by Davey Coombs
Racerhead #9
Friday, March 2, 2012 | 5:40 PMHonda is the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles, and the undisputed leader in motorcycle technology. More motocross riders have won titles on Hondas than on any other bike. When you’re serious about winning, Honda is the machine for you.
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Welcome to Racerhead, a busy week for everyone. Supercross is headed to St. Louis for another live showing on SPEED tomorrow night (and congrats to the network and Feld Motorsports for a best-ever rating on last Saturday night's jam-packed Georgia Dome race). The amateurs are gathered in Freestone, Texas, at a race being co-produced by James Stewart, who is obviously also racing St. Louis this weekend. Stewart's longtime rival Chad Reed had himself some knee surgery, Ricky Carmichael and friends have broken ground on the Daytona Supercross track, and the whole Racer X staff went overtime this week to get the magazine to the printer on time (well done, everyone!). I also took a drive to Budds Creek (in a driving rainstorm) to check out what needs to be done for the big Red Bull Budds Creek National in June, which will air on NBC. Like I said, been a busy week....
Here's a screen grab of possibly the first big crash in the whoops, Marty Smith at the 1975 Superbowl of Motocross.
Apparently confused, Shannon shaved the cat. Sorry, Zsa Zsa.
That's what Budds Creek looks like on a Wednesday in late February.
Photo: DC
At the same time, there have been strong rumors and signs of tension with Stewart and the JGR team, including a post-race discussion between his dad and his boss Coy Gibbs at a recent round that did not go so well. I spoke to James on Monday on a totally unrelated topic and we talked about a wide range of things. There was a tone in his voice that sounded like he was ready to make some things happen here in this series, and I believe the wins are coming again for him. But has the damage already been done to his title hopes against the ever-steady Ryans, Villopoto and Dungey?
Tweet your get-well-soons to @CRTwoTwo
The strangest rumor I have heard in some time was Stewart possibly moving over to Reed's team—not during the current Monster Energy AMA Supercross tour, but rather for the upcoming outdoor series. Obviously, there's not a lot of love between Chad and James, but there is respect for each other between them, as well as a will to win. It's not happening enough for James right now, and it's not going to happen at all for Chad for some time to come.
Again, it's just a rumor, and I really don't think it will happen—the determined JGR folks are working hard to find the right setup for Stewart's style, and there's frankly not a lot of people out there that have the same setup or style, which makes it even harder—but if it did, we're going to need a new internet, because this one will explode.
Ken Roczen needs a start and 15 good laps this weekend... But then again, who doesn't?
Photo: Simon Cudby
After Atlanta, in my 250 Words post-race analysis, I was writing about how supercross is a game of inches in the Lites class, and how Red Bull KTM's Ken Roczen started too early and got caught in the gate, and so on and so forth. Roczen did get caught in the gate, but he explained later via Twitter that his bike crept on him, and after watching the replays a few times, he was right. Here's hoping Ken gets a start with the so-far-undefeated Justin Barcia, who looks fantastic right now on the GEICO Honda.
And here's hoping Phil Nicoletti, Alex Martin, and Malcolm Stewart all have better luck in St. Louis than they had in Atlanta. More on that below.
After finishing fifth at Dallas, Phil Nicoletti had a terrible afternoon in Atlanta that prevented him from even racing that night.
Photo: Simon Cudby
And before I turn this all over, congratulations to Kevin Windham on that 200th start in AMA Supercross. That's a big, round number and it shows not only his talent and stamina, but his staying power and professionalism. I don't think we're going to see 300 out of him (or anyone else, for that matter), but it would be nice to see him stay out there long enough to make a run at Iron Mike LaRocco's 228 career starts!
Ryan Villopoto is 10 points ahead in the race to hold on to that red plate and his big #1.
Photo: Simon Cudby
Here's Jason Weigandt, who is at St. Louis with the rest of the gang for the big race and will be sending in online reports, Tweets, and all-around good vibes from Edward Jones Dome:
Ask anyone who works for these teams and you’ll find out that the STL is the quiet champion of “best dirt in supercross.” How good is it? In 2007, Ricky Carmichael decided to only race half the season in his farewell tour, so he picked a bunch of big races: Anaheim and Phoenix (always packed), San Francisco (Fox Racing HQ nearby), Atlanta (like a home race), Daytona (he won there more than anyone), and his farewell SX at Orlando. And then he added St. Louis—RC wanted to go out with one more shot on St. Louis’ awesome dirt. In the main event, Chad Reed collided with (or took out, depending on your view) James Stewart early, and then Stewart later came back to put a payback move on Reed. With all that going on, Carmichael was free to check out and grab one last victory, the final SX win of his career. Like Matthes says down below, crazy things happen in St. Louis!
The 48th and final AMA Supercross win of Ricky Carmichael's career came at St. Louis in 2007.
Photo: Paul Buckley
Be sure to check out This Week in Yamaha History for a review of the 2006 STL SX, which was probably the craziest ever. I remember Reed struggling to jump a triple that some others were doing, and halfway through the main event he sacked up, jumped it, took the lead from Ivan Tedesco, and took off for the win. Then after the race, Reed circled back around to the jump and did a massive burnout at the top, digging a huge rut in the face and basically helping the track crew dismantle it. It was cool.
And yes, Ryan Villopoto crashed out of the nailbiting 2010 SX title chase here (after putting a huge block-pass on Dungey to take the lead—one that would have melted down the internet had it been Reed and Stewart instead). That allowed Dungey to cruise through the final rounds and take the title. Now that Reed is out hurt, Dungey can take the official Mr. Consistency crown in this series. In fact, this week we uncovered that Dungey has never missed a supercross race with an injury, ever.
A few detectives went back through the results and saw Dungey didn’t score points in Daytona 2007. However, he didn’t miss the event with an injury; he crashed in the first turn of the LCQ and had some sort of mechanical problem—he kicked and kicked but couldn’t restart his bike. So he didn’t qualify, but he definitely showed up ready to race. Also, I’ve had a few people point out that we’ve just jinxed Dungey. All I can say is, I sure hope not!
Also, folks are wondering if Stewart is on the verge of a turnaround now that the races have moved east. We all know about Stewart’s struggles with his new stuff (like tires) out on the hard-packed West Coast tracks, and since he did a lot of testing in Florida, some theorize he’ll be better now. In the Atlanta main event, he looked about as fast and aggressive as we’ve seen him in a main event this year, at least until he got slowed by the flashing lights, and I think that even includes his win in Oakland, where he even admitted he just “rode around.” So Stewie might get some wins soon—but he’ll need another one of those St. Louis miracles if he wants to make up some points.
A preview of St. Louis thanks to Dave Prater.
Photo: Dave Prater
But you know who people aren’t talking about? Ryan Villopoto. For some reason the stories always seem to revolve around the other guys—Dungey’s new bike, or Dungey being so consistent but not aggressive, or the constant drama surrounding Stewart and Reed. RV just does his thing. Look back carefully at last week’s race. There’s a bowl turn leading the riders into the sand section. While Dungey is going after Seely in that turn, Villopoto is not too far back. But by the time Dungey finally makes the pass three turns later, RV is nowhere to be seen. Every person in the Georgia Dome (including myself and all of the TV people) were focused on Seely battling Dungey, and we all missed Villopoto tipping over in that corner. Despite that and a bad start, he still got within striking distance of the lead. Look out for that Villopoto guy—we don’t talk about him much, but he can really ride a dirt bike.
Now over to Matthes:
St. Louis is a sneaky-good stop on the Monster Energy AMA Supercross tour. There’s always the vibe with industry people about not going to this one, about how by the time St. Louis hits, no one will care about whatever it is that is the hot topic. The thing is, if you stop and look around, St. Louis always provides some sort of drama or hook. For example:
—St. Louis is where Jeff Emig ended Jeremy McGrath’s bid for a perfect season in 1996. It was also Fro’s first “real” supercross win and a great race.
—St. Louis always has some of the best dirt of the series. Just the right amount of traction. And for some reason, the track builders seem to always put in some cool stuff. For example, this weekend the over/under bridge returns!
—St. Louis isn’t Atlanta by any stretch when it comes to the fans, but it’s a solid top-five stop in terms of fan appreciation and packed pits. The Midwest fans always bring it.
—St. Louis saw a Travis Pastrana-designed track that was unlike anything we’ve seen before or since. Four-foot half-walls, big quads, and Pastrana himself racing all happened in St. Louis.
Can Stewart find the magic again in St. Louis?
Photo: Simon Cudby
—In 2006 we saw a massive swing in the points when Ricky Carmichael broke a shock and was forced to DNF. James Stewart crashed and was unable to start his bike for a long time. Chad Reed won and went from being in third to having a 10-point lead just like that.
—In 2010 we saw Ryan Villopoto and Ivan Tedesco both suffer season-ending injuries on a big triple that prompted a backlash over the track prep. (RV’s crash was particularly ugly.)
—In 1997 I was pitted next to James Eickel, who got into it with MHR Honda’s Damon Bradshaw, which carried over into the pits and resulted in Bradshaw throwing his Alpinestars Tech-8 at Eickel as he was getting undressed. Good times.
—St. Louis is where I was building my bike for Tim Ferry to come race when I got the word that something or another was hurt on him and he wasn’t going to make it. Me being in a bad mood, I mouthed off to my team manager at the time, Jimmy Perry, about how the weekend was ruined for me and he sent me home on Saturday morning, thereby denying me the right to see the race. Good job, Matthes. You really showed him.
Anyways, we’ll see what happens this weekend, but don’t sleep on St. Louis. We’re almost guaranteed to see something nuts happen.
Over on PulpMX, I wrote something about when I first realized that yep, I wasn’t going to make it as a pro motocrosser. There’s also a feature on The Two Ryans by Paul Quesnel, plus a look at the two guys who came closest to making the main in Atlanta but actually did not by Moser. There’s also a column recapping Atlanta from former factory rider David Vuillemin called Snake Eyes. DV came up with the name and I have to say, golf claps for that.
Barcia is going for three straight this weekend in St. Louis.
Photo: Simon Cudby
We had our PulpMX Show on Monday night with Chad Reed, Cole Seely, and we almost had Ken Roczen on but he developed a leak in his house and canceled at the last minute. Reed talked about his upcoming surgery, which was yesterday, how he’s hoping to make it back for the last few nationals so he can get picked for the Aussie MXoN team. Seely was very entertaining as well recounting his awesome Atlanta ride.
Make sure you tune in every Monday night for the straight goods about the sport from myself and H&H manager Kenny Watson.
Speaking of H&H, it looks like Josh Hill will be out a little while longer than thought as he heals up from his Anaheim 1 injuries. Watson also told us that Ivan Tedesco might have to go and get another surgery on his finger and this will set him back even longer.
Now here's Aaron Hansel with some things to think about:
Initially, not everyone thought that Ryan Dungey’s move to KTM, a team that had yet to secure a premier-class podium in supercross, was a smart one. Well, here we are, just shy of the halfway point of supercross, and he's just 10 points out of the lead. Sure, Villopoto has twice the wins Dungey does, but if there’s one thing that can be said about Dungey, it’s that he’s consistent; you just know he’s going to be scoring solid points at each and every round. Of course, Villopoto isn’t going to stop tearing up the dirt anytime soon, but it sure seems like no matter what happens, Dungey always finds a way to manage the points—kind of like that Carmichael guy!
Down 10 points heading into St. Louis, Dungey and KTM are looking for another win to cut into RVs lead.
Photo: Simon Cudby
Last year, Dungey only won a single race but still managed to finish just 10 points behind Villopoto—and he DNF'd Anaheim 2 and lost 21 points that night alone to RV. This year we’ve got nine rounds left and Dungey has already won twice as many races as he did last year. And you can only bet as he becomes more comfortable with the bike, and the factory continues to learn to compete at this level of stadium motocross, he's going to get faster.
If I were going to offer my predictions for the weekend, this would be a great place to do it, but I’m definitely not going to call anyone for the win. However, one prediction I feel pretty confident in making: Star Valli Motorsports’ Bobby Kiniry is going to transfer to the main via the LCQ. Stamp it!
Construction has begun at Daytona.
As awesome as the 450 action can be, I’m more excited about Lites racing this weekend. Last week in Atlanta, quite a few guys had rough nights. Malcolm Stewart crashed in his heat race and missed the LCQ when his bike wouldn’t fire, Ken Roczen got hung up in the gate after his clutch slipped a little, Phil Nicoletti had to sit the night out after a crash in practice broke his subframe in half and left his knee so swollen it started locking up, and his teammate Alex Martin had a mechanical problem that prevented him from making it to the gate in the LCQ. There’s no doubt that these guys are looking for redemption, and what better way to get it than to do well in St. Louis?
I also think we can expect to see more out of Kyle Cunningham, who was nursing a sore wrist in Atlanta from a hard crash in Dallas. We’ll also get to see the debut of rookie Kyle Peters, who missed the first two rounds with a separated collarbone. I don’t expect Peters to exhibit mind-blowing speed, but it’s going to be fun to see how he stacks up against his competitors. Add it all up, and we’ve got the ingredients for a great night of Lites racing. If you can’t attend the race in person, make sure you tune in and watch it on Speed—it’s got the makings of a great one.
Can Baggett put a halt to Barcia's winning streak?
Photo: Simon Cudby
Okay, here are some notes to close out the weekend:
The first big amateur race of 2012 is up and running at Freestone MX in Texas. All of the big amateur moto media outlets are on the scene in some capacity. Vurb Moto, Playground Magazine, InsideMX.com—check them all out for videos and photo reports of the future stars. For live timing and scoring, go here.
Former 250cc MX World Champion Danny LaPorte called us to confirm he will be attending the 5th Annual Racer X Inter-AM to be held at the famed OMC track in Boise Idaho on March 31st weekend. Check out that dirt! Joining Danny will be his MXoN teammate and 500cc MX champ Chuck Sun, plus The Beast from the East Damon Bradshaw. Festivities include 2 days of Vintage MX racing and a Vintage MX video party featuring never before seen footage from MX Files producer Todd Huffman and live music from local Boise band the Blues Addicts. Thanks to a great list of sponsors there are no gate fees or camping fees. C'mon up and join the fun!
The April '12 issue of Racer X Illustrated includes a feature about the history, evolution, and current state of the whoops, the single most valuable piece of real estate in the entire sport. If a supercross pro can get the whoops well, he can win at this game—the rest is relatively easy! We were kicking around big moments in the whoops over the last ten years and came up with The List.
I found some pretty interesting stuff about the whoops, including the first manmade set, which apparently was built by the Bailey brothers at their 1969 Ascot Park infield race, predating supercross itself by a few years. I can still remember the first time I saw the whoops as something incredibly formidable, not just a series of small jumps. It was way back in 1975 at the Superbowl of Motocross, and Marty Smith forget off the start that there was a first turn before the whoops they hit every other lap. He launched his factory Honda into the whoops, cartwheeling out of the race and into history as maybe the first whoop casualty. I wasn't there to see it in person, but it was caught on film for a documentary by Can-Am, which won the race via Jimmy Ellis. Just watch this at about 00:08 right off the start of the clip:
Here's a screen grab of possibly the first big crash in the whoops, Marty Smith at the 1975 Superbowl of Motocross.
Matty Fran stopped by Husqvarna in Corona for a look at their new Baja concept bike. He made this Racer X Film with a cameo appearance by Gary Jones, the first AMA 250cc Motocross Champion who still holds a record: Jones is the only man to have ever won three straight titles on three different brands. Do you remember which there they were?
Brian Robinette spotted this interesting branding idea perusing the Georgia Dome pits. It's a good idea—and the cast on the girl in the media gives her some street cred (unless she hurt it pulling on those tight pants). Having been to Durhamtown and been very impressed by it as a weekend riding destination, I thought we would help them justify the cost associated with this promotion and hook them up in Racerhead!
Durhamtown went with a personal touch on branding at the Atlanta SX.
We do think that we'd rather see the Durhamtown girls than the Monster Cup sandwich boards.
Want to see something that's, well, kind of odd, but also kind of supercross-related? Looks like it was filmed at the Toronto SX, and we've never heard of the artist....
Gary Jones won his three titles from '72 to '74 on Yamaha, Honda, and Can-Am, respectively. He also won the de facto '71 title (pre-nationals) by being the top American in the Inter-Am Series. And the team trophy that goes to the winner of the Lucas Oil Motocross Championship's 250 Class is dubbed the Gary Jones Cup.Here are three photos of Gary Jones, the first (Yamaha) shot by Wally Wallenberg, the second (Honda) by Dick Miller Archives, the third by Steve French (Can-Am)
The new DC Shoes commercial for their Chinos has a glimpse of Nate Adams, check it out:
Here's another look at the Vallence International race from last week through Moto Verte:That's it for Racerhead! Enjoy the weekend, thanks for stopping by, and see you at the races.
Apparently confused, Shannon shaved the cat. Sorry, Zsa Zsa.
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If Jeff Alessi makes the main this weekend, how may times will he get lapped?
If we are lucky the presence of Marvin Musquin on the big bikes should reduce the odds of Jeff Alessi making the main. Saw a video of him talking about his ATL race on TWMX - what a tool.
St Louis always shuffles the deck in one way or the other, would not be suprised to see the 7 rise to the top!! Looking for the Fast an Furious to put on a show, which blonde teen heart thob will come out on top of the lights class? Thanks again to those at SPEED for bring it to us LIVE!!!!!!!!
The weird music video wasn't filmed in Toronto.. it's from the Montreal SX...
Gotta love those old photos. Note how snow fence, held in place with steel posts, line the start straight. I've seen outdoor rounds from as late as the 90s where (real) hay bales and old tires marked the track, and it was very dusty. The yellow spikes, buffer areas around the track, and consistent watering are all pretty new things.
Should be another good one Saturday night. Looking forward to it.
Cant wait, Love Dungey and Villo. Alessi's im guessing that they'll get lapped 3 times.??
I would love to see Bubba on a good stable (not backwards) japanese bike again....
Stewart on a Two-Two Honda??? You just blew my mind!!!
You are right though, if it's true we will need a new internet... and I'm gonna need a new keyboard!!
I find hard to believe that a top level team like TwoTwo motosports will do nothing for the rest of the season/year. Sponsors have paid money and Im assuming the team still gets paid, so get some up and comming kid on that bike and lets see the team at the races with someone actually riding the bike. Chad, be smart come back when you are fully healed up, we can wait that little bit longer.
not toronto sx , montreal sx olympic stadium
Thank you for acknowledging my comments Weigandt
Reed said it wasn't his bike to offer to someone else, (Hondas factory bike), and it made no sense financially to put someone on his bike, he tweeted that after a bunch of people asked if he was going to get a part time rider, I cant remember if he only meant for super cross..... The nationals, JS7 would need to adapt quickly to the honda, Isnt there only a two week break between Vegas the first national?
What an arrogant punk that Stewart ls. Of course when he wins in Oakland he says he's just "riding around ". Sure you were.Pretty disrespectful to his competitors. Too bad you are 40+ points behind. Good luck on Gibbs handing you that nascar ride, you clown!
Oh boy, Big James having a talk with Coy. Is he James' agent? Manager? Is Coy supposed to have to deal with someone's father? Pretty amazing that such a rumor as James and TwoTwo is making print in Racerhead, that gives it a slight chance of being possible. Doesn't sound like that 3 year deal will actually make it 3 years. Although I never imagined it hitting troubled waters 2 months into the season. Reed being all "coy" about it not being his bike.......as if Honda would be against putting a good rider on it.
mc724- you are a douche bag. JS7 doesn't want to get killed by the Yammie and that makes him arrogant? Yes, I've read what DV said but I don't totally agree. The bike might work for others but it clearly doesn't work for him. Or rather, it works but when it doesn't it is very, very bad. If he was on the Honda or Suzuki let alone a Kawi he'd be killing it.
I would be blown away to see James do something different instead of taking the cash... Seems like that is all he has been worried about for the last couple years.
I really think, that if James got on any other bike out there, the rest of the class would really have to start worrying.
I think he has no more time, the window is closing. Does he want to own the record books or not. He needs to call a meeting with JGR, tell them the bike he can win on and needs, and if they will not provide it, He needs to go whatever route necessary to get off of that p o s and get on a bike that can handle "stewable" speed.
How much more time is that organization going to waste trying to do such radical revisions to a bike which they are only allowed to do so much to anyway (AMA production rules) ? Lets face it, that radical rubber motor mount, is a real good sign that the bike is just not doing what it should be doing. Especially at this stage of the season. Maybe if they could do anything, they might have some success, but AMA rules is not going to allow anything.
GIVE UP ON THAT POS BIKE ALREADY!!!! Lets just start calling that thing, "the new revolutionary yamaha yz 450, amateur edition"
Hard to believe that James would ride for 22. Just doesn't make any sense at all. When Chad gets back in 2013, why would he pay someone to race against him?
I was at the 75 SBOM and will never forget Marty Smith's crash because he got the holeshot, and he starts pulling away, and your saying to yourself, he is going way to fast to make the first turn. Then when he doesn't even try to turn, you realize he forgot about the change in the track, and when he realizes it a split second before he hits the whoops, he tries instinctly to slow down, but whoops and hard braking mean one, massive enddo. The video really doesn't do it justice because you can't see how fast he is going and how far he flies. He was never quite the same after that, and I don't know if it was mental, physical, or both, but that was a wicked crash. I felt really bad for him because he was such a great rider, and had the perfect MX persona for a teenage MX fan like me.
I've loved Stewart since the first Terra Firma video! have grown to love Reed since before his epic crash last year! and have loved Wee Wilson since age 8 ! what a power house team that would make !!!!!! just putting that thought out there. Cheers.
Chad reed just tweeted a little while ago " Most Rumors always have a little truth to em....;)"
Holy s h i t there are really some true douchebags on here...i'm honestly no James Stewart nut...but some of you ass clowns need to think before you open your stupid pie holes(mc724).....seriously just STFU-K UP!! In this crazy world of SX nothing would be more awesome than to see JS ride a honda for Team 22.......i think the bike would be better and i would love it if those two teamed up and put to rest this long lived war they have been waging!! Seriously, next to KW they are the "old" crowd, and they both have what it takes to whip up on this new young crop of dudes........it wont happen but i would love it if it did!!
Speaking of Husqvarna John Dowd will be riding Huskys this summer to defend his permanite number 16.What about Kyle Chislom and wife Brittney being on the game show Lets Make a Deal and winning a car.What about the movie Act of Valor that was directed by Mouse McCoy who was a minicycle phenom from back in the day.I found this stuff very interesting and I am surprised that RacerX hasn't mentioned any of this.If they have I hadn't noticed it.I posted this stuff yesterday and RacerX deleted it.I though that maybe they did this because they were going to mention this stuff in Racerhead but I guess not.
@Scrub this- you sound like a broken record. Aren't there any 'stewtards' in China for you to rag on? Get a ,life.
I truly love the moto poetry going on. The amalgamation of a riders name with other words and descriptions: Stewtards, Stewpidity(RacerX you have to hire this guy today!), Reedtards, Dungetarded and my personal favourite......Villotard! Let's all agree to disagree on one thing. No more riders name/tard combinations. Sound good? Everyone agree? Anonymous will be on the boards hacking into the computer of any poster who does not abide.
Stewart going over to Honda huh? For some reason I always pictured Stewart on a Factory Honda. But the top rider wearing #7 on team #22 would look a little Yamatarded if u ask me!
Sounds like a well thought out plan; change teams and bike manufacturers half way through the year and wipe your keester with the multimillion dollar contract. I am sure you won't offend anyone or burn any important bridges with such a brilliant move.
This whole situation is just Hondafu&kinriffic;! Personally for James, I think that would be total career Stewicide.
I can pretty much guarantee this won't happen. If it does though and Bubbles doesn't start winning again this season, his career as a motocross racer will be over. And that would suck!!!!!!
Between this latest outburst and what he did to Malcomn, Stewarts dad is getting way too much air and print time. Yes you want the best for your kids but you shouldnt be part of ANY story. I have no idea what Dungey, Villipoto, or Barcia's dad even looks like. In fact, I dont know what any racers other than Alessi's dad, looks like. That should tell you something right there. He needs to check himself.
If the bike being 20 pounds over weight is an issue, head back to the Yammy dealership, grab yourself a 2012 YZ250 two smoker, slap your fork and shock on there and get to it. You're 40 points down with nothing to lose. You'd be an instant hero to millions of moto fans everywhere! He would flat out shred.
@xxktm That's funny you mentioned not recognizing rider's dads. I was at the Millville national a years ago, near the mechanics area, and was talking to someone for a while. At some point, he mentions that "Ryan Villopoto is my son".It was slightly embarrassing for me, but like you said, it's almost always better for a pro rider if people don't recognize his parents. It means they are staying in the background, where they should be.
Can't see JS on team 22.... I would bet agenst that for sure. Would be crazy but don't see it. He has a 3 year deal and a Car to race after that.
RD's dad has been seen in a few pic's too and I would not know what RV's dad looked like either Bob. Can't blaim a dad for looking out for his kid but there needs to be a limmit. Also rumors start easly too, He could have just been talking and someone see's it and now it trouble. Who know's.
I have said it before, and I will say it again. Its time for Big Daddy Stewart to let his kid be a man, he has to go in there and start an arguement with the team manager and all, like it is always someones elses fault his kid cant quit crashing. If I was Coy, I would ban him from the pits, too bad. If he doesnt like it its too bad. They dont need and 27 year old mans Daddy in there starting a big fight all the time. Let these guys do thier jobs, and James will do his. And Daddy can watch from the stands, his meal ticket will be fine..
@BILLC, those other riders RV and Dungey, Dads let the team amngers and pro teams do thier jobs, and look how that turned out. Those riders are true professionals, and are highly sought after and wanted. Thier Dads let those guys making money do thier jobs. Big Stew has always gotten in the way of guys doing thier jobs. Just like Roger Decoster said WAAAAY back when Stewart was on 125's, He was asked "Would you like to have James Stewart on your team"? Roger replied "If he was an orphan"---Enogh said..
@xxktm that would be cool to see him on a 2012 YZ.He couldn't do that because the 2012 hasn't beem homologated.He might could do it on a 2009 or10 model though.He would really get smoked then anyhow.
@Mxpete450.That was funney.Hahahahaha
@Scrub-This JS7 hired Ferry I think it was last year to help develop the Yamaha.I guess it didn't work out.
Scrub-this, the low IQ comments are a little rediculous considering the amount of grammatical errors in your posts. Stay off the this site until hooked on phonics has worked for you. Or atleast until you have matured. You sound like a highschool student that's struggling to reach out for attention.
I agree that meddling moto dads do more damage than good but after what malcolm did to bogle someone need to put a boot up his ass! On a side note, If the yamaha is not the problem then why don't we see more of them in the field? Aside from the two Gibbs bikes, which are not dominating by any means, you hardly see any other yamahas qualifying. So in my mind that tells me that it's not a good bike and considering that Tommy Hahn gave up his yamaha ride to be a privateer on a honda speaks volumes.
Good day to all I just logged on have not yet read Racerhead but it looks like a good one!
Today is Race Day at St Louis! I am so thankful for Racer X, Twitter and Live timing that it is now almost as good as being at the races! Good luck to all! And my the best ,Fastest and Luckyest man win!
LETS RACE!!!!!
My apologies for the spelling mistake. I never said that I was perfect but then again, I'm not the one bringing in IQ scores in every single one of my posts followed by "Stewtards." Dont forget to cup scrub-this' b@lls pizza.
I think JGR is still stuck in the NASCAR mindset. I agree with the dumping more money thing Chosen1. Unfortunatly, that's not the case with this sport. I don't thinks James was ready to take the chance and turn the team
Into a championship caliber one, and Ibdont things the team was ready to take on a rider like James. Kind of like dungey going to KTM but with Roger behind the wheel, look at what that team has done.
I dont think the team** Difficult to comment from a cellphone.
Coming from a big JS7 fan, I doubt that he will do outdoors. Which sucks since its to much for me to get out to a supercross. Haven't seen him race since 08.
I'm surprised that only one person has said something about this. After I read this, I checked Chad Reed's twitter. His latest tweet: "Most rumors have a little truth to em....;)"
Even though I'm kind of a Stewart hater, I almost hope that Stewart rides for TwoTwo Motorsports just because it would be really funny to me. Obviously, there is almost no chance of this happening, but Chad is known for trying to mix things up.
Good luck to Chad. I hope he has a speedy recovery. Can't wait to see him back on the track. (:
From what I remember of a few Bubbas world episodes. It always seemed like Bubbas dad was the head cheerleader in the blame game. Which to me looks like it has sped up the demise of Bubbas career. The dad was the one pushing to get rid of Aldon Baker and was blaming Aldon for Bubbas inability to finish an outdoor national. Freaking brilliant! Aldon has done any good for Villopoto has he?
Bubbas family is the equivalent of MC Hammers posse. They will suck him dry and he'll be broke within a year or two of retirement. Just like the NBA stars that make way more than Bubba but average 2 years from retirement to bankruptcy.
Gee a lot of stange comments on the post lately? Ya I would call myself a Yamaha die hard as thet is the only bike I ever paid for myself. Had some others loaned or gave to me. It does bother me that there seems to be a problem with the new Yammy happer. Yes I think the rules need to be changed to get rid of the production rules for the 450's It is no longer feasable for even some of the Satalite teams to compete cause of what the factories and Pro Circuit and such can afford to do to make the production bikes better.I think KTM is on the right path offering the closest thing to Dungy's bike that they can with a much higher price.
Now for a chuckle for the old timers like me and the old track markers and the dreaded snow fences???? How many of you went ahead and bent your levers and ground off part of the ball end of the levers so you could ride the smooth line next to the snow fence? I know I did and still broke a few fingers. How about some of those 2x4 or 4x4's that they would stack the tires on to mark the corners, it was not fun to hit those either. Oh and never forget the surgical rubber bands used for the start! Good ole times EH? Ya we used to walk to school in the blinding snow blizzard uphill both ways and in 110 degrees temp gee we had it ruff!!!!!!
Its race day!!!
I don't think people understand the difference between TwoTwo and a something like Team Honda. Chad's sponsors are exactly that- his. They sponsor him, not the advertising a 20 lap main provides. That is why he doesn't need a replacement rider- Reed hates that trend. He does want to expand with another rider if the team is properly funded. That rider being Stew? No way- but Chad is a tenacious and creative, so i wouldn't be completely surprised.
I say James is outdoors without a doubt. Red Bull has signed on as a title sponsor and he is their favorite guy. I don't think they would have done that and have him sitting at home.
Jake511, I'm not following the rationale. If Reed's sponsors have already shelled out the money for a full SX season and a full outdoor season, they get only less than half a SX season for their money? Replacement riders are used to showcase the sponsor products instead of the truck and bikes sitting at home where nobody can see them. I don't see how that is any different for Reed's situation, unless the sponsors only pay in installments throughout the year and they can stop payments when the truck gets parked. If that is the case, I see it. If Reed's team now pockets all the money that was budgeted for hitting another 20 or so races in 2012 and goes to none, I don't see how that works for the sponsors.
therealmofo... Yes I know, Like i said I don't even know what RV's dad looks like and have only seen a few Picks of RD's dad.
B-KR thats what I said last week, I don't see how he just shuts the whole thing down. If I gave him money I would want my name out there even if Reed is not on the bike. Seems odd. The "unless the sponsors only pay in installments" is a good thought. Maybe.
JS7 needs a new new bike, Honda, he would rule!
I like what the Chosenone said! I too think that JS bails on the outdoors.I hope he doesnt,but kinda think it will happen
Also,I cant beleive that his bike is really that bad!Come on,a rider with that much talent,should be able to ride that bike.I think he has the "I should win everything mentality",and overrides his own ability,and what the track come handle.
If Stewart does not race the outdoors this summer- it will be the final nail in his motocross coffin.
In the spirit of fairness Davey lets call RV's move in St.Louis 2010 what it was - a take out...I have seen many a block pass and been the recipient of more than a few..guess what we both RODE AWAY!
Otherwise good read. Stewart riding Reeds bike...that would be taking on a whole new slew of testing and set-up problems but it is just a RUMOR right? just had to get that out there huh? Not to mention a litle thing called a contract...
Hey ScrubThis- Who was developing Stewarts KX125's?- He seemed to do pretty well on those didn't he?- Why don't you take your on-the-down-low attitude and low IQ elsewhere, where you can be appreciated.
At least 'Jairtime' had some fresh, original racial slurs to pepper us with daily. Your posts are downright monotonous.
Wow, for the first time ever, Davey (DC) has admitted a mistake. So now I guess I have to apologize. Sorry for the very harsh words!
Good luck and health to everyone in STL.
@mofo to say that "unproveable" drivel about a guy that collected pop bottles and battled racism in the south just to take his son to the races is about as dumb as i've seen on here. You guys are running out of stuff to say about the guy you hate so you have to talk about his family now....pathetic.
Your all a bunch of Crap!
Matthes...So disappointed u didn't recognize that was the MONTREAL SX, not the Toronto SX lol.
Speaking of Dad's, Hannah's Dad "Wild Bill" only went to a handful of Bob's races. He was an aircraft Inspector for Lockheed in Palmdale. One of the races he did attend he told Bob, you need to watch how that Danny Chandler boy rides. He really hauls. That was about the extent of Bob's Dad getting in the way. Wild Bill told us sitting around the camp fire once. Bob wouldn't be so fast as he is if he didn't like showing off so much. Watching Bob shake his head and laugh was pretty funny. Bob said once his Dad took him 50 out of 52 weeks riding up in Tehachapi at his Uncle Mel's. There is some commitment. Wild Bill told us he once put Bob on a 500 BSA Victor at 10 years old and Bob climbed one of the biggest hills out in Bean canyon.
My picks for tonight. SX: JS7....Lites: Roczen. Picks for Daytona same thing.Stewart has become a major underdog thats why I'm pulling for him.Plus I want JGR to get a title.Since my boys out this is how I'm rolling.
I don't care what JS7 rides outdoors.RV1 will smoke him because of his superior physical condition.
@Chowderhead What the hell are you talking about?
@theChosen--first of all--how do you know Coy and how do you know if he has any attitude at all. Maybe he is tired of Big Stewart coming in and trying to tell Coy how to run HIS team?? James signed with JGR, not Big Daddy Stew..
And Roger Decoster said they didnt have the budget to match what Short got to leave, so they wont have the money to put Stewart on thier bike.. What makes you think Decoster would want Stewart anyway?? He likes full time racers, not entertainers who bring Daddy along to take care of him..
I see tonight’s race could be a barn burner. How about a Stewart and Villipoto battle for the top spot on the podium, which may end up with one or both riders taking a dirt sample? Meanwhile back at the ranch, Dungey clicks of consistent laps and could possibly inherit the lead, possibly resulting in win number three.
We're trying to get hold of Mouse McCoy for a magazine piece, haven't gotten anything official on Dowd from Husqvarna, and that was my bad, not Matthes, on the Toronto ID on that strange pop video....
Thanks for reading, gang, and keeping it on the rails for the most part.
DC
MX Sports
@theChosen--I am a racist?? Really?? JUst because I think Stewarts Dad should stay out of the pits and not get in the way of a pro race team and their manager. And to let his 27 year old son be a man and handle his business?? So if I am not a fan of Stewart I am automatically a racist?? That comment in itself is racist.. So if someone is black and is not a fan of RV or Dungey but IS a fan of Stewart, are they a racist?? That was a very dumb and ignorant comment on your part.. I'm done with your unitellegent as$ if that is where you are headed now. And by the way, I USED to be a fan of Stewart before he became an "entertainer", I liked the Stewart that raced motorcycles only..Take your "racist" crap and stick it dude, your the racist--BRO!!!!
And if Big Stewaart knows so much--he can take his milliuons he made off his son and start a team and run it--Not sign with another team and then tell them how to run that one--he can create his own.. But he would rather take millions from somebody else, then tell them they are wrong..
Lean how to spell it moron.Hahahahahahaha!!!!!!
Hey rg807 and newguy, I want to congradulate you guys. Gay marriage is legalized is most States now. Give my best to your fiances. And go steward!
HAHAHA!!!! Fred has his nose stuck so far up TheUnchosenones as$ so far he knows what he had for lunch.. @FRED, before you jump in there, you may want to LEARN to spell "LEARN" Dork!! You just made a HUGE AS$ of yourself..
@The Chosen--Take the racist crap and hit the road, just because a guy isnt a fan doesnt make him a racist, just not a fan..