The Moment: RedBud
Tuesday, July 10, 2012 | 2:00 PM
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RedBud’s Red Bull National weekend goes big well beyond the boundaries of a couple of 30-minute plus two-lap motos for the pros. The weekend is jammed with amateur racing for everyone, including time on the National track surrounding Saturday’s pro day, as well as moto after moto on the amateur track down the hill.
But a small part of the 450 Class, for pros, seemed to have an amateur tilt to it. Was there a 40 plus class out there?
Legends John Dowd and Mike Brown sure made it look that way. Brown, who turned 40 on May 1, was coming off of an X Games gold medal in EnduroCross just six days earlier. It’s hard to find two more different dirt bike disciplines than MX and EX (except, maybe Freestyle and EnduroCross, which are both on the X Games ledger, oddly), but Brown quickly readapted to his old sport and hauled ass all weekend at RedBud. Brown has had great success on this track, taking his last National win here in the 125 Class in 2004. This time, he seemed set for an incredible top-ten finish in 450 moto one until he ran out of gas. That seems ironic since Brown races the WORCS for KTM off-road. You know they had a big tank laying around somewhere! But more mechanical problems led to a similar issue for Brown in moto two, so clearly this wasn’t about just having enough fuel. It cost Brown a chance for a top-ten overall and a nice points haul.
Brown, the 2001 125 National Champion, passed his way into tenth in moto one of the 450 Class.
Simon Cudby photo
Remember, both of these men are clinging to their national numbers and need to score 25 points this season to keep them. Brown could have made nearly 25 in one weekend, instead he scored zero. Dowd also came painfully close, going 22-24 (you only get points for top-twenty finishes).
But these two weren’t just racing for points—they were racing as parents. I talked to Brown at Budds Creek last year, and he said the number-one reason he races some Nationals is because his son never got a chance to see him race moto, so he likes to show him he can do it. And Dowd’s son was the big pull, too—John wants to let young Ryan get some experience on the bigger National tracks, so he let him loose at RedBud for amateur day. Dad just decided he might as well race, too.
The good news? Both Dowd and Brown will be back at Millville this weekend (and Ryan Dowd will get in some track time during the amateur program again). They’ll be trying to score some points and keep their numbers, yes, but more importantly, these two old vets will be trying to show the kids—theirs specifically—that they can still get it done.
Dowd will turn 47 the day before his home race at Southwick.
Simon Cudby photo
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Two awesome dudes. Can't wait for Millville!
Unbelievable ride by Brown in moto 1.
Just a quick comment before Scrub-this takes over this site with his asinine childish rasict rants......Absolutly amazing these guys can ride at that level...great skill and alot of determination to be able to deal with the pace these days ...my hats of to the both of these great riders ...great to see the both of them out there still getting it done...
Bestwick is a moron who should stay away from our sport. Stop ruining it for the fans by acting like you know what you're talking about!!
I agree about Bestwick, have had enough of him, please get rid of him!!! also agree about scrub-this
If its true Brown is racing Millville this weekend, then that kinda sucks, we won't get to watch him race the WORCs at Pala this weekend.
Both ar pit bulls of MX...... Complete different paths to success. Nice Guys both Journeymen Blue collar guys. Dowd was a late bloomer which has aided him in his longevity in the sport.......... Mike {Brownie} is no slouch. I remember them both racing. I remember Brown parking me in early 80's at Muddy creek Mx....
In 1993, Brown, then 21, retired from motorcycle racing. Eight years later he was a national champion. This likable Southern man is now a legend in motocross. When Brown won the AMA 125 Pro Motocross Championship in 2001 after 11 trying years that included retirement, stints in Europe and a brief car racing career, many considered it a great cap to a solid career. But he's still going strong 11 years later, now racing off-road full-time. He won the 2009 WORCS title and finished runner-up in the 2011 AMA EnduroCross series. The 2011 XG Silver medalist is competing in WORCS, EnduroCross and Baja events in 2012. 20012 X-GAMES {gold} His technical skills are improving but his best experience is in high-pressure situations.
While most guys their age are worried about their hair graying or why is growing on their ears rather than their head, both of these men are out proving that age is just a number and that you can still do the things you love, if you have the desire. Helmets off and a BIG THUMBS UP to both.....SALUTE
Bestwick is the most annoying thing about the nationals. Scrub this is a close second.
Great job and congrats to both Dowd and Brown. I really need to arrange a training interview with these two!
What moron decided to let Jamie Bestwick do color commentary? He is a 40 year old BMX guy who doesn't have a clue what he's talking about. Remember last year at Budds Creek when he said Davi Millsaps was the favorite to win? This when Reed, Villopoto and Dungey were all still healthy? When Chad Reed said he wasn't so sure Dungey was the best rider in the world, Bestwick responded by saying "Not to take anything away from Reed, but if there was a better rider in the world than Dungey, he'd be on the track beating him right now." Silly me, but it seems to me that two of the riders that have consistently beat Dungey are sitting on the couch recuperating from injuries, and another just came back after several weeks off recuperating himself. Having Bestwick do commentary is assanine. A BMX guy announcing motocross is like having a soapbox derby racer announcing Formula 1 races. Right now, Chad Reed, Trey Canard, Ryan Villopoto and Kevin Windham are all qualified, knowledgeable and AVAILABLE! Why is this English twit acting like he knows what he is doing???
I personally think the entire team including Bestwick did a great job. Especially Tiffany the pit reporter. She is by far the best female reporter to have ever done MX.
Well, RX, I hate to disagree but I think Erin Bates was the bomb and I'm sorry to see her gone.
Jamie Bestwick has to go, def the worst part of watching the outdoors on TV/Internet. Emig, Ralph, Erin with a little RC4 guest appearance, anyone else missing supercross coverage right about now.
Bestwick is like listening to fingernails on a chalboard. Fire him!!!
Agree with those who are annoyed by Bestwick. He is a great pedal bike guy but my cat knows as much about mx and the details as he does.
Dowd is something else. I have the videos of his first MX win on the Yamaha and have been a fan since then. He seems down to earth and as determined as all get out. A guy in the same class with Henry.
@tymac25--missing supercross coverage??? Really?? I will take Bestwick over Ralph Shaheen anyday of the week. Ralph is absolutely the worst ever!!! And I do not like Bestwicks announcing, That is how much I think Shaheen stinks.. NO RALPH, he has no clue, at least Bestwick knows a little about the sport. Shaheen acts l;ike a total retard about moto...
Alot of guys are hating on Bestwick because of the kudos he gave towards Dungey's dedication to the sport, which he did in a backhanded way to slam Stewart, THAT is the main reason for all the hate for Bestwick right now. ALOT of Stewtards got thier little feelings hurt. I could really care less who Bestwick likes or dislikes, he isnt a very good anouncer for moto, let him do X-Games or something he is more suited for..
I've enjoyed Bestwick.He seems to be a funny guy.I like when he gets Weeg to start cracking up.I personally like Bestwich,Emig and Weeg.Those guys are hilarous.I also miss Erin's big hooters.
Hats off to the 40 plus fellows. What a display of stamina.
@ Fred I got some laughs out of the broadcast and your comment as well.
realmofo, although his unprofessional remark aimed at Stewart was uncalled for, I was sick of him a few weeks ago. It has nothing to do with JS, he rambles on about nothing, and it seems like he makes stuff up as he goes.
For example, Badgett was going wide every lap before Loroccos leap to get a run at it. The moron makes a comment when Badgett went to the inside one lap becasue someone was already taking the outside line that something to the affect that "Badgett doesn't get pushed wide this time before Loroccos leap"
He's going wide to get a run at the jump you tool. I like Bestwick the BMXer, just not the announcer. In all ofmy years watching I have to say by far I like him the least. Im sure announcing isn't easy, but its just not his thing.
You have to love it when two veterans still have the fire within and have maintained the physical tools to reach again for the brass ring on the biggest moto stage in the world! I have trainloads of respect for these warriors, but even more so for Brown. I saw his terminator like attitude during the EX race, and to see him gunning for top ten both motos is absolutelytotallycompletelyunbelievable (my thesaurus couldn't help me find the right word). Mike, you are made from unbelievably stern stuff and you completely and totally deserve the big #3 you have. You both are old school bad dudes! Your kids couldn't have a better roadmap to success than the "class" you are putting on.
Amazing to see Dowd and Brown qualifying and on the track for both motos in intense heat at their age. Brown's speed was extremely impressive; clearly deserved a top 10 finish!. Interesting to hear of a fuel capacity and a mechanical issue with Brown's KTM. Stewart's KTM also had a mechanical. Hmmmm... guess no manufacturer's bikes are perfect.
I think Bestwick is an amazing BMX rider but I have to admit I kind of cringe when he starts going on while anouncing. On the "best rider in the world" comment I kept waiting for someone to say something like "well I think Antonio Cairolli might have something to say about that"...just to show that we do see what goes on outside of the US...but no such luck. Not saying that AC would win if he was here, but he would put up a good fight no doubt.
As far as the pit reporting I think Tiffany is doing a good job considering she's not from the MX community, but I hope that once Georgia Lyndsay's work visa is squared away they go to her since she did a great job on the GP's last year. And she originally had the job.
Dowd is amazing, but I'm not sure he can score 25 points to keep his #16 unless they count arenacross points or something...or if he pulls off the win at southwick, haha.
I've not been a fan of Brown's since the year he won the 125 MX title because Grant Langston's wheel exploded in the last moto of the year. While Langston was emotionally crushed and sitting on the ground by the checkered flag and Brown rode by slowly flipping him off. It was the most classless thing I've seen in MX and I lost all respect for him. He does seem to be more humble with age, and props to him for still putting in good rides.
Even though I'm a big KTM fan and 2001 would've been their first U.S. Pro MX title, the flipping off incident didn't bother me. Both racers were VERY competitive and sometimes raw emotion spills over. While I'm not super-stoked about the family aspect of it, It happened nonetheless and that's that. Brown is still a threat at WORCS, EX, G.P.'s and GNCC's so, that is just inspirational.
AMA Pro National point scoring 47 year old. Woulda thunk it? I think RACER X TRAINER'S idea is a great one, I'd love to see what keeps Dowd going on the track.
@ RacerMX264, my guess is that Brown was using his WORCS bikes converted for MX. I don't know if that makes it better or worse but, probably carbureted 450 XC-F's.
I don't know who the announcer was that said the fans would be "delighted" to see someone crash on Larocco's leap, but that was pretty lame. This isn't neck car and not many fans want to see someone wad up and likely get hurt.
I was wishing Brown was going to come out with full on barkbusters. Nothing looks better than handguards on a dirtbike. Enduro Engineering
Jason W and Ping(too busy looking for a pension to screw his community) in the booth, with the current blonde who does a very good job along with Emig in the pits. Would be nice to see the training of the top guys, to show the people what it takes to compete at the front. Make them realize this is not a BMX-FMX-Monster truck extreme event(thank TP199 for the blurring of the lines with TV executives), but a legitimate racing series. Giving a TV network total control of your sport just to get what DV spins as great LIVE racing is asinine.
Give brownie one of dunge's practice bikes.
What ever happened to Georgia reporting?
@ brocky2727
Send her or Jimmy a note I'm sure they would respond to your questions. I know the answer but not my place to say!!!!!!
http://twitter.com/georgia_lindsay
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jimmy-Albertson-Racing/462744365025
MrBones22, totally with you re the Brown thing and Langston. Besides, that whole season he was banging (BANGING) the crappola out of people on-track and then claiming everyone was out to get him and he was the victim of some sort of conspiracy. He came off as paranoid and unsavory. I was at Troy when Brown all but nun-chucked Fonseca out in the back corner of the track, twice, then claimed he wasn't gonna get pushed around back there. Did I mention it was Fonseca? Not a classy guy. Maybe he has changed.
Unbelievable that under an article about these two awesome riders, we're still readings this nonsense about Bestwick. FYI, at the moment Dungey IS the best rider out there. RV, Reed, Canard, et al, aren't even riding their bikes! How is Bestwick wrong on this? (I must admit, though, I was hoping someone would bring up Cairoli as well.) But more importantly, why are people so obsessed with this? As for Ralph Shaheen, I'd be happy to never hear him on ANY motorcycle racing broadcast again. Same for Erin. You want hooters? Go to the restaurant. I'll take Tiffany or Georgia any day. And as for Brownie and Dowd? I was never a big Brown fan, but I've come around watching all he's done since "retiring" from full-time MX. I've always been a Dowd fan. He's a regular nice guy who happens to be an amazing rider. Count on him scoring points and making a run at keeping #16. Same with Brown. I'll be pulling for both.
222 should not even be considered as best ride in the World at all...... he can only earn that title if he comes over here and races with the best. I could see an arguemnt in the past for Everts as he dominated for a long time, but even on his best track he was still second best to RC. Also seen 222 in his prime at Budds Creek and when he was a lap down, he tried to get in behind RV and couldn't hang even when RV had a 45 second lead.
Wasn't Caroli's bike all bent up? Knocking Caroli, DeSalle, Pourcel, etc is silly. Diff situation, diff deal.