Observations: Houston
Wednesday, April 4, 2012 | 1:55 PM
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The 2012 Monster Energy Supercross series is winding down, and this past weekend, round thirteen took place in Houston, TX, where men are men, the belt buckles are big and the sheep are scared. Houston is a cool city and I always like going to it, whether the race was in the old Houston Astrodome or now, Reliant Stadium. I used to like going to the first dome built in America back in the Astrodome days, but Reliant Stadium is approximately 347 percent better in every way. Except for the walk to the track from the pits, which is over a bridge and is quite a ways away.
Speaking of the track, I thought it was pretty cool, although you knew it was going to be fast because of the absence of a couple of turns. There was a section where it just bent to the right and the guys could pin it. The speeds at Houston were pretty high and even though there was two sections of whoops, one of them became so hammered the guys just grabbed another gear and flew through it. And whatever happened to the traditional Houston big tabletop or step-up thingy or whatever it was that we used to see every year in honor of CE Altman? I always liked that thing.
Regardless of track design, Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto is your 2012 Supercross Champion and really, that shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone that’s been following his destruction of the series. As much as last year’s series was a nail biter, this year has been a foregone conclusion. One by one the contenders have crashed themselves out of contention until there was just the Ginger Warrior standing to make a mockery of the class.
He won Houston pretty easily, and although JGR Yamaha’s Davi Millsaps rode great and kept RV honest, not at any point did I feel that RV couldn’t have picked it up and motored away from Millsaps if need be. And with a few more injuries taking place in Houston, he’s going to win the rest of these things methinks.
We are the champions!
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You won’t hear any talk from me about Villopoto only winning the title because he was fortunate enough to stay away from injury. I just won’t have it. When everyone was on the gate, he was consistently the fastest rider week in and week out and if anything, he deserves more props for being able to go the speed while the others could not. He’s now a two-time supercross champion, and at this point in his career, is equal to Chad Reed and James Stewart, who have each won a pair of titles, and not as quickly as Villopoto. When it’s all said and done, he’s on pace to be right with those guys in many other benchmarks by the time his career ends.
Now that the championship is decided, the battle for second in the series is something that we should all be watching. Millsaps rode a great race to get second, and Justin Brayton was also pushing hard. Brayton actually seemed like he was going to be the guy to beat in Houston, but he ended up being off, while Millsaps was on. I think you’d have to say that Millsaps has exceeded expectations in almost every way as of late. He was one of the only guys to nail this triple/bounce thing out of the first turn that was very fast, and to me, that indicated that he can still hang it out when needed.
Stay tuned to this battle for second in the series, because it’s going to come down to the wire between Millsaps, Brayton and Jake Weimer. Millsaps told me in Toronto that he doesn’t have a series-ending bonus for second place, and I find that amazing. A top three bonus in the points for Millsaps isn’t exactly a “clincher” if you know what I mean, and his great rides should reward him with some cash. Who’s his agent, Daffy Duck?
Millsaps has been riding great lately, and that trend continued in Houston.
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As my esteemed colleague Jason Weigandt pointed out a couple of weeks ago, when it comes to Jake Weimer, it’s feast or famine. When something goes wrong with him, he doesn’t just tip over. He has a disastrous night and finishes well back of the leaders. On the flip side, he’ll have nights like he had in Houston, where he stays strong, shows great speed and gets on the box. Remember with Weimer, he was on the podium and riding strong when the field was full, so if anything, it’s been weirder that he hasn’t been inside the top five each and every race in a depleted field of riders.
At this point, I’m not sure what to say about James Stewart. It’s almost at the point where, in my opinion, something has to give. He’s banged up and is crashing regularly. He was pretty good in Houston, but in no way was he a threat to win. It’s just all so hard to take for a guy that usually has it come so easy. I’m not sure what’s going to happen, but if I had to bet, I don’t think we’ll see him again as he lets his battered body heal. Let’s keep an eye on this situation from here on out.
On to the Lites. Ken Roczen won his first race of the year in Houston, but the win was somewhat overshadowed when Justin Barcia lost his marbles after the race. As most of you have seen, Barcia tangled with Lance Vincent while he was lapping him and went down pretty hard. In the process he lost his lead and Roczen went by Barcia while he was laying on the track. It was a bad deal for Barcia, and at the time I thought it was a racing incident, but after seeing it a few times and talking to a neutral third-party 250 team manager, it seems that Vincent had been holding up Barcia while being lapped. There were only three corners to go on the final lap, and Vincent should have backed it down, although Barcia did cut over on Vincent.
Regardless, Barcia roosting winner Ken Roczen afterwards was not cool, nor was him going over and giving Vincent the business while he was getting attended to by the medical crew. And then, just to top off the non-coolness on this non-cool sundae, Barcia roosted Vincent and the medics. I’ve never seen a crazy person go nuts on society before, but I’ve got to think it looks something like what I saw on Saturday night. In the end, Barcia still got second, actually built a larger points lead, and it just wasn’t that bad. It wasn’t Eli Tomac blowing a 22-point lead with one crash or anything like that. Justin wants to win badly and I get that, but a lot of people want to win badly and they don’t go bonkers when they don‘t.
A win is a win for Roczen. Here he is after getting podium primped by KTM PR gal Steph Nutt.
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Anyways, Barcia’s been fined five grand for his actions, his team owners and managers were not happy with him, and he himself has apologized on camera (Transworld Motocross), on a, internet radio show (Pulpmx Show) and in print (Racer X Online interview). I think he genuinely feels bad for what he did and in the end, everyone makes mistakes. He’s been hit hard by his actions, both in the pocketbook, but mostly in the court of public opinion.
Honestly, I think I was more offended by his teammate Justin Bogle’s actions in practice. Seriously, at least Barcia’s actions were in the heat of the moment when he lost the main event in a manner that could be seen as someone else’s fault. Bogle’s deal took place in practice, and he had nobody to blame but himself! I didn’t see what made him crash, but I saw the end of it where Justin just left his bike laying on the track, threw his goggles on the ground, dropped his helmet and just walked off into the tunnel. I assumed that his bike had broken because really, that’s the only reason why he should have reacted like that. And even, that’s not a good enough reason to do what he did, although it’s a little understandable.
As a former mechanic I have been down in the trenches. I know what goes on, and I know what these guys go through. To crash on your own, leave your bike on the ground, throw your helmet and goggles, and stomp off is inexcusable behavior. That’s a big, “Eff you” to the mechanic, to the team and to the sponsors. Like I said, it was so unbelievable that I tweeted that his bike was broken, because after seeing his reaction, I was sure it had. That’s the ONLY reason I could possibly see a rider just walking away from his machine, and I have witnessed that a few times over the years (see Reed, Chad, on a Yamaha), but it turns out his bike did not break.
Justin’s a great kid, I’ve interviewed him a few times, I follow him on Twitter and have had Trey Canard (someone who I respect a ton) tell me that he’s a cool kid. I’m not bros with him but I’ve made a judgment that he’s cool. But lately, he’s been showing emotion out there on the track that has not been conducive to someone thinking he was a great kid.
Ex-mechanic Matthes had a flash back to the old days when Bogle walked away from his bike in practice. But it wasn't broken!
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I’ve spoken to the guys at GEICO and they’ve let it be known that they’re not happy with the B&B boys (Bogle and Barcia). They’ve both been told to figure things out, and that these actions won’t be allowed anymore. Good for the GEICO guys for putting their feet down on this behavior, because if I know one thing, it’s that these types of actions would never be tolerated over at that green team,who happens to be their main competitor.
Want to see the results?
Eastern Regional Supercross Lites
1. Ken Roczen KTM
2. Justin Barcia Hon
3. Blake Baggett Kaw
4. Blake Wharton Suz - Wharton didn’t stick out one way or another, but a solid fourth is something he and his team will take.
5. Phil Nicoletti Hon - “Filthy” Phil Nicoletti returns to the land of top fives. It’s been since the first round for Nicoletti, and it’s nice to see him get off that horrible streak he’s been on. Basically, Phil’s got the weirdest stat line ever, where he’s got two fifths and then all crappy finishes.
6. Alex Martin Hon- This is Nicoletti’s teammate (on the team that is named Eleven 10 Mods, but perhaps should be renamed to, “The Little Black Box Van That Could”), Martin started rough but the last two races he’s ridden great.
7. Jake Canada Hon – This is what Jake Canada does, he gets good results all the time.
8. Justin Bogle Hon
9. Kyle Cunningham Yam - Come Hangtown, Kyle’s got to be able to hit the reset button and forget about supercross this year.
10. Matt Lemoine Kaw
11. Kyle Peters Yam - Hey, don’t look now but Peters’ late start in supercross is no longer hurting him and he’s getting better at it.
12. Austin Politelli Hon
13. Les Smith KTM - Smith rode well, he’s hard to miss with the radioactive flame paint out there. I feel like Langston’s guys should be wearing yellow hazmat suits at the races.
14. Shane Sewell KTM - A main event without a Sewell brother is not a main event that I want to watch.
15. Tommy Weeck Hon
16. Malcolm Stewart KTM - My Mookie Fever is almost completely cured right now. I haven’t felt symptoms for weeks now. They flared up in Toronto while watching practice, but other than that, nothing at all. This makes me sad.
17. Darryn Durham Kaw - Heartbreak of the night was Durham falling in the first turn, ripping through the pack to make a move on Martin for sixth, and then going down. He basically passed the whole field and was the promptly passed back by the whole field. Dropped him from second to fourth in points.
18. Zack Freeberg Hon - If Zack doesn’t have, “Skynyrd” on the back of his pants, he’s missing a massive marketing opportunity.
19. Daniel Herrlein Hon
20. Lance Vincent KTM
Matthes thinks Metty could use a break, but in typical workhorse fashion the Suzuki man is pounding outdoor motos.
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Supercross
1. Ryan Villopoto Kaw
2. Davi Millsaps Yam
3. Jake Weimer Kaw
4. Mike Alessi Suz - Great ride for Alessi who maybe, just maybe, could get a podium before this thing is over. He’s had a couple of good rides ruined by bike problems so it’s nice to see him get rewarded this week. He even got this finish despite having to go through the LCQ.
5. Justin Brayton Hon - Brayton was off this week.
6. Bobbie Kiniry Yam - Yeah! Bobby Kiniry! Sixth! Yeah!
7. Broc Tickle Kaw - This was Tickle’s best race of the year, and he even came from a ways back and was still moving forward when the checkered flag flew.
8. Nico Izzi Yam
9. Weston Peick Kaw - Good ride for Peick, who is not on a Kawi like the results say, but back on the Star Valli Motorsports Yamaha ride for the rest of supercross. Did you know that team manager Doug Schopinsky felt so bad for the Peick getting one race on the Star Valli bike and then getting turfed that he bought Weston a ticket to Indy (to race his privateer Kawasaki) out of his own pocket? Now you do.
10. Josh Grant Kaw - Perfect race for Josh Grant. I didn’t see him crash or get squirrelly, and he ended up with a solid top ten. He’s just got to get back into racing shape and get ready for Hangtown.
11. Kyle Chisholm Kaw - Chiz went backwards and that was definitely out of character for him. I found out later that he cased the triple on the first or second lap, sprained his ankles, hurt his neck, got concussed and wasn’t doing so hot out there.
12. Brett Metcalfe Suz - Man, Bretty has got to be kicking himself for not being able to be one of the guys that gets on the podium. He’s been crashing himself into oblivion lately, but there’s no doubt in my mind that he can be on the box. When I think of guys that need a week off, (and hopefully he doesn’t even look at a dirt bike) it’s Metcalfe. But he’ll probably start doing outdoor testing because the dude likes to work.
13. Wil Hahn Hon
14. Kyle Regal Kaw - Regal got tuned up by Stewart out there with a classic supercross block pass that had a light dusting of “eff you” attached to it. Not super dirty, but Stew wasn’t happy with Regal’s move a few turns before and subtly let Kyle know that he wasn’t going to take it. Regal’s had a rough adoption to the H&H Kawasaki team.
15. Matt Goerke Suz - I didn’t notice Goerke all the much, at least not as much as I had at earlier races. Then he went down via Stewart’s bike.
16. Jeff Alessi Suz - I’ve given Jeff a hard time on the Pulpmx Show and podcasts for just rolling around after he makes the main, but I have noticed more effort lately. He’s at least trying out there.
17. Preston Mull Hon - Congrats to Mull on what I believe is his first 450 main event ever.
18. Daniel Blair Suz - Blair made his first 450 main and according to Facebook, immediately announced his retirement from supercross the day after. Nice way to go out I suppose.
19. Josh Hansen Kaw - Hanny’s ankle/foot is jacked up and maybe the pain of that caused him to do that unthinkable thing to his hair. I’m just not sure.
20. James Stewart Yam
Josh Grant stayed off the ground, rode solid, and helped rebuild his program.
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Some of you loyal readers may remember last week me complaining about Kyle Chisholm’s opening ceremonies music that was supposed to be Van Halen with Sammy Hagar (per my request because, thank God, Chiz doesn’t seem to care about music), but ended up being Halen with DLR and well, frankly, it wasn’t that good. Luke, the guy who does the music for Feld, found me on track walk (or track socializing as I like to call it), and apologized for the mix-up last week. We went over the song selection once again to make sure it was set, and like a ray of sunshine coming in through a domed stadium (it really happened, look it up), Chiz was brought out to the sweet sounds of VH songs, “5150” and “Dreams”. I just wanted to thank Feld and Chiz for letting my dreams come true.
We media types were trying to find out the status of Stewart all week because there were reports that he wasn’t going to line up for Houston due to his injuries in Indianapolis. And the Kawasaki guys were also very concerned because they had to decide how much beer to buy at the grocery store. If Stewart wasn’t going to line up, they were going to go hog wild and buy enough to celebrate a hard-earned supercross title, and if JS7 was racing, maybe the beer purchases were going to be held off because with the week off after Houston, no one wanted to leave the beer to go bad in the truck. Well, they went ahead with the purchase and it paid off when RV clinched the title. These are things you’re just not going to read anywhere else but right here in, Observations, folks.
A few trucks (including Kawasaki) pulled out of the Houston pits and went over to the Holiday Inn parking lot nearby to continue on with the celebration. Think of it as a post-post-race party I suppose. Anyways, the lights stayed on and some teams and riders hung out for a while sipping cocktails and having a good time ‘till the wee hours of the morning. Parts Unlimited even bought pizzas!
I hung out for a while and when I got back to my room around 3:30 a.m., it was time to hit the sack. Only thing was, my hotel was reported to be haunted! Those that follow me on Twitter will sort of know this story, but for those that don’t, here’s a quick summary of what happened. I do a Priceline thing where I name the star level and location area where I want to stay, a price I want to pay, and I’m awarded a hotel within my criteria. I can’t pick the place, but the bonus is that I save some serious coin each weekend. So anyways, I ended up in Hotel Icon in downtown Houston, and when working the Google to find out more info, it came up a few times that the place was haunted, and is even on the “Houston Haunted Tour,” whatever that is.
Built in 1911, the place was a bank for 40 years and is super creepy. I expected little twin girls to be floating down the hallway at any moment (Check my Twitter, @pulpmx for photos). When I checked in, I asked the guy at the front desk about it and he said that while he’d never personally seen anything, he has checked out plenty of guests in the middle of the night that say they can’t stay there anymore. Great. Awesome. I was thinking that the ghosts of all the riders that I left stuff loose on their bikes when I was a mechanic were going to get me.
I walked into my room and the alarm clock was beeping which again, set me off on my trip down the road known as weirdness. I ordered a pizza for dinner and the guy on the line asked, “Is that the place that’s haunted?” and chuckled to himself. Jerk. So I left the TV on and nothing happened. I left for the track at 9:15 Saturday morning, like usual, and as I said, got back around 3:30 the following morning. The alarm on my phone woke me up at 7:00 a.m., I got dressed, packed and headed out to catch my flight home. Except for the moment, and I mean the moment, I opened my door to leave the room, the alarm clock started beeping again. Just like it was when I got to the room on Friday evening. So you would think it’s set to go off every morning and I just hit it off right?
Well then, why didn’t it go off on Saturday morning? What kind of alarm is set to go off Friday morning (I assume) and then again on Sunday? I don’t know if it’s some sort of signal by the ghosts telling me goodbye but I’m telling you, the moment I cracked the door open to leave it started to go off. I wasn’t sticking around there to go back and shut it off, I will tell you that. I just left and hoped that blood didn’t start pouring out any of the elevators. Oh, and thank you Justin Brayton for telling me your ghost story right before we left the track on Saturday night to just freak me out even more.
And that’s it people, I’ve finally resorted to telling ghost stories instead of talking about the races. We always have the Western Regional Supercross Lites series I suppose. Send me an email with thoughts on the race or your ghost stories at [email protected]
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Great article... hit it on the head about the Gieco boys
Great article and I agree that RV deserves more props for his domination instead of this riff raff about him being lucky. In my opinion the others went out trying to match speeds with him. The bad news for the other riders is RV is even faster outdoors.
@ Steve Matthes.. I got to say, that was a great artical you wrote. I normally cant stand anything you say or write about.. But I will give credit where credit is due, Just like you finally have done for once. Good Job.
all racers have the right to race I have checked out the race over & over Lance gave way But I under stand you guys have to pull for the big name teams!!!!! but after it is all said & done if not for the Little name teams & privateers we would have on one to race!!!! & AMA IS A JOKE AS FOR AS A SACATIONING BODY & I have no horse in this race!!!!!! it;s just what is see from the out side looking in!!!!!! I lost a little respect for racer X I thought you guys were moore in the center then this See Ya!!!!!!!
Very Cool to see That RV is Right on Pace , and should be up there with Stewart and Reed , by the end of his Career! someone had to say it , and it wasnt me ! read the story ......... lol !
Bogle's actions in practice certainly were unprofessional and really not cool. On the other hand, even trying to compare them to Barcia's, and actually suggesting they were worse, you must be completely out of touch with society. Barcia put people in danger, Bogle merely let down himself, his team, his fans, and his sponsors. After Bercy I called Barcia a loser, because that's how he acted, and I hoped it wouldn't happen again. Now it has, he's solidified the fact that he's a loser, and it will continue to happen now and then unless somebody actually does something to stop it. Suspension is the only way a loser like this might learn to control himself.
I love the fact that they say right in the article that RV is already equal to Reed and Stewie as a two-time supercross title holder. So the media doesnt seem to count the lame "World Supercross Titles" that Reed and Stewie both won that the tards talk about all the time..
It would have been very cool to head over to the Holiday Inn parking lot and partied with all the Kawi guys. That would have kicked as$..
Not to beat a dead horse on the Barcia/Vincent crash but someone should go back and watch it again as I have already deleted it from my DVR. From the front angle it looks like Lance bobbled a bit as he landed and darted left into Barcia as they were approaching the right hand turn. Of course non of that excused Justins behavior and there is the fact that it looked like Lance was in no hurry to get out of Barcia's way but the Barcia didn't look to be in a big hurry to charge to the checkers so maybe thats just the way the bike bounces sometimes. (sorry)
Barcias actions were totally uncalled for, he could have hurt someone real bad. Its a known fact that he has no friends out there,he is a dangerous rider! It now seems he cant take what he dishes out, which is something that we already knew. He blatenly takes out other riders, but he does not see anything wrong with that...but when the shoe is on the other foot he gets mad. I have lost respect for the AMA and also sorry to say the medical crew, they should have called for his suspension and any championship hopes. What a joke you all made are sport look like,5000 dollar fine would not have replaced a eye. Like last year nobody will congratulate this kid when he wins the title!
Way to go GEICO! Tell these kids to pull there $ht together. No way, NO WAY, a Payton rider does this crap.
You win and you lose with class. The rider represents a TEAM (including sponsors) and there is no "i" in team.
Hadn't heard about Bogle's practice time behavior. Couldn't help but think has he consistently been fast enough to think that much of himself that it would be right to act that way? Or am I missing something there? Sounds either childish or arrogant. And not exactly the type of person to be representing Gieco, Honda or our sport. Kid is fast and rides good but get down off that high horse and act normal already. Perhaps someone should video him and show him how bad he looks.
You win and you lose with class. The rider represents a TEAM (including sponsors) and there is no "i" in team.
But there is a "me"
Sorry. Before the race even started, the camera scrolled to Roczen, and I said to my son, I have to find a way to root for him. Barcia helped. Congrats to Roczen. Barcia? Shame on you. I'm still a fan, but you slipped down a rung or two.
@ Steven Matthes... I find it ironic that you have been steaming this freight train of Bogle leaving his bike and bringing up Reed doing it on your podcast with Weege. You failed to mention Reeds situation, "someone" didnt put gas in his bike before he went out on the practice track. I would be pissed off as well, one drop of gas isnt going to get you over that triple. Also I recall another high profile rider wad up, throw off his helmet and goggles, and walk to the tunnel. That bike stayed on the track as well. If your going to bash on Bogle and say it was worse than what Barcia did, then why have you said no word of Stewart doing the same thing. Bogle is pissed he is not up to par and Stewart is as well, hence "eff" this I am out you can get the bike. Your podcast was so bias it was not even funny, I cant count how many times Weege tried to get you off Stewart and you keep pressing the issue. People wonder why he is talked about so much and I beleive you have a part in that hear on Racer X. I dont blame either of those two for doing that, just an observation.
br411..........dang I bet you were crying while you wrote that.
@ Claxton Dungey went down in practice, not while trying to race RV. It's just as silly to say that riders crashed out trying to ride as fast as RV as it is to say that RV only won this title because riders crashed out. I agree RV deserves this title, but there are two sides to every coin. You just won't hear the flip side from RacerX or Matthes since RV is their guy at the moment.
Practice crashes are as much about finding that extra 10th of a second as is pushing during race weekend.
So, yes saying that RD may have been hurt while searching for that little extra is in fact legitimate
Before you bash Bogle to much you should know the rumor(thats what I call it) is that Geico(mechanic?) keeps changing things on his bike and not telling him til just before practice. No testing time and not what he wants. Frustrated they won't just leave the bike alone and let him ride it. Thats all I got to say about that.
@ coolhand...haha, no just an observation of where Steven's head is ate. He beats this like a dead horse, but JS can do no wrong...he must have a sore spot with having to push the bike plus his self back to the semi. Maybe Timmy did this to him one time.
And yes I ment to put "ate"...that is for the grammer police.
@anothernobody ....I know ...i saw that little nasty overpriced Geico lizard sitting on Bogles mechanics shoulder whispering in his ear to do bad stuff to Bogles bike. I think hes one of the evil Barcias henchmen. Call the spanish inquisition or interpol , heads should roll. Banish someone from the kingdom or make him go hunting with dick cheney or even worse make him read one of j-sloans or billc's takes.
IIt’s funny how some continue trying to sell the idea RV is undeserving of the title, with a postscript agreement that RV deserves the title. It’s to backhanded complements what elephants are to ballerinas.
I wonder; are Barcia and Bogle studying at the Alessi school of public relations and decision making? Perhaps we are seeing why neither was ever picked-up at a green team. Yes, they are young and kids do make mistakes. Contrast with the behavior of MC, RC, RV, BT, BB and all the kids at that age on that green team.
@ Open_Class Don't be absurd, riders often go at less than race pace during practice trying out different lines, different timings, etc. Unless you know that Dungey was trying to go race-pace to check his laptimes your argument is built on an assumption. But even granting that assumption, it's still not reasonable to say that Dungey crashed while trying to run "RV's pace" since the riders like Dungey and Reed were within fractions of a second of RV most of the time and since RV was not at that practice to gauge his speed.
Also, riders often use practice to test different motor and suspension settings. Dungey could very well have not been as comfortable with a changed setting and the result was a crash. The point being that one is just as much of an assumption as the other. Of course, RV fans will always favor their view that Reed and Dungey were in a desperate attempt to catch RV and ride his pace. (rolls eyes)
Yes, all the top guys got injured trying to match Villopoto, just like all the top guys including Villopoto got injured trying to match Dungey in 2010. These are both equally ridiculous and stupid claims. Fact is, injuries are unfortunately a huge part of this sport. They can and will happen at any time for absolutely no reason at all. No rider is immune, you Villopoto fans do remember 2009 right? Then 2010? Oh yeah, most of you have just gotten on the bandwagon since last year. All the best riders are going to get hurt sometimes, deal with it, and don't act like it happened for any reason other than this sport is a tough one.
J-Sloan..........I know what you mean. You didn't here anyone saying when RD won the c'ship that everyone including RV busted him self up trying to keep pace. But it's different with RV.
Warrior....wow
coolhand, really not sure what you're trying to get at there. If it's such an established fact that crashes and injuries happen only because riders are trying to match the pace of a faster rider, can you tell me who Villopoto was trying to match in 2009?
J_Sloan, do you have some sort of obsessive fascination with Dungey? Every post I ever see you make is about him.
cmon bro van hagar . are u serious haha
@ 731Chopper It's weird that you stalk my posts and take note. It's like, creepy weird.
@ coolhand So true. Peeps crash out when RV is winning and it's because they are trying to his pace, peeps crash out any other time and it's just a mistake. When it comes to RV you won't get unbiased reporting from Matthes or Weege. Coombs is a bit more objective in my opinion, and I do like Matthes and Weege because they are good journalists but they are biased a bit. But like Matthes says, when he says something good about Dungey people say he is biased...when he says something good about Stewart people says he is biased, etc. etc. I know I'm biased a bit so maybe I am reading into things too much but I'm a tried and true Dungey fan.
KM306. Trey's mom has posted on another site that both Trey and Bogle had offers from "that green team". Don't just assume that everyone wants that ride. Just like I would love to have Bubba's bike, but all the somebody's on here say its junk. Different strokes for different folks(calm down 2-stroke nuts, not trying to rattle your cage).
Tonewall. Didn't say it was bad things, just different. As close to the edge as those guys ride though, I guess different could be bad.
Warrior..........wow just meant that we posted almost the exact same thing at the exact same time :)
If it wasn't for J-sloan no one would talk about Dungey lol
Good article Matthes.
Dear Justin Bogle: Next time you want to drop your bike and walk off the track, think about Ryan Dungey last year at Freestone, one lap from winning a moto, who pushed his broken bike back to the pits in the 100-whatever degree heat after running two outdoor motos. You're an awesome rider and the wins will come, but how you get there is very important too.
Breaking News.......J_Sloan is a Ryan Dungey fan!
I'm guessing RV is gonna get really lucky for a few more years so I hope you none believers have some good counseling available!
I've really enjoyed watching Barcia these last two years, but he's making it tough to be a fan when I could just root for Tomac exclusively. Bogle's remarkably fast, but my god there's a lot of drama with that kid.
Wharton's doing awesome- it's hard not to be happy for him. Same with Millsaps- he seems to be getting along just fine with the bike, and he'll finish ahead of his hot-shot ex-teammate (and everyone else) if he can stay consistent.
I don't know if it's bad luck or what keeping M.Stewart back in the pack, but I wish he could get a fracking start. Has he been in the top 5 in a main, for even a lap? Sheez.
I've never been this excited for outdoors, that's for sure. Not so much the 450s...RV ain't gonna be messing around like last year, that's what I think. Hopefully Dungey will shock us all.
On to James Stewart. Holy hell. I sure wasn't going to bet against Villopoto before the start of the season, but I would've bet some gooood money that Stewart would AT LEAST improve on last year's disaster performance. It's positively surreal how often he messes up. I never put much stock in the "unable to focus due to concussions" theory, but...I think I might be a believer at this point. I don't think it's necessarily the pace...it seems like ANY pace is too much for Stewart these days. Pretty sad.
Going outdoors might help a little. I thought he might do it only a few weeks ago, but at this point it's seeming less likely. I still hope he does- would it be a lot easier for today's Bubba Stewart to podium outdoors than in SX, or am I crazy? The speeds are higher, which isn't good, but it seems like it wouldn't require your focus and timing to be as razor-fine.
I'm so, SO glad Stew didn't take out Windham around that 180, a la Chad Reed in Dallas. The crowd would've spilled over the walls and onto the track and carried him away and we'd have never heard from him again.
Blitzer, Dungey won't shock me at all outdoors this year. By that I mean he will be right there challenging for the title, picking up moto and overall wins often. Would that really shock anyone at this point? Really? He was right in the thick of everything when he went out in SX, Villopoto had a couple sub-par weeks right after. Who knows, Dungey could have been leading the points after Indy. Everybody talks about how RV is so much better outdoors, well guess what, Dungey and the KTM are both suited for outdoors even more so. It's on, and it's gonna be a great fight to the finish between hands down the two top riders this sport has right now.
In 2 years time, RV will have twice as many SX Championships as Reed/Stewart. Barcia is a clown, won't be going to Des Nations because of this fact. Definitely some Alessi-type f@ckedupness to this kid, super talented, but I don't think he'll ever be a 450 championship contender ( he will win some races ).
These comments are far more interesting than the actually article. Just skip the text and go to the comments... much better that way.
@warrior - No, a lot of Dungey 2-2 finishes to take a couple overalls wouldn't surprise me. But even a single 1-1 when RV is lined up seems like a TALL order. I'd love to be surprised to find that Villopoto hardly holds a speed advantage over Dungey at all--like last year. I'm not sure that's going to happen.
RV only had one bad race after Dungey went out, a 5th at Daytona. He won everything else, and will likely continue to. Who knows how Dungey would've fared in the mud. No better than RV would be my guess.
Townley and Rattray should mix things up, I guess. With Dungey, I mean.
You or anyone care to take a stab at my JS query?
>>Would it be a lot easier for today's Bubba Stewart to podium outdoors than in SX? The speeds are higher, but it seems like it wouldn't require your focus and timing to be as razor-fine.
"Anyways, Barcia’s been fined five grand for his actions, his team owners and managers were not happy with him, and he himself has apologized on camera (Transworld Motocross), on a, internet radio show (Pulpmx Show) and in print (Racer X Online interview). I think he genuinely feels bad for what he did and in the end, everyone makes mistakes. He’s been hit hard by his actions, both in the pocketbook, but mostly in the court of public opinion"
.Did he really learn?? We all heard that he "learned" from what he did in France only 3 months ago.. Now this!! Don't be so quick to say he learned anything yet. He is 19 or 20 right?? This stuff has been going on for a lot of years, There are guys on here that have known him sence he was on an 85 and said he was the same then too. so I don't know if saying "I am sorry" really means anything coming from him. Time will tell all so I say wait and see.
warrior462 ... Well said, JB could have took out The Good Doc's eye with his roost, the 5K is like pissing in the ocean,. It's a joke!!
Funny how BD200 say's "that the tards talk about all the time.." but over looks what is boy JB did!!
Its funny how so many people on here really believe they can CAST THE FIRST STONE at Barcia and Bogle! Would you guys get over it already!! You all remind me of some girls I went to highschool with haha!!!!
Why are we still talking about baby Barcia BillC your Right he says the right stuff but a little time goes by and he does the same thing all over again. Like a bad little kid that nobody has ever said NO too.
BillC is there any riding in CT? MA is still closed till May
@ Whoops...
I'd love to share your optimism but I can't. I don't think JS will race the nationals but if he does it will be a disaster and he will have some serious soil samples! No you don't need surgeon like precision as you do in SX but the speeds are ludicrous and the endurance/fitness required to run the pace of the Ryan's is unprecedented.
I can't see Stewart getting to that level stamina wise.....he doesn't have the drive these guys do....probably cause he never needed it before.
I know they removed Pala from the series but I still get goosebumps watching that race and how fast they were going!
On the RV/Dungey debate outdoors? I truly believe RD has a better bike for the nationals than he had last year. May be the best bike out there! But RV has a great bike, a ton of confidence and he now has some time to prepare. If I have to bet my house I'm All-In on the raging Red-Head...
Blitzer, Dungey beat Villopoto in both motos a few times last year, not to even get into Southwick and Freestone. He was very clearly faster all day at both Millville and Washougal. One little mistake at Washougal caused by smart line choice from RV cost him the 1-1. his own fault of course, he had it won if he was just maybe a little more patient. If you look at it with a truly unbiased opinion, it's impossible to say one was really better than the other. They were both amazing, as they will be in 2012, and Dungey caught some bad breaks that Villopoto didn't. Villopoto was the champ, 100% deserving, and I take nothing away from him. It's really sad to see his fans take Dungey's second, and just try to continue to knock him down for it. Doesn't the title mean more if the competition was better anyway?
JaminGeorge there is not much in CT other than privit places. You ever been to Tony"s track in RockyHill? I will get the link for ya.
Here ya go, Great track lot's of fun!!
http://www.CTmotocross.com
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@anothernobody
Interesting comment. I don't know much about Bogle but I do know a little bit about Canard as I grew up racing in North Texas and he was always down here racing/riding. Considering he grew up on Kawis, I wonder why he wouldn't have wanted to ride for "that green team"
JGR should re-make the new WR450 in SX trim and have Stewart race it. http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/1378/Motorcycle-Video/2012-Yamaha-WR450F---First-Ride-Video.aspx
@woopsblitzr You made my day with the last paragragh on the post above about Windham and Swewat and the fans doing that. It is probably true. I needed a good lol so thanks.
So what is going to keep us going till NO Supercross? Keep up the good and the bad and ugly posts! A little take on Clint Eastwood there!
Wow, Mathes, I'm surprised you brought up the Chad Reed incident. I listened to the Pulpmx show and thought it was interesting that you didn't bring it up but I wasn't surprised. I would have to see the Bogle incident to determine if it was worse than Reed's but it doesn't sound like it. Reed was rolling on his bike in the middle of an actual race when he threw it down, Bogle at least crashed and it was only practice; both bad moves though, one by a rookie and the other by a veteran.
Brotocross is right, though, no one will remember in 3 months. Barcia and Bogle could continue to act this way for the next 8 years and then just start twittering a bunch and start their own team and everyone will say how gritty and gnarly they are. Ha ha, what to do.
BillC I thinking more on the trail riding? I'm one of those guys who needs to stay off the motocross track.
Thanks anyway!
Yamaha needs to put the motor back in the right place , it aint workin ....Did anyone see RC trying to qualify for Lorettas ...Hmmmmm , used to think he could suit up , and go out and be top five , not anymore ... Maybe he can get in shape , but he looked very rusty , and got beat by a kid on a 250 .. I felt bad , but who knows
I think the Geico team needs a new sponsor http://www.binkcat.com/servlet/StoreFront. I can not believe LaRacco puts up with this. No offense to Windham and Tomac for this.
@Preston
Where can one go to see/read about RC?
The Barcia / Bogle -gate horse has officially been beaten to death....STAMP IT!
In other news, there will be racing next week.
TheChosen1 .... You say "Who's ever gotten hurt by being roosted?"... Ummm The doc could have lost an eye... No biggy??
JaminGeorge ... I don't know whats going on at the Thomaston Dam. If I get time I will check it out. Thats the only Legal trail riding i know of in the state other than privet land. I mostly ride woods now too, I try to do a few ride days at Southwick when some friends rent the track. I have lots of trails i ride right from my house. When things calm down at work and i get time to ride i will let you know. How far up in MA are you?
@731chopper , You can watch it on you tube , and just goggle ricky at Lorettas 2012
DM18 proving the yamaie is as good a bike as any other.
JBarcia you might be a champion, but you sure don't act like one! grow up you snot nosed punk! next time you freak out, think of the little kids who look up to you as a role model and what message your actions might make. I had to explain to a couple little guys why what you did was unacceptable, and sad part is their to young to understand. Two words to you, looser ----> Jay Law338 your headed down that road, hope you unlike he can wise up.
JS7 . I ll go on the record and say this guy will never win another championship be it super or moto cross. Stick a fork in him cause he's done. sad cause you are really talented and fun to watch. Hope you turn things around and line up for the outdoors, SO RV and RD can smack you around some more.
RV1 yep, last year was no fluke. great job!
@warrior - Yeah, I don't have a reason to be down on Dungey, really. Last year before Hangtown, when everyone was saying that RV was going to dominate right off the bat, I was one guy saying that they were underestimating Dungey's speed outdoors. I ended up being right, but this year RV's got huge confidence, stable fitness, much less SX championship stress, and a lot more seat time on the bike he practically got three 1-1s on in the final four rounds last year.
Dungey seemed to me about as fast in SX2012, relative to RV, as he was last year (whereas James was slower and Chad was about the same--you never know what you're gonna get from Reed). So I guess the KTM's looking pretty good.
BillC I'm 20 miles from rt95 and 25 from the pike I'm game any time I just need a couple of days notice. If I need to bangin from work.
I won't ride moto I don't have self control. Thats why I ride a hopped up XR250
It keeps me safe.
It has been argued that the AMA needs to increase the $ regarding the penalties assessed to the riders for rule violations.
And in case there is an confusion regarding my reference to the AMA, I am NOT referring to the American Mule Association.
@ripdown - Around St. Louis/Daytona I was optimistic about James racing outdoors. After his last two wrecks, it's looking a bit more grim (as is his entire future in MX).
I certainly don't think he would be able to touch RV for the first few / several / twelve rounds, but if he could take it slow, build his fitness, his confidence in the bike--it might be a great thing for him. When he came back at Unadilla in '10, he was only a couple seconds behind Dungey at first, but then Dungey started to walk away. Stewart seemed to recognize that he couldn't run him down, and settled in to take 2nd (before tipping over).
I disagree that he never had the drive before. I'm looking at a Motocross Action right now, dated 3/03. James on moving up to the 250s to take on Carmichael: "I feel in my heart that we'll be like two bulldogs fighting. I'll die before I let him beat me, and I'm sure he'd do the same." Really cool interview.
"I don't want to say I'm good, because I don't want people to think that I'm a c*cky guy, but deep down I know I'm good."
JaminGeorge sounds like a plan, You could take the pike to lee then south into CT. You going to Southwick for the nat??
PS. I probley won't be on here till Monday so i will talk to you next week incase I can't find this thread next week.
@motarder ... What a biggoted comment,, Why dont you Explain to the little guys, why you wish for a rider that you say is Done , but you want him to ride so he can get smacked around ... You should practice what you preach ROLE MODEL ! put that in your record book lol
@osteo - You might call me a liar, but I knew right away which AMA you were talking about. Actually, I just googled American Mule Association. It's real! Their homepage says "Proudly Serving the mule and donkey community for over 35 years." Ha ha. In one of the pics, a guy riding a mule is jumping a hurdle, and there's literally four people watching him from the stands.
You know, with the economy coming back, now just might be the perfect time to invest in a competitive show-donkey.