Monday Conversation: Ryan Dungey
Monday, June 4, 2012 | 10:40 AM
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Red Bull KTM’s Ryan Dungey now owns the points lead in the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship after a wild day at the Toyota Thunder Valley National in Colorado. His title rival James Stewart crashed out for the day while leading early in the first moto, and from there Dungey picked up the lead and won it, and then followed up with a gate-to-flag win in moto two. He talked about it in the post-race press conference.
In the first moto, Stewart went down. There’s no doubt that you saw him go down there.
Ryan Dungey: Yeah, it was unfortunate, it looked like it was shaping up to be another good battle. I was right there and we were 1-2. I didn’t see the guy cross the track, but I saw the footage and then I could see it. I could see where he’s [Stewart’s] coming from, you’re trying to focus on what’s going on, and you see that and you’re like “Man, what is that guy doing?” It was unfortunate, I hate to win like that. I feel like me and James have really been pushing each other to new levels, and he won the first four motos, but it was good. Hopefully he’s alright, and he heals up and comes back to Mt. Morris.
You picked up 50 points today. Does this change the game plan?
No, game plan as usual. There’s so much racing left, you can’t focus on the end result because anything can happen. We saw that today. For me, I like to come into the races focusing on myself, doing my deal, and not underestimating anybody. I feel like today, we got off to good starts and the bike was working well. We had a good setup right off the bat. But to me, things happen so quick, you can’t focus on round 12 or the championship, what’s happening right now is what you need to focus on.
Ryan Dungey is the new points leader after a 1-1 performance at Thunder Valley.
Simon Cudby photo
When we first came to the outdoors, you had a new bike. Obviously the first few rounds have gone well for you. Where do you feel you are right now compared to previous years? Is there still room for improvement?
I like to think that every year we get better, and we get faster. But there’s always room for improvement. The riders are always getting faster. It’s like supercross -- it’s not even a matter of doing the jumps anymore, it’s a matter of who can do them faster. We started off a little rough in the first moto of the year. Last week we did some work with the rear shock, and we worked on that at home some during the week. Today, after practice, I was like “alright the bike feels nice.” I didn’t feel like I was out there trying to put in a record lap time, but my time was still good. Being comfortable on the bike is so critical, so big credit to the guys.
There are no excuses, but we do have a new bike. It’s really cool because going into next year, we’ll have a year of notes under our belt. It’s such small, fine changes, it’s little stuff nowadays. You have to keep improving. Don’t settle, but don’t go off track.
How about the track today?
It was a little different from what I was expecting. Especially because 2010 and 2011 were really rough and really rutted. Like coming down the big sweeper, you had big ruts and big bumps. Today, it was soft in places, but other sections were rock hard. I think the rain actually helped us. I was surprised how good it looked for the 250s, and it ended up being really good for us. It took the edge off, it softened up some of the harder areas, and we had good traction. I think they did a great job considering what the weather was.
You’ve now won the 450 overall here three years in a row, and you also won the des Nations here. Is there something special about this track for you?
I don’t know. It’s tough being up here in elevation. I struggled here in the Lites class, the elevation and the power, you know, it was tough. On the 450 it’s been much better, obviously, and today I was happy with the power of my bike. It’s a good track, I’ve had a lot of great success here and great memories here with des Nations and stuff.
Dungey gained 50pts on James Stewart after Stewart crashed in the first moto at Thunder Valley.
Simon Cudby photo
It didn’t end up being a non-factor because James crashed, but, once again he started behind you and passed a bunch of riders early to get the lead. Do you think you were in a good position to win the moto, or is that still something you need to work on, making sure he doesn’t sneak past you on the first lap?
The first moto, you know, I did have him on the holeshot. But when I tripled up the hill, I went to rail the outside and he snuck under. He was able make his passes really quick, and I knew I did, too. I think it was, what, the third lap and we were already 1-2. He had a little gap on me, so I was trying to close that down. It was shaping up to be another great battle. I think I can get better. The second moto was better as far as getting the start and getting going. There’s always room for improvement.
Next week is High Point. Your thoughts?
High Point is always good. It has good elevation change, and the off-cambers and stuff. It’s usually a good place to be, and hopefully the weather is good. We’ll see what she brings.
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Holeshot! (that's getting to be satirical on here) Go Dunge!
" I didn’t see the guy cross the track, but I saw the footage and then I could see it. I could see where he’s [Stewart’s] coming from, you’re trying to focus on what’s going on, and you see that and you’re like “Man, what is that guy doing?” It was unfortunate "
Well said.....
That KTM sounded awesome I will say....real crisp
"I didn’t see the guy cross the track, but I saw the footage and then I could see it. I could see where he’s [Stewart’s] coming from, you’re trying to focus on what’s going on, and you see that and you’re like “Man, what is that guy doing?” It was unfortunate" .........................There you go know-it-alls who say a guy crossing the track was no big deal and wouldn't affect anything....go ahead and argue with the new points leader and past champ about it!!!! I'm addressing the guys who say there is NO WAY it could have contributed to the crash....we all know that could have happened without the dude crossing for sure, but to say it couldn't have contributed???? Thanks Mr. Dungey for a credible opinion on the subject!!!!!!!!
Stewie has shown he has cat-like insticts, and watching the replay over and over, he crashed because he cross rutted, period. ALL crashes are from a lack of focus and concentration irrespective of what causes this mind fart. So to blame it entirely on the track crosser (should be flogged in public) is not correct......Sorry James.
The Dunge (my favorite racer) would have caught James, but I think it would have been like the last three motos in that he would not have passed him. James seems to have an extra 1/4 gear when he needs it, but, that extra 1/4 gear is also what puts him on the ground at times.........
He seems to be a class act! He respects his competition and knows having Stewart or Villopoto out on the track will only make him better. Rick Flair use to say" To be the Best, You have got to beat the best!" I am sure Ryan would prefer every one to be healthy and on the line so he could have the chance to do just that. May be next year will set up to be the perfect storm, with the injured returning and the influx of new talent. Like him or not, you got to respect his talent and mental toughness.
I wish "scrub" and a few others would get on here and rail Dungey for making this comment....."Being comfortable on the bike is so critical"............c'mon guys, lets hear what you have to say about that.....you ripped James apart for saying it!!! Hmmm, must be something to it!!
I've seen the footage from two different angles, Stewarts helmet cam and then a cam on the same straight as they were coming toward that camera. When you see it on the helmet cam footage the guy looks really far away and not a factor, but the wide angle factor of that GoPro makes things look that way, if' it's not right in the camera then it looks far off and small.
The angle with them coming at the camera shows the guy to be a little closer than Stewarts footage.
It would have had me guessing what the hell the guy was doing there and I would have been going a 5th of the speed Stewart was.
You are an idiot pizzahead!! Who the hell made CR god!! His ass isn't even out there, oh and how about a link to where he said it too?? You'll discredit anybody (RD) in the name of discrediting JS won't you?? Fool!!
....ok, he said it on his Tweeeeeter page.....so what, you know the history there between those two!!
Wait.... EVERYONE WAIT!!!!! I have the answer..... LET OFF!?!?!?!?!!?
If you see something in the way (not really because the photographer was plenty clear of him) then let off for a split second, get situated and let the track crosser finish crossing the track, then get back on the gas and do your thing. DUH!!!!!
Its so classic James. Pin it or crash. He could have let off and regrouped, then made it through a rutted straight just fine. He has the skills, just lacks the brains to know when to back off for one second.
Ok, I'm going to make a prediction. The stewart lovers are going to freak, but I'm just being honest. I don't think Stewart will ever win another championship. He is not as fast as he used to be, or there is now several other riders at his level which means for him to win he has to ride over his head. Him riding over his head equals all these big crashes. He is not going to except the new reality and walk away from the sport.
Good for RD to say he can see what happen to JS, Some NON JS fans don't want to hear that.
.I just know deep down it Bugs RD to win that way, It has to!!! JS went from 10th to 1st so fast!!!c It looked effortless, almost like slow moition. I am just so bumed that we all got cheated out of another good race and series. Now RD does not have to push to win even if JS comes back unless JS rips 10 moto's in a row off.
The only reason JS7 was winning is because CR, RV, TC, MC, RJ, BH, DB, JE, and every other person who is not racing this year is not there. He hasn't beat any of them straight up!
909r ... JS has been SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO smoooooooth I really don't think he was ridding over his head at all outdoors.
IMO - the guy crossing the track had nothing to do with James wadding it up.
My rationale: James regularly slices through dense traffic (usually lappers) at extreme high speed, often with short notice after coming up quick on someone after a turn, jump or whatever. So when he came over that hill top, why is the sight of a guy way down the track who has already basically crossed it on the side opposite of where James is coming through going to bother him? Ooh, what a big scary suprise! Oh no, now I'm falling.... (...squirt...)
IMO - the guy crossing the track had nothing to do with James wadding it up.
My rationale: James regularly slices through dense traffic (usually lappers) at extreme high speed, often with short notice after coming up quick on someone after a turn, jump or whatever. So when he came over that hill top, why is the sight of a guy way down the track who has already basically crossed it on the side opposite of where James is coming through going to bother him? Ooh, what a big scary suprise! Oh no, now I'm falling.... (...squirt...)
Yes RD probablly doesnt want to win it this way, but here is a guy that is as fast as Stewart, but doesnt fall. Chances are good that he is in it for the long run, so he ends up still racing when others are on the sidelines hurt. this is his MO and why he is always in the hunt for the championship at the end of the season
Dang, why are we wasting all of this negative energy on the guy who placed 39th and 40th. Congrats Dungey, you did an awesome job!!!
uneasy guy whoever you are. you need to learn your motocross history. James has beaten all of them straight up guy. I can understand where james is coming from. I don't think he blamed on the guy. He was just saying that when he saw him he lost some of his focus and crashed. It's good that dungey wants james to come back because other riders wouldn't. I like when racers want to race the top guys so they can consistently test themselves
@uneasy_rider,, JS hasnt beaten CR staright up ?? You may want to go back and do a little homework.. And another thing, TC and RV get hurt more often than JS has. Like I said, go back about 4 years and see how many times RV and TC have gotten hurt...
I knew this track worker/JS7 crash would be the best topic of debate as soon as they made the live report from the track.... If you like james, you will see it one way...if you dont like james, you will see it another.......When your racing at the speed these guys are and you come over a blind jump, only to see some kook standing in the middle of the track like a deer in the headlights, of course you are goind to say " WTF???" and that is all it takes sometimes unfortunatley...Dungey understands ..Whether the guy moved out of the way or was on the side of the track fingering his buddy, at one point in time the dude was just standing there and James got distracted....makes sense to me....Distractions, lack of focus lead to mistakes....and he fell.....Sure, there are a few things james could have done better....but its always easier said then done after the fact...... Kelli whats her face pulled an Erin Bates and made it seem alot worse than what james says himself...so again, take it how you want it....these guys loose conscentraction or focus and they can go down...
Congratulations Dungey!
Sucks Stewart went down, I hate to see Dungey win with Stewart down, because I believe he was going to get his act together and get around Stewart without the need for the lawn dart.
I hope Stewart isn't hurt too badly too. Dungey could fall asleep and beat Alessi, unless Alessi's dad makes him ride with 10' stilts so he could keep both legs out the entire race and just keep everyone behind him.
Hoping too Short picks it up a bit, second was fantastic, hope he keeps it up!
@ mxmofo1..........Maybe they get hurt more because they're actually out racing and riding, not sitting at home all summer for the past 3 seasons. Just a thought.
I love the fact that RD is a true leader in more ways than the just the numbers. I would be his sponsor in a heartbeat. Hats off to him and his team.
Dungey doesnt fall??? .. didnt RD miss 6 weeks of action after a crash broke his collarbone....what a dumb statement.....all these guys crash...its a part of racing....
@ Killomoto..........
http://www.motocrossactionmag.com/Main/News/YOU-BE-THE-JUDGE-THE-STEWART-CRASH-FROM-A-TOTALLY-8998.aspx
When was the guy standing like a deer in the headlights? He ran steadily all the way across. Like I said, I'm surprised JS couldn't deal with that situation considering the much closer and more dangerous situations they deal with daily when racing. JS never altered his line or anything and Dungey managed to avoid him and his bike with no heads up other than his own eyes. RD was past the flaggers and mid-air before JS hit the deck. I still agree the photographer needs a kick in the bag though, he shouldn't have crossed with traffic that close.
@Retardcross,, Well thats funny, because I remeber RV and TC getting hurt just this year while they were racing ?? Do you really think that JS doesnt ride all year around when he was SX only ?? Your bias is showing..
Ya, everyone crashes, but RD not really known as a crasher. Stewart, now that is another story. Come on, you knew this was coming.
Oh god here we go again.
While I don't think the guy in the track was necessarily "the" cause for his crash, I think it did possibly contribute to it. First off, those guys had to be going 50mph off that jump, into a deep rutted section, which alone in itself takes great concentration. Take into account the guy standing there with the deer in the headlights stare had to throw JS off guard and have to make a split decision on which way to go, not know ing which way the idiot was going to run. As with any camera angle, like said previouly the guy was a lot closer in person than what it appeared to be on camera.
With that said, my opinion on the incident is that it may have spooked JS, broke his concentration, maybe switched lines and crossrutted. Also, who knows when he even crossrutted, as you can power through while crossrutted for a bit.
As far as JS pushing it and riding over his head, I think that was not the case. He has looked ultra smooth thus far. Deep ruts are tricky enough, but throw in a blind jump, a high speed section, and a moron in the middle of the track, and it can easily throw someone out of rythym. RD een agreed.
I was hoping for RD to get a win this weekend, but didn't want it to come this way. Hopefully JS is ok and can race next weekend.
Uneasy_rider, give it a rest already.
Albertyn hit a deer
Another poit is that JS mentioned to his team that there was a guy in the track. It was the media who brought the wholle guy in the track thing. I swear James get more scrutiny from what others say about him.
And while we can sit and analyze the video replay, if anyone who rides can attest that this happens much faster in person being on the bike. You have that split nano second to react. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn't.
@Motohead279,, Well said...
@ mxmofo1.......I never said RV and TC didn't get hurt this year racing....what's your point? RV, TC and CR have more track time with outdoors in their schedules the past few years, therefore higher likelihood of getting hurt compared to riding your home track at your own pace half the year like JS.
And what's with the deer in headlights talk.....the guy never even paused momentarily? RD managed to change lines to avoid the carnage without flags in the same distance JS had to analyze the photographer situation. I'm looking at this situation as objectively as possible. Yes I believe JS when he says it broke his concentration, but at the same time I'm surprised it did considering those guys have MUCH CLOSER calls all the time while racing.
I just watched that video link and it only confirmed what my opinion was. If you watch he is out of shape right as he enters the ruts. Which makes me believe that his concentration was thrown off and he missed his mark, becasue he was out of shape through that whole section before he finally went down.
I'm no JS superfan but I will call it like I see it, and it definately looked to me that JS was reacting to the idiot and he missed his line.
I hope they take away that guys track credentials for a few races. Talk about bad places to run across the track, right at the bottom of a blind jump.
@Retardcross ,,I know you didnt say that, but the fact is that RV and TC get hurt as much as, or more, than JS does.. Especially TC. But to say its because they spend more time on the bike is not an accurate statement. Just because JS hasnt been riding MX, does not mean that he doesnt spend just as much time on a bike than the others do.. I think since '09, RV has only made it through one complete season without getting hurt,, and I would beat that TC has gotten hurt even more. Almost everyone seems to forget how often these guys get hurt.
I've said it before, I'll say it again. This (young man) amazes me with his total make-up as a complete human being. The guy has no personal manager, no coach, no trainer (don't tell Roger I said that) and he is (so) centered with the tasks at hand. Jason focused on this aspect over the weekend. He is the thumbnail photo next to the definition of consistency in your, Funk & Wagnall. People can criticize him all they want but, you cannot discount that (Key) element that can win repeated Championships and is probably the most important single factor to longevity when referencing duration of career in any given sport, let alone the young mans sport of Motocross, that being consistency.
All around great human being, and a awesome competitor...
Whats this world coming to...PLEASE ask Roger to verify all of what I say. For many years in Europe, it was a COMMON practice for spectators that line the track to toss beer bottles., rocks or whatever they could find at the rider they didnt like. Belgium being the worst offender. When Lackey was racing for the Worlds championship, he made sure to ride in the center of the track to try and avoid the oncoming missles. I watched as Eric Geobers hit and ran over a Brit while in Luxemburg, who was on the track dancing around in front of Eric, until whoops he got hit. Now, lets compare this with a worker running on the track at least 300 feet in front of Bubba.. WEAK....Go to the races and talk with Roger and ask him how many objects were tossed at him. This incident with Bubba isnt worth the paper it is written on
@phoenxmike ,, yep, you're right, and Dungey is wrong.. hahahaha..
all i know is james was taking the inside line after that jump every time. He was forced to take the outside which is much deeper rougher lines and and he got bit. If the guy didn't cross James wouldn't have stayed outside down that section. Pointless to debate though James and Ryan are on another level and JS7 needs to comeback or this is going to get boring.
@ everyone. Bottom line.... let off. DUH.
So if there was a downed rider in the middle of the track... james would have missed it with no problems?? And if he did crash, then would everyone still be ripping the downed rider for being in the way? Of course not. James should have let off and regrouped, got into a new line, and motored away. Instead he went wide open and hoped the new line he chose would work out. Obviously it didn't.
Wow, there are some touchy little ladies on here who don't get sarcasm! If you look at the name, half of them don't even race anymore, and as far as motocross history, I have been a fan for over 30 years and can go toe to toe with anyone.
@Pizzcorner: You could not have said it more precisely,
"That guy wouldn't say a bad word about anyone"
Dungey is the epitome of your, "Complete Opposite"
Think about it...
@retard... thanks for the link...I had not seen that angle before...from the gopro footage they showed....it looked to me like the dude had paused on the track a little...this angle is much better...James rear wheel kicked up as soon as he enters that soupy section....if the dude running across distracted James or whatever...then I guess that is partial reason for the mistake...I dunno...He was going inside like dungey was and he had to go outside...so thats all she wrote... .....people on here are making more of deal out of it than James is....but its more interesting than watching Dungey go aroung the track unchallenged....YAWWWWN..... really shows how much better RD and JS are above the rest of the field....
"There are no excuses, but we do have a new bike. It’s really cool because going into next year, we’ll have a year of notes under our belt. It’s such small, fine changes, it’s little stuff nowadays. You have to keep improving. Don’t settle, but don’t go off track".
This quoted from Dungey's interview.
The point I will try to make is, Dungey is racing a "first-year" bike..........as fast and faster than almost ALL.
1) Kawasaki has one season under their belts for a (mildly) redesigned frame and minor rear suspension adjustments.......otherwise very much the same.
2) Honda has three years of development on their current incarnation of the CRF450R.
3) Suzuki has SEVEN YEARS of development on the RMZ450 that is being ridden by Stewart now. Before Stewart was: RC, Reed & Dungey. That is quite a pedigree and I'm not sure how many bikes can make a claim like that. Seven years of notes.......think about it.
Ryan Dungey is racing an all-new motorcycle from the engine to the engine management to the chassis to the suspension. He is doing this just as fast as the "Fastest man on the planet" is going on a bike that has seven years of settings, notes, etc...................I am very comfortable calling that quite an achievment! Props to Ryan Dungey and the whole KTM organization!
I forgot to mention Yamaha in the last post...........oops.
What was odd, was during the live race coverage, Kelli was talking about how Dungey had something planned to "ruffle James feathers" and before you know it , the incident occurred......hmmmmmmm conspiracy theory????? only kidding...
@KillMoto - "standing in the middle of the track like a deer in the headlights"...
Talk about exageration!
SOOOOOO tired of people saying the KTM is a "first year bike"!! That bike has been tested and proven for years, quit making it sound like it hasn't been!! @Motohead279...thank you for being one of the few unbiased and reasonable people on here regarding this topic!! I don't say it for sure caused the crash, but i argue with those who want to say it couldn't have had anything to do with it as it is completely possible that it did!! Whatever, it wouldn't even have been such a big deal if it wouldn't have caused him to DNF the whole day.....he could have recovered from a bad moto the way he has been riding and the fact that he had a 14 point lead.........congrats KTM and Dungey i guess....3 races in and unless you f up royally you just won yourself an outdoor title, nobody else is even close to those two!! Finally anybody who says James has been riding over his head is nuts, like BillC said, watch the first few laps of this race, that dude makes 9 passes look totally effortless, it was like slow motion!! Once agin, the worst part of this whole deal is that he is injured and couldn't finish the day!!
Mr. MX! - Yes, last time we "chatted" I thought we were talking about feting Benjamin (your quote source) - that's why we were haggling over math!
If I can get away from Deipenhof I'll be there, but I've still got a few things to settle with von Kluge.
Anyway, Up the Irons!, and Dungy is gonna kick a$$.
@uneasy_rider,, I know, thats why I only mentioned riders that are currently riding. Well, were riding..
Nice ride for RD5 and the "completely new with no R&D , never been ridden before , untested ,still waiting for it , not even built or designed , on the drawing board , never been even thought of yet KTM...please....give that magazine lip flap test crap a rest...The bike is good and has been good for awhile ...it was not the bikes 'fault' he was getting seconds .its not some bizarre road race design mounted backwards..lol.it's a 'version' of stuff they've been building for years.....he was using his head...its how he WINS championships...and THATS what their all there to do. He HAULS on it also...KTM is not some podunk company that needs Rokon like years of testing to dial that stuff in.......I sure hope the always controversial Havoc7 returns so that KTM can gather four or five more years of data....I think the guy who won the event's view of the 'trackcrosser,reactiontimedilema' kinda ends that story...if Havoc is out ,i'm looking forward to A1.....and "the brand new untested KTM's" sales pitch and price increase.ps I like KTM's and have owned MORE than a few...it still ain't 'that' RMZ.
@ heinz - Read my follow up post ----- The gopro footage I saw saturday while swilling some IPA on about 3 hours sleep, I thought I saw the dude pause for a moment...I have since retreacted that statement in lieu of seeing the other footage which shows a much clearer scenario....bottome line, dude should have not been there.....If he wasnt there, this discussion would be mute....but it is what it is....
The idea of you guys saying Stewart is out of control all of the time is absurd. In SUPERCROSS he is know to crash a bunch. But in MOTOCROSS he has won 28 out of the last 31 motos he has entered. That is counting the moto he did not start Saturday also. THINK ABOUT IT, 28 or 31 with 1 crash that caused a DNF. You have no grounds for saying he is a lawn dart in MX. None....and I'm a Reed fan. Just trying to keep you guys honest.
Instead of another anemic interview, Dungey could have been asked a direct question regarding whether or not he felt that he could beat Stewy in an outdoor MX race ....
As far as the results, this year, the answer is "NO."
http://www.motocrossactionmag.com/Main/News/YOU-BE-THE-JUDGE-THE-STEWART-CRASH-FROM-A-TOTALLY-8998.aspx
looking at the view from the camera positioned below the jump, James see the guy at .23 seconds into the video, lands at .24 seconds and his rear kicks out of the rut at .25 seconds...clearly the guy (who has to be a complete idiot for not just crossing the track but doing it at the base of a jump) impacted the outcome. James may have ultimately fallen a few seconds later but the fate had already been determined by the events that took place at .23 seconds into the video.
Nice race RD5. No shame in winning this way. Gotta be up-right to win. RD5 was, JS7 was not. its a long season, a lot can happen. Spectater/photo guy should not be on the track, but it was not as drastic as it sounds, I would love a "5 minutes with Stewart" and get his take. That would shut alot of people up...... or re-kindle the arguements.
sorry those are supposed to be seconds
23 seconds mark, into the video James is in the air and sees the idiot (maybe bigfoot)
24 second mark, he lands (after just seeing an idiot underneath his bike at a professional race)
25 second mark (looks like ten feet or less from the spot where he landed) his rear cross ruts and starts the downward spiral
he tries to save the bike but his weight is already so far forward from crossrutting that the outcome is already determined...
I agree with Killomoto, the footage I saw from the GoPro it definately had a pause in there, and looked like he had stopped in the middle of the track. Nonetheless it was an idiotic move and hopefully someone has talked to him about it.
@PheonixMike, you might want to get your eyes checked if you are calling it 300 ft. It was right at the base of the jump at exactly right where JS was going to land. And so what about what they used to throw at riders in years past, thats not what it is now, its not what riders expect, and has no valid point. Just imagine if guys were allowed to run accross the track in MotoGP or F1.
@Whatever, there are a few people on here as yourself that I could talk about moto for hours, unfortunatley those type of people like us are few and far between.
kaiseroza, good breakdown and my point exactly. It was 2 seconds from when he spotted "idiot" until he crossrutted. That 2 seconds probably even felt like a 1/2 second actually being on the bike. Sh*t happens really quick out there.
This shows that Dungey is a real professional. He's a class act. Especially wishing Stew the best on recovery.
That's the difference between the two. If the same thing had happened to Dungey
Dungey would have said it was his fault and Stew would have not supported him at all.
It was 100% Stewart's fault, period.
James goes 1-1 for 6 races and were tied again. All the James fans should feel like he's still right in it.
@sanguine,, you are clueless....
@sanguine - Stewart wished RV well after his knee injury. You have no idea what you're talking about. And he's less friendly with RV.
Anyway, I love the guy, but I think the track worker was just a convenient excuse. He was lying on the ground and a light bulb went off and he did a fist pump because he just thought of a way to shift blame. It was probably a bit distracting, but...come one now.
I don't think he was necessarily riding over his head...it just happened, sort of like Reed's Freestone crash last year. (I think it was Freestone.) I hope he's back out there in a week. I do think Dungey would've caught him and we were in for another great one. :(
@sanguine....If this happened to Dungey, it would go something like this - " Well, we got off to an so-so start...we managed to work are way up to the front within a few laps...then I came over the jump and there was a track worker or photog on the track....it messed with my concentration and I went down.....but no excuses"
If James says that is what contributed to his crash then that's what it is, he is the one riding the bike he knows better than anyone, this is a dumb argument. I hope he gets better and gets back to running 1-2 with Dungey so we can see more great racing
Great job Ryan! Championships are typically won through consistency and that's what Ryan and Roger have in mind. Ryan is a class act. I also think he will find more speed as the season progresses.
It is unfortunate that James crashed, regardless of what factor(s) may have contributed to the mistake. I hope James returns next week in top form and he and Ryan have a good old fashioned MX brawl.
Kxpwr18... letting off in the deep ruts is not always the best way at navigate them. Letting off can transfer your weight to the front tire and that can be a bad thing as we saw.
Dungey= my fav rider, but i do believe that the TW did play an affect on stewart, watching the video, i would say that it through stewart off a little, but I dont know if it "threw him off that much" teee hee teee heeee get it!!! Cant wait for next weekend!
"SOOOOOO tired of people saying the KTM is a "first year bike"!! That bike has been tested and proven for years, quit making it sound like it hasn't been!!"
@ Whatever. Please enlighten us with your facts because my facts differ from yours. I enjoy learning new things and it sounds as if you have some new information that would make it seem that the Factory KTM 450 is not "brand-new". I would very much enjoy hearing this new information and how you've come across said information as, I consider myself pretty informed on all things KTM and this would be of great importance to anybody that follows KTM.
1) NEW die cast engine cases (as in "completely new with no R&D , never been ridden before , untested ,still waiting for it , not even built or designed , on the drawing board , never been even thought of yet KTM" .......yes, you too tonewall)
2) NEW single cam head design (the crank, rod, piston, gears, etc. are new as well but, let's not get ahead of ourselves)
3) NEW frame: to match NEW engine cases.
4) NEW engine managment system with accoutrements.
5) NEW EFI system.
6) NEW suspension linkage (yeah, you busted me on this one, it's ONE YEAR OLD and last year's linkage was on the 350 so, little to no crossover data).
7) NEW clutch (while there is no garuntee that the factory team is running the "Bellville Spring" clutch, it nevertheless is NEW).
8) NEW plastic (fenders & sidepanels) design & mounting
Frankly, it's easier to say what ISN'T new on this bike rather than the other way around.
While you & yours are entitled to your opinion, I choose not to agree with it. There's too much data proving your opinion flawed.
Well, well ,well.........I agree having a dumbass walk across the track quite a ways in front of you could be distraction, but let's face it.....He just had a brain fart and crashed. Everybody loses their focus or makes a mistake once in a while; even the best riders in the world. As far as James changing his line to avoid the dumbass...I don't think so. The guy was already out of his way. What bugs me about this whole thing is that it reminds me of something a kid would say. As an adult, when you make a mistake, you fess up to it; no excuses. If all the riders were like Stewart the interviews would be quite different. " I would have won if that girl up on the doubles at the top of the track would have been wearing pants instead of short shorts" or " The crowd was cheering so loud when I went to pass for the win that I couldn't hear my motor and shifted too late" I think you see where I'm going with this.......I think James is lacking in the heart area. If he had half the heart RC had he would have gotten up and finished the moto and salvaged some points and lined up for moto 2.
In that section of track you/they/JS is going about 40+ so he's rolling about 50 per second things can happen fast.
Wonder if james was missing the pirelli tires about then. lol
Looks like his front end washed for 200' feet
Stewart said that the guy distracted him and caused him to choose a line he hadnt taken before which led to his crash. But Dungey also had to take a different line to get around Stewart when he crashed. The difference is that Dungey knew when to let up so he wouldnt crash. Stewart could have slowed down a little bit without losing much time. I dont think you can completely blame the guy who crossed the track for the crash. A lot of the track workers cross the track during the race, this guy just had some really bad timing.
well all the experts say yea and all the morons say no, and there's ALOT of morons screaming no starting with that 70's douche, i'm stickin with the experts, congrats to dungey on the win
I was at Dinosaur Ridge (or whatever they call it)at Thunder Valley during the first 450 moto and Steward was definitely on the gas. Funny, of all the posts I have read I have not heard anything of Steward jumping of the ridge and off the track, definitely not in control on that one. My friend commented on how Steward saved it and how lucky he was that there was not a four wheel or side-by-side on the side of the track, at that location. If there was we would be talking about why the track crew has these vehicles on side of the track and how badly Steward got hurt. Regardless Steward’s crash was not the first time during the moto that he was in trouble.
just curious, which of all you pro mxers have never crashed?....thats what I thought....your just racist butt holes that want to rag on the black man, anyone who has ever rode a bike more than a few times is going to lay it down eventually. why is it that any and everything Steward does whether it has to do with racing or not is seen as negative...its so typical...soo sad!...Richards!
why is'nt CR22, tc41, rv2, dm18, racing the nationals right now?....
thats right they crashed....was their last crash their 1st and only?....
was it their 5th crash?...3rd....10th......Richards!!!!
Carlsbad ...hasn't he been on that bike since before the monster cup (and they didn't build it that day) and wasn't a bunch of stuff borrowed from the enduro model...nice "ad" for KTM you snuck in though. and honestly who really gives a crap about the date of origin...and don't even pretend that thing did'nt get PLENTY of R&D before it ever hit our shores and plenty after it did .....its seems to be working just fine ...i don't really see the problem. Every manufaturer is CONSTANTLY trying new stuff and what these guys get is sometimes years away from us seeing it...PS the link isn't one year old ...just to KTM ,....that swore it wasn't any better for ever.....I've taken 2 of the same KTM's out of the box that were different ,they are not afraid to stop the line. They finally have bought the best and are getting the results they want ...good for them ...why keep bringing up the "brand new sales pitch" ...because just from your "ad" thats what it appears to be.You should have added the MSRP and a picture or two and been done with it.
Both of the Stewarts are tough as hell; and yes it seems that they (James and Malcolm) hit the dirt more than other riders. So, who cares? It’s their careers and they get to manage it and their riding anyway they would like. However, as professionals they are subject to criticism by the sport’s fan base just like any other professional sport athlete. To say this criticism is racially based seems to be a stretch. I am sure that some may post due to bias, but really I think James would be the center of MX conversation regardless of being an African-American or not. On a counter note should people not say anything negative about James’ riding because he is an African-American?
KilloMoto: Name one other time in Dungey's championship career that he has missed ANY race with an injury. You can't. Your boy and all the other top 3 miss 1/4, 1/2 or entire seasons almost yearly because their strategy causes them to ride over their limit a lot. The statement you are trying to refute was a generalization and you failed to refute it. You don't have to like Dungey's strategy (many don't) but at least be intellectually honest when you are criticizing him. He is a class act after all....
WHATEVER: You do know that James has been riding a Suzuki for a while now-including while he was under contract with JGR to ride a Yamaha? He has more outdoor time-especially practice time-on that Suzuki than Dungey has had on the NEW KTM. Remember all the criticism from credible people when RD5 signed with KTM? That's becasue some really, good and a few great, riders have failed miserably after doing the same. Please don't discredit what this fine young man and talented rider is dong this year.
carlsbad: THANK YOU! I simply don't have the time to defend RD5 the last few weeks. Funny how the facts tick people off isn't it....
JAMES STEWART TELLS HIS SIDE OF THE INFAMOUS CRASH: “I KINDA TOOK MY EYES OFF IT TO CHECK HIM OUT AND WENT DOWN ANOTHER SECOND LATER”
“It’s racing, I’ve still got my spirits up, hopefully we’ll be back next weekend”
http://www.motocrossactionmag.com/Main/News/JAMES-STEWART-TELLS-HIS-SIDE-OF-THE-INFAMOUS-CRASH-8994.aspx
He's got a great attitude about it.....GOOD FOR YOU JAMES
Why do you guys always get your panties in a bunch over Stewart's misfortune?
Why don't every one of you go out there and ride the track. Oh wait.. I'll put 50$ not one of you could stay up around that track in first gear.
Christ.. Let it go. A dude crossing the track over a blind jump isn't something anybody is used to seeing.. And certainly not like slicing thru lappers. I will promise you James was in WTF?? Mode coming down..
It's done now, let it go.
Isn't it more impressive that Bagget is turning laps faster than dungey?
@ tonewall. Everybody is entitled to their own opinions. I don't agree with yours regarding this matter. This makes neither you or I stupid. My "KTM ad" shows the substance to my point. What's yours? Saying linkage is only new to KTM? Well, you actually are solidifying my view by bringing that to the table. Are you even aware that KTM made a special run of these bikes to allow RD to have a EFI 450 in time for SX season? I'm trying not to be rude but, you just seem either oblivious to the facts or are very uninformed.
"and honestly who really gives a crap about the date of origin...and don't even pretend that thing did'nt get PLENTY of R&D before it ever hit our shores and plenty after it did"
I left the two questions / statements together for cohesion.
1) The AMA cares about the date of origin for homologation purposes. (they are worried the bike is too-new (or too old) and that there are enough built to satify the rule, only lending weight to my comments).
2) R&D by factory personnel does not constitute "race-prep" for AMA pro or M.X.G.P. competition........without coming off as rude, you do understand R&D means "research and development" don't you? This has nothing to do with how the bike is set-up to race but, more for liability purposes to ensure the bike operates within specs to comply with agreed upon standards with the feds for legal sale in the chosen region.......sheesh.
The 450SX FE (factory edition) was created around the same time Ryan Dungey signed his KTM contract (approx. 09/11). If there EVER has been a motocross bike that came together with a faster gestation period, I would THOROUGHLY ENJOY hearing about it.
I believe I will not change your opinion and that you are, at the very least, agnostic to mine.....so be it.
I do not however, believe your comments show Ryan Dungey's accomplishments in the proper light. It is my hope that others will read your & my comments and distill an informed opinion of the matter.
@ RCRDDW. You are welcome! As always, clarity and information are the arch-enemies of rhetoric.
The closest I can recall a bike coming together that quick was the original Yamaha YZF 400 that Doug Henry rode at the Vegas SX. I also recall that said bike also forced a change in the homogelnation rules for developing race bikes. Something about having 400 units available for public sale by June 1st of the same year in which it will race. Before you bring Poto racing a 2012 last year halfway thru the outdoors, the 2012 was available to the public thru preorder which fits the AMA guidelines.
My final take on Stewart's crash after viewing all three angles. The guy crossing the track could have been a distraction but the square edged holes entering that rutted section of track probably had more to do with it and the soft dirt were he crashed didn't help. Only he knows and let's see what High Point brings.