Racer X ReduX: Actions, Equal and Opposite Reactions
Tuesday, April 3, 2012 | 5:30 PM
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PrintIt was not a great night for the GEICO Honda team.
Lites kids Justin Barcia and Justin Bogle showed that they are still, indeed, kids, with emotional outbursts that will tarnish their rep for awhile. For starters, Barcia did it with his post-race meltdown after losing the Lites race in, “he had it so close to wrapped up, everyone had already tweeted that he had the race won” fashion.
I’m in no way condoning Barcia’s actions or saying there’s any excuse whatsoever for what he did. He was way out of, and way over, the line. But I did write a 250 Words column on the incident yesterday, not to say I agree with his actions, but to explain the reasons WHY I think he did it. And for him, it just boils down to how badly he wants to win, and how mad he was that he lost. That lit the fuse that led to everything else.
After the race, Barcia pounded on his handlebars while riding up to the podium. I was happy to see that—we’ve all complained that today’s riders are too robotic and don’t show enough fire and emotion. I was glad to see the loss made Barcia mad, however, I had no idea what was coming next. After pounding on his bars, Barcia turned around, rode over to the downed Vincent, yelled at him, and treated him and Dr. Bodnar to a face full of roost.
Justin Barcia after a tough loss in Houston.
Simon Cudby photo
As for Bogle, he had another strange reaction in Houston practice. Bogle started the season with his slap of Malcolm Stewart in Dallas. In Toronto, he stalled his bike in a heat race, and when another rider ran into the back of him, he lost his cool and raised his hand at the rider—even though Bogle caused the incident by stalling. A few laps later, he tried a crazy pass on Angelo Pelligrini on the outside of the finish line jump, and crashed. He yelled at Pelligrini, even though, again, Bogle was just as much to blame for trying to pass on the outside.
In Houston’s practice, Bogle crashed on the on-off jump in the rhythm section. He then got up, walked back to the pits, and left his bike on the side of the track. The bike was not broken, and Bogle was not hurt. He was just frustrated. But in racing, you don’t leave a perfectly good machine behind if you or the bike are not broken. You just don’t.
Bogle is a really nice guy. He’s not some spoiled punk/brat trash talker. So why is he reacting so unprofessionally the last few weeks? The genesis is that he just wants to win races, or at least get some better results, and he’s mad that it’s not happening. Barcia was mad he didn’t win. These guys will have to learn how to deal with such frustrations better, because they’ll go through them time and time again.
For example, the SX Class presented some heart break for the rider who has been at this game the longest: Kevin Windham. You could tell K-Dub was inspired for this race. He rode to his limits in practice, scoring the fastest lap times in both sessions. And in his heat race battle with James Stewart, you could tell he wanted the W badly. As the wise veteran of the tour, Windham could have accepted a close second and regrouped for the main event. But he wanted the victory, and wanted to put one back on Stewart. So he pushed hard through one last section to try to re-pass Stewart, and….went down hard. Now Windham is out for the rest of the season, which is the one piece of news no one wanted to hear. Everyone likes K-Dub!
Houston was a low point for Kevin Windham, after a crash in his heat race cost him the rest of the season.
Simon Cudby photo
Windham’s result was worse than his young teammates, because he doesn’t even get to come back and try to win at the next race. But he’s been through such heartbreak before, and he’ll be back to try again somewhere down the road.
So, yeah, big bummer of a night over in GEICO Honda land. But they’re just joining the ranks of just about every team this year—save one. With injuries and disappointments to the riders comes equal disappointment to the teams. Poor TwoTwo guys losing Reedy. Poor Honda guys losing Canard. Poor KTM folks losing Dungey. To say that the JGR/James Stewart experiment has not gone to plan would be an understatement. Heck, even the mighty Pro Circuit squad hasn’t had the results they expected.
All of this disappointment goes back to the same thing. Going to the races is fun, racing is fun, dirt bikes are fun. But even when a rider says he’s just at the races to have fun, he’s lying. He’s at the races to win races, and he’s only saying he wants to have fun because having fun helps him relax, and staying relaxed helps him win, which is the real goal.
Why did Windham crash? He wanted to win that heat race. Why did Chad Reed crash in Dallas? He wanted to win. And James Stewart? You don’t get the rep of crash-or-win for any other reason.
It brings me back to my ReduX column from weeks ago, where I wrote: Racing is absolutely the cruelest game of all. It’s a test that’s so fair, it actually becomes unfair at times.
And so, we often see two things happen: Someone wins and is happy, and someone doesn’t win, and is much less happy. Maybe they shouldn’t get as mad as Barcia or Bogle, and hopefully they don’t end up beaten and battered like Windham, but they’re not going to be happy, regardless until they finish in a spot up to their potential.
Ryan Villopoto celebrates his second straight SX title.
Simon Cudby photo
Meanwhile the Monster Energy Kawasaki team is happy because their man Villopoto took the title in record time. But they’re not only happy about winning the SX title early, they’re also happy because they get a jump on prep for Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, which means they will improve their odds of winning more races.
They’ve been on the other side. Just two years ago at this time, Villopoto was getting carted off the track in St. Louis with a broken leg. The injury hurt, but Villopoto probably felt even worse knowing that as he was getting loaded into an ambulance, Dungey was staking his claim to the SX title. Then, a week later, the tour visited Villopoto’s home race in Seattle, but Villopoto was out hurt, and Dungey officially wrapped the number-one plate. That hurts!
The ups and downs of sports can really take a toll on those involved in it—let alone the fans. Luckily, the experienced types know what racing really is, a series of ups and downs. You can’t get too high off the highs or too low from the lows, because you’re going to have to deal with both.
As for Villopoto, once again the Monster Energy SX Champion, he gets to celebrate the ultimate high point. But he knows all to well the lows that came along the road to such success. That’s racing for you. Right now, a couple of the younger riders on the circuit are figuring that out, and they won’t be the only ones.
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Jason- Great write-up and oh so true, the racing has been great attendance good and injuries terrible. The whole picture is good as long as we always strive for safty and allow great racing. I feel the tallant is swelling and more riders have the potential to win now.
thanks to Racerx and its writers we enjoy so much !!
Jason, I said it in the 250 Words article comments. Some of these young guys are SPOILED. They have been coddled by industry and media types and think they are the shizzle from day 1 in the pro ranks. Bogle's frustration did not climax at Houston, it was already on display at Dallas when he slapped Mookie. Not saying Mookie did not deserve it, but Bogle's reaction was totally unprofessional. As was Barcia's reaction to his incident with Lance Vincent. You media guys can remain superfans and worshippers of these spoiled brat and try to justify their actions but the people who pay for tickets and flights and hotels see through this BS and call a spade a spade. Or a brat a brat.
If I was LaRocco I would be embarrassed to see all of this press for my team and I would read these guys the riot act.
Very well put. Good article. Racing is unpredictable which is the reason it is so fun to watch and do...Bring on the Nationals with everyone staying healthy for a change.
hamncheeze....nailed it...spot on. Kids are great riders, but they need a reality check. Mx/Sx will go on without them. They think they are bigger than the sport. The only way to handle this crap is to park em for a race. They will not do it again.
I am sure these young men will learn alot from this year, mature into great riders and spokesmen for the sport...they just need to remember ...you can't control what life will throw at you..all you can control is how you resond to it..that response if often what others will rememeber you by...
The people who are best at what they choose to do in life are usually the passionate ones.
It is a hard pill to swallow when the dominance that existed in the amateur ranks comes much less easy in the Pros. I recall seeing the great RC crying in 125 SX when he crashed and didn't win. For some, it builds character, for others it will never change. Always interesting to see which way it goes for some. I want to like Bogle, so I hope he calms down.
@hamncheeze....well said. I agree with your analogy of these two particular racers. The press glorifies these behaviors by condoning through "passion" and "how bad he wants to win it" as reasons / excuses. Sorry, but there are too many other racers that have the same mis-fortunes that do not act like spoiled 2 year olds, or, do not use violence as an outlet for their shortcomings.
As long as there are no SIGNIFICANT consequences, these behaviors will continue, and may even spread to others who see that they too, can do what they want with only a wrist slap of dis-approval.
We fans do not pay BIG money to see this happen, nor do we want our kids to emulate their particular stars behavior when they see no consquence to a behavior they themselves are disciplined for.........
this is just my educated two cents worth......
The Geico team and their sponsors, need to publically squash this before it alienates their racers and fans.....IMHO
I am not a barcia fan but i think hes a ok rider. but if he keeps pooling his "tantrums" hes gonna get himself in trouble with the ama AGAIN
Windhams crash was like a replay of Reeds. When two of the most in control riders in the the sport faceplant...............................
People make mistakes, can we move on ? Geez !
JimM
Pala374
you all comment as if this is something new... Since the beginning of our sport the boys will be boys, and they will flip out. The pure emotion is what makes sporting events so fun to watch. If they all rode around in a line and asked permission to pass one another... we would be sitting here complaining about how they are "robots".
give the guys a break for being real people and getting pissed when their hard work isn't rewarded.
pretty sure.. if someone walked by and commented on how bad a job you guys do at mowing your lawn; you would all come un glued as well.
then theres the argument of pay... Im sure anyone of us would lose our sh!t if our boss came in and said.. " im docking your pay cuz that other guy kicked your ass in sales this week". Im sure each of these guys have bonuses for pay.
these guys entire careers are on the line every day. I don't blame them for letting it get the best of them from time to time.
"hamncheeze wrote: about 3 hours ago
Jason, I said it in the 250 Words article comments. Some of these young guys are SPOILED. They have been coddled by industry and media types and think they are the shizzle from day 1 in the pro ranks. Bogle's frustration did not climax at Houston, it was already on display at Dallas when he slapped Mookie. Not saying Mookie did not deserve it, but Bogle's reaction was totally unprofessional. As was Barcia's reaction to his incident with Lance Vincent. You media guys can remain superfans and worshippers of these spoiled brat and try to justify their actions but the people who pay for tickets and flights and hotels see through this BS and call a spade a spade. Or a brat a brat.
If I was LaRocco I would be embarrassed to see all of this press for my team and I would read these guys the riot act."
Well said. Jason, being "spolied to win"...is still spoiled. Humility should be the hallmark of a champion. All those mini riders and upcoming fast young people need an example to follow...and Barcia and Bogle's actions do not cut it. Being frustrated in a bad occurance is natural....potentially injuring a fellow rider ( or a doctor, for god sakes ) in a "fit" isn't frustration....it's childish unprofessional behavior. It's time you called a spade a spade....or give up your motojournalism card.
hamncheeze- I totally disagree with you. Barcia (and most of these racers) has trained and worked and pushed to the limit with their life to acheive and be where they are at. He also has what you probably don't have, a pure raw desire to compete and win at extremly high cost. This is not baseball, it has the added risk of injury or death for the smallest of errors and we have all seen it the last few years. Barcia was not upset at a simple bad move, he had been robbed of the very thing he had just earned with his lifetime of trainig at the highest level. Like him or not, he is a high strung racehorse who earned and deserved the win. It was stolen from him and at a time when adrealine is flowing in the veins. 95% of us have NO idea what we are asking of him to be in total control of his emotions at that moment. I have full confidence he will be able to handle it with time and maturity.
Jason was dead on in both his articles on this incident, the passion he has IS what we pay to see and runs FAR stronger in his veins than yours. I have sponsered, supported, and helped riders try to get where Barcia is and these guys truelly have that rare drive to do the work to get where Barcia is. All these guys react differently but they are humans and have their breaking point. You clearly don't understand by your comments.
I think the AMA was right and fair and that this was a good thing for both Barcia and us the fans to see. Barcia did not break the law, he got out of line and was embarrassed after the adreniline and passion to win calmed down.
He did not do ANYTHING wrong on the track.
If I stole $50,000 from you right out of your hand in front of your eyes- you would be PISSED. The win means 10 times that to these guys, and that is what Barcia was dealing with at that moment- the PASSION or drive it takes to win what he did. This is the passion Jason was writing about so well, If you don't have it, dont' be so quick to judge. All of the top guys have it, and HAVE to have it to get to where you and I are willing to pay to watch it in SX and MX. 90% fo the fans have no clue what these riders have to do to get here- but they train under an adreniline rush and break bones and push through fear for 15 years to get to where Barcia is today. Their families give their life to it and these guys feel they owe their mom's and dads for the sacrifices for them.
NOW take what I just described and add the pressure and high of doing this in front of 50,000 people,the world on TV, coaches and family and friends. At this point you truelly need to think and try to understand before you so quickly judge and condem.
This is a wonderful and thrilling sport and we should really enjoy being able to be a part of it. Most all of these racers grow up to be pretty darn good guys.
GREAT article Jason and sorry some guys just don't get it !
RC, CR, DV, and many more great riders have been scorned for their tears, and tantrums. I am convinced they are scorned and condemned by people that have no clue the heart, effort, courage, and work it takes to get to where they have a chance at winning. The scorners can't have the passion, or they woudn't mock.This is the gathering of the best in the world, and yet sometimes the fans say they suck when they get 3rd or 4th. They are called jerks and mental cases when they break for a moment. Even the 15th place guys are amazing riders and rarely get the credit for what they can do.
All this Larocco talk needing to come down on these guys,,you all seem to have forgot that mike LaRocco has helmet slapped a few riders during a race and after,,anyone remember him helmet (bitch) slappin travis pastrana??,,when the golden boy took out iron mike in the whoops when travis was a rookie in the 250 class??,,SH$T happens,,its racing
Good point mikeo, Glad these riders have real racers coaching them and not some of the people that belong in the ballet classes
Barcia - may your passion never die, rise above those that mock scorn and condem you, you will improve, you have man.
@golfyoda who told you motocross racing was golf or tennis ...its not. and ANY fan so offended by this "incredible outrage' (no one was injured except 'the lapper' who's actions of not obeying a blue flag probably made you cover your eyes) needs to go to the opera or a book reading and leave the tiny bit of manly unpussified action to us that enjoy good competition and riders who have some real passion to win. I really doubt if your children were driven to crime by Barcias roost and I'm sorry 'the fans" you refer to can't watch every one wait in line to pass and wash there balls before they jump. ITS SUPERCROSS...high drama and riders risking life and limb for fame and large amounts of cash....s*it is gonna happen.
@davidl your long post was the best thing I've read on here in a long time...nailed it.
@tonewall.....so you're saying that physical agression is an OK release when you are upset about something!!!??? You yourself, in your last sentence said it all....shit happens.....kinda contradictory don't you think. If shit happens why would you throw a temper tantrum like a 2 year old, get in someones face and scream obsenities, then with your race bike send a potentially dangerous roost of terra firma, point blank, in the direction of 2 individuals who are sitting on the ground??? Human behavior has absolutely nothing to do with a particular sport. Good sportsmanship, and an understanding that many conditions will affect any outcome, and, the humility to accept whatever the final outcome is are the hallmarks of a true champion, regardless of the sport. That is how you act when "shit happens".
This particular incident has taken place countless times with a myriad of racers. LV was racing and should have slowed more to allow JB past, agreed, but LV is not required to stop racing, and JB slowed his progress over the doubles resulting in what could be described as a racing accident. It was obvious that it WAS NOT intentional.
Irrespective, JB's actions, after the fact, to include his attitude on the podium for photos, are childish, un-professional, and a detriment to his team, sponsors, and fans. If you cannot see this, then I guess you are either too much of a JB fan, or you practice the same behavior. If it is the latter then I have pity for all that are around you......... IMHO
imho stick with golf. You truly don't get Pro motocross and don't pretend you know what my particular behavior is....you just don't get it ...you want someone to pay for not living up to YOUR particular standard. I have NEVER condoned what he did but I don't think he shot Jack Nicklaus either. I'm a fan of a lot of racers (including myself) who have at one time or another been Pi*sed off and made mistakes at the track,and some of them have even committed crimes off track,(don't get scared ,i'm not going to attack you or rob you) some of them are champions or run teams or are announcers....and I don't believe its a crime to 'scream obscenities'...what candy a8s world do you come from to judge anyones true personality or lifestyle by paying for a ticket or reading a comment. We can't all be perfect model citizens like you...thank god. I'm a fan of JB ,I like his riding style ,I raced like that for years ,wasn't a problem. As for his off track actions they are not mine or YOUR business and as for his childish melt down I seriously doubt if it will be weekly..he apologized ,was fined ,worked it out with Bogner and looks like a fool,,,just what would he need to do to make you feel safe and the corporate walls feel better. When you say "that is how you act when 'shit happens' maybe you do on the golf course...but on the pro moto course there are juices flowing and hot tired heads and sometimes a board meeting isn't whats called for..deal with it or turn away.
@davidl - Nice of you to reply with a low-level personal attack on what I may or may not have done. I've had a good run on 2 wheels, but I'll spare you my meager resume.
You say it is all about the passion, and yes I can understand that. I know of the sacrifice that each and every rider at that level has made. And I know when things go wrong it can boil over quite easily. We have all seen guys throw helmets, throw bikes, have harsh words with other riders post-incident, etc, etc. It happens. But Barcia crossed the line on Saturday when he verbally berated a downed rider who was being attended to by a medic, then turned and roosted them both. That goes beyond passion and dedication, and enters the realm of primadonna. Yes, the pressure to win is enormous and these kids are kids but at the same time they are being paid a decent sum of money by large corporations to represent in a professional manner. And they are given an arena to perform in by FELD and Monster Energy, and with that also comes professional responsibility.
Say what you want, but the attitude and actions of the Geico East Lites riders have been less than professional, dating back to Barcia's Bercy meltdown, through Bogle's head slap in Dallas and hissy fit after he crashed hard in T.O., and culminating in Barcia's Houston performance. People are watching and more importantly people are noticing. It would be a shame if a company like Geico decided to dump sponsorship in a sport already hurting for investment.
One argument is that the AMA is not assessing the necessary "amounts" to their fines. So, bumping up the penalties could initiate change.
Another issue of debate is that the sponsors could fire a rider for violating a contract with specific professional behavior expectations.
Since it is the USA, lawyers and money could solve the problem.
Have you ever been shocked by a riders reaction in a positive way? Watching Dungey push his own crapped out Suzuki after leading an entire moto in the Texas heat. His mechanic was walking next to him but RD was pushing his own broken scooter back to the pits. He had to have been furious, exhausted and incredibly disappointed, but there he was, acting like a man. I couldnt believe my eyes! I still shake my head when I think about it.
Sometimes self control is seen as a weakness, but I say its a strength you can tap into when times are tough. Proud, determined, passionate and in control. Champions do not lose their minds.
@Davidl
you are right these guys are passionate, but on everything else you are pretty much wrong.
very few people have a problem with barcia being upset, i would have been, but the problem is how you maintain your composure afterwards or in how he didnt. Barcia acting lile a 2yo throwing a temper tantrum. if you want to condone him roosting a medic and downed rider, you have something wrong with you,
its like saying you just hit my car so i'm gonna punch you and the cop
How many times this season and others have lappers not obeyed the blue flag?? Maybe the AMA should start with the source of the problem?
Whorehay hit it spot on! We need more people like him posting on here!
The only reason they flip out is because they are passionate about what they do!
I hate when all these people comment on how AGGRESSIVE racing shouldn't be allowed and people should be suspended for it! I'm glad they aren't my parents because I would have probably grown up to be a professional ballerina!!!
It's racing people!! Us MX racers are HARDCORE!!, always have been always will be!! That's what seperates us from the rest of the sports world!! Go back to the roots of it!!! It's what puts most people in the stands!!
As for the AMA!! Bring back Duke Finch!! I'm sure most of the people whining on here don't know Finch and that will explain it all. Wonder how many people will Google his name now haha!!!
As a fan/rider, I'll take Barcia's outburst over Bogel's quitting in practice any day.
You know whats a Friggin' shame, it took 13 or so paragraphs to mention THE biggest news of the weekend. RV winning a Back to Back SX Title. This article, although well written Jason, is still a fuel for message board wildfires about the Barcia meltdown. Its Wednesday and although "crybaby gate" is unusal news, its still getting WAY more attention than the real story of RV's impressive accomplishment. This is a Dis on RV and I'm a Dungey fan. I can't wait for this new episode of crap to die down. The youngin's in this sport are just that, young.
McMoto: Check the Saturday night race report, Sunday night Outstanding Performance Award or Monday conversation for full coverage (and praise) of RV. Three straight days of RV love before this story went up on Tuesday!
(Or, check Redux from three weeks ago which discussed why RV doesn't get the credit he deserves, and we need to start changing that)
http://www.racerxonline.com/2012/03/06/racer-x-redux-st-louis
I do not condone what Barcia did after the race and stated that I felt the AMA was fair in their fine. I simply wrote what I did because I saw a lack of understanding for what happened. I understand and really it's happeneed many times in different ways and will again. Lets give these guys a fair shake and a chance to mature. I really enjoy this comment section-over and out
Tonewall, you crack me up and made me smile, I think you are a true rider and fan. you go tiger !! LOL
@tonewall......My point is simple, JB's consequence from the SX governing body (not what else should JB do) should have been more severe, in order to ensure this type of behavior does not happen again, period. Those of you who don't get this use the statement that "this is just racing" and "there is so much passion" and "these guys are professionals" which has nothing to do with JB's post race assault on Dr. Bodner and LV.
We will agree to disagree and leave it at that.
@Jason Weigant...these posts are an accurate reflection of what you and Mathess talked about the other night. people allow thier juxtopostion to dictate their response to a story about a rider they like/dislike and fail to objectivly analyse the scenario in concern.
one guy on here said he doesn't want his kids to see this kind of stuff....or something to this effect. Buddy get real - unless you live in a convent your kids have already seen way worse.
Tonewall and David L and Whorehay i agree with you gus mostly but can see whre others are coming from...they are just a bit "sensitive" thats all...
OK guys, enough is enough.....MX /SX is a sport, a profession, a way to make a living, period. Behaviors, attitudes, values, ethics and morals are the way we behave as every day humans. Seperate the two.
My comments are about human behaviors, what we as parents condone, or discipline. The actions displayed AFTER THE RACE are actions that are not condusive, nor should be tolerated in LIFE, period.
All I am saying is that the governing body for WHICHEVER sport has this AFTER SPORT meltdown (twice now Paris, Houston) needs to identify and assist with this AFTER THE SPORT CONCLUSION behaviors to ensure it doesn't happen again ($5000 is a slap on the wrist)........
I have been involved as a racer, ardent fan, and supporter of sponsors since 1972. I cannot remember such a display, at this magnitude and level, ever in this sport, AFTER THE RACE!!!!!! Get the theme AFTER THE RACE.......
There is no room in our sport for this behavior AFTER THE SPORT CONCLUDES, PERIOD.
@golf yoda .....what do you suggest castration or crucifixtion for "a display and level ,ever in this sport"..would the death penalty or electrocution satisfy you and Geico (who hasn't said shit because their LOVING this)......and you've been around since 72...must have missed a few if thats the worst you've seen and what difference does it make when it happened, he was wrong ...once again YODA he apologized ,he paid a fine ,he worked it out with Bodnar, Vincent is over it and he looked like a fool and hopefully will learn from it. Do you endlessly punish and chastize your own like this when they make a mistake? (probably) AND in your own words " i feel pity for those around you" in your passionless boring world. Supercross is not designed as a place for riders to raise your kids. Take them to a golf game where morals are high and introduce them to tiger.
golf- I hate to give you a rude awakining- but my friend it happens all the time, the biggest difference is you don't see it 90% of the time. I have seen fists fly from Bob Hanna, to RV/Lawrence, I have seen DV ram Eric V and shove him and slap him three times, I have seen RC lose it with Ferry and CR and have to be pulled off them by officials. I could list DOZENS of similar reactions that only show that these guys give it their all and lose it at times- ALL OF THEM DO AND HAVE, There have been MANY worse displays than Barcias. 90% of these guys turn out really well and if you are a fan of this sport, every guy you like and have rooted for has done something he regreted after the fact. If you are a normal human YOU have done far worse in your life. Get off your damn high horse, we all work on this and always will.
I am SO glad you were not my parent
Guys.....these sbove written displays you are talking about have been during the race. Contrary to what you think I am writing about, I am all for rubbin' paint as we race. IT IS a part of racing! What I have been discussing is the act of, and the penalty given to JB as THIS IS HIS SECOND OFFENSE OF GOING AFTER SOMEONE WITH VIOLENT BEHAVIOR, AFTER THE FACT, IN 6 MONTHS. I don't advocate anything other than a penalty that will get his attention, and the attention of others so this will not be a recurring incident, regardless of who does it. Something along the lines of a point reduction, or even at the extreme of having to sit out one race...... All the other stuff you think I am professing is way out there, period.
Guys, come on, diassociate yourself from the RACING part of it, and only look at a recurring behavioral pattern that will not adjust itself, but must be adjusted trough peer help, and personal awareness. Racing is about adenaline, speed, competition the will to win, the humility when you lose, not about how violent we can get with someone we think has wronged us. JB is a great racer, and will be a champion again. Whether he likes it or not he is a role model. Do we want our sports role models to potentially be villianized in the main stream media? I don't. This sport is bigger than one person.
JB better get it under control cuz I don't see him beating RV every week.
Golf one was during practice and EVERY other one that I listed and can think of was AFTER the race, which makes NO difference when it happened
@tonewall, @davidl enough said, lets move on.........
TheChosen1.. He could very well be, But I will bet you that he does not ride that way with RV, RD, JS and Reed.... Cuz he knows they will not take it and he will go down.
I DO NOT belive that
Barcia wiull run with the top 450 guys his first year. The kid can obviously ride, but the 450 is a whole different animal on the tigh supercross tracks. He is emotionally still a kid who never had to grow up obviously. He will do just that getting his butt spanked in the 450 class next season..
I think the AMA should have made Barcia go out after the race, get on the mic and apologize to all the fans in the stadium. Or maybe he should have did something similar himself, without being told to. I know he's young, and we have all acted out without fully thinking things through first but, I just dont feel like a fine really gets the message across to these racers as much as the AMA would like it to. The backlash in the media and with the fans may cut a little bit deeper than $5000.
I know he apologized on the podium with Erin, but can those speechs be heard in the stadium? I have never been to a supercross so I'm not sure how everything is broadcasted. If so, disregard my first sentence.
I think Barcia already ran with with some of the boys in the 450 class and if he can't beat RV guess what..no one else is either. The new sheriff will FILL boot hill this summer.@golfyoda thanks for giving me permission to end the conversation on your schedule and move on . i hope I do it safely and to your satisfaction.
I just want to add that I am actually a big fan of Barcia as a racer. I love his riding style and I believe he will have a very successful run on the 450s in SX. I just hope he learns from his ways.
@xxktm - the Dungey situation at Freestone sticks out in my mind as well as an act of true professionalism. He could have had the hissy fit, threw stuff, dropped the bike, etc but he knew the cameras were on him and sucked it up.