Ask Ping!
Friday, March 23, 2012 | 9:35 AM
ODI dates back to the 1980’s as the leader in grip manufacturing. Focusing primarily on the bmx and mountain bike industries through the 90’s and early 2000’s, ODI re-entered the motocross scene when they developed the patented lock-on grip system that eliminates wire and glue. Continuing to advance the way riders hold on to their bikes, ODI has worked closely with the teams they support such as Troy Lee Designs to create the product that is now being used by some of the top teams in the industry.
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Hey Ping,
Would you please exercise your enormous influence in the SX/MX community and talk to Ricky, Fro, and Ralph before they go on TV again with those ridiculous suit coats they wear during most broadcasts? Don’t these guys make enough money to get a tailored jacket? Ok…Fro’s jacket wasn’t so bad, but Carmichael and Sheheen?
And while you’re at it, talk to the rest of the racers when they attend the year-end awards ceremonies. Baseball caps and sneakers while accepting your SX championship trophy? Let’s clean it up guys! If Chuck Liddell can rock a tailored suit so can our pro moto racers. Get on it Ping!
-Erich
Motocross racer and bespoke suit owner
Dear Erich,
We piss and moan that our sport isn’t taken seriously by ESPN and other major broadcasting networks but maybe this is a peek into why. When the very best athletes in our sport, guys with multi-million dollar contracts, show up to formal functions wearing skateboard shoes and a flat-bill hat with their ears tucked in it says one of two things: Either we are too “core” to care about what the mainstream thinks or we are just a bunch of kids without any real context or perspective when it comes to social functions or public relations as it relates to the promotion of the sport. Maybe the answer lies somewhere in the middle. Or maybe they show up to those things looking like bad prom outfits because they realize the only people who are watching are the same folks who show up every weekend. I’ll pass the note along and see if anyone shows up in a tailored suit this year.
PING
Go ahead, tell him that suit looks like crap. Do it.
Ping,
This week it was made official that BT is going to ride Reed’s bike this summer. I know you are boys with Townley and all but how do you really think this is going to turn out? Let me help you out with this one… it will end in the ER. He seems like a great guy and all that but very few riders in the history of this sport have had as much trouble as he has staying healthy. I don’t think Chad’s bike will see the podium all summer. Does Reedy have a plan B if his fill-in rider gets hurt?
Bollie in D-Town
Dear Bollie,
Ben has had a lot of injuries. I can’t argue that. But to anyone who doesn’t think he’ll be a podium threat every single weekend I have to ask: Are you dumb or stupid? Look through his 2010 results, which he posted on a bike that was in development all season long and never really got to where we wanted it. He was second in points going into Washougal! Reed’s bike is on a completely different level in terms of performance and that will translate to confidence for Ben. He has Chad, Goose, Lars, Dave and a dedicated staff to back him up all summer and that is something he hasn’t had since 2007. Ben is for real. Reed wouldn’t have hired him if he weren’t. And you, sir, are a jackass. I hope I see you at Hangtown so I can’t point and laugh.
PING
Podium guy all summer. You'll see.
Ping,
As I'm sure you have noticed, the tone and content of the comments below the Racer X stories has really changed in the last year. A few weeks ago you called people out for pasting their fact-challenged manifestos from one story to another. They must not have read it, or figured out they were being made fun of, because nothing changed.
This was really bothering me. Could my perceived peers (current and former racers who were never that fast) really be that ignorant and petty?
I gathered a team of forensic social media analysts and they scoured the site looking at context, grammar, posting times and other factors. Their conclusion was that five percent of the posters write 95 percent of the posts and that it is likely that the five percent are mostly middle and high school aged American girls, specifically the group commonly referred to as "mean girls." With the poor spelling and lack of grammar it was likely they were using (the ironically named) smart phones to make their entries.
I just thought I'd share this with you. It's not my fellow vet riders acting like ignorant children but a small group of mean girls that have hijacked the site. I don't believe Ask Ping is something they read because the humor is over their head, so it is safe to put the results
here.
Bob. Just Bob
Dear Bob,
Thanks for doing the legwork on that one, bro. Though, if we’re giving statistics, I’m about 98.5 percent sure you are making all that crap up. You’re probably right on the mark though. That Pizza Corner douchbag that always has a wise-ass comment is probably a high school senior mathlete whose face is so acne-ridden it looks like a pizza. Look, if you don’t like this column, and all of your posts confirm that, then stop taking the time to not only read it but also to then scroll down, read the comments and add your own. It’s idiotic. I wish the comments could be civil and a good place for mx fans to banter. I lie awake in bed at night wishing that, I really do [no, I don’t]. I also wish PED’s weren’t an issue in any pro sports. I wish Brittney Spears didn’t have to lip sync all of her concerts and I wish with all my heart that Pizza Face would get an atomic wedgie at school this week or get pummeled by the someone on the football team. Alas, HGH works, Britt can’t sing and Pizza Face, well… actually, that one could happen. Let’s hope.
PING
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Ping is for real, one of the rare true persons left.
@manes - couldn't agree anymore! Can't wait to see BT101 at Millville!
Yes, Townley could be a threat. Still pissed at him for taking out Short!
And he calls out "Pizza Face" (pizza corner) I love it.. Maybe he will call out "Mr. Negative" V-O-R too.. LOL!! That was awesome, and true.. If you really hate the column, why take the time to read it??
@Knobby--agreed, but even worse, he actually seemed happy about it on the podium..
Ole Pizzaface pissed you off a couple times, eh ? Great read as usual, and Love that Cyber Commando pic.
Dungey and BT will battle all Outdoors....for 2nd behind RV.
Blllaaaaaaaahhhhh haaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!! Ping for president!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Pizza + Douche..."Pouche
As someone ho had the liberty of doing some free riding with Ping and a few of his friends, I can tell you he is down to earth, approachable, and genuinely a good guy.
So are the people he hangs with and calls friends.
I wonder how many of the d-bags the are flame posting can say the same?
Stay real Ping and thanks for the schooling in free riding. Remember the the black custom built 4x4 motohauler, and the McGyver that built it?
I bet BT mixes it up with RV and Dunge. But then the Honda will spit him off a la Canard at Wasoughal or Reed at Millville. Then he shatters into a milion pieces. Hope it doesn't happen but odds say it will....
Ask Ping is basically is basically an internet gangster column. It's hilarious of course, kudos. But I find it ironic to call out Pizza Corner because you guys are pretty much cut from the same cloth. Just sayin.
I am still trying to recover from the "Dont worry sir I am from the internet" that was a good one......
Also at first when this site was up and people posted some of the stuff was really bad, I am clad it has cleaned up with the exeption of my typing.
Now the other thing if Townley is gonna ride for Chad will he use the nbr 101 and if he uses the 101 how will we not know that it is not Ping out there? Also will that mean Team Two Two will bick up Ben and Jerry's ice cream for a sponsor?
LMFAO!!! great read this week!!!
Welker please don't give them D-Bags at Ben and Jerry's any press.
PIZZA FACE: MA800 has no chance of breaking into the top 5 on that Yellow POS, I mean Black POS he is riding this year.
Ping's a cool Dude. I agree with him Townley will be running up front. I was fortunate to see him and Villy battling at Millville in 07. Awesome race. It was awesome to see The GOAT's 150th win too. He was ridiculous how fast he was.
Ping, A poster asked you a question about BT and you came unglued berating him with words like dumb, stupid, and jackass. Then you have the audacity to question posters about being civil. I don't mind Brittney Spears lip syncing to her proven results, its those irrelevent has-beens barking in the dark like some lost dog that infuriate me. And Oh, it might be wise when you ask someone to meet you at Hangtown to realize they can find you but you cannot find them. LOL LOL
Pizza face's last comment explains everything. He is an Alessi nut sack holder.
P.I.N.G. = Putting It In Guys.
I like to think I have a pretty good "moto-head" on my shoulders and predicting how BT101 will do at this point is hard to say.... Sure, 2010 he was running up front, but I dont recall him winning a single moto or any overalls...... You can flash back to the 2007 battles in the lites class with RV....but what has BT101 done since then??? not much of anything....Dude is awesome rider and COULD run up front....but will he? I dont think anyone will know for sure until practice is underway at Hangtown......BT101 went from racing with the elite of the sport here in the US 3 seasons ago, to racing against guys over in Aus/NZ nobody has ever heard of.....People say JS7 has lost the edge because he hasnt raced outdoors with the likes of RV, so I think that same theory will apply here....and JS7 is obviously more talented then BT101....I cant predict.....who knows, maybe he comes out and kicks everyones ass.......but I doubt it....RV will be in a class of his own....RD will be close behind....Stewart, I cant predict either.......BT101 and JS7 will be battling for 3rd the first few rounds....
I meant...P.I.N.G.= Putting It N Guys.
P.I.N.G.= Ping Is Notoriously Gay.
i will only say this in regards to the BT take out of Shorty. Although it was widely known Short is a good guy, a working man hero to a certain extent. But it is also well known that is he is one of the dirtiest riders on the circuit. So maybe BT just gave him a dose of his own medicine.
since it was mentioned on here..... the fact that the Alessi clown, I mean Alessi clan have decided to say their bike is a " moto-concept" and not a " suzuki".... I am sure they are missing out on all sorts of help or tips from the factory guys.....That "black POS" he is riding looks like something you see on ebay for sale, that some guy has rode into the ground and probably never changed the oil or air filter on.....it is really ugly looking.....if MA800 does anything at all, it will happen out doors....but now the equipment, or lack there of, is really going to haunt him.....
Thank you Ping. I am shocked by all the guys saying that Townley isn't going to do anything on Reed's bike. He's absolutely for real and has a better bike and team around him than he's had since PC Kawi when he was the only one who could really challenge Villopoto for a 250 MX title.
I don't think the people on here that post all the stupid comments are "mathletes." I just don't see a bunch of nerds that are into motocross. What I liken it to is the tv sports anchor or the sports radio disc jockey. All they have ever done is talk about sports because they were too small, weak and uncoordinated to participate themselves.
Pizza is so full of hate and is so unhappy its almost sad.. his hate has ate him alive..
@ Killomoto.
Mate, your referring to Bens NZ/Aus competition as "guys nobody has ever heard of" like vice world MX champion Josh Coppins who has had ALOT of success in Europe over a long period of time, and Cody cooper ( who stuck it to stewart in the Mud when he raced suzuki at unadilla in 2008, and has multiple NZ/Aus MX titles) these guys are definately world class motocross athletes especially when theyre racing at home on tracks they've raced for years.
As for Bens performance this year I believe with the positive influence from Chad Reed will be amazing, as well as knowing that he has a hand -picked crew thats as good as Anybody could ask for, and the Factory CRF 450R that will be even better than what bens riding already,
That formula may be the difference between what we've seen before from Ben and that next level that a healthy,confident BT can deliver. we will see...........
What really looks ridiculous on the TV broadcasts, besides the garb of the announcers, is the riders gulping energy drinks while being interviewed. What's in that stuff, heroin? They look like junkies needing a fix. While watching a recent World Superbike race, Mad Max Biaggi was being interviewed on the podium, and he had some beverage in a bottle sitting there. They made him move it out of camera view before doing the interview. I know sponsors are important, but WSB sure has a more professional look than our mx races. That being said, I'd rather watch mx than roadracing, but both are sure to get me glued to the television, figuratively, of course.
Nice job Ping. Now just alil of dash's opinion on BT. His clock is fast ticking...26, 27 yrs old now?? You can surround yourself with the best bike, crew etc and you still may be lacking the sack. The age thing happens to all of us. Also, the new kids are going at a different level than even 1 yr ago. I bet Barcia goes 450 this summer and if that happens, 1 more position on the box may be his week in and week out. I think BT will be 5th thru 10th kinda rider...which is still awesome. The first few rounds will be interesting to see how Dungey and the KTM will do. RV is easy to say "the man to beat." JS7 really just looking for a reason to not do the outdoors. I'd like to say BT is the nicest guy out there, but the majority of these kids that are making the mains are really nice, good dudes. Even some of the ex-fast guys that are Tom Cruise haters fit into that category....:)
Hey Dash, where's Rosco. I was impressed with BT in 2011 when he beat Dungey at MEC. Dungey was still getting adjusted to the new bike, as he still is. lol
@Dash Post-race, I like the way Roczen doesn't recite the stupid, boring list of sponsors every time the camera is on him. He actually talks about the race. The Monster Energy/Pro Circuit riders are the worst when it comes to a boring recitation of sponsors, along with swilling of "Tour Water" made up to look like ass-tasting Monster Energy drink.
@wow Pizzamanglers big day is in the sun is being called a duuuuche by ping....you should feel so proud ,you have made the podium.lol ... Townley will be better this year ...he'll make 4 races . He and Grant can book vacations now .... its won't matter ...RV ain't playin.....As for the announcers fashion choice I think Wharton should pick their clothes..maybe purple jumpers..lol..i for one don't care about some Dick Cheney look alikes calling the races. I don't notice Bretts song and I don't care if they dress like a wall street maniquin..I like what they do and the champ (THE GOAT) can wear a damn barney suit and i wouldn't care. ...how lucky are we to have 2 ex champions of the sport in the booth.... .i'm just there to watch some good racin'....not hear a concert or go to a fashion show and have better things to do than bit*h about them holding or sippingan energy drink(one of the sponsors who actually make the FREE live broadcast possible).geezus....get a grip.@billc did you break a nail opening your ben and jerrys??awwww.
I think it's awesome that BT will be back, especially on a 22 bike. I think he certainly has the talent to be competitive if (and it's a big if) he can stay healthy. This year has been enormously disappointing (especially after last year's SX season). With Chad and Trey out for the outdoors and JS7 looking like he just doesn't want to ride anymore, the outdoor season was looking to be as boring as the rest of this Supercross season. New faces, our ones that haven't been around for awhile will help spice things up. BT, hopefully Barcia on a 450 and maybe, just maybe JS7 back on the outdoor circuit will help to make the season more exciting. I've followed both the SX series (since it's inception) and the outdoor nationals (since 1974) and I don't think I've ever been as disappointed as I am with the current SX series. With Chad, RD and most probably JS7 out, I'd almost rather do something else than watch RV1 win another race (not a fan). Let's hope BT brings some excitement to the outdoors.
I think Townley will be just fine with the backing he has with Reed I think he might turn some heads we wil jjust have to see, still wanna know what nbr TB will have, I was just joking with Ping about the nbr and his addiction to ice cream. @ BillC I have never been to a ben and Jerry's so Im not trying to give them a plug.
I do think the pros should dress up for the awards ceremony's and such. Dont care what they wear in the booth. They should get a chance to at least towel off before the after race interview.
Anybody know why Gavin Faith isn't racing in Toronto? Was his Indy crash that bad?
In reference to major networks taking this sport serious, someone should tell two of the three commentators that they should avoid the word SEEN. The over under on RC saying "I seen xyz (insert rider here) do that in practice", is 3. I know he and Fro aren't college graduates, but please try to use some good grammar.
Ooops, I forgot about NASCARs premier announcer's use of "bogity, bogity, bogity boys!
I SEEN the light!
Oh P@ssy Corner, you're hilarious! Townley will have zero issues w/ Alessi this summer.
Ben Townley- he seems like a nice well mannered guy and a very good rider too- But he was only consistently fast and healthy against Villopoto on the 250f- for that one season. Since then Villopoto has struggled badly in his first two years on the big bore- before sorting it all out to become the win machine that he is right now. I don't see Townley just jumping right to the top of the 450 outdoors overnight. I think he may show the speed to battle with Villopoto again, but I don't see him applying relentless pressure for 12 rounds- all while staying in one piece. I do believe he could be a consistent podium threat with several of the top guys already out. I think it will depend on who makes it to Hangtown- Will Canard be ready? Stewart? Reed is out too- I will be very impressed if it turns out to be anything like a rematch of summer 2007.
Good stuff Ping! It would be great to see BT101 do well this summer. Ben always seems to be struggling with injuries, but does have some talent. So hopefully it all works out for Ben. So pizza corner must be sporting some real wood about now and a new found man love for Ping. Out of all the posters on here and he gets the D-bag award. His mom must be pround of him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WFO_UFO-- You make some good points, but I don think we will see a repeat of 2007, RV1 was only 17 years old then, and BT was 22 or so and had alot of racing experience behind him, including a GP crown.. RV1 is a different animal now.. BT is fast no doubt about it. But I dont see him challenging RV1 for the title. Dungey maybe, he ran with RV at Steel City and Pala, with RV1 on his 2012 bike. Alot of guys seem to be forgetting that.
I can SEEN BT following RV to the finish line now, only a lap down.
I SEEN THE LIGHT TOO
tonewall - I'm not against giving the sponsors their due. But FFS their logos surround the rider on camera, he's got their logos all over his gear, his hat, the fake can he's drinking, the announcers preface everything with "Monster Energy" -- do we really need the riders to thank them again? And again? And again? And again?
It's approaching parody. They talk about the race for about 2 seconds before they get around to God-botherin' and thanking all the sponsors.
Ironically, this has had the opposite reaction the sponsors want in me. I ignore all the post-race crap, because it's always the same.
I think this is all a cover........my theory: Ping is Pizzacorner!!!??
Ohh, a sock-puppet troll. Very tricky.
I really have a hard time believing that the factory bikes could be so much better than Alessi's that he could not put in a competive finish. I do believe BT will be good on Reed's bike, and that his confidence will soar on such a bike. I've seen a lot of up and comers get some great finishes on bikes you and I could obtain due to plain ol' hard effort and good riding to believe the bike makes that much of a difference. Like John Dowd, 2nd in a National at 55 yrs old! (not really 55, but almost). I think I could probably get out there on my 06 CRF250 and finish strong. (Well, my scent would be strong anyway).
@toomanyarrows--Alessi wasnt very competetive on a factory bike in supercross either... He is more of an outdoor guy. He has never done real well in supercross.
That is true. My point is "its not about the bike" as much as "the fight in the dog", but BT has a lot of fight in him, so I predict he'll do well, and yeah Mike should do better outdoors as he has before. He has made some improvement indoors this year I was glad to see, although I'm a bit tired of the "hype". lol.
I have a good feeling BT will do very, very well. I also think he wants to stay healthy worse than any of us and will keep that in mind.
I think RV will do better than last year but still not have a easy time of it.
@therealmofo I can't believe that Ping didn't call you out.You are the gayest most stupid one on here.You are also the biggest smartass as well.
Wow, this is like the MX/SX version of Jersey Shore. Have fun children!
@toomanyarrowstothe head....yeah a factory honda is just like "uncle jims " chinese mini bike after a few bong hits. Is BT on a factory honda or a #22 PC honda....I believe Reed after flinging himself into space and finally on to the couch saw the difference......the new sheriff looked liked Kdub with a stuck throttle last week ....Brayton will spank BT for the three races hes back....@fred..... actually it's between you and the realmofo and your winning....lol. .......
@Tonewall Why think you sweetheart.KissKiss
I mean Thank you.Hahaha
The 95% can't be bothered to argue with the 5%. If you dumb yourself down to that level they will beat you with their experience.
@GWN I guess you are one of the experienced ones.
@fredandGWN...i rest my case..
@fred, if you say so.
@tonewall, thank you for resting your case.
GWN just messing with you a little.
i think pizza corner is mike alessi.
So bummed JS 7 is not racing tonight , I guess I will have to do a Golden Girls Marathon !
@Bobthebuilder - I am not so convinced that Ping is Pizzaface. I would have to lean more toward it being Matthes. If not Matthes then Pizza has to be an underling employee of RX just having a blast stirring things up and watching Davi and crew twitch from across the cubical isle. Although a few weeks ago someone called him out as being Tony Allessi. Now THERE is a cow patty to kick over to find the stink!
Once again, nothing but common sense from Ping. I hope all of you younger riders and fans (and older ones, too) are learning a thing or two about grammar, spelling, syntax, structure, opinion and wit,
And yes David, if the wife says "yes" I would love to sleepover...
You know? I've heard and seen it talked about for years that AS29 is a dirty rider. I don't know him personally but, he seems like a very likeable guy. I can't remember or recall a specific incident that was even questionable.