by Aaron Hansel
10 Things to Watch: RedBud
Friday, July 6, 2012 | 1:40 PM
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PrintWork Weeck
After taking seventeenth in points and garnering a season high of seventh place in the Eastern Regional Supercross Lites series, Tommy Weeck didn’t make the cut when the MotoConcepts team changed gears for the Nationals. Fortunately for Weeck, he was recently picked up by the Star-Valli Yamaha Rockstar team as a fill-in rider for the injured Kyle Cunningham. How will Weeck do this weekend at RedBud when he lines up for the first time since supercross?
Let’s Try This Again
Tyla Rattray’s fans have been waiting a long time to see him race a 450 in the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, and for good reason; the former MX2 World Champ has won multiple 250 Nationals, and he proved he can hold his own on a 450 by going 5-3 at the 2011 MXoN. Well, the fans finally got their wish when it was announced that Rattray would be filling in for the injured Ryan Villopoto this year. Unfortunately, his debut was postponed when a roosted rock struck and broke his hand in the first turn of the first moto at Hangtown. The injury kept has Rattray away from the series, until RedBud. How will Rattray do in his first, full-length 450 National?
RedBud will mark Rattray's first race since the season opener at Hangtown.
Simon Cudby photo
Stewart Returns
After crashing and sustaining an injury in Colorado, James Stewart attempted to come back just a week later at High Point Raceway. It was a brave attempt, but Stewart’s hand and wrist just weren’t up to the task, and numbness and near inability to hang onto the handlebars relegated Stewart to fifth place in the first moto. Stewart wisely made the decision to sit out the second moto, and opted not to race the following weekend at Budds Creek. Now that Stewart has had several weeks to heal and rest, will he bring the same speed to RedBud that saw him sweep the first four motos of the season?
Small Bikes, Huge Battles
The war that is currently being waged in the 250 Class between Blake Baggett, Justin Barcia, Eli Tomac and Ken Roczen is nothing short of amazing. Baggett, Barcia and Tomac have all taken turns dominating motos, while Roczen has been agonizingly close to winning his first moto here in America several times. The action has been nonstop, and the unpredictable nature of the 250 races has made these battles one of, if not the most, exciting aspects of Lucas Oil Motocross this year.
LaRocco’s Leap
Named after GEICO Powersports Honda’s team manager, Mike LaRocco, the famous jump was built in 1991 by RedBud co-owner Tim Ritchie, who wanted to replicate a huge jump at LaRocco’s home named, Kong. The 130-foot uphill triple was born, and to this day retains its status as one of the most iconic and anticipated jumps in all of Lucas Oil Motocross. Keep your eyes on the infamous jump this weekend, and know that, incredibly, LaRoccco cleared it for the first time on a 125!
James Stewart will also be on the gate when the series returns to RedBud.
Simon Cudby photo
Female Fliers
The RedBud stage is set for one of the most exciting WMX races in recent history. Jessica Patterson has been the dominant racer in the class this year, but at the last WMX race, which took place at High Point, we saw Tara Gieger steal a win from Patterson in the first moto. Further fanning the fire is the return of Ashley Fiolek, who has been out of action since she sustained a concussion in Colorado. RedBud is Fiolek’s home race, and the support of her hometown crowd will no doubt serve as additional motivation for her to get the job done with a win. When the roost settles, who will be on top?
Michigan Mafia
Nick Wey isn’t racing all of the Nationals this season, but he will be racing at RedBud, his home race. Racing a partial schedule has proven difficult so far for the veteran, but the legions of enthusiastic Michigan Mafia fans that are sure to line the fence will certainly serve as inspiration for the hometown hero. With the extra support and excitement of racing on his home turf, Wey just might record his best results of the year tomorrow afternoon.
The Second Wave
As superb as the racing has been out front in the 250 Class, there always seems to be yet another great battle taking place just outside the top five. Riders like Wil Hahn, Blake Wharton, Jason Anderson, Ivan Tedesco, Jake Canada and more, have all put in great rides this season and have taken turns being the fastest guy in this second group. Now that the series is coming off of a lengthy break in which the riders have had time to rest and further improve bike setup, how will this second group shake out tomorrow?
Ashley Fiolek and the rest of the WMX Class is back in action tomorrow.
Simon Cudby photo
Christian Craig
Troy Lee Designs Lucas Oil Honda rider Christian Craig hasn’t seen much action this year, thanks mostly to issues stemming from a broken wrist he sustained last year at Southwick. The problem was great enough to force him to withdraw early during the supercross season in order to have surgery, and he hasn't raced since. That will all change tomorrow, however, when Craig lines up for his first National of the year. Expect Craig to use RedBud as a measuring stick to see where he stacks up against the rest of the field.
Mr. Black Cloud
After being banned from Australia for several years due to a visa paperwork snafu, “Filthy” Phil Nicoletti picked up a ride with the Eleven 10 Mods team for 2012. Although Nicoletti has been able to put in some good rides here and there, he’s also been the unfortunate and frequent recipient of hefty doses of bad luck. Mechanical problems, weird crashes and running out of fuel have all kept the New Yorker from obtaining the kind of results he’s capable of. At High Point, he couldn’t even compete when it was discovered that the team had forgotten to sign him up for the race! Can Nicoletti avoid the bad luck he’s been having and put in a pair of solid, unadulterated motos at RedBud?
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James is gonna bring it. Looks like its gonna be a good weekend.
Mike Larocco cleared the jump on his 125 two stroke, that is awesome. I remember one year at Red Bud when Stewart was on his Kawi 250 2-stroke, he couldnt clear the jump on every lap. And RC cleared it on the last lap and did a no footed can-can over it. It was awesome. And RC cleared it on his 2-stroke Honda every lap when he was riding it. I saw Alessi case the jump on his KTM and bend his forks in practice. RV1 cleared it every lap. Barcia cased it in practice one year and was in pain in the pits, his back was killing him. That jump is something, if you are on a smaller bike, you have to get the right run into it, or you are done for.
I find it hard to belive somer :one rider race fans " out there.. Just cheer for a good race. What are those guys going to do when thier One rider retires?? Its just sad..
I also remember when Stewart was on a KX125 and doing it almost every lap.
@ therealmofo,, clearing that jump on a 250 2stroke or smaller bike really depends on the track conditions.
I cleared on a FA50 Suxzuki moped... hahaha.
... in the mud
How about the return of Nico Izzi!?
I cleared it on a 1970 Honda QA 50 just last week.
@Preston and mxmofo1
I double jumped your mommas boobies with my d@*k!!!
@ronniebarnhardt,, Thats pretty impressive with that small bike you must have..
lol, yeah it is pretty small
Thats funny stuff right there...
you f'ers actually made me laugh out loud on that one....I'm superpumped and ready for some excellent racing again.....by the way i cleared the leap on Evels rocket bike...twice
So, does RD keep his winning ways going this weekend?? Does Stewart?? Do they swap motos?? RD may be even tougher to beat now, will it take JS a race or two to get back in to the groove, or is he even out of it........i'm just not sure what to expect!! Boards will light back up this weekend either way!!
@whatever,, Stewie will win. He loves that track. RD just needs to stay on 2 wheels.
@tonewall, clearing it on his 800 pound Harley with 1.5 inches of suspension would have been more impressive.. hahahah.
its alot of fun on here till the haters fire up........Mofo the HD and pimp cane were designed for ramp jumps only......baaaaahhhh!
i cleared it in my dream last night. true story ;)
@mxmofo--Your predictions are no surprise, you arent even around unless Stewart is racing.. You say he will win because "he loves the track"?? Every rider out there loves Red Bud, its the best track on the whole National schedule.. Stewart will get his wins, just like always, he just wont win the title, just like indoors.. I am glad he is back, the more the merrier.. But I am pumped for the 250 class..
@thetoothfairy116--Stewart WAS NOT hitting the Leap on his KX125-- Unlike you I was not only born then, but I was at every race he has run at Red Bud, Stewart was not clearing the jump , especially every lap.. Stewart couldnt hit it on his 250 2-stroke, so why would you think he hit it every lap on a 125--But the same race Stewart couldnt clear it, nailed it every single lap, including the no footed can -can on the final lap
I meant RC nailed it every lap, including the no footer on the final lap, got a little distracted , heading out to REEED BUUUUDDD!!!!!!
Hearing the words "numbness" and "inability to hold on" are NOT the preferred words to hear regarding wrist injuries (Rick Johnson comes to mind). I find it amazing the massive injuries we / they incur (Tib / Fib, Scapula / Clavicle, neck / back, etc, etc) and keep chugging along but, one little bone in the hand / wrist and it's a game changer.
The corner at the bottom of Larrocco's leap has always been a point of interest for me. The lead up to the jump has to be perfectly executed for a successful "leap" or, you come up short. Also, when winding up for the huck, your inside is left wide open for the block pass so, there's always some chess playing at the bottom of the hill.
Aaron didn't mention if CC would be 250 or 450 mounted. I think his growth rate has precluded him from 250 service......same for Tomac soon.
Even with RV out, Kawi has been well represented in the 450's w/ Weimer and Tickle and now they have Rattray back as well. I hope he can start the climb back with some decent results.
Thumbs down for having to wait 'till Sunday for the second 450 moto. Thumbs up for DVR.
Stewy goes 1, 1 again, and the 450 class continues to be a snoozer.
Perhaps it will rain?
As far as the 250 class, the fans could get to witness more good racing ....
Gonna be a war of attrition tomorrow! South Bend forecast is for 104F, high humidity, and Sunny!! Will be hottest race of the year for sure. It may be a little cooler at the track because of its closeness to Lake Michigan, but will be torture for sure.
@therealmofo,, tha'ts funny, I don't remeber saying it will be a surprise, do you?? I come out when Stewie rides because thats when all the morons come out, like you did.. Let me fill you in on something else, when JS was on a 250 2stroke, RC was on a 450, ya moron.. I would think you would now that because you were there.. Trust me, they have all done much harder jumps that lorrocos leap.. It just depends on horsepower and track conditions..
Was there when they started to double that uphill, We thought that was the $Hit! Sure seem to recall them tripleing much earlier than 91 though,the first year I recall them doing it was pretty sketchy. Glover over jumped on that detonating/air cooled pig of a 490 and slammed into the fence in next corner going O.T.B. (that means over the bars for all you pilgrims) Ahh, the good old Red Bud days when you could get right next to the action and didnt have to fight 25,000 people.
@therealmofo,, also, why dont you do a little homework because I just seen JS do it on his 250 kaw on youtube, idiot.. You are a waste of time.
therealmofo,
Stew did hit it on his 125. I would say that every lap was a stretch though, maybe even 2-3 laps is to much. but he did it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hF8tH5GLGCY
i also remember back in his 125 days, they were saying that 125's were breaking spokes trying it.
@therealmofo,, you know what, I'll do your homework for you. Think before you type.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hF8tH5GLGCY
@Chilllmatic,, hahaha, you beat me to it.. therealmofo is a real idiot...
I would be willing to bet that we wont hear from "therealmofo" on this thread anymore. I think that video was from 2003, and I was there.
Yo boyzz Dungey is gonna put it to Stewart so bad tomorrow its not even gonna be funny. RD5 ALL THE WAY!!!!
I wanna say 2002. either way, he did it.
@Chilllmatic,, It could have been.. But yes, he did it.. Some people just don't think before they speak.
@therealmofo youre embarrasing yourself.
and @kawi567 yeah he is. Just like he did the first four races..oh wait....
@thetoothperry116,, Yes he is.. Its clear he is just a JS "hater." With his lack of intelligence, I can understand that.
@mxmofo1 Haters are annoying. Im a diehard JS fan. But you dont see me talking about how i think Dungey has a tendency to like boys or anything?
Well you just did.
@coolhand,, I think you're missing the point. A few JS "haters" say things are are pretty bad,, and if you are on here from time to time, you know.
OK all the story as I rember on LaRocco's leap is he first tried it on his practice bike and never cleared it. Then he went and got his factory bike and did it. Then they moved the corner out a bit for some more drive , then evryone but me could jump it??????
But I am gonna try it on my Harley FXLR, dont think the FLH can get enough drive.
My predictions on Red Bud.
Hanna first Welker and BillC tie for 2nd wont say who got the 2nd moto to keep you in suspense, Handlebardrager lays it oveer to far and geos down, CZMark works his way through the pack and Then MR-MX makes a last lap charge to spoil it all! WOW What a race. Hey I did not forget you Carlsbad, you made Wide World of Sports with that big endo on the Freeway!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
the old 911 used to have one of larocco's back wheels hanging on the wall that pretty effectively illustrated the consequences of "almost" clearing it.
i did a back flip over that jump
It is really irritating the way people just always classify Wharton and others as 'the second group'! Those guys are capable of matching Barcia and the like! Just because Wharton missed last season with injury doesn't mean is is just average! Wait until he gets his consistency down! Then he will get the recognition he deserves!
It was 2002 when Stewart jumped the leap, I have a picture of it.TP199 was also jumping it on a 125 in practice (not sure if it was the same year) and broke his front wheel, so he did'nt do it in the race.
well one thing for sure to watch for at redbud dungey finishing second because stewarts back, no surprize it took a stewart mistake for dungey to get a win. stewart just beat em, you dont have to embarrase him, you dont have to win by 20 seconds, follow him around make him work for it. Lets get back to the 1 1s, maybe there will come a time when stewart will be able to ride around with no competition because everybody else is hurt.
"Will it take James a while to get back into the groove" - REALLY?
Remember the dude sat out oh, just a few seasons, came back and went 4-0, before he crashed.
JS will be there, Dungey wont be letting anything slip, and will take him as soon as James has a mistake.
Thank the MX gods Bubba is back!! At least now there will be 2 guys out front by 40 seconds!!
Don't they add a foot to it every year? Or they did for a wile I think.
.Welker I pulled it out in moto 2 for the overall!! LOL
@yamaha465, Not tryin' to start anything here, but if I don't say it, nicely, quick here, someone else is gonna say it with some sort of clout. Stewart had that year of no competition, when he went 24-0. Just sayin'.
RIP Josh Lichtle..... 1 year today at RBud. Lets remember its going to be 104° today boys. Hope they got something planned.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hbh7GuDuIGY
Seems RacerX is forgetting Craig sandbagged it down last week at Mammoth.Is that not racing Aaron?Or it really doesn't count-cause he didn't win there either?So sad to waste such talent and money(Troy Lee-pick up another kid).If he cant smoke the Pro-Am's,he's NOT gonna beat the real pros.Not a bubbles fan but glad he's back so that Dungey's championship won't have an asterik next to it that all the top riders were injured.....RRRREEEEDDDDD BBBUUUUUUUUUUUUUDDDD!!!!!!
@MXMOFO-- I know Stewart was on a 250 2-stroke and RC was on a 450, but the year before RC was on a 250 2-stroke and killed Laroccos Leap every lap. Just admit it, Stewart wasnt getting it done that day... And where are you now hotshot, you were so sure Stewart would win because "He loves this track"... He couldnt do it, just like in supercross.. He wont win this title either. Face it.. He will get a win here or there, and you will bu creaming on yourself again, but he wont win another title.. Ya Moron!!!!
And no BILLC, they do NOT add a foot to Laroccos Leap every year.. Boy, for a guy who acts like he knows everything, you sure are stupid sometimes.. The only thing changed to that jump is the appeoach some years..
@MXMOFO--You didnt hear from me because I actually go to a race every now and then, you know , like a real fan, not just a "one-rider" fan like youraelf and a few other Tards on here.. And I actually ride still and raced for years, unlike yourself. You even said you dont ride.. So how can you judge or even comment about what goes on during a race when you dont even ride a bike?? Typical of some "one-rider fans" like yourself..
Amnd I dont care about a silly video of one lap. I sat right there and watched Stewie NOT hit the leap for over 3/4 's of the moto DURING THE RACE... He was getting waxed and RC was killing. Just like the year before on his CR250 2-stroke.. He cleared the jump EVERY LAP..
@therealmofo,,, You said "Boy, for a guy who acts like he knows everything, you sure are stupid sometimes.. " WOW, if that isnt the pot calling the kettle black..
Oh, and by the way, I will be attending Millville for about the 25th time this weekend.. I have been to Red Bud about 5 or six times, been to Colorado and Mt. Morris, and a national in Missouri when I was three years old.. And attened many many Supercrosses.. So, like other have said " youre embarrasing yourself."
Alright guys...just got home from working at Red Bud for the last five days. LaRocco
rode his 250 2 stk when setting up Kong 2.. that was the name of his jump at a prac
track of his. Tim cut a hole in the fence for Mike to get a run at it. Kept massaging
the jump face and ramp.
There have been mods to the jump over the yrs
longer distance...not a ft a yr sorry Bill....
landing ramp has been built up for better landing but not forgiving if you come up short. Ask the russian KK
Ramp angle has basically stayed the same.
Corner preceding the leap has been moved closer to the jump due to 450cc bikes
I kept announcing it as LaRocco Leap to Tim's non approval and it stuck. There was an aritiical in Racer X two yrs ago about the Leap and its history
@MXMOFO-- I am ebaressing myself?? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!! You are an idiot who calls himself "MXMOFO" and you dont even ride, and you say I am embarressing myslef?? Thats a riot. You try and analyze and critique riders and you dont even ride, and you sound like a tool. You are NOTHING more than a Stewtard, and everyone here knows it, except other Tards like yourself. Guys like toothperry and other Tards are so ate up with Stewie its border line creepy. You guys say "He is the most talented rider" LOL, and I almost die laughing. Riders with a ton of talent dont crash out of almost every series they enter. And then you guys blame the bike.. HAHAHAHAHAH!!! I gues the Suzuki is to blame for his injuries now, OH wait, it was a guy crossing the track 100 yards in front of him,.. NO wait, its really a Yamaha he is riding with Hurricane plastic on it, so that makes it yellow...HAHAHAHAHHA!! I love screwing with you Tards..