Monday Conversation: Ryan Villopoto
Monday, March 26, 2012 | 10:30 AM
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PrintAnother race and another win for Monster Energy Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto, who now has a 79-point lead over the idle Ryan Dungey, and a 102-point lead over the closest active rider in the series, Davi Millsaps (who still sits fourth in points behind James Stewart).
The wins keep coming and the points keep piling up for RV. Does that change his mindset? Matthes asked him about that after his Toronto victory.
Racer X: Good job tonight.
Ryan Villopoto: Thank you. It was good, I got a good start, or a pretty good start, and I saw Nico [Izzi] on the outside of me and came into the first turn and he came in really hot and started to slide and the berm caught him. That kind of upset him and then I kind of slid into the side of him. Luckily I was still able to triple out of the first turn and stay in second through there.
Then from there, you marked Justin Brayton and made a move on him?
Yeah, I felt really good on every part of the track other than the whoops. I don’t think anyone felt good in the whoops. I had some close calls in the whoops, actually. I came in one lap, had a big one, saved it, changed the line up. I had like three big ones in a row or something. Then I was able to finally get through them, but you couldn’t blitz them and if you tried to jump them, your foot pegs would drag. So, yeah, the whoops were tough.
After getting by Justin Brayton (far) early it was smooth sailing for Ryan Villopoto (near) in Toronto.
James Lissimore photo
The left side of the whoop section was no good. You had to go down the right.
Oh yeah? No, I’m kidding.Yeah, it was. I started going down the right and I was going I don’t even know how fast. I don’t know what those other guys were doing.
Brayton's on a roll right now. He looks to be trying to get in there, maybe get a piece of your glory!
I know. He’s riding really good right now. So, I think it definitely shows that he’s going to be a guy to race with.
How was the track? Was it really beaten down?
For Toronto, the whole track held up really well and it was better than usual, except for the whoops. They were so bad that, even if you had big balls to go through them, it really wasn’t going to do you any good. You just had to take your time.
RV stretched his points lead to 79 with his win in Toronto.
James Lissimore photo
Alright man, you’re on a roll now. Big points lead. Different mindset a little bit now, maybe? We’re getting late in the season. Does that come into play?
Yeah, it’s tough to not have a different mindset, but it happens. With the points lead, you get put in a situation where you don’t want to ride too hard, don’t want to ride over your head, don’t want to make a mistake. But then you get put in a situation where they guys like Brayton and Jake [Weimer] and some other guys are riding well… I don’t want to sound cocky about it, but you get put in a weird situation and those guys see opportunity. I don't want to say that I’m backing it down, I’m not backing it down, that just sounds cocky. But they see opportunity, then their confidence rises, they start riding better than they have all year, then I’m like 'don’t make a mistake' and I kind of ride timid. So, it’s tough. The last few weeks, like you said, Brayton’s been riding really well. I think it caught me a little more off guard last weekend than it did this weekend. This weekend, I was ready for it. I was more prepared.
Squash that confidence before it gets too big.
[Laughs] Well, I try to.
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The man has spoken so get that notion of him letting anyone win because he is in safe mode pass.
Sounding like a true Champ.
Always a good interview from Poto. Class act. Keep up the hard work!
Claxton, He is backing it down, I would bet on it. Thing is he can back it down and still win. He beat Brayton by 10sec anyway.
Bill C, I do agree with you I am just saying he is not going to crawl around and let someone get a win. Plus if it came to a battle at the end of a race he would go all out to get that win if need be. Must be nice to be that gifted and have the control to dominate like he does.
I liked watching Poto push Brayton around at the last round. It seemed like he was pushing Brayton to learn different lines and increase his speed. He can say he was surprised by Braton but it is way to obvious that he wasn't. When he was done playing with him he pulled the trigger and said goodbye. This week though, he didn't play with him at all. With all of the other guys that can even touch his speed out maybe he should grow his own competion by showing a wheel on the guy in front of him then backing off to let that rider taste what it takes to hang with a guy as fast as he is. As a rider it is fun to watch fast guys speed up guys that are slower. It does wonder for both my son and I when it happens to us. At least it would give us fans something watch.
Stoked for K-Dub! They cut his interview too short though.
Anyone else a little creeped out by the look on Aldon's face? It's a little lovey?! :)
One of the toughest things a top rider can do is back it down. These guys are comfortable when they are twisting it to the stops. When they back it down and develop that "protect the lead" mentality, bad things can happen. No offense to Brayton and the rest of the guys, but they cannot match RV's speed just yet. Even when he is backing it down. The biggest challenge for RV and Aldon will be to keep the focus and to not get sucked into the prevent defense mentality. It happened to Stewart a few years ago in Vegas where he almost let Chad punt him into the cheap seats and it almost cost him the championship. Stewart rode like he was protecting the lead instead of attacking and riding like he knows how. My advise would be to act like you are 2nd in the points and have to win out to win the championship. Keep twisting it to the stops b/c that is how you know how to ride......Easy for me to say, right?
I still don't understand how some people dislike this guy, he gets it done like a boss, bottom line. Always to the point, always respectful. Long story short, no BS, drama or excuses, guess that isn't good enough for some people.
Nice ride RV1, you are the man!! no pun intended but with everyone out with injuries its pretty much all yours! still nice too see Dungey in 2nd in the points even tho hes been out for a few weeks,crazy how he still might be in the top 5 by the end of the series...JS7? what can anyone say? Brayton,good job dude,steppin it up the way you have is awesome!!!
Cool to see RX VT comment.
Couldn't agree more; RV's state of mind is winning; hard to change that
One thing he did comment on and I think is true -
After Houston he could face mother nature, that being said I see no reason to go all out for a mud race. He did not ride well in Daytona, actually he looked off and NOT comfortable. He has proven himself indoors, now he needs to start the prep for outdoors.
I almost (almost) feel bad for non RV fans, it probably is a fairly boring series to them. I on the other hand, have thoroughly enjoyed the last 2 years.
RV1 again, wewt!)
GO RV!!! just hope when seasons over the idiots don't say he only won because everyone was hurt, to them I say he was dominate when all the true title contenders was healthy and the only reason the others got hurt was because they was trying to ride with RV or trying to find more speed to ride ride with RV... so heal up everyone and will cya outside.
I'm actually surprised noones been throwing out the * crap because his main competition isnt there anymore, they were though but they F up and throw it away. It's part of the game. RV threw his own season away before as well, handing it to Dungey.
Exactly ride4husky.
@retardcross
Ya man he's definately an awesome rider. 99% of the time he keeps it totally clean. Just shows his talent. Not many people can kick your ass like he can without trying to flat out punt you.
The thing I like most about RV and Aldon's program is the pinpoint focus they have achieved. Not that some of the other riders are not focused but I think there are degrees of focus. I think Chad had that pinpoint focus one race b/f he was injured. James had that type of focus back when he was dominating but I think he has lost it to some degree over the years. So much of winning a Championship at ay level is the single minded focus that it requires. RC had that mindset......right now, RV has it as well. We will see if he can keep it through to Vegas.
If he wins this weekend it's over if JS does not race. Then RV can start outdoor testing. Scary thought for everyone else.
Or if JS races and gets 4th or worce.
I wish i could still race, had a wreck a few years ago on muh crotch rocket (VFR800)....freak downpoor caught my dumbass with no eye protection and i was ducking behind the windscreen as i topped a hill. A car peaked it about the same time and startled me, popped my head up instictively and the rain/winshear nailed me in the eyes and i squinted or closed my eyes and hit a culvert dead on at about 40mph. Shattered the windscreen with my forehead and slammed into the clutch fluid reservoir/steering column and broke my jaw in a few places. Had 93 stitches in my face. I've had seizures here and there ever since and black out here and there.
Good interview Matthes and RV. Thx
I'm gaining more respect for this kid after every interview. That's hard for me to say because in the past I said that I don't ever see myself being a fan of his but, this guy is doing everything right. True champion and he deserves just as much as everybody. The only thing I don't want to see is another RC era. I hope its not the new guys coming up that apply pressure either. We need some CR, JS, RD, RV and TC battles.
Great job Ryan, wrap it up next week. You deserve it.
Well here we go with the "what ifs" Not going into extreme detail but i feel Reed & Dungey being gone has definatly given RV a lil comfort..its all good S**t happens in this sport! Outdoors will be a fresh start & thats where Reed & Dungey will shine!! Early Congrats too ya Villopoto!!
The full meal deal for sure. His own words of, "I don’t want to sound co@#y about it, but" have always been what I respect in his program. He is not so full of himself that has to be co@#y about it. Self confidence is a beautiful thing, without having to force feed the rest of world your plan. He comes from good stock, well grounded and really is a great person (in my opinion) to represent two wheel dirt antics. Good on ya, Champ!
Nice interview, Matthes!
Just to stir the pot, RV is one of the best, but he is not dominate in the RC way. In a season the number 4 either won or got second and only one rider had the speed to stay with him any given year be it Reed or Stewart. RV finished behind Dungey in 3 races, behind Stewart in 3 races, and behind Reed in 2 races, and if the others had stayed healthy he would have finished behind them on occation the rest of the series. He can and will be beaten again. As for the riders getting hurt trying to run his pace, not buying that, as all three guys and the Firecracker were seperated by mere tenths or hundreths of a second per lap, basicly the same speed. The falls are generally due a momentary lack of focus, causing a mistake, that happens to all riders at every level. Is RV going to win the Supercross Championship, YES, should there be an astrik due to others being out, HECK NO, he has earned this title just like every other champion in history. Ryan is a great rider no doubt, but is he human, can he make a mistake, does he put his pants on one leg at a time, to each question YES! No discredit meant to RV, but to say the other top guys are not in his league or crashed trying to run his pace is a slap in the face of the other riders who have worked just as hard and have just as much talent. Root and Cheer for whom ever you wish, but you have got to RESPECT all the riders for the incredible talent they ALL possess! Now lets all get healthy and have a wonderful outdoor season!!
PS I forgot to mention, "He even knows how to (PASS) other riders without contact." Seriously, I do not think I recall anyone, more so than RV1 that a rider could trust more next to them, to do his job on the track without including them in, or anyone else in the race, for that matter. He is there to do a job, his job, and you are only included as (another) obstacle to maneuver around, and (not) into. All part of the total package he is wrapped up in, week in... and week out...
why do some not like him, hes boring, has no emotion, just no fun to watch, example who would you rather watch Barcia or Villopoto, if you honest enough said. He has no one to race, not his fault, just bad luck on dung, stew and reed, i dont know if james left kawasaki or kawaski got RV for a discount compared to james, what ever the case, James did a lot for kawasaki that would be motivation enough for me to put em at the bottom step, and i guess alden and james had a fall out so hes going to grab the next guy thats going to keep his face out there, RC was sent walking by Honda after he hurt his knee and thats a regret they had for many years after, another rider didnt do so well when he went to yamaha that would be McGrath, just for the sake of loyalty, sticking it out through the good and bad i hope James, no hope i know he will rebound, theres no way you can deny he still one of the fastest riders out there. If he wants he will get it, maybe he wants to race nascar if so cant blame him, more money, more t.v. more oppurtunitys.
I like the guy just as much as anyone, but is everybody forgeting when he took Dungey out then a staight away later wrecked and broke his leg??? For the most part he is clean, but he has also raced pretty dirty at times.
Totally agree with you caseypons!
RezzDogg...Reed will not be doing the outdoors, The last one or two maybe but that might even be pushing it.
BD25 You have said many times that " These guys are seperated by mere tenths or hundreths of a second per lap, basicly the same speed."
.Not really, There have been times, many where RV's been over 1 sec faster than any one of them. Not all of them on the same day but there has yet to be a day where ANY of them put a sec on him. There was at least one race where RV's avg was faster then some of there BEST lap's. I don't think it is/was as close as you think.
PS. How do you know RV puts his pants on one leg at a time?? I don't do it that way so maybe he does not either??
I don't know about you yamaha645........but watching the fastest guy on the planet attack the track harder than anyone and blow up berms faster than anyone with perfect technique lap after lap like clockwork is pretty entertaining to me.
@Yamaha465
It's always apparent how some let their bias impact their judgement. You think RV is boring to watch? You think we are all going to agree that Barcia is more exciting on a bike? Obviously the only reason you think that is you like Barcia more than RV. To me RV is the most exciting guy on the bike, even when he is going the same speed as someone he just looks faster. He is pure agression out there just as Retardcross said with the blowing up of berms and constant attack mode. If your talking about interviews, please, this is MX not talk radio.
just one thing now that the 22 , 5 , havoc7 etc etc guys have all started to "give the new sheriff some credit".....thanks ...us fans of more than a week laughed at your off the wall claims of victory 3 weeks in... AND RV1 didn't win races because of everyone being out ,he won because of everyone OUT trying to race him. That and the fact that hes faster ,and is on a bike that is WORKIN' excellent , not in 'development or just wrong. I would love to say that its boring on here without the 'other' know it alls' but its NOT. @retardcross today you are absolutely correct.@yamaha 465 yeah mac didn't go very good on the yamaha??? wtf your an idiot ....go put your #7 jammies on kiss moms and 'uncle jimmys"cigarette and vodka stained lips goodnight and go to bed ,the partys over.'. Wait till we get to the land of exploding haybales ...you ain't seen nothin yet ...Townley? like sending a piece of glass to a shotgun fight. dream on. Maybe Tony A will go to the 'crossroads' and make a deal.lol ...
RC dominated in a time that the field was not remotely as strong and the programs where not what they are now. RC set that standard.
You want dominant? RV beats, more often than not, and will over time, everyone of the current fast guys.
The current fast guys? Oh yes, All previous champions! RV is routinely beating every week 3 previous champions. RC never had to do that.
You can not compare what RC did against what RV is doing. To may factors are not the same, the level of the sport and talent is at its peek. Doing what RV is doing is every bit as impressive as what Jeremy did in his day and RC did in his. They both caught the sport sleeping. RV is racing a very much awake group of riders and teams.
Just sayn'
BD25, I was a RC fan and watched him get beaten 6 times in a roww by CR, saw JS repeatedly beat him as wel as others, so in SXI say its pretty clear RV is going up against a deeper and faster feild and still winning.
Yes JS has clearly wrecked trying to run RV's pace, CR was up to his pace and wrecked, RD was clearly consistantly slower by .578 seconds per lap (check lap times yourself) and it was either time to push harder or accept second. So to say RD was not practicing to go faster because he needed to would be foolish.
chc410, the RV- RD contact at st louis was not dirty,and not intentional at all, Rv was clearly faster that day and couldn't hold his line taking him on the inside. It actually hurt RV as much as RD. (VERY rare for him) Dirty is a intentional takeout of the top 4 they all would be called clean riders- even JS- his take out's are not intentional, he just loses control far more often. I would call RV, RD, and CR pretty even on loss of control.
RX Virtual Trainer: I agree with that 100%. You need to be fast, consistent and in shape, but this game is a mind game too and with the speeds they are blitzing, focus is just as important as anything else now. Chad just had one momentary loss in focus and went over the bars and that's all it took to end his season. RV on the other hand looks seriously single minded on his goal and it's may be hard to beat him for years to come. If he wins the outdoors this year and then SX and outdoors next year, that would be 10 national titles.
I am an RV fan and I say, I saw what we are seeing now 1, 2 and 3 races into the season. Those who did not see this coming, simply did not want to. Yes BD25 he finished behind some guys sometimes but he was COMING FROM LAST, RACING FOR A CHAMPIONSHIP and MITIGATING DAMAGE!
If he is healthy all year I FEEL SORRY FOR YOU NON RV FANS THIS MOTOCROSS SEASON! You think this was dominant?
Remember, he said himself last year (HIS FIRST FULL 450 SEASON BY THE WAY) " I forgot how HARD it was, I forgot how HOT it was ". He now remembers and that spells TROUBLE for everyone else. You might see RC like performances from RV this year, I am talking about 20 to 40 seconds on EVERYONE moto after moto. The only guy I see that has a chance to run with him is Dungey but even then, RV is going to be chock full of confidence while everyone else will have that question.
I think this outdoor season it will be JS7 saying " I forgot how HARD it was, I forgot how HOT it was ". I think that is what dfrove him away from MX in the first place!
I agree that Villopoto is not yet on the same page as the goat- He has not been that dominant on a race to race basis- even on the smaller bikes he only won about half his races. But if he keeps staying healthy and winning I am slowly becoming a believer too. Outdoors is the real deal. Can Villopoto can put together a 24 and 0? Clearly he is the best right now, but beating the same guys 24 races in a row without some kind of setback is one of the feats that will put him in the class of the greats. Even the greats don't stay great forever- unless you pull a Rocky Marciano like Carmichael did. Thats why he is the goat- he NEVER went into decline, he went out on top, eighty percent dominance over an entire career. I'm not saying Villopoto wont one day be on that list- he just has a lot more to prove imo. He was the king of 450f 2011- just like Dungey was king of 2010. Lets see if he can keep taking the titles from everyone, so far he is on a pretty good run.
@Red54m Don't get too ahead of your self buddy. Clearly RV is going to be a contender and clearly he has the best shot at the title, but Dungey is ALWAYS going to be strong and will win motos. RV finishing 20 - 40 seconds ahead? As much as I would love that to shut some people up, I don't think we'll see it happen moto after moto. I personally think he will win the title, but it will be a fight and him knowing what to do and how hard it is will put him in a better position than last year.
@klrman1 Wouldn't it be 8 titles? I am probably wrong, but just making sure.
wfo_ufo im right there with you in the sense that he has a lot to prove yet but please me come on comparing dungeys 2010 season to rv 2011 is just insane dungey had no competition at all i mean even at the end he had all this heat from rv,s winning streak when rv had his crash on the other hand rv had EVERYBODY in his 2011 championship
Comparing seasons? Didn't they all start at anahiem both seasons? For Dungey the top guys got hurt. For Villopoto the top guys got hurt. Villopoto wasn't that far ahead when they were still in it. Dungey led defending champ Stewart 17 laps and almost beat him at anahiem- then Stewart got hurt in the very next race. Reed too. Dungeys was no more of a gift than 2012 Villopoto.
thats right penguin_bob i just would love that also but even with me being an rv fan myself i dont see it happening i think he will win the mx championship but that kind of gaps comes with years dominating
wfo_ufo you know dungey dosent have the speed rv and js7 have that is a FACT and in 2010 js cr where out of the season in round 2 and dungey never beat any of those guys theres a huge diference rv beat all the top guys before they goy hurt
Well that was interesting, good debate! All of you have good opinoins, glad we have this free forum to express them...RV fans are very loyal and will jump at the chance to defend his honor...you should all be very proud...as I to am a fan of RV. I also am a fan of Dungey, Canard, Windam and Reed. One rider will be the champion and helmets off to him, as no matter who he has to race,or how many wins he gets, the guy with the most points wins. I have interviewed several pro riders over the years and they are human too, with both flaws and talents unique to each. I will root for all of the guys who like to race clean and give it their all..BillC your right, he may jump up and stab both legs in at once with all his agility..but old guys like us usually put one in at a time or sit on the bed put legs in hope to stand up..lol..glad I got ya all chattin...
penguin_bob: At least I think it would be 10 titles if he wins the outdoors this year and then SX and outdoors next year. Right now he has 6 titles I think.
2006 AMA National Motocross Lites Champion
2007 AMA West Supercross Lites Champion
2007 AMA National Motocross Lites Champion
2008 AMA National Motocross Lites Champion
2011 AMA National Supercross Champion
2011 AMA National Motocross Champion
Let me use this analogy. For those of you who have had best of all worlds and played the stick and ball sports as well as raced/rode bikes. My football coach always preached to us, " Never, ever, under no circumstances go half speed!!!!" Thats how you get hurt or hurt someone else! I'm not saying Poto needs to take unnecessary risks, like do a tricky rythm section that only 3-4 guys would attempt. If Villi just rides hard but smart, (Even if he dials it back just a tick) He is still faster than the guys that are left. I have all the respect in the world for all of these riders... I think we all do despite who your fav or least fav rider is!!
Dungey beat Villopoto in 2010- and almost beat Stewart. Then he never got a second chance after that- never even got a single chance to beat Reed while he was still healthy. He won by such a large margin you would have to think he could have been competitive against the missing guys- hell he broke one of Carmichael's records (for outdoors). What if Villopoto 2011 had the same top guys out- he would have won it anyway but just by a lot more- so does that make his title worth less? That is what we are looking at now for 2012 Villopoto. ALL titles and perfect seasons are real.
as an rv fan im still very excited every weekend props to the "best of the rest" for really stepping up. I do agree with what weimer said about guys just "rolling around" in the main event thats rediculous there are guys who didnt make the main for whatever reason (not always their fault) that would give their left nut to switch place with lets say jeff alessi ......
now on to mx the odds are greatlt in rv's favor, with reed out the exiting factors will be
1. how well RD can get his new bike dialed in for mx, we know hes fast outdoors IMO he's better outdoors than in sx but thats just my opinion
2. how will stewart do?,will he even race?,
i like others have said do think he will win but do think at the very least RD wont just let him have it hopefully guys like brayton,milsaps and all the others who are now getting podiums will get some confidance and carry that into the outdoors
ive heard him say "if the win is there im gonna go for it"
he would dafinately race barcia he'd definately be smart about it though .....
but you are absolutely right @thechosenone barcia will walk in and be an imediate threat
I think Brayton would/will give barcia all he can handle this year and next but I fear by the end of next year barcia will be up to the top level. I hope when he does he will take it somewhat easy and get used to the class- I am SOOO tired of injuries.
ufo
RD has never beat RV for a full season, RV has beat RD in a full season, You keep forgetting to mention 2011. In 2010 rv had more wins with 4 less races and consistantly faster lap times. In 2011 the competition was double up top and RV won, RD got third. In 2012 Rv was doing it again and had 2.5 time more wins than RD when RD got hurt.
That being said I have HUGE respect for RD and expect him to improve for the next few years. RV will not have it easy and will have to step it up more each year and NOT get overconfident.
The cool thing right now is, ALL of the top ten guys in the 450's are class acts, good guys, and true sportsmen. With a lot more moving up
KW,JB,RD,TC,RV,JS,JW,CR,BM,DM
poto is the man.. defenatly a good rolmodel for the sport.. have been a huge fan since he turned pro.... plus i like that he dosent wine an cry like reed and stewart do when things do not go his way... he says it all with his riding.. also man dose anyone else think that bogel is a whinny lil b**ch.. cuz i sure do...
Let me stir it up some more, When I say same speed I am talking about qualifying times where they are sepreted by mere tenths, not race lap times, where starts traffic managing a lead come to play...If you cant compare seasons, one from the other, then how did RC get to be the GOAT according to some, all he beat were a bunch of nobodys, only RV is racing the fastest guys and dominating them, guess we should take the title of GOAT away from RC and give it to RV...The red headed Firecracker looked awful human on the 2011 bike, had his hands full trying to stay with Dungey, once on the 2012 and with the last corner pass on RD at Steel City where Dunge had clearly slowed not expecting it from the outside, RV comfort and confidence went sky high..whos to say RD or CR wont find that switch and suddendly be unstoppable..
billy bob he is still a teenager and its not uncommon for them to lose it when things dont go their way or have a tough time...RC was famous for thowing fits when he was young...he grew out of it as Bogle will .. just being imature, kinda like adults who call people names
Davidl It does not matter who has the most race wins in season, or the fastest lap times in a race, its the guy with the most points at the end of the series. I would rather finish 2nd or 3rd each race and collect enough points to win the title, than win almost every race and not win the title. Winning is great, but when it comes to a championship series, consistancy is just as important. A wise ole pro once told me their are several guys who can be fast for a few laps, the key was to do it for the whole race...You are right, we are lucky to have such good role models in the top ten, you dont see them trash talk or disrespect the competition. They know that they are giving it a 110% effort to be up there competing at their level...
How did Carmichael become the goat? 10 straight outdoor titles- Two and a half years undefeated outdoors- Two perfect seasons- lapped the entire field once- won by over a minute several times. Not all a bunch of nobodys. Withstood the challenge from a lites rider who was even better than Villopoto and nothing changed.
It's sad that people even bring up comparisons to the GOAT. People forget so quickly. For the record, the term "Fastest Man on the Planet" is stupid.
@WFU_UFO
You calling Rv's 2012 a gift just shows how clueless you are. RV has beat all of the top riders straight up for years (why RV is the best rider in the world right now) and has the titles and wins to prove it. Remember 2011 with all the top guys in and he still won the championships' ? Most of RV's wins this year all came from when all the top dogs were healthy,then one crashed out trying to run his pace, the other crashed out while averaging 5th place finishes (math doesn't lie) and the other got hurt practicing.. RV is always setting the pace and the fastest laps. What is with all of the RC and JS talk? This isn't 2007 anymore, why can't people understand that? RV is the man now, welcome to 2011. You here yet? Well congrats cause it's 2012 now and nothing has changed. RV1 2012 sx/mx champ. #stampit
I never said it was a gift you did- I did say that Villopoto is the best guy right now- I just said it's too early to call him the goats equal. You just cant do that in a couple of years- Carmichaels list of accomplishments spanned ten years. It's not Carmichael's fault that he didn't have multiple champions to compete with- because it was all McGrath before him and when Carmichael got there McGrath was approaching 30. No single rider was dominating in outdoors when Carmichael got there- he became that rider. Villopoto did have a completely winning 2011 season- but he wasn't dominant everything all year long in both series. Back in 82' or 83' Donnie Hansen won everything in sight- then left while still on top- has he ever been compared to the goat? So far Villopoto has been the best 450 guy for all of 15 months now- It took Carmichael 10 years to become the goat. If Stewart Reed Canard and Dungey were all out of the outdoors- could Villopoto go 24/0 this summer? What if 33 year old Timmy Ferry was there too? Where would he finish at? Scrub This? Anyone??
In 2011 outdoors even if there was no Reed Dungey Canard (..or Stewart)- Villopoto still didn't go anywhere near 24/0 did he? Metcalf beat him in three motos- Milsapps, Barcia and Brayton each beat him twice- Short, Alessi, Grant, and Deitrich all beat him once. If there was no Reed Dungey Canard or Stewart last summer- could Villopoto really go 24/0?? What if the 33 year old Timmy Ferry had been there too?- how would HE stack up against riders like Short, Alessi, Grant, Deitrich, Milsapps, Barcia, Brayton and Metcalf? Could he possibly also have stolen a moto or two from Villopoto last summer? He did beat Carmicheal in an outdoor moto one time- not too many riders are on that particular list. Stewart and Dungey have each broken one of Carmichaels records- Villopoto has not broken one yet. He is a long way from being the next goat- many challenges await him in the future. But as I said before- he IS the best guy right now, anyone can see that.
bd25 where do you get the nerve saying that why rc is the goat, are you new fan to this sport? im glad wfo_ufo already post a little display of his acomplishments in the sport also he had the only sx perfect season in history in 125 he beat the seven time champ he beat js7 and cr22 for championships a very younger windham la rocco vullemin ( beat mc grath sometimes) he had talent out there and he didint like sx that much and in outdoors just read again wfo_ufo,s post
by the way you guys know i am an rv fan but saying he is going for a perfect season is far from the truth i think he will win the championship but it wont be easy
And speaking of 'clueless'- have you ever even gone 'WFU' on a motor-cross bike?
I didn't think so.
Race wins matter, its the ULTIMATE you can accomplish on a given night
Laptimes matter, its the ULTIMATE you can accomplish on any lap
Titles Matter, its the ULTIMATE on a given season
For anyone to say laptime and race wins don't matter- I tend to write them off as illogical, EVERY lap and EVERY race gets totaled and counts toward the title.
Mistakes matter, consistancy matter, Startes matter and Bikes matter, A mistake or simply bad luck can take you away from a title in one second
RC will be the goat til his records get beaten and they are not in any danger at all right now.
Rv is starting out like RC did and there are simalarities and thats all we are doing is pointing them out. Nothing more- nobody is even suggesting that RV is the goat.
He is simply the best current SX/MX racer.
I agree laptimes mean very little in practice, its all in the race. Finishing position in each race is All that matters toward the title, and that depends totally on starts and laptimes.
Its so funny when the TV interveiwers ask the riders what its going to take to win, DUUU UUGH cross the finish line first HMMMM !!!
To suggest any race win in this sport is not significant is wrong
To suggest RC was racing against Nobodies is stupid and insulting
Boy thats stirred up a hornets nest..lol..WFO I was referring to a post by OpenClass saying you cant comapre years to many variables, and how Poto is racing stiffer comp because he is racing 3 former champs... RC IS the GOAT.. the reason he was not racing former champs is because he WON most all the championship, He took Mcgrath title and didnt give it up til he got hurt...He consistantly beat Reed and Stewart, who would win titles only after RC retired...My remarks were sarcasm (could not find the sacasm key) as I find it funny some RV fans want to annoit him the next coming...I like RV, class act, great rider, slumped shoulders, wrist twisted, the man is on it...I give him total credit for what he has accomplished so far...and he may reach those lofty standards set by the GOAT, but he has a ways to go.
As for me, I have been following this sport since 1970, won my first trophy at Ponca City in 78, 4th in Novice class, was 6th overall in 08 in Oklahoma state series in the over 50 class riding a 03 GasGas 250 against all 450's. My plan is to race it again next year on my 08 RMZ 250. I have owned and operated two motorcyle dealerships, Kawasaki 94-99 sold that opened GasGas shop in 01-06 til the ecomomy got me, won my first two trials events Novice class, which I plan to return to when I hit 60. I have met and interviewed riders from the 70's thu 93 when I dabbled moto journalism, I was fortunate enough to have met and hung out with several champions during that time, even had a few of them ride here at my private track. I became an ATV safty instuctor in 96, a Dirt Bike Coach with the MSF in 99, and in 2000 I was certified as a MSF Rider Coach teaching street bike saftey..proud to say I have trained over 300 students so far as a part time job..
I seldom respond directly to posters, most of the time I simply give my opinion, but I felt onery last nite...I try to be very open minded and take each post for what it is worth..enjoy reading all the opinions on here as we are each entitled to one..disagreeing with someones elses opinion does not give me the right to attack any one..I try not to post anything negative about any rider, as growing up here my Granny taught me to keep my trap shut if I didn't have anything nice to say about some one...as she said " Its better to be quiet and let them think your an idiot,rather than open your mouth and prove it."
BD25, don't ever quit riding man, I'm 49 and ride sometimes with a great rider who is 68, In 08 I got second in the over 40 open class in the full moon series and knew I could win it but have gotten injured the last three years (all my fault lol) I now am back on and riding again, actually ridind 3 palms sunday after the houston SX. I love MX/ SX but never tried trials.
David , I said winning is great, an I agree with you, on a given night that is the goal, but a rider cant count on winning every race. Titles count the most, to me more than race wins, in a series, in my opinion being consistant is just as important. I am one of the Got to be in it to win it group. Ask most pros, the Championship title is the goal, race wins are nice, but they will take seconds all the way to a title, as their sponser wants titles and pay very big bonuses to those who win titles. As for lap times, the qualifing times are what I look at, where each guy is trying to lay down best lap he can, tells me who to watch that night. To me, race lap times are way over analized, so many factors, bad starts, lapped traffic, being out front managing a lead come into play...guess I was not clear enough... thats why I didnt become the next Davey... Sorry if offend any one by simply offering my opinion. Now off to my real job..You'll have a great day!!!!
JS7 .... Third , all time win list .... RV 7th .... gonna be hard for him to get up there with RC MC and JS ....just sayin ....facts are stats ...lol ....
lunch break..David I will never give up moto, as my hero, is some one most of you have never heard of..Jimmy Redwine..he has raced here in OK since the 70's, in 2010 Jimmy went to Glen Helen and won the over 70 class going 1-1 on the day! In 08 while lined up behind the gate, at what is now Reynard Raceway, we heard the announcer say "Every one needs to wish Jimmy a Happy Birthday as he turns 68 today!" gate dropped and he flat ass beat me first moto, he did not race 2nd moto, bike problem, or he would have beat me again..lol.. to me He is the Man...I have ask RacerX to do an short interview with him as he is one of the nicest guys you ever want to meet...I will do trials to save my body and keep my balance so that I can still ride moto...on my private track at 55 I can still do a 30 minute moto, my last lap will be within 3 seconds of my first..local pro runs a 1:25 lap, my laps are 1:45, but I dont do the two 80' tripples ....and I am 30 years older...so I am trying to hang in there...Good Luck to everyone today, hope its as beautiful where you are as it is here!
The reason I believe that you cannot do a straight up comparison amongst riders or different eras is that the sport and the athletes evolve. It is the nature of things.
The GOAT is the the goat and he earned it and forever changed the sport. He brought commitment, talent, work ethic, and a burning desire to win to the sport that it had never seen before.
But, the bikes and athletes have continued to evolve. Just as RC took over for MC, others will take over for RC. It looked like JS and then a guy named RV came along and elevated it further.
There are many long standing records in all sports and some are likely to never be broken. A result of what? athletes and technology not being quicker, better, stronger? No, it is timing. Early in the evolution of an sport the stand out guy has a bigger impact. As the sport/athletes evolve there is a larger number of higher caliber talent, and the technology evolves as well making for even higher performance and closer competition.
So comparisons between RC and RV are not going to be straight forward and can never really account for all the different variables. Hence always just being Bench Racing.
This also does not diminish the records of previous champs or the efforts of current champs.
We do we know about today over years past? Technology is better and faster. More teams and sponsors than ever before driving higher level of commitment, dedication, and available racing positons. Higher number of legitimate challengers. Current riders are faster than the ones of 5 years ago.
You see, you can start to accumulate a lot of variables quickly that need to be factored.
The gap in age difference , is to close to say that Rv is taking over where Js has been , The RC days are long gone , and Barcia wont let Rv get anywhere near RCs record ....
Nicely written piece but I don't agree with all of it- If current riders are faster than 5 years ago, does that mean Reed is faster than he was 5 years ago. He was Villopoto's closest competitor indoors and out in 2011- so is he faster at age 30 than when he beat Carmicheal 6 times in a row in '03 at age 21- or when he was tied for second sx in '06 at age 24? I for one don't believe Stewart is going as fast as when he was battling with Carmichael- he is in the decline of his career after all of his inactivity and distractions. When Stewart battled with Carmicheal in '06 outdoors, Reed was a very distant third- now 5 years later he is a dominant force outdoors?
If he hadn't threw the season away at millville- would Villopoto have still become the champ?
I agree that there are too many variables, but I'm not buying the faster speeds part. You can see how stacked the top twenty is- but thats because a lot of top lites riders have moved up recently- while a significant number of good older guys are still around. The lites class is wide open now, and not stacked at all anymore. A few years ago we had Villopoto Canard Dungey Pourcel Weimer Townley etc battling for lites wins. But I do agree with everything else that you said- Good bench racing.
@WTF_UFO
Chad Reed has said himself, that this is the fastest he has ridden his whole career. He has also mentioned the insane pace him and Villo were going when they were battling,.
So it IS possible for a rider to go faster in his thirties than he did in his twenties! - then how is the 33 year old Timmy Ferry and un-worthy, uncompetitive opponent for Stewarts 24/0 season? It has been used as a yardstick by some people on these boards to indicate a low level of competition. So you are saying that if Reed was going as fast in 2006 as he is now- he would have beaten Stewart and Carmichael indoors and out? Maybe it just feels faster to him because he is now 30 years old.
@WFO_UFO
Tim Ferry was never fast, thats why.