitting hard, and it seemed like all of the motocross news centered around slashed budgets, doom and gloom. After a solid ten years of growth stacked on growth, no one was quite sure what to expect for the ’09 season. Would the stands look empty? Would team morale be down? Would the racing be any good?
Well, it was all good. Stands packed as usual, teams looked as big as usual, and Stewart and Reed put on a wild battle that put them both on the ground, opening the door for Josh Grant’s all-time dramatic first career win. It was awesome and exciting and no one talked doom and gloom for the rest of the year after that one.
Villopoto was the favorite heading into Atlanta, but Ryan Dungey was there to answer the bell.
Photo: Simon Cudby
It Atlanta, it started with the atmosphere. Let me repeat this for the 973rd time: Atlanta has become Anaheim east. There’s a palpable “you gotta’ be here” tone to this event unlike any other besides the opening and closing rounds. That’s pretty impressive for a race that sits smack dab in the middle of the season. You see tons of industry types here even though the event is far, far away from the California motocross hub. And if you do live east, you will be at this race. When supercross rolls into town, Atlanta is suddenly a day’s drive from anyone, and the fans come from all over. You’ll hear southern drawls, New York accents and Pittsburgh-ish dahntahners. Back when I lived in New Jersey, I drove to the Atlanta race, even though it took about 11 hours to get there. Seemed reasonable to me.
The fans here are hardcore, too. Out west, people wear shiny new threads as if it’s the first day of school. Hair is fresh cropped, bills are billiard-table flat, skate shoes fit to eat off of. In the ATL, fans proudly display their old jersey collection by wearing it, usually with colors that you forgot used to be cool (neon orange or hunter green). By my estimates, 70 percent of the Damon Bradshaw jerseys and t-shirts still in circulation were worn to the Atlanta supercross this weekend. The DMXS guys tell me a fan showed up for a Friday night Honda dealership autograph session running an old MSR jersey and pants, prompting Kevin Windham to say, “Wow, you’re all geared up, aren’t you?”
This is a destination. A lot of people head to the Atlanta SX en route to get some winter riding in down in Florida—or people who have already stationed themselves in Florida drive back up to Georgia to catch the race.
The pits are incredibly, massively packed in the Georgia Dome. The line around the JGR truck was so big that team guys couldn’t even get out while Stewart was signing, literally trapped between a five-deep wall of people on all sides.
James Stewart, aka Prince, during opening ceremonies in Atlanta.
Photo: Simon Cudby
Yeah, so Justin Barcia led from gate to flag in the Lites main. Okay cool, there were still 71,000 people in the building and they didn’t seem worried. They had watched all of this great racing for seven weekends out West, and they wanted to get their fair share.
They got it. Cole Seely (!!!) led while Villopoto and Stewart tried to work their way from the back. Bench racing discussions broke out mid race as Dungey was either A) looking good by putting himself up front with his rivals way back or B) was blowing his opportunity by not taking the lead immediately. Villopoto was making moves, Stewart was making moves. Then Dungey would close on Seely. All three stars had their moments of looking good and being the fastest man on the track, but all three also made mistakes. Dungey finally forced his way around Seely (that’s a few weeks in a row where Dungey has run the wheels in on someone—leopards do change spots). Villopoto got close. Stewart got close. Halfway through, it would have been realistic for any of the three to win the race as they exchanged fast lap times. This is what the fans wanted.
Then we had a little controversy with “red light gate” over a triple. Stewart’s chances were looking fairly slim, but they were completely finished after that. And I did, sadly, see a few people actually get up and head for the exits at that point—not kidding. Hey, I know Atlanta traffic is bad, but I also know Villopoto isn’t just going to sit 1.9 seconds behind Dungey for the last few laps and not put in one last push.
Dungey held off a hard charging Ryan Villopoto to capture his second win of the season.
Photo: Simon Cudby
He did. By about lap 15, Villopoto tucked in for one last mega-push. He knew this one win for Dungey could change the momentum of the whole series, and he wasn’t going to just let that happen. He closed in, and Dungey started making more mistakes. Now the bench racers had last year’s Steel City race in their minds, as RV got within striking distance on the last lap. If Dungey blew this one, RV would officially be made of steel. But instead, Dungey responded by logging his fastest lap of the race on the last lap, while Villopoto, pushing hard, bobbled in the sand. That was it, Dungey had it, but it took 19.5 laps to know for sure. The fans went nuts when it was over.
What changed? Villopoto still holds the points lead and still came from way back to catch Dungey—and he logged the fastest lap of the race. But those are just numbers. The feeling is that we have a series again, and no one is sure who will win this weekend in St. Louis. It’s a feeling that, for a moment, seemed to be lost.
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Yeah, it's pretty clear it'll be a toss up who wins the next one, but it's also pretty clear the ball is still most definitely in RV's court.
I thought there was still a " series" even before Reed exited with the injuries....Reed had 2 good races ....well one and a half with RV...one of which he had a lot of help from lappers which lead to a 2 lap race to the finish in SD.....then Dallas Reed was on it chasing RV, then was on the ground and out....So going into Dallas, after one close race in SD, it seemed RD and Stewart were being put on the back burner and it was all about Reed and RV for the remaining 10 races........Dungey is still very much in it...and Stewart has the spoiler role to play.
Atlanta lived up to its hype, great racing and controversy!!! The Lococmotive got on track early, steadily picked up speed, running his fastest lap on his last, taking the checkered flag for the second time..thats two more than alot of people thought at the first of the year..The Firecracker had an off night, dud of a start led to a second place finish. He would explode up to Dungey's rear wheel only to make a mistake on a track that was slick and breakin down, still great finish on an off night.
The Gambler cant catch a break, poor starts and bad luck have plaqued him, you dont see much of that big smile he used to show!!! A win in St Louis would bring it back, but he is no longer the favorite, even more of a long shot for the title, so he needs to up the ante this week and show up why we used to bet on the 7.
Enjoyed the article Jason W. So cool to watch SX live Sat. night in prime time!
BD25 showing he's got some journalist skills!
Thanks.. I am the old frustrated version of Jason....lol... just callin em as I see em
@Killomoto--I know you are not a fan of Reeds, but you act like he was in last freakin' place or something. He was running great this year, in 2nd place in the toughest supercross series in the world. I know you hate to see the guy get praise, but he and RV were the cream of the crop. I know you hate the fact that Reed was in 2nd and Stewie was in 4th, but give the guy his credit, he was in 2nd place in points dude. He deserved the praise he was getting.
I am not an RV fan but i dont see how anyone will come close to him unless he makes mistakes,,,like he has when he hasnt won.
Any holeshot he gets he is gone,nobody will challenge and charge to be a threat.(like RV is,no matter what his start is)
I dont see it as close as you see it Weege.
was in secnd place
@bd200 - you missed my point...I was just saying after SD, people were counting RD out and James saying it was going to be all RV and Reed here on out....James is out of the hunt and Reed was doing good,which I never said he wasn't...but 2 races don't make the rest of the season and as we saw this week RD was back on top....Reed crashed out....and that shows anything can happen....has nothing to do if I am his biggest fan or not.....if reed didn't crash out...I am sure he would still be right in there....or maybe not....we'll never know now....but to eliminate RD from the equation after the SD race was a little premature ....that's what I was getting at
Good read Jason.One word about the picture at the top "genuine"
Anybody else like RD gear?
Pretty sure when Barcia moves to the 450s He will run up front right away , kid has skills , Malcom Stewart as well , Some say Malcom can beat James at there home track .. just a little info for ya!
Yeah,everybody loves a Monster girl and RD's gear was cool.That was a big win for RD,only three points but a six point swing,ten back instead of sixteen.
Villopoto is great- but he cant win them all.
I think KTM tried to sneak a 350 engine into RD's bike for a few weeks there with the starts he was getting, he must have figured it out and had the 450 put back in.
Bd200 - after re-reading my post...I see where my point went awry with Reed....when I stated "reed had 2 good races"....I was referring to the battles with RV....Up to SD...RV either dominated or played catch up....SD was the first race he was challenged at the end by Reed.....Dallas was another...but it didn't last long....but at Dallas, folks were saying the remainder of races and series would be all reed and RV.....well they were wrong....reed is out and RD won ...again I am a fan of all these guys....some I like more than others..but I don't hate any of them....except jlaw and the alessi circus
Work their way from the back? RV was in 6th at the start and had the entire race to catch and pass Dungey. Dungey was running some fast laps and even said in a post-race interview with Jim Holley that his mechanic was giving him laptimes of him and RV in case he needed to step it up.
Oh well, people will always see what they want. I can't wait for Daytona in a couple of weeks; Dungey will win that one going away.
You cant count out Dungey,ever.The guy is too solid,puts in the work,and has too positive of an attitude.Those all work together!.I am a RV fan,and think he should win the majority of the races because he attacks everything,and is strong mentally and physically.But,there is still 19 other guys on the track that can change the outcome,also.
@KIllomoto--I agree with you on counting out Dungey to early. He is fast and very consistant. As long as he gets a start, he can run with anyone. I was saying it last week and catching alot of grief over it. But those guys who were saying he couldnt win are nowhere to be found now.
RV was 6th at the end of the 1st lap, he actually got a much worse start
Jason, dude.....whats with the, and I quote, "Villopoto still holds the points lead (I AGREE WITH THIS) and came from way back? to catch Dungey (I TOTALLY DISAGREE)
Throughout the entire race, RV1 was no more that a straightaway (2-3 seconds) behind Dungey after the 1st lap. Go back and watch the race to see......RV1 could not maintain the pace necessary to pass RD5. He may have caught him, BUT, its another thing to stay with, then pass. "THIS NIGHT" RD5 had it on RV1.
I am a fan of good racing and not just of one racer. I feel that RV1 is the fastest racer on most nights, but will not win all the races. RD5 and Stewie will win their share. All I want is no more injuries, good close racing (rubbing is OK), and the best and most consistant rider over 17 rounds to emerge as the winner.
Then.......bring on the outdoors, REAL MOTOCROSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Awww Weige, Weige, Weige...
Linsanity...? Tebowmania...? Anything " -gate"...?
Do you really wanna' come off trying so hard to be that clever?
Anachronistic Euphemisms about our collective (mostly) sports consciousness?
What's next- some choice mixed metaphors and malaprops too?
My Man, your Reach is exceeding our Grasp.
Weige, [our] brotha'... stop it. Stop. Just settle- listen, for a moment.
Your triple-whip, one-footie-scrub-Nac-linguistic-transfers are too much!
Keep that up and you're gonna' be eatin' berm-burgers, baby!
Shhhhhh. You're enough, Weige. You are enough. You.
Don't forget..., We're Moto-heads, Dude.
"The pits are incredibly, massively packed in the Georgia Dome. The line around the JGR truck was so big that team guys couldn’t even get out while Stewart was signing, literally trapped between a five-deep wall of people on all sides."
.Boy the haters must hate to read that LOL
J_Sloan is back!! LOL RD win's one and your back!!
@Killomoto, give it up dude we got your point, it's like your insecure about what you post. Your going to need a stress test at this rate. @TheChoosen1, I'm with ya. Been wondering the same thing, how will Dundey's new ride do in MX style Daytona as well as Stewarts bike. Could be good indications of what to expect come MX. MX is where you see who the true men are. Very curious to see Stewarts JGR bike Outdoors. @ GreenMeansGo, love your post so true. @BD25 your post was better than Weegy's whole read. Not sure about the Locomotive and Firecracker nick names though. All in all The series is still wide open and with what 11 races left anything could happen, we've seen it before.
Villopoto= His riding style is Explosive, he is exciting to watch=Firecracker
Dungey= His riding style is Steady, builds speed thru the race= Locomotive
Stewart=His riding style is Risky, the one willing to take a chance= Gambler
Yeah, I have to much time on my hands right now .....
Wharton= Gettin bounced around so far, but hangin in there =Timex Texan
The Barcia- Roczen dual in St Louis will be the Fast and the Furious
@BillC, not really, what is hated is the typical "media darling" that is all things Stewart.. They act as if just Stewarts pit was like that, no mention of RV's, or Dungeys, or K-Dubs.. I am sure they were all that way, but the media (mx Sports) wants us to think the sport would dies without Stewart.. Creates alot of animosity..
@ theealmofo..........The other contributing factor to the JS lineups is all the newbs who know nothing about SX and just bought tickets for the first time flock to him because he is the one constantly being pumped up. He is portrayed as the best there is so they go to him.
The boys in charge should be re-named to "James Stewart Advertising, a division of James Stewart Entertainment"
@BillC I know watching that race, where RV was in 6th by lap one and *only a couple seconds behind Dungey* was hard for you. Get used to it, Bill.
Ok all I finnaly had to chime in with my 2 cents worth--- First of all I dont think the season is anyways near over, just as usual we have the injuies, then the never ending Stewart stuff??? Hay all James and everyone is great for the promotion of the sport we all call Motocross, Supercross is just a term to make it the stadium sport. We have came a long way and I hope we make it a long way more! I think some of the old timers her and I am gratefulf for you, remwmber when even the big races used Sugical rubberband for the start and also the old hand on the helmet start wich CZMark liked cause he could cheat lol. @joemotocross and others we need to tell these younguns and some of the armchair racers what it is really like!
Yes I am looking forward to the yet to hapen Roczen and Barcia battle, Then we have the Vegas shootaout. Theis Supercross season is far from over.
Good luck to all and may we stay safe ,ride hard and all get along????
LETS RACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
J_Sloan LOL not hard at all, I saw RV over 4sec back and close right in on RD, Sure it did not turn into a win this week but You have to ask yourself if the table was turned could RD run down RV if he needs to? Never has, so I still say My guy is in a MUCH better place. That has to kill you!!
@ BillC,
your otherwise excellent postings lose all credibility, every time you go to the "Hater" well, please, please leave that stinky drink for the inevitable herd of immature dumdums barely able to work the keyboard this place always seems to attract.
Bill Bill Bill ..your rearing your ugly head again!
Welker, I used to take a small piece of black tape to the line with me and when the Starter was chewing someone else out I'd stick it to the rubber band so I could see it. Those surgical rubber tubings would blend in with the color of the dirt, ever see a rider who lined up on the ends (40 riders) get hit in the helmet with that crazy rubber whip ? Oh, good times!
@BillC Watch the race again. RV was within a couple of seconds with the majority of the race left, and at the end of the race when RV caught up to Dungey, what did Dungey do? He pulled the fast lap and pulled a gap on RV. The more Dungey gets that KTM dialed in, the better his wins seem to be. This last time, there were simply no excuses for you RV fanboys; RV was right there from lap 1 and had 19 laps to make it happen. In the end, Dungey stood on the top of the podium. Seems like if RV closed a 4 second gap at ease like you're implying, he should have been able to pass Dungey with 19 laps to do so.
And hey everyone, cut BillC a little slack. He's still in shock since what he thought was impossible actually happened.
Where RV lost the most time after re-catching Dungey on the last few laps was when they were lapping Peick I beleive it was.....RV went to the inside underneath both Dungey and Peick and almost made contact with the Dunge (coming out of the whoops I beleive it was)....that was the end right there as RV almost came to a stand still.....Dungey then pulled away for the win....My opinion, RV made a bad move trying to make that pass where he did....if he waited he would of had a full lap of being right on his tail and maybe could have made something happen....RD held on for the win and beat RV and 19 other guys......
like i said: in Dungey we trust.
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