Racer X Rapid ReaXtion: Villopoto is Out
Tuesday, April 24, 2012 | 4:50 PM
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PrintMonster Energy Kawasaki announced today that Ryan Villopoto's knee injury from the Seattle Supercross will keep him off of the track for the rest of the 2012 Monster Energy Supercross Championship and the entire 2012 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship. Here's what our staff thinks of the shocking news. Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments section below.
Davey Coombs:
A European journalist recently asked me, and several people, who the fastest rider in the world is right now. Without question, hands down, indoors and outdoors, it's Ryan Villopoto. No offense to Tony Cairoli, or Ryan Dungey, or James "Ricky" Reed, it's now RV. And now the fastest rider in the world is done for 2012, just like that. It was another reminder (as if we needed one) of just how cruel a mistress racing can be... It was such a small crash, too. Nothing like the spectacular crash that Trey Canard suffered at Los Angeles, or Chad Reed (Dallas), or like Kevin Windham (Houston), and really any of the ones that pushed James Stewart to the sidelines. It was a turn, some traffic, a foot planted wrong, a summer lost -- the third time in four years for Ryan Villopoto.
I hope Ryan gets well soon and comes back 100 percent for the start of the 2013 season and hopefully another solid title defense. Remember, Ricky Carmichael's streak of SX titles was stopped at three in a row in 2004 when he went down before the series started with a knee injury. He came back from surgery and rehab and won two more. How did he come back so well? By taking four months off for what his doctors said would be a four-month injury, a recovery formula that athletes in every sport should follow.
Ryan Villopoto's Hall of Fame career is not over, just his summer. Here's wishing him a speedy and full recovery. I still think he's the fastest man on the planet until someone beats him when he's at 100 percent, and that's not going to happen before January 2013.
Steve Matthes:
Blowing out your knee in a contract year is a total disaster for just about any rider. Fortunately for Ryan Villopoto, he’s not one of those riders. RV has clinched the supercross title and was installed as the immediate heavy favorite for the outdoor title until his crash at Seattle. Villopoto’s had a nice run of three straight titles, but lately in this sport, that’s about all you’re going to get.
The injury count is staggering and not even a guy who’s had everything go right for him can escape the reaper for that long. Villopoto will be back for 2013 supercross and these days, an ACL injury isn’t nearly the problem that it used to me. He’ll be back and I assume at his full powers.
With him gone, Ryan Dungey is now the favorite unless a certain #7 who rides a Yamaha (but maybe for not much longer) dusts off the Nikes and comes back to the outdoors. Then those two big dogs will go at it but right now, guys like Andrew Short, Davi Millsaps, Brett Metcalfe and Justin Brayton have to be pretty excited for their chances to do some damage this summer.
Also the question is out there, who gets to ride the factory Kawasaki of Villopoto this summer? The early betting favorites are a guy like Broc Tickle, who’s on a 450 right now and is sort of an extra guy for the Pro Circuit team. Or do they put Tickle back down and move Tyla Rattray up? Rattray was looking to ride 450 outdoors this past year before signing back up with PC. What about Kyle Regal? Tommy Hahn (who’s rumored to be on Trey Canard’s Honda this summer) or maybe Kawasaki puts in a call to the strangest fill-in rider ever that only lasted one race, Branden Jessemen.
In this season of strange happenings, who really knows? The one thing we do know is Ryan Villopoto will be missed at the races by most everyone but his competition.
Jason Weigandt:
Now even the guy who won the title couldn't escape! We're now literally looking at the prospect of Ryan Villopoto crutching his way up to the stage to accept his 2012 Monster Energy SX Championship trophy at the Awards Ceremony in a few weeks. It will become the most symbolic image of the season, one in which just about no one was spared.
Of course, other injuries seemed more tragic because RV already won this year’s SX title, and he’ll no doubt get a nice new contract for 2012. But it still sucks. At RV's level, you're not racing for a contract or just to fill the bank account. You're racing to win and to be the best, and this one takes away time right in the prime of his career.
I don't like jumping right into the speculation about replacement riders or who will win the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross title in the absence of the champ. Obviously Ryan Dungey becomes a heavy favorite now, and you'd think anyone else with a shot will be motivated to come out and give it a shot (and I think we all know who I'm talking about). But in this season, it's ridiculous to hand the trophy over to anyone this early. Dungey could be the fave, but he's just a few days back into racing after an injury of his own. Now more than ever, no one is immune to trouble, so predictions in April are useless.
As for replacements, the Kawasaki net is large, from Pro Circuit guys like (on a 450 in SX) Broc Tickle and (dying to get on a 450) Tyla Rattray, to H&H riders like Ivan Tedesco or Kyle Regal. My personal favorite choice, just for the pure wackiness of it all, would be Christophe Pourcel, but there’s no chance of that. But again, why speculate on a replacement? Whoever they do put on RV's bike will also have to survive the next four weeks in order to race it, and at this point, you can't count on anything!
David Pingree:
I caught wind of this, and Tweeted about it, days ago and unfortunately it is true. Injuries are always a bummer and it just won’t be the same without Ryan at the nationals this summer. But Ryan can put a silver lining on this thing pretty easily.
First, he already wrapped up his title. How much more does this injury sting if it happened five rounds ago? Ryan will be comforted during his rehabilitation as he pulls his piles of money and number one plates over himself before falling asleep at night. Also, ACL replacements are very common and, as long as there is minimal damage to his meniscus, he will recover 100 percent. He also gets a well-deserved summer vacation. One-and-a-half years of Aldon Baker breathing over your shoulder watching every morsel of food that passes your lips has to wear thin. For an active racer it’s difficult to take time off because you feel like your competition isn’t. That’s why McGrath always liked to go to Lake Havasu with Jeff Emig because he knew at the very least his main competitor was there having as much fun as he was.
This will force RV to take a break and realize how much he loves riding and racing. Add to that the fact that this gives some deserving rider a chance to shine on a good bike and the injury becomes almost philanthropic. Well done, Ryan.
I’m not sure if the series gets boring without podium regulars Reed, Townley and Villopoto in the mix or if it starts to get really, really interesting. Could this change the plans Stewart has been making? Does Dungey reassert himself as the king this summer? Can guys like Short, Grant, Metcalfe and Millsaps win races now? There are plenty of unanswered questions that won’t be solved until the series kicks off in a few weeks. Until then I wish a speedy and full recovery to Ryan and the rest of the battered and bruised cadre of professional racers out there.
Chase Stallo:
It didn’t look good from the get go. When one of the toughest riders in the sport has to be helped off the track, barley able to stand on both legs, deep down you know something is wrong. Today Kawasaki officially announced that Villopoto would miss the remainder of the 2012 season with a knee injury. Not only is this a big blow to Villopoto, as well as both series’, but to the fans as well.
Weege and Matthes have already covered the long-term prognosis for RV, so I won’t rehash the same sentiments. But I will touch on the opportunity this could provide for a number of riders when the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship kicks off at Hangtown on May 19. Although Dungey will enter as a heavy favorite, along with Stewart (if he choses to ride), there are a number of riders that could use this opportunity to step up to the plate.
Justin Brayton, Davi Millsaps, Josh Grant, Jake Weimer, Andrew Short, Mike Alessi, Brett Metcalfe…the list goes on…are salivating that they may now have a chance to reign supreme outdoors. As we’ve seen throughout 2012 it only takes a millisecond for things to change in a hurry, and with a wealth of contenders already in the MASH unit, the door is open for a new contender to emerge. Or we could see a repeat of 2010. Only time will tell.
Haley Whisennand:
This season is literally taking all the top riders hostage. It was looking like maybe RV would be able to come through and be the one who survived, but that all changed with a crash in Seattle.
Though he’s already clinched his 2012 Monster Energy Supercross title, this means that Villopoto won’t be able to defend his Lucas Oil Pro Motocross title. Now, I know he has a bunch of Ws already and he finished out what was his 2012 season with yet another championship, but it’s still disappointing for everyone to know that we won’t be able to compare Villopoto’s outdoor aggression on the Kawasaki with Ryan Dungey on his new KTM or Andrew Short back on the Honda.
The better part of this deal is it lets the “best of the rest” guys have a chance to really shine and maybe grab some serious moto wins. Guys like Davi Millsaps, Justin Brayton and Jake Weimer may get to see the podium more often this year. After all, of the five SX riders from last season, only one [Dungey] has confirmed that he’ll be riding outdoors now. It’s anyone’s game again.
Monster Energy Kawasaki is no doubt looking for a summer replacement. But whoever does get the gig has to know that it’s only for this year. Even though it’s a contract year for Villopoto, there’s no doubt Kawi will pick him back up. But that still leads to speculation. Who will fill in while he’s out? If it were up to me, I’d move up Tyla Rattray out of the 250 Pro Circuit realms. It’s time he moved up to the 450.
With this latest update, it looks like it’s Dungey’s title to lose. But who knows? Surprises are around every corner.
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CRAP!!!! This stinks!!!
No offense here, but I don't see how Coombs can say RV is the fastest rider outdoors when Dungey was just as fast in the 2011 Nats and mainly lost the title because of his gas boiling.
Anyway...
Wonder when he will be back... We will have a real tough time at the MXdN if he is not there!
The Mayans predicted this...its the end of the world
Reed was faster outdoors till his rolling of the windows.
F**k J_Sloan.....you are the ultimate clown......seriously! Show a little respect. We all know you have a Man Crush on Dungey but the guy who's won everything there is to win over the last couple of years has just announced he's out of the Nationals.....some of us find that to be somewhat impact full on the sport we love.
Not the biggest RV fan, but wow, gotta feel for him. Man has paid his injury dues many times over. Best he's ever been and this happens again. No question the outdoor season would have been more fun to watch with him and dungey going at it 100%
This has got to be the first time in the history of of the sport of motocross that the top 5 title contenders are injured in a single series.It was probably 8 of the top ten out with injury.Incredabible! Maybe James Stewart will ride the outdoors now.It looks like Dungey should cruise to a easy outdoor title for KTM.Get well soon RV1.
throw tyla rattray on the factory kawi!!!
J-Slone...PLEASE give it up.
Stewart has a chance to step up now and be the man outdoors and at the mxdn. But i know the fastest man with the smallest mind/heart will not do either. Heal up RV! Dungey will wax the field outdoors.
J-Slone...PLEASE give it up. Remember the last 8 moto's??
@RV - Get well soon
This would definately be a win for the fans if JS stuck to his original plan and race MX.
Unfortunately this is a lose/lose for JS. If he doesn't win, he should have and if he wins, it's only cause RV and CR aren't racing. @BillC you hit the nail on its head, This Stinks!!!!
We're in for some GREAT racing though. I think RD is the favorite, the field is pretty even and anyone is capable of winning. I like Shorty's chances, maybe even BM24.
Is Barcia moving up to 450's?
and what if this had happened 4 races ago?
If he is, he'll give RD a run to the end.
Lets see, Dungey won the SX/MX MXDN of 2010( no monster cup)
RV won SX/MX/MXDN of 2011, I'm thinking you have a pretty tight race between the 2. And a DNF for Dungey in SX MX played a major part in Dungey not winning both title and don't forget the moto when Dungeys bike didn't showup until a 1:30 into the race and barely in front of RV,(otherwise he wouldn't have been allowed to start).
No douby RV is fast, but don't shortcut Dungey on everything he has done and will do.
Won't be suprised to see KTM with both outdoor titles,
I'm moving to Germany for a year....of course I'm going to the MXDN in Belgium........ I hope Villipoto can race the last few nationals and maybe be ready..otherwise who will it be....???? maybe Dungey, Canard (if ready)...and Barcia (he's good in the sand)
Rattray should ride Villo's bike this summer....he was killing it at the MXDN in France last year....very fast on a 450.....and consistent...
@ripdown ... yz 360 direct injection twostroke ...
RD is no question the FAV!!! He should cake walk it like in 2010...Who can stop him?? There is no one left :-( Really sucks i was looking forward to him and RV going at it.
KAWASAKI: RIDER WANTED
Do ya think that they still have Jame's phone#
No mention of Alessi? His name has to be in the mix also.
@CodyRem - Alessi? No doubt he is a potential contender but there's a reason he didn't get a factory ride this year.....Tony, no one wants to be associated with him.
There is a fast guy who is very hungry and rides yellow with 800 on the bike. This is his year and I'm a dungey fan. I think he will go toe to toe with him and also Stewart . Feel bad for RV but the season is not over. Alessi had Reeds number before he got hurt.
Boy, I'm so glad we go the experts on this, for this rapid reaction. It's all cleared up now.
Just because Tony is there doesn't negate the fact that Mike has a shot at this thing. IMO.
Against this field a guy like Dungey could do a 24-0. He probably won't, but there isn't anyone else racing who's in his league. If the James Stewart from 2008 shows up on a Suzuki, we could have a fight on our hands. Fingers crossed.
I think it makes outdoors so much better than watching RV blow everyone away!! Who knows who will win it now, and I like that! Not very fun watching a race with someone 30 seconds ahead of 2nd!
Holy Hell, Jason! I cannot believe you actually mentioned CP377 but, (as I was thinking the same thing three previous words before his name reference) I will agree, however, that is a definite winner for the wackiest warranted candidate. Even Christophe's enigmatic mind is undulating inside that cranium right now with that one!
Good Pull, Jason!
No offense to Alessi fans, but he has had his chance on factory equipment...let someone else have a go at it. There was a time I thought Alessi would win a title but that was a long time ago.
It would be funny if James rode RV1's bike outdoors and kicked everybodys ass on it.
Stewart back to Kawasaki? Big blue has not been the love wagon he thought about, and since he is thinking his own deal next year anyway, maybe RedBull might be willing to take a dive for a few months. Rumor mill just shifted into fifth...
I'm just glad I did'nt prepurchase my Outdoors tickets. I agree it gives others a chance, but when I spend my hard earned cash to go to a Pro race, I want to see the absolute best in the world ride.
stewart needs to go green this summer
I have heard that Jay Marmont, the Australian Monster Energy Kawasaki rider already has his ride!
Incredibly unlucky for RV, outstanding for the best of the rest. It makes me actually look forward to the outdoors knowing that Captain Dominate Everything is going to be sidelined. The lead pack just got a whole lot tighter and heavily populated for outdoors, I feel bad for Villopoto, but the racing is going to be awesome this year.
P.S. What If, RC4 was to alter his schedule away from tending the twins this summer and dusted of that (not-so) old broom in the closet...
Seriously, can you imagine how many other potentials in the open class are scratching some serious scalp right now! This is enough to make RV1 even smile, I bet. Ha!
Enjoy some good pasta this summer, man!
BillC, Ripdown, and many others. J Sloan is an idiot as you've pointed out many times, because he can't watch the races without his RD glasses on. You, on the other hand, are all equally as bad with your RV glasses, and collectively, it is far more annoying because of the way you're all banded together. Next time you make a post, ask yourself, am I saying something about Villopoto that J Sloan would say about Dungey? You all look just as stupid as he does to anyone who knows anything, you just don't hear that often because this site is run by you RV guys, there aren't many around to show you how stupid you sound.
Now Js7 will have a miricle recovery and be into the mx title chase. Watch out whitey.
Seeing JS7 at Kawasaki is possible, but I think he needs to prove himself again. Also I don't know if James would go for it, I don't know why he didn't sign with them for 2009 and so on, but there may be some bad blood.
Hey warrior462.
Don't know if you've been paying attention but I've previously posted that I'm now pulling for RD. Just don't understand why someone needs to chime in and down play the guys accomplishments when he's just announced he's out of the series due to injury. Gets a little tiring hearing about boiling gas, chains coming off etc....
This is a disappointing day for motocross....not because I'm an RV fan but because the best guy going ( at this time ) is not able to take part in the best MX series on the planet! and.....J_Sloan is actually RD's mom.....I pointed that ouot weeks ago.
GOD DAMMIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 2010 450 Class Motocross Season all over again!
I am so happy for sloan, now RD has a chance to win !!!
Warrior, ripdown, you are all right, RD IS a GOOD guy and has NEVER suggested he would have won anything he didn't, he is actually a true sportsman and damn good. Just wasn't as fast as RV according to the scores and laptimes the last 3 series- as this artical so rightfully stated. I will miss RV greatly but I know the racing will be great anyway.
I can't wait I will be in Vegas, Hangtown, Freestone, steel city and maybe one more this year.
Absolute bummer...Get well soon Champ....RD guys don't hand him the plate just yet ...the KTM IS NOT the Suzuki.(don't give me its not any good crap ...check the record books)..it won't be so easy...plus there are some good riders returning and if Havoc decides to go he will be trouble ..EVEN on ole 'whirlwind which I think would work better outdoors...... J-sloan i think your amazing ...anyone who can type with his head that far up his a*s is impressive. CANARD!!!!where are you buddy!!!!!and DON"T count out Shorty from here on out...hes had a taste.
How much you want to bet Stewart comes out and races the outdoors now...........................
This sucks,as a fan for 36 years when I go to a race I want to see the top riders.Bitches
I agree with those giving Alessi some props. I can't stand him but he never has put up consistent results like this in SX before. I'm not saying he will win the title becaus he will still have those Mike Alessi days where he falls and gets stuck in a fence and finishes 18th, but he will give Dungey a race more than a few times this year. He will get starts at almost every round for sure. Also looking forward to Brayton and Shorty on the Honda's. Most likely will be Dungey though. Everyone will be waiting for Stewart to do something, but he'll be too worried about what is on TV and how you extend the battery life on your iPhone. Even if he rides, the rust will be thick, like the tin man in a rainstorm.
two250.....What about Dungy, Barcia, Shorty. THAT'S A SOLID TEAM!
Did I just read someone saying Dungey would go 24-0? Listen, RV wasn't going 24-0 without Dungey out there. Dungey is not THAT much better than the field. In fact, I think some in the field will have more for him than they had in 2010, where Dungey lost 5 motos. That KTM will still present teething issues outdoors, and I predict at least one DNF (or porr finish) due to a mechanical.
Next big headliner: JB moving up to 450 class to get ready for 2013 SX
Haven't you all heard, JS already checked out for the summer. Boats in the dock, Liquid Force boards in the rack, just waiting for the honeys.
ripdown, I don't know how you managed to pull any kind of down playing of RV's accomplishments out of my post. Read it again, it's just not there. What he has done recently is nothing short of amazing. I'm an unbiased fan of the sport, and it makes me sick to see guys like you and BillC and all your other clones out there not giving Dungey the respect he is due, along with RV. These are the two best in the world, and as far as winning championships goes, neither is necessarily better than the other. I wouldn't have it any other way, knowing every championship these two enter will be a dogfight whose end can't possibly be predicted. If you see it otherwise, it's because you forgot to take the RV glasses off. I'm really bummed that we'll miss out on what could've been another epic battle between these two all summer, especially since even a long career in this sport is pretty short.
Sad to hear the RV is going to miss another outdoor series to injury..He has proven himself to be the best outdoor rider in America..I am sure Dungey knows, to be the best, you have to beat the best and would rather race Ryan..Dungey may now be the favorite, but he wont be as fast without the Firecracker there to ignite the Locomotive. Get well soon Mr Villopoto...You will be missed by all!!!
The 4 strokes did it!
@not4show.....agree with the analogy about the outdoors, but RV proved superior indoors. All the RV ONLY lovers, you do insult a great outdoor rider in RD as he was 1 DNF (boiling gas) from the title. You all know it but refuse to accept it. OK denial is your lifestyle, so cool on you.
But remember all the RV LOVERS who said TC, CR, RD, JS all crashed because they were trying to keep up with RV??? Well now you all must eat crow as that was the stupidist analogy you could have used BECAUSE now it is said that RV crashed trying to keep up with AS.....Don't be hypocrits and make excuses. You all used it now it comes back to bite ya'll in the ass (because it is not true irregardless of who you use it for)..........just sayin'
Honda needs to move Barcia to the 450's...easiest decision ever. He will be on the box EVERY weekend. BARCIA BARCIA BARCIA Honda's best chance at a title!
warrior462 seems to have reading comprehension issues. Ripdown NEVER said that YOU down played RV's accomplishments.
.And you say we look dumb... Now thats FUNNY.
This is racing! Reed said it right when RV went down, "Just when everything is going right you get hurt". Reedy wasn't the leader when he crashed out but he was getting close and catching RV each week. It's a brutal sport both physically and mentally. 2012 MotoX will be good though with CR, RD, JS, ML, DM, and the others.
As an RV fan, this is the most dissappointing news of the year. I told my son when we watched it live and saw the replay " That did not look good, it reminded me of the simple lay over Stewart had outdoors when he wrecked his knee "
Can we stop with the RACER-X/Sports Illustrated Cover type jinx allready??? Obviously it does not make people crash but has been a year that every time you talk about it, someone else goes down.....maybe best to not talk about it!
The only silver lining for me is that I am also a Dungey fan. I fully expect him to win outdoor title # 2 if he stays healthy and has no DNF's. I too look for Shorty to be his best ever this year, Back on a Honda, Supercross victory in hand and knowing he can be a top 3 guy every week.
Which ever one of you knuckleheads said RV was not the fastest think again. Even when he was struggling to get his legs under him outdoors the first 4 or 5 rounds, when he did win a moto, he won by 50+ seconds. Reed only did that to him the first couple rounds. He was showing way more speed than Reed right before Reed went superman. After the 2012 bike arrived he started putting it to Dungey too, with the exception of moto 1 Steel City. He also beat Dungey pretty good in moto 1 at Pala when Dungey was in must win mode and at the MXN.
So to say we did not just lose the current Fastest racer in the world is just burying your head in the sand!
Get well and come back with a vengence Villo. I really want to see an entire, healthy outdoor season from you RV. I want to see some GOAT like dominance! Meanwhile give em hell RD5 and if Stewart shows, let the battle begin!
@Racer8M - That's a solid team, but I would go young - Dungy, Barcia, Tomac
"Warrior" is dead on with his first post!! It was totally fair and absolutely true!! You RV fanatics are doing the exact same thing you accuse fans of other riders of doing..exact same thing!! Somebody says something about your boy RV and you all (you know who you are) reply like butt-hurt babies!! You are no better, or worse, than anybody else who does it. Freakin' cracks my a s s up!! Look up the word hypocrite fellas, there should be a group picture of you under the definition!!!!!
This is so unfortunate for RV. I think Stewart should dust off his ego a little bit and ride the outdoors.There's never a perfect scenario for a season. The minute you think there is a bike blows up or someone gets hurt. In some cases it all comes down to getting million dollar contracts. The default excuse when money doesn't pull thru the equipment. Moto should be a little more like stock car racing. Give everyone the same bike with whatever suspension mods they need and let the gate drop! Don't "factory" part me right now! AMA needs to streamline this and get everyone on a level playing field! #7 needs a carpet call. Get off your high horse and ride some outdoors like a man. No disrespect. JS7 crazy fast and I'd be pumped to see him at the races. So James in short your a bad ass but your head is stuck in it. Take out your manpon and drop it at the gate. Sick of Stupid Cross! Holler!
seriously though, RV is LOADED WITH CASH AND SUCCESS in this sport, getting hurt and missing a season is a damn small price to pay, and now the 450's will actually be entertaining to watch.
seriously though, RV is LOADED WITH CASH AND SUCCESS in this sport, getting hurt and missing a season is a damn small price to pay, and now the 450's will actually be entertaining to watch.
too bad for Villipoto, get well and come back hungry!! I hope Mike Alessi can be on a competitive bike for the outdoors cause in my opinion he has a chance at the title!!! when he was on a factory team he was good outdoors...Time for mike to shine!!!
WOW a long read and a lot of options. ummm let me just say... J-Law? I wanna see him come back and straighten his personal life out. Too much talent wasted. Also is Wiemer not a top 5 guy at all outdoors? Stewart needs his own damn team like Reed with factory, yes Kawasaki support. Nothing wrong with the bike, just not right for HIM.
I'm the biggest RV fan but lets get guys back to racing and not some BS SX only contracts. Make it like any other sport, incentive based. You wreak, they take care of ya but you make more for wins, tops 5's and championships. Something like that.
...and RD, Barcia and Short outdoors... really? RD (MX1), Tomac (MX2) and Barcia (MX3). That's a killer combo right there!!
Just my 2 pennies!!
@Caseypons dont get me wrong I love Carmichael but it would take some serious training on and off the bike for Carmichael to compete with the top guys right now. He's trying to qualify for Loretta Lynns, this summer pro-am I believe and didnt qualify think he got tenth. The video is on this site you may have looked at it.
I should have said he got tenth his first try at a qualifier for Lorettas pro-am class.
Man that sucks for RV ...time for Kdub to come out and give em hell....RD5 will still kick ass....Maybe JS7 will come out for the fun
Who ever says an acl is a 100 total recovery is sadly mistakin, my wife works for two of the best orthos in Texas and has seen a ton of these, its never 100%, after any injury no matter how good of Dr. Or how good of rehab or how good of trainer its never the same, James get your ass outdoors, as for villo another pro bites the dust, another one down and another one down your prob familiar with the song, just cant wait for the pages of would a could a shouda as to why RV couldn't have been more patient, maybe we can call that injury pulling a James.
This sucks for RV !! He' been THE MAN for a couple years now and I hate to see his year end like this ! Maybe Stewart can muster up some balls now !!
Ripdown and warrior462 can call me names all they like. The internet seems to produce a lot of people who like to call others names from their keyboards. But I don't take the internets too seriously and stand behind everything I say. They are welcome to move beyond the immaturity of name calling and point out why or where I am wrong, and we can debate that. Other than that, I stand behind my claims: RD was every bit as fast as RV outdoors so I would question Davye Coombs' claim that RV is the fastest outdoor rider in the world.
I'm shocked. I did NOT see this coming, and for it to happen in a race that did not really matter sucks. I think Shorty will step it up big time in the outdoors.
Put Ronnie Mac on RV's bike!!!!
If any more riders get hurt, I'm going to enter the Nationals.
I was afraid of this when RV continued to race after clinching the title. Shoulda signed off let a noob ride his bike and get ready for the summer. Oh well he still has successfully defended every title he defended sounds kinda goatish which racerx predicted over 6 years ago. RV will surpass RC in the books.
I second Chillimac's contention that we put Ronnie Mac on RV's bike! But if they are looking for true goon riders, I can do that REAL good without even trying!! :)
RV went down trying to run Shorty's pace.
J_Sloan getting his revenge! :) Although this is devastating news for fans and RV we can look at this as a good thing, sorta. This is RV's third injury in 4 year's, and each time he has been injured he has come back better than he was before. I am not sure how long an ACL needs to heal, but is there any chance of him making it to an Outdoor? I really don't look into how long it takes to injuries to heal, sorry...
@kw255 - RV passing RC in the books???? Are you out of your mind? I am an RV ''fanboy'' as people call them and will back Ryan up in almost any situation, but if you think that than more power to you, but (and I'm sorry fellow RV fans) I think the only one that could of passed RC in the history books was JS and his time has gone and passed.
@J_Sloan....that is funny!! No, i'm not happy he is hurt RV'ers, just think that was funny.
Oh penguin_bob......you are so stupid sometimes!!
Just look at the lap times from Sat. night. Top 14 riders within 2 seconds. This summer could turn into some actual racing. I just want to see good close competition even if lap time are a little longer. It gets old watching one guy get the start and then disappear.
@CodyRem- for real! what about aleesi. reed couldnt keep up in 09, he won on a 350 PLEASE GIVE HIM some credit. for team green-cp377. stewar should go suzuki after his recent incident with yamaha and kawi. alessi for 2012 outdoor.
Maybe Kawasaki could call up that top 20 national number guy who doesn't have a contract this year. Good ole Number 16......a fan fav for sure.
It has been a tough series on the troops. Hate to see it go that way.
Even with the lack of the big names on the outdoor gate, I still embrace it's return.
Put Rattray on the PC 450. Hes the only one of all the others who can give Dungey a go. He's been dying to ride the 450, let him try now. PC has power in the lites class, they dont need Tyla there, put him on a 450 then Kawi and PC have and good chance of winning both championships.
F 2012. straight up. i along with everybody wanted to see a 5 way battle for 17 races in sx. injuries stepped in. Now we dont5 have RV for the outdoors. I'm not a RV fan at all but i still want hime to be in all the races along with windham, stewart, reed dungey, and canard. wtf is going on? And yes reed was the fastest in the outdoors once he got that bike dialed in before that wierd crash at millville left him shook
Put Tim Ferry on the Kawi! I wouldn't be suprised to see NYK step in. I think the best guy for the job would be Rattrey IMO. PC and Kawasaki have a great relationship and PC already has a good shot at the 250 title without Rattrey.
oh man, oh man, oh man! This completely blows. I so like watching RV's outdoor style of just attacking!!!
crap. No way I endorse putting alessi on an RV ride. I spit at the idea of such a thing! ptewy.
Honda should absolutely think about Barcia on a 450 as I think there are to many contenders for him to do it in the 250s. and I hate Honda.
Replacement guy for RV's bike? hmmm, guys that might be available...Hahn, Regal, Tyla
Or in a strange twist of fate, stewart back on a Kawi for a single year then into his own Kawi team for 2013?
regal and hahn on a factory kawi please...think about tyla, stewart, and alessi. stop hating on alessi, its tony u should be hating on.
NYK??? he didnt perform an a factory team in 2010.
I understand the advantage of being small and light but these guys might benefit from doing some serious weight training. Especially shoulders and legs. It also increases bone strength. Weston Peick seems to manage carrying around extra lbs.
Metcalf is looking like a genius now. He has just been cruising around waiting for everyone to blow thier wad and now he will be a serious contender for the outdoor tittle. This must have been Suzuki's strategy for this year.
I know this sounds crazy,but why not put Grant on the factory bike.That would give him a chance to show what he can do on one.Since he never really got to on the Honda.
Sorry guys but, whoever said JS to Kawi, it isn't gonna happen. The Red Bull / Monster thing squashed that relationship, and Kawi isn't desperate for his services like Suzuki is.
250 riders on 450's: There is a good chess game here. If Honda pulls Barcia, Kawi should pull Tyla. If Barcia stays, so should Tyla. The comp is so tight in the 250's between PC & GEICO, they need the buffer that their other riders will more than likely represent. This was going to be the best title race all summer regardless of who was healthy on the 450's, and dilluting the class would only improve Roczen's odds.
#800 has got to be going nuts right about now. At the worst, his finishing position is garunteed to be several positions better than the beginning of this season and at best, this could be his shot.
CP#377 was my wacky darkhorse pick of the day as well, Weeger just beat me to print.
Tommy Hahn went from "happy to be getting a shot on a factory bike" to now, there's a bidding war for his services. Lucky guy.
Maybe they should televise the wheelchair races all these injured riders will be having, that's gotta be a stacked field.......just thinking out loud here........
It's amusing to hear the people supporting Dungey & Villo as the best since sliced bread when we all know my favorite, good ole' number #41227101 would've been paddling them all summer if not for that little injury.
I honestly don't see the MXdN OVERALL in jeopardy.....as of right now. Ask me again in late August / early September.
Sooo, RV is injured three of the last four years? Basically, if not for last year, there wouldn't be a whole lot to redeem this guy.........Sheesh, he's almost as bad as Canard...
The funny part is all those guys stepping up now will also get hurt with injuries again. Brayton needs to win one and so does millsaps. I can see windham riding outdoors now that the chances have increased. The truth RACING the 450 class is way much power and the level is high paced that to win you have to absolutely ride out of your comfort zone resulting in big crushes. I have to say tho JS7 is one of the luckiest riders in MX history. His ratio of crush with injury is really good compared to other racers.
MIKE ALESSI 2012 OUTDOOR CHAMPION ON A MOTOCONCEPT SUZUKI. JS7 WILL JOIN SUZUKI 2013.Either his own suzuki team,motoconcepts or factory. All we know is he is not going back to blue.
Is it true that they are attempting to get RC to race the outdoors?
Mike Alessi deserves a plug...hes got the speed n skill outdoors..forget about the crap...he can run at the pointy end and thats where its at...
I think Metcalfe has a shot. He finished second to Dungey in 2010. And almost one a round till ran out of juice.
Why are all you guys counting out Brayton? He may not win it but he will be battling with RD. THe other factor is Regal. If he was getting top 5s on a privateer bike with everyone in what will he do with so many hut if he gets a good ride? (KR for TWO TWO? Hint Hint CR22)
@dgizzy1 it wont be MC. Stew is very greedy and MC has no where near a big enough support to pay JS7
The key is not going to be about winning races, its going to be about winning races consistantly, and not having many bad motos.
There are a handful of riders that can win motos this summer, but winning a moto and then having an 18th place finish in the next one is not going to win the title. RD has shown the consistancy, its actually his strongest asset. Can anyone else this year be as consistant outdoors as him.
"Calling Mr. Dungey, Mr. Dungey..... Your 2012 Outdoor National title is ready to pick up now"
It will be nice to see RD get another title but I bet if you asked him, he would rather have the only guy who can challenge him, Ryan Villopoto in the mix this year also. They were so close on speed last year that it would have a been a great battle to the title. I really don't see a reason why RD can't run the table this year unless he has bike issues or a freak injury.....
GOOD OLD DAYS: ORIGINALY FROM Canton, Ohio
I've seen the best of the best from midwest and east coast for over 50 years I've been to all the National tracks past and present and worked at Steel City Mt.Morris and Red Bud some for over 25 years even the old Mid Ohio USGP and the fall Trans Usa days. I should start getting out the old photos and start scanning I have plastic tubs of them. I would be hear for another lifetime but it would be worth it.
I saw Damon Bradshaw he was at lorreta lynns in 1984 85cc Stock (7-11)
1. Jimmy Button, AZ, HON
2. Damon Bradshaw, NC, YAM
3. David Beckington, MI, KAW
1985 as a 12 year old
85cc Stock (12-13)
1. Damon Bradshaw, NC, YAM
2. Jeff Daily, OR, KAW
3. Brian Swink, MI, KAW
85cc Modified (12-13)
1. Damon Bradshaw, NC, YAM
2. Junior Jackson, IL, KAW
3. Brian Swink, MI, KAW
then Mt. Morris PA ( High Point ) following that with a hot mom big transporter even before all the factory guys had them. People were everywhere like he was elvis checking this kid out
doing exhibition moto's on an yz 80 doing the triples down the boulavard going higher and farther than the big guys and everyone was like this is the real shit it was very exciting in those day the only kid out of the big rig you talking about a kick stand.. It was a real site you just knew that you were witnessing something special that only a select few would witness you just looked at the folks around you at the time all with big cheshire grins..
Anyone who stays home for the nationals this year is going to miss what may turn out to be the best season ever in the Lites class! Tomac, Wlison, Barcia, Roczen, Musquin, BB, Wharton, and on and on. Its going to be one for the books! I'd love to say Tomac is the favorite but there is no way Barcia lets him get away and the KTM boys are gonna smoke as well. Its gonna be great!
@ J_Sloan.........While I agree not everyone crashed out running RV's pace, there is a big difference between someone having a yard sale while chasing the winner of the past 3 titles and the best rider on the planet tipping over in a corner and blowing his knee out.
@MF637: The mention of RC4 was a rose colored glasses call on my part. And I did see that video of him, "doin a little racin" for the Loretta Lynn Pro-Am race. RC4 can afford to do what he wants, when he wants, because he played it smart and retired at the peak of his career in motocross. Now, he can raise up the family and be,"The Smilin GOAT" the rest of his life. This outdoor season will prove to be an exciting one when it's all said and done, and as usual, I would never (ever) try to predict the outcome.
But, if RC4 were to show up at the gate, I'd take those rose colored glasses off faster than Erin Bates could put a mic to his face, as the checkers flew wildly in the wind. And the crowd went wild...
Get Healthy, RV1!
Yes, the Lites class is 'super-stacked' (kinda like super-pumped!) and I can't wait to see Baggett, Barcia, Tomac, and the Euros, go at it. Dungey is certainly a favorite but don't forget Ben Townley. And what about Trey? Will he be ready in May?
RC doing the nationals is an idea someone may have came up with last Friday. He likely stopped his "program" 5 years ago. He's always going to be fast, but being fast for 30+2 was always his strong point. That and being in good enough shape to withstand the occasional bail-off. I don't think he would bounce right back up anymore.
No way RV does the MXdN. My not too bold prediction.
Ok fellow posters as usual I'm a day late since I check in early in the mornings.
Feel so bad for RV yes he could have just started getting ready for the outdoors but then all of you would have got on him for that. It is so bad and what Reed said is usually true it all geos bad when you feel the best.I can vouch for that.
Now since you all have made your comment on replacement riders I will nominat Bob Hannah but then he would say "I'm not gonna ride no stinkin Kawasiki!" So I gues that might not happen either?????
It is still gonna be a great outdoor series- The real Motocross racing.
LETS RACE!!!!!!!!!!
Man, this stinks on so many levels.
I feel bad for RV especially since he's had a bad run with injuries over the past few years (except 2011). Every injury has its toll on a riders body and longevity in the sport. I hope he does what he needs to do to come back at 100% so he can exend his career.
An RV return in time for the MXdN is doubtful. May to August are shot for surgery, recovery, and rehab. The clock keeps ticking while he's out and I can't see him back on the bike before early Sept, after the Nationals. Will RV, Aldon, and Kawasaki want to risk re-injuring the knee at the MXdN with so little riding time, especially on a track with deep sand? I'll bet not.
As for this summer, I think that the Nationals will be more competitive than people think. Dungey has a good shot, but there are a number of other guys that are riding well. Brayton has been getting better and better this year and should do well. Shorty will run up front now that he back at Honda. Grant has Jeff Ward keeping an eye on him now, which is a much different dynamic than Grant's had before. Milsaps is getting some better finishes so his mood/confidence are going in the right direction. Regal, Hahn, etc all add to the mix. Would love to see KW outdoors for the entire series, but I think he proved to himself last summer that running all the nationals at a competitive pace didn't agree with his body.
I will miss seeing RV outdoors. Get well soon RV.
So, what happens if RC starts training with Dungey?? Wouldn't we all like to see that? I know I would.
Was McBrooks planning to do the nationals this summer? Wonder if their new sponsor is onboard for the nationals, or just the last 2 SX races this year and next year's SX schedule?
It on for the national I'll give you a hint its green it looks like slime !!!!!!!! and a letter
I'd put my money on Dungey. If he would just get off that darn Fred Flintstone look'n, stone-age steel framed turd and switch to the Honder. "Best on Earth" isn't even the half of it. It even sounds like a pterodactyl fart as it flies through the air!
If the dung man cant win it he should take him self and roger and report back to the 125 b class and start the process over
Emig is the only rider I seen that retired that looks the same weight wise in shape doesnt look like he gained an ounce plus he has worked hard on speech presentation & still gooffing on the bikes he should get way from the kawie commercials and get back on the trail. see you at red bud FRO
THE DUNG MAN runneth & hideth with decost somewhere between austria and belgium. They are on the Rhine river with Hervé Jean-Pierre Villechaize
Um, hey TheChosen1......didn't James skip the Nationals and come back for one race (well one moto i guess) and remain "competitive?? I think he did!! If you say that he wasn't competitive that day you are crazy!! You're also crazy to think that he wont be able to compete if he does race!!
The word it the dirt is if Dung man doesnt win the first moto this year the Coaster will suite up himself for the second moto and dung can walk home to Minn
villapoto only won 3 nationals Highpoin,t Unidilla, and steel city its asame that reed is out He would take it Dungy and reed were a tosss up with metcalf who will do nothing this year
sorry for the type os
I just have to say wow again, and if you think that short can run dungeys pace then i feel sorry for you. And Des Nations... either Dungey Tomac and Barcia. Or Dungey Barcia Bagget. or tomac, dont know yet but someone will be a bust, but you know its not going to be dungey!!
Really talking about Des Nations before the SX races are over? With the way this year has been going, who knows what riders will be lining up to race in September. With that said, I hope the riders that are left stay healthy.
BRAVO BEVO
Stewart to TWO-TWO Motorsports THEY WIN THE TITLE. Reed had to much on the line and stewart needs to prove the money isnt all that is about lwer the sag and ride
I think Ryan Hughes is wanting to race Hangtown. Maybe someone will give Ryno a shot at the season. Dowd was competitive at that age who knows.
WTF, I want my money back for the Vegas Championship Tickets, my hotel cost blah blah...this year is a joke!
Thank god he finally got injured.
Now we will see some really competitive action (just a tiny bit slower than last years action)
It's all good guys!
I think there will be big pressure to put bam bam on the big bike and I think the 7 will race.
Gonna be a great outdoors!
I would never wish ill on the other competitors,all this drama is why its called MOTO-CROSS
OR I should say Super-Cross it will rear up and get ya... Some as you relax...
Andrew Short has a new team title sponsor: Chaparral Racing! The surprise move, tweeted by team co-owner Larry Brooks, means that the old trio of Dave Damron, owner of the San Bernardino, CA-based mega shop, and Brooks and team co-owner Jeremy McGrath have reunited. Together, they won three AMA Supercross titles (1998 to 2000) and set a new mark of satellite team success