250 Words: St. Louis
Monday, March 5, 2012 | 11:25 AM
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When Blake Baggett is on, his speed is almost unexplainable. His “El Chupacabra” performances outdoors last year saw him delivering come-from-behind efforts that defied logic. But some days, that magical speed just wasn’t there, and Blake really didn’t have an explanation as to why.
Nah, I just sucked. I just got ruined by people I shouldn’t get beat by.
Blake is capable in supercross, too, with three career Lites wins. But after a tough race in St. Louis, where he finished a lowly ninth, it’s clear he hasn’t found the mojo yet in 2012. And once again, he’s not sure why. After the race, I found him sitting on a cooler, just having completed a discussion with Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki owner Mitch Payton.
Racer X: How’d it go? Good?
Blake Baggett: Yeah… No. Not even close.
Any ideas?
I need to do something.
Are you good? Like are you healthy? Is there an issue?
Nah, I’m healthy.
Inconsistency has marred Baggett’s 2012 campaign thus far.
Photo: Carl Stone
Nah, I just sucked. I just got ruined by people I shouldn’t get beat by.
It’s weird because you got sixth in practice. That’s better than last week, actually, when you got ninth and told me that’s pretty good for you in practice.
Better than a lot of weeks.
Was just the main bad, or all day was it just bad? Were you just not feeling it?
It started out decent, a lot better than normal, but it just didn’t click. At this point, I just need to win races. I need to hang it out there whether I crash or not, really, at this point.
There wasn’t much more for Baggett to say. Daytona, a race he won last year, looms next. Which Baggett will we see there? It seems that right now, Blake himself isn’t sure.
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So far B.B. has to be the 'head scratcher' of the East season. I wouldn't bet against him for a podium at Daytona though.
Zach Osborne for MXdN MX2.
Baggett reminds me of Windham, loaded with talent but has that mixed up head and gets himself into funks mentally. When you cannot explain your own actions, you got problems boy. We have all seen burn out on talented riders also so maybe Blake has a little of both conditions. It is too bad because i really enjoy watching him when he is on.
He´s one of the riders that are fast when they come up to the pros and fade when expectations become bigger. Just like Austin Stroupe.
Weege, If your a reading this I am the bummbling idiot that caught you before you interviwed Bagget. ( The one that said, "hey cameron, can I get a picture".) I apologize for I was a acting like a little kid in a candy store and had you mixed up with someone who I know your not! After the picture I was like Sh*t. That was Jason Weigandt. What the hell was wrong with me. Just wanted to apologize.
Sincerley, the village idiot.
mmmmkkaayyy,drugs are bad......mmmkaayyy
When he starts talking about himself in the third person, we'll know a line as been crossed.
Bilbo seems like a better nickname, then.. you know, but it could be a problem in places were Bs are pronounced like Ds.
Is '250 Words' supposed to be an interview? Since when?
Willy (Deano) messed him up real good last year in the outdoors. He's never recovered.
Props for BB to say it like it is, and even more props to send it out uncut. Racing has lots more stories than are found about the top step of the podium...
Barcia's got this class dialed and it will only get worse outdoors where fitness is an even bigger isssue. Then he'll be moving up to the 'big's' before JS can even catch his breath from RV sweeping in to dominate. I like it. I like it alot :)
Blake,
Take the pressure off by just thinking about how much fun it is to be riding your bike.
Enjoy yourself and smile and laugh when you nail that triple, try to not think about yours and others expectations for results! Breath, relax and get your rhythm and you will hall the mail, one of the best racers in the world shared that with me and it changed everything!
Lighten up Blake. You can only control your preparation.
Daytona coming up.......... Ride solid there and your in the mix
JimM
Pala374
@oldermxer
Good point. It does sound like he may be forgetting about the fun.
When you come off the track and the boss that expects nothing but first place is waiting on you then the fun of riding is no longer an option. This is their living and it is either perform or you are done.
Wharton was too goofy inthe past and his results reflected it. Mean, focused, unhappy wins races, look at Poto :)
The fans are behind you BB. We know your not mailing it in.
Gotta' like Baggett's honesty. Hope he can hone in on the magic he is fully capable of bringing. Come on #12; we're waiting to see you take the fight to Barcia, Roczen & Wharton among others...
We know you can. Believe it lil' Dude. We do.
I really enjoyed the words this week, something different. I can't believe how inconsistent Baggett has been, even after saying that's all he wanted before the season started. He can't charge through the pack anytime he wants, which was pretty annoying to hear. Get over the ego a bit and maybe he'll find his way.
Yikes. Did Mitch just tell him to win or crash tryin? I always wondered what made him such a great manager.