Racer X Race Report: Spring Creek
Saturday, July 14, 2012 | 11:50 PM
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Call it Millville, call it Spring Creek. Call it round seven of the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing. Or just call it Dungey land. In the 450 Class, the race represented another coronation for Minnesota’s favorite motocrosser, Ryan Dungey, who delivered his fifth-straight win at his home track, dominating the day with 1-1 scores. The Millville fans can speak to Dungey’s long road to the top, as they watched him grow up at this track racing alongside his brothers, and now find him atop the motocross world.
MotoConcepts’ Mike Alessi and Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jake Weimer swapped moto scores, but Alessi took second overall via his 3-2 scores, with Weimer third with a 2-3.
The Dungey Express keeps chugging along.
Cudby photo
Meanwhile in the 250 Class, it looked like Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki's Blake Baggett was heading toward his third-straight overall win, but GEICO Honda's Eli Tomac hung tough, didn't give up, and his persistence paid off when Baggett crashed in the second moto. His 3-1 scores gave the Colorado native his third win of the season, with his teammate Justin Barcia second with a 2-2 and Baggett third with 1-4 scores.
In the first 450 moto, BTOSports.com/BBMX Suzuki rider Michael Byrne grabbed the start, but then bobbled before the second turn, and that actually held up Dungey and pushed the series’ leader back a few spots. Meanwhile Weimer and Alessi carved past Byrne for the lead, and Alessi made a wild pass for the lead while getting sideways in the sand whoops. For a few laps, Alessi set a blistering pace, pulling away from Weimer while Dungey began his methodical charge through traffic to get to third. He then overhauled Weimer for second and went after Alessi for the lead, but Alessi proved stubborn, riding one heck of a wide MotoConcepts Suzuki and thwarting Dungey’s pass attempts for quite some time. Dungey’s patience paid off as he eventually got around Alessi to take the lead and then take off with the moto win—his ninth straight.
Weimer really rallied in the second half of the race. As Alessi and Dungey slowed each other up a bit, he closed in, and then he kept pushing forward and passed Alessi back for second. Alessi hung on for third. Behind him a huge battle broke out for fourth, with Justin Brayton battling past Andrew Short, Tyla Rattray to get the spot.
Alessi worked hard to keep Dungey behind him in the first moto.
Weimer rallied late in the first moto to pass Alessi and finish second.
Cudby photos
In moto two, Byrne nailed another incredible start, with Dungey right behind him, but this time Dungey got through the first corners clean and quickly made the pass for the lead. At that point, everyone at the facility knew The Dunge was going to win the moto and the overall, but that was perfectly fine for the partisan Minnesota fans that treated every lap of the race as if it were a victory lap.
Alessi knifed into second early and tried to keep Dungey in sight for a few laps, and he did, but eventually Dungey got away. This time Alessi rode strong all the way to the end, saying that some bike changes between motos helped his charge. Weimer started about sixth, not too far back, but just enough that when he finally arrived in third, he had no chance of catching Alessi this time.
Alessi was stronger in moto two and took second behind Dungey, good enough for second overall.
Big crowd on hand, and they stayed right until the final podium celebration.
Cudby photos
Brayton logged another solid run with a 4-4 day, while Broc Tickle, who crashed back to 12th in the first moto, took fifth in moto two. The second moto was one of attrition, as 13 riders didn’t finish for various reasons. Rattray, for example, crashed with Jimmy Albertson while up front on the first lap, then rallied back to 14th, only to run into Mike Brown and bash his front wheel, knocking him out of the race.
Brown, by the way, logged an impressive 18-12 day, and fellow 40-plus rider John Dowd went 19-13.
In the 250s, Barcia grabbed the first moto holeshot with Red Bull KTM’s Ken Roczen right behind him. Barcia’s teammates Wil Hahn, Justin Bogle and Tomac were right there off the start as well. Soon Tomac sliced his way into third and started graining on Barcia and Roczen, leading to a spectacular three-rider battle for the lead. At first, there was no sight of Baggett, who was bumped off the track in the first turn and finished the first lap in eighth. Later, Red Bull KTM’s Marvin Musquin fell in front of him, but Baggett was able to get around and not lose too much time. But he launched another one of his huge charges and climbed to fourth, and then started logging times nearly two seconds per lap faster than the leaders. Baggett was able to catch the Tomac-Roczen battle for second. He then passed Tomac around the outside of the turn connecting the two sand whoop sections, and then on the next lap, Roczen bobbled in the same turn and Baggett was able to pass him. Tomac got around Roczen as well for third, and he seemed to get fired up to try to stay with Baggett. Baggett and Tomac then caught Barcia. Tomac was challenging Baggett for second again but Baggett then executed an incredible pass on Barcia for the lead, diving super deep down to the inside of a fast sweeping corner and barely making the turn. Once into the lead, Baggett was able to check out, while Tomac couldn’t get around Barcia and settled for third. Roczen was fourth with Hahn fifth.
Barcia and Roczen led early in moto one.
Baggett came from far back in moto one to catch and pass Barcia for the moto win.
Tomac took third in the first moto, then won moto two to take the overall win.
Cudby photos
In moto two, Barcia grabbed the early lead again, but Tomac started in second and was able to pas his teammate to take the top spot. Baggett was closer to the front early, though, and then passed Barcia as well. This set up a Tomac vs. Baggett battle for the lead, and about halfway through Baggett was able to make the pass on Tomac to get the spot. Just a few turns later, however, Baggett slid out going up the face of a tabletop and crashed. He slid to a stop at the bottom of a blind jump, but had the presence of mind to run to the side of the track to avoid being hit by other riders. He got his bike back together and got up in sixth, then charged his way back to fourth by the end of the moto. It was a good recovery, but his chances for a third-straight overall win were gone.
So was Tomac with the lead. He built a nice gap over his teammate Barcia to take the moto win and win the overall with 3-1 scores. Barcia and Baggett were next, while Roczen went 4-3 to take fourth.Rockstar Suzuki Racing’s Blake Wharton was strong, going 6-5, while a few other 250 riders were up front early but went backwards. Justin Bogle, in his first race back following knee surgery, had good starts but struggled a bit down the stretch to go 10-8. Musquin had bad stats and a fall leave him with 7-6 finishes. Jason Anderson looked fast on his Rockstar Suzuki, but lost a header pipe in the second moto, dropping him from the top five to 10th.
The series now heads to Washougal, Washington.
450 Overall Results
- Ryan Dungey 1-1
- Mike Alessi 3-2
- Jake Weimer 2-3
- Justin Brayton 4-4
- Andrew Short 5-6
- Broc Tickle 12-5
- Les Smith 11-9
- Cole Thompson 15-7
- Tyla Rattray 6-28
- Christian Craig 14-14
- Tommy Hahn 7-38
- Kyle Chisholm 33-8
- Michael Byrne 9-20
- Josh Grant 8-34
- Mike Brown 18-12
- Derek Anderson 22-10
- Jimmy Albertson 10-32
- Ronnie Stewart 21-11
- John Dowd 19-13
- Vince Friese 17-16
- Ryan Sipes 13-35
- Jake Loberg 25-15
- Heath Harrison 16-22
- Jason Thomas 36-17
- Fredrik Noren 32-18
- Dalton Carlson 27-19
- Ben LaMay 20-37
- Kevin Rookstool 23-30
- Josh Greco 30-24
- Dakota Kessler 29-25
- Michael Stryker 28-26
- Robert Lind 34-21
- Austin Howell 26-31
- Michael Riehm 31-27
- Drew Yenerich 24-36
- Dustin Pipes 38-23
- Alex Millican 39-29
- Kyle Regal 35-33
- Matt Lemoine 37-39
- Nick Wey 40-40
The 450 podium.
Cudby photo
250 Overall
- Eli Tomac 3-1
- Justin Barcia 2-2
- Blake Baggett 1-4
- Ken Roczen 4-3
- Blake Wharton 6-5
- Wil Hahn 5-7
- Marvin Musquin 7-6
- Justin Bogle 10-8
- Jason Anderson 8-10
- Jake Canada 9-13
- Jessy Nelson 9-13
- Travis Baker 13-11
- Alex Martin 16-9
- Malcolm Stewart 12-14
- Dakota Tedder 17-16
- Mike McDade 20-15
- AJ Catanzaro 18-17
- Kyle Peters 14-36
- Gareth Swanepoel 15-37
- Ryan Zimmer 29-18
- Joey Peters 28-19
- Jacob Hayes 19-30
- Kody Kamm 26-20
- Tevin Tapia 22-21
- Broc Schmelyun 21-22
- Lowell Spangler 23-24
- Gannon Audette 24-29
- Cody Lackore 30-26
- Micahel Akaydin 31-27
- Killy Rusk 25-34
- Travis Bell 37-23
- Dylan Schmoke 35-25
- Ignacio Pazos 32-28
- Hunter Hewitt 27-33
- David Buller 33-31
- Zack Freeberg 36-32
- Joseph Perron 34-38
- Sean Hackley Jr. 34-38
- Steve Roman 38-39
- Phil Nicoletti 39-40
Tomac, Barcia and Baggett on the podium.
Cudby photo
450 Points Standings through round seven
- Ryan Dungey 336
- Mike Alessi 256
- Jake Weimer 244
- Andrew Short 209
- Broc Tickle 187
- Justin Brayton 167
- James Stewart 151
- Josh Grant 150
- Brett Metcalfe 142
- Kyle Chisholm 113
- Michael Byrne 110
- Nico Izzi 95
- Ryan Sipes 94
- Davi Millsaps 85
- Cole Thompson 64
- Jimmy Albertson 61
- Matt Lemoine 61
- Tommy Hahn 53
- Tyla Rattray 49
- Les Smith 49
250 Points Standings through round seven
- Blake Baggett 315
- Justin Barcia 297
- Eli Tomac 281
- Ken Roczen 273
- Marvin Musquin 218
- Wil Hahn 191
- Blake Wharton 156
- Jason Anderson 145
- Jessy Nelson 128
- Jake Canada 125
- Travis Baker 121
- Gareth Swanepoel 106
- Ivan Tedesco 99
- Kyle Cunningham 96
- Malcolm Stewart 74
- Kyle Peters 73
- Alex Martin 72
- Martin Davalos 40
- Justin Bogle 38
- Dakota Tedder 36
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Hey guys .........and girls
Just signed up for the first time. Been watchin' and readin' since they offered this reply section, so I have a pretty good grasp on who's who......and I'll leave it at that for now.
I ride and race expert in district 36...Northern Nevada. I figured I'd introduce myself, so when I finally decide to comment, you guys wont be like "who the hell is this?"
That is all......
@NUMBER198 - First off, welcome! You said you have been reading for awhile so you have found that some people post some good stuff and others, not so much. I don't know where I fall, but whatever. Here's a tip that you probably already know: Don't show that you don't like a certain rider and don't show that you completely love another. Just be unbiased. Goodluck!
Don't listen to Penguin_Bob 's gay-ass rules. He's a complete turd burglar and wants everyone else to act just like he does, under the radar, so no one will catch him burglin' turds.
JS7 by his own admission does not have a nutsack. He has yet to grow one, apparently. This finding is disconcerting even for the haters. We were not aware of his status as a eunuch, but considering his small stature and slight build it all makes sense now. Especially since his younger brother is three times his size. It totally makes sense now.
See, that wasn't so bad now was it? And no penguins were killed in the process, although we all wish some were. That's just how we roll around these parts, because it is the real deal. Other sites are just censored circle-jerks. REALITY is where you want to be, in its full, repulsive glory. Kind of repulsive like Weege dropping shyte on motel bathroom floors because he wipes standing up. You know... Repulsive!
At least the 250 class appears to not yet have been decided.
It would seem to be difficult to predict who will win the series.
and please...
no posting comments in your underwear
it's just common courtesy
John Dowd.....13th in the second moto!! 46 yrs old...WOW!
I cant imagine what the rest of the class most be thinking with both Brown and Dowd doing that well. Its ridiculous. Will we see Dungey scoring top twenty points in 2032 to hang onto his number 5? It Boogles the mind. Congrats to them and all the guys who race against time and good sense!! Kudos!!!
Could you see a Cialis or Viagra sponsored team next year? Could be! How about Team Depends? A very real possibilty! Team AARP! We're just scratching the surface here folks!
I think they have to do something with the lappers, too many. Probably reducing the starting list to 30 riders will take care of the problem a bit, it's just not good to see some riders wandering the track after 10-15 minutes.
Dowd and Brown scored points in the 450, that's insane and makes me think a lot about 1/4th of the riders in this category.
Feels like a first turn pile up here on the comment section but I'm through about mid pack as usual... hummm is my gas on, why am I bogging on full throttle, o crap! sand whoops ahead better roll these or I'll be in the hospital along with Nick Wey! WTH!! my gas is off... Whooo what ! Did that guy blue flag me! Man the roost... gotta pull over.. cant see..
The 450 field is a bunch of pathetic weak ass man-children.
This is not a multi-hour road race, were you might get your lap back. As soon as you are lapped my the 5th place rider, you should be black flagged and taken off the track. It will get the weak off the track for the end battles, and will shake up championship points for the real fast guys that could battle back up to points paying position after a get-off.
Well here's my 2cents:
@number198- welcome.
@pittbull- I agree 100%- don't be intimidated to speak your mind- it can be done without being offensive, this is still America isn't it?
@chowderhead- Turd Burglar? That's fricken hiiiiilarious!
@penguinbob- those that sit back and have no voice are usually are the ones that get left behind. Freedom of Speech sir...
@ local expert- Agree
@xxktm- dude- that's funny stuff- team AARP! Priceless. They could roll up to the starting gate on a Hoove Around, then jump on there scoot and finish top 15- get front of the mic and thank ENSURE for the extra pick me up! Love seeing these guys out there- gives hope to us in our 40's!
@manes- Agree
Seriously? Are you gerbil lovers really complaining that there are lappers? The last i checked... THATS PART OF RACING! How about we build a big dome to get rid of the elements? How about we put everyone on the exact same bike, to keep things equal? Oh, we'll brake down the race in ten minute intervals then re-groom the surface, with a zamboni.
@pizzacorner, tell even the 40th place guy, that qualified for a 450 race in the AMA that he is weak and pathetic. I'm pretty sure he'll drag you around any track on a 80.
Wow, where have we gone that we want to make everything perfect for the race. lappers are a dynamic obstacle like evolving ruts and burms. If you can anticipate a way around them and the guy in front of you can, GUESS WHAT... thats why he's in the FRONT.
@dakat324 right on! as a lapper (usually) if you cant pass me, are you really that much faster, better, badder, stronger than I am?
Agree with dakat324 that lappers are part of racing. Just make sure they know how to obey the blue flags. As usual, pizzacorner is a miserable, insulting a$$.
Props to all successful riders yesterday, but BIG props to Dowdy and Brown!!! Now … does anyone else feels like it’s BS that someone like John Dowd, who competes in the Nationals every year, should have to pin his hopes on scraping together 25 points in order to wear HIS number next year? Imagine JD lining up at Southwick in 2013 with some other number, while somebody else wears #16. Blasphemy! Are these numbers so important to the AMA that they must “take them back” from those who don’t “honor” the number with 25 points? Who has honored his number more than John Dowd? (And Brownie’s done his justice as well.) Just wait ‘til they friggin’ retire.
It’s pretty awesome that RacerX works so hard to get their reporting up so quick and timely. The stories are great and I spend most of my online time on this website.
With that being said, I need to comment on the editing quality of the reports. In all honesty it’s pretty amateur, and doesn't make the rest of the RacerX look very well. Here is an analogy to bring some light to the situation: Mike Williamson put RV1's graphics on for Vegas and left a crease in the side panel, and he noticed that the number 1 was printed off center and with a little lean to the right. But, he went ahead and let them be because it didn't really matter. Mike would never, ever, let that happen. Right Mike?
I am absolutely positive that somebody in that office has some education, (sorry Mathes I know you are educated but I mean at an accredited school, not the Moto Pits....) and knows how to use spell and grammar check.
I would be very embarrassed to read my article that is viewed by so many fans and readers, and then find enough basic grammatical and spelling errors to fill Geico Honda Semi. It really does not take that much longer to do another proofread to clean things up a little.
Take some inspiration from some of the riders, such as Barcia or Tomac. When Bagget rides around them at the half way point or towards the end of the moto, do you think they go home and just maintain? I bet they go home and work harder, it showed this weekend. Tomac found another gear this Saturday.
If you guys read this, seriously, you should take the extra few minutes to polish up your articles before you post them. It would make a difference.
Pizzacorners typical lame a$$ remarks. All those guys work their butts off to make the gate. Good to see Brown and Dowd do well out there. They only have to get a few more punches on their AARP punch card and they will get to keep their numbers for another year. Those are some badass dudes.
@ czmark
DITTO was to far off on my call!!! To bad the euro contingent didnt come thru......I'll never go against MA #800 in my top three again..................Honda 450 guys are just in a fog................Short is luke warm Brayton he has signs but that mental stuff you cant shake it out in a week or a month ...........Some just have off years ..I know when I raced it seemed the even numbered years ie; 1992 would be mine for what ever reason,You cant stay at peak every year unless you are a machine.......... I only knew a select few in my lifetime........ I wont mention names to start any back yard brawles maybe on the long layoff between nats just to spice up the bees nest or was that stir!!!!!!!!!!!! Shaken or stired same difference!!
Dowd is just about 47. I think he has a shot at a podium at the Wick. Hall of Fame.
Tomac looks like a grown man standing next to teenagers. This guy is destined to write his name on a number of big bike all time stats. He has the physical tools, the mental tools, and the family to do it, all he needs are days like this to backfill the confidence pool, and an awesome factory bike. KTM, are you listening?
I just sat and watched 1st motos of yesterdays race at Spring Creek...Amazing when you can attend an event, then the next morning see all the things you miss in the race while you remiss about how much fun the actual race experience is. The tv coverage was very good I thought, they covered most corners with 2 angles so you could see the enter and exits and followed the action well, one of the better broadcasts I thought...giving credit where credit is due...
Now for the stuff they cant show you, the track looks good on tv but you cant get the full effect sitting on the sofa, those hills are very steep, everyone needs to feel the burn in your calves as you climb up any one of Spring Creeks many hills! The Whoops are longer, deeper and look twice are tough as they do on the telly, watching the bone jarring hits and seeing the effort expended to cross them is worth the price of admission. The sound of the fans cheering around the track, is not picked up and neither the roar of the bikes off the start or when then blow by topped out down a straight. I cant believe the 250's pass a decibel test, they literally scream for mercy underneath the the twisted wrists of their pilots..
250's Another amazing race from the Fab Four in the first moto! Its amazing how hard those guys are riding, you can feel the intensity and the anticipation of the crowd every lap. There were battles all the way through out the field, simply put Great racing and a whole lot of fun to watch!!!
450,s Dungey is the alpha rider!! .His fittness and speed is clearly superior to the others and until some one on his tier returns he will keep adding to his points lead. That's not a knock on the rest of the field, as they are all great riders and athletes and put on some really good racing. Its just three of the 450's Fab Four are watching from the couch.
The trip was well worth it !! Left Friday morning at 10:30 for 700 miles, ten hours of driving, a stay in Super 8, up at 6:30 Saturday, Perkins breakfast, Spring Creek at 9:00 am, Steak sandwich and beer for lunch, great racing all after noon, got to meet and hang a bit with Bucky (Thanks for the Hospitality from you and your crew!!!), then back in the car at 6:00 pm for the 40 minute exodus from the parking lot, and the 10 hour drive home, safe and sound at home at 5:am. That's what you do when your a fan of the Great Outdoors!!!!
@ BD25
Glad to see you made it home. I’m surprised you didn’t stay, but I also know what its like just to get back into your own surroundings and your own bed.. Didn’t get to really watch live had to DVR it because I had some Air condition issues that could have been very major. Luckily I’m on the ball with mechanicals. Still had some water issues in attic is where I have utilities. I love to have my basement back……..but here not an option……… My air condition guy we have had get together before on this new construction. He is from Budds Creek MD. Been down here 12 years, cool guy!!! He went back home for the race, he lived about 8 minutes from the track, and was also rubbing it in to what I had missed … LOL…… Maybe next time we talked about hitting it together, he stays at his parents that would be good on the wallet………….Later!!!! Glad you had a great time and got to meet up with some better posters on site……….Until we meet again…
Boy I wish I was a south paw…………This cast stuff sucks…….. cant do anything left handed!!!!
Have to give a tremendous amount of credit to Alessi and what he has accomplished on a privateer bike. He has matured greatly and speaks very well on the podium. He has had his issues in the past, but he was young and had to deal with Tony's arrogance and ways of dealing with things. Suzuki was willing to give Stewart a shot given his circumstances, and although Alessi signed again with MotoConcepts, would be great to see what he could deliver on Metty's bike.
@ bucky394
Congrats !!!!!!!!!
I guess we all aren’t bad!!!!!!!!!
Glad you enjoyed the show!!!!!!!!!!
My SECOND EFFORT picks for Dowd and Brown wasnt to far off the mark.
Have to give credit to Bill C for the big assist on that one. If he wasnt twisting my good arm, I would of never capitulated !!!!
http://www.racerxonline.com/2012/07/13/going-for-the-w-ryan-dungey
9lives-Mr-Mx wrote: 3:50pm July 13, 2012
@ BillC
@ BD25
Your right about those whoops!! After being at the track there ba-zillion times in the past you’re absolutely correct. I was watching the taped version just trying to get settled in with the chaos with folks at the house, I got to about lap five and it hit me…….. TV just doesn’t do speed, or some of those obstacles, elevation justice.
The average lay person who has never gone to a spectacle like MX Live or a Live SX, It’s just doesn’t give it the true props it deserves. Those guys looked like they were on pogo sticks out there!!!!
I have to say Moto 1 for Dungey was one of the smartest races i have seen in a long time. Also Weimer looks great right now, same with alessi. Baggest is insane and he doesnt even seem upset that he got 4th, he knows no one has anything for him rightn now. Cant wait till next weekend!!!
Also I agree with who ever said it that if you are JUST RIDING AROUND, CRUISING ON THE TRACK, YOU SHOULD BE BLACK FLAGGED, just for safety and honestly courtesy. My opinion.
is the 450 race over ...i fell asleep....
B A G G E T T......T O M AC....holy smokes....i'm woke up now....love how Tomac tried to come back immediately when passed in M2....made me think about how little that happens anymore ...once passed people seem to just give it up....incredible performance by the entire 250 class..damn enjoyable to watch....lappers are like deep ruts in the shade , like square edge whoops , like the guy who beats you by a foot ever week...there not goin away and you just have to figure it out....
Cant belive nobody has mentioned this, but Dungey has now passed James Stewart on the all time motocross wins list. In only his 3rd outdoor season on the 450 also.. Great job Dungey. 19 career 450 wins. Of course compared to RC who has 76, it might not seem like alot, but he is top 5 now, in only 3 years..
The whole motocross experience is heightened by a trip to a national. Today it is so much more than professional then just ten years ago. The pits is now more available for fans who wish to seek autographs or see how hard the teams work getting the rider on the track or just to check out the team semi's, which is a huge upgrade from the hoard of box vans seen up into the mid 90's. The tracks themselves have under gone huge make overs. Groomed, manicured and watered they are lined with fancy markers and colorful banners that almost make moto look civilized. They have added the commercial touch, sponsors have tents for spectators to cool of in and retail vendors are every where, allowing you to eat a variety of foods, while shopping for that moto item you cant live with out. If you have never been to a outdoor national, I suggest you attend one. You will come away impressed with how rough the track really is and how much skill it takes to navigate said track at the speed these riders race. For an afternoon of fun and excitement, an outdoor national is a unmatched value, that will be appreciated by every one from the casual fan to the die hard moto head..Not much beats a day in the Great Outdoors!!!
@ therealmofo, no kidding! They definitely should have mentioned that somewhere, I am sure we will see it Monday, Tues.
Probably not in a hurry to slide the media darling down a step on the alltime wins charts.
Though they ought to get used to it. Could start happening a lot over the coming years.
I predict that by this time next year all wins will be going through the Ryans. With a healthy class, the move up for Barcia, Wilson and maybe a couple of others. James Stewart and Chad Reed are going to have a difficult time finding even a couple of wins in an entire season.
If Trey Canard is not ruined by his history and bad luck and can return to the racing form he has shown in recent past. Then stay healthy for one entire season as he did in the 250 class. I think we will see a Chad Reed that hangs it up as a rider next year and a JS7 who also contemplates retirement.
RV has shown he can dominate against everyone. RD is getting confidence that is going to make him the one that battles with RV for the top spot, instead of 22 or 7.
I do not believe the 7 has enough internal grit to stick it out, if he cannot return to the top every race. His make up will not allow him to battle each week to get 3rd, 4th or 5th. I also do not believe he is willing to do the work to get back to where the Ryans are clearly at and headed.
It is hard to believe but todays talent and that of the guys headed to the big bores in the next couple of seasons are going to keep the 7 from coming close to the goals that at one time looked so reachable.
Lastly Blake Bagget, Barcia and Tomac ride those bikes like NOBODY ever has! They are capable of keeping the throttle absolutely stretched for an entire 30+2.
I have been racing, riding and watching moto for 35 years and I have NEVER seen anyone do what Bagget can do. Yes I have seen all the past greats, most in person, been on the track with a few. But when you consider the capability of a 250F today.........NOBODY has ever ridden one like Bagget!!
@Red good take but I guess you missed Wilson at Pala.....Baggett IS flat haulin though....it cracks me up how Havoc was over the hill then he won four in a row and everybody that was saying that was no where to be found ..now hes out with an injury hes slow again...yeah right..I guess hes only fast when hes winning then years of skill just disappear......The racing was better with him regardless ,not taking ANYTHING from RD5 ..he is riding awesome and his accomplishments are starting to be recognized..hes deserves it....I remember when he was hated on here badly for not being a good interview or thanking God on the podium...glad to see he's the one laughing now... Being an RV1 fan I can't wait till he and Canard and CR22,and Havoc7 return...Wilson and Barcia move up...then things will get interesting and we'll see who the alpha dog really is...plus isn't about time for someone to come out of nowhere and mix it up like Hannah or Tripes and to some degree Dungey.....its been awhile ..and long overdue.......
@tonewall. Good to hear from and chat with you again. and yes, Wilson was haulin the mail at Pala. But remember, Baggett ran him down a few times last year also showing that crazy speed we are seeing today. I think Baggetts head is better this year than last.
As far as heads go, I think that is what James issue is, I have and will never question his speed. It is simply remarkable. What I have been seeing, saying and find distburing though is.....IMO he has lost the will to win the war.
He appears to me, to be satisfied with racing and showing that he still is capable of winning (which he does) and that is enough. He no longer seems like the guy who will show up week in and week out with an issue, be it injury, bike set up, team problem or other. And fight every battle that leads to being war victor. Or every gate drop even when 3rd or 4th is the best to be had but do it 3, 4 or 5 weeks in a row to stay in the hunt until the 1st start coming again. You and I both know that is how many championships are won.
Something just seems a miss. It is almost like he (team Stewart and all that surround him) feel it is better to do it sporadically in an effort to keep the legacy intact, because to do it every single week and not win the majority of the time would be damaging to legacy? Maybe it goes back to the days when if he did not crash he won and that is the image he or his handlers are trying to maintain?
I say, James is at the point where if he is to win another championship, he will have to do it the way most have been won over the years. Win some races, not all and get beat in many races, while winning the points battle through consistency. He and Carmichael had those perfect seasons and won almost every gate drop but todays compettion has swung the pendulum. He has to attempt to win a championship while letting someone else carry the moniker of fastest man on the track. I am not sure he can wrap his mind around that?
One think we do agree on is RV2 Is a BAD man! We know he will come back hungry, we know he rides with a killer instinct and we KNOW he is the F'n man until someone raises their game to a level that all of us fans have not seen since the GOAT outdoors.
HERE is to hoping it is RV who raises the level, AGAIN!!!!!!
What the frig happened to Regal?!! Top 5 starts both motos - swingin' the shirt when he went by - and he drops like a stone!!
Kyle Peters? No show in the second moto?? Getting good starts, but fading for whatever reason(s). Really liking Peters/Freeberg/Hayes/Nelson.
I'll keep saying this - can this become an EFFING message board, so we can log in and track things better??!! This is 2012!!
@Preston, for a guy who hates to see Stewie get slammed, you sure are quik to slam any other rider when they get praise, I guess you missed last summer when Dungey took RV1 all the way to the last National of the year in the points chase?? Dungey has gotten his share of wins against him. And how come you say Dungey has had nobody to race with when RV1 and Reed were there all year last season and both of them and Dungey has beaten your boy in supercross 2 years in a row?? You are quik to say Dungey had no competetion, but if that is said about Stewarts perfect season you call them a hater?? It makes you a hypocrite, just saying..
@Preston, grow up with the name calling, it makes you look about 12 years old. And it makes you just as big a hater as them,
@tonewall- you are correct about Wilson taking Baggett to school last year at Pala. I guess you will be attending Elsinore this. I noticed a while back you mentioning all the local tracks from the past. I too race them all in my day. Now it is just Milestone and Elsinore. Vet track of course, my ass is getting old. lol
Does anyone know what ever happened to the Whoop Monster?
Two unreal passes by Baggett Saturday. The young man's confidence and determination can't be denied. Looks like Mitch will be adding another number one plate in the semi.
So I waited and read all comments....lol Man, I dont even know if I want to get involved in here? and this column has been fairly civil so far, compared to previous ones. So here is my take on the season so far.......450's......everyone needs to step it up except Dungey. I respect all the 450 racers but come on....the 250 guys are just as fast. I dont follow "sign of the lap times" but I bet Bagget would win half the 450 motos on his 250 (time wise). 250's.........well, we all think its boring when a rider runs away with a series (see 450 class) but Bagget coming through the field is soooo awesome to watch (he could also be concidered "running away with it") To bad he slid-out in moto2 Oh, and Im not a Stewtard, Dungtard, Pototard, Reedturdy or any single rider Fantard. Just a fan of all and everything moto. Keep up the comment drama though........I enjoy it!!
Barcia, Tomac, Rocsen are all fast riders...But Bagget is on another planet right now. Its hard to beat a guy that is turning 3 seconds faster then everyone else during the 2nd half of the race. Its not just conditioning...he actually goes faster..its amazing.
I hope Villopoto can make it back for the MXon in September but its a slim hope. Alessi could fill in nicely at the Nations because he is the best in the World at hole shots...which are very important when trying to win at the MXon. I see MX1 Dunjay...MX2 Bagget...MX3 Alessi...still a strong team.
NUMBER198
NO ONE that raced a 450 at Millville is beating Dungey. He was going over the triple where Reed crashed when Weimer in 3rd was near the second turn. Thats too far back to step it up each lap and run with him.
Getting a bit tired of Alessi riding tactics. I know you can't just LET him by, but his blocking gets old.His good starts are all that help him stay there.
No one is beating a non crashing Baggett this year either. He'll only be faster next year and I don't see Tomac getting there, but where would he ride one? I'd like to see him replace Mettty on a 450 'zook. Barcia looks when Bagget catches and passes him he knows its not happening. all that work on Sunday and he only gained ONE point. ugghh.
That was my third - likely last - national in person this year, which sucks, but Hold out til next year and hit as many east coast ones as I can if everyone is healthy!!
Also, a little (just a tiny bit) disappointed in Roczen, but I know he's learning new tracks/country/weather/culture and will only get better, but he needs go get faster unless he's going to have to wait until Baggett moves up. How interesting Bagget will be on a 450. so small a guy.
Musquin should ride a 350 (pref a 450 but...) next year and see how he goes on it. No way he's winning a 250f title here in its current and future state. One of my fave riders to watch ride. bike would be even cooler. I enjoy some of the Euros style these days, some look a bit goofy (gear) but some are fun to watch.....
@ Red54m
I agree with your post 100% I think Stewart's "people" think that its better to ride the wave of the 4 moto wins than to have Dungey beat him a few times during the rest of the season. I'm sure he has some contracts coming up and getting beat by RD would make those contracts lees lucrative. Dungey has gotten much faster than he was at the first 2 races. ( the new KTM had never been raced outdoors before Hangtown)
If Musquin was FIM 250 champ in 2010 and Roczen was FIM 250 champ in 2011, KTM would seem to have put together the best 250 team for this year.
However, since Baggett, Barcia and Tomac are riding very well, the 250 class has indeed continued to deliver some excellent MX racing week after week.
@ BD25 do you have a syndicated show that probably plays on a rock or classic rock radio station in morning called John Boy and Billy show?????????? When I first moved this way I picked up a Fox station out of Charlotte and it comes from Atlanta but when in Florida I here also its National.......... I thought when I came this way that this is it !! They have some funny skits on there sometimes when I'm out early they play some of this stuff,I almost wreak LOL the car from the tears streaming down my face...........Later Like I said usually a rock or classic rock staion........
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYVPyXJNSv4
It's true that most of RD's wins have come with the other top guys out, It's not his fault but it is true.2010 and 2012 no one is there and he is win's them all. in 2011 when CR and RV were there not so much. Same in SX when all the fast guys are on the line he only has 1 or 2 win's.
.Now having said that RD looked AWESOME this weekend!! Spot on!!! Bike looks diled and so does he. Can't wait for next year!!
I feel Cr will be as strong next year as he was last. Not sure why JS doesnt race back into shape unless his wrist was too sore after the race and worried about letting it heal completly- he can and will run with RD. RV is missed and will be in the top 3 his first few races back and then be the one to beat. TC will be very good but will be overshadowed by Barcia and Wilson. RD is looking at home now with his KTM and will be fighting with RV very inch of the way.
MXON- RD-450, Barcia-450, Bagget- 250
9 lives No radio show for me, wish it were me..lol..I do not have that talent....I did make the TV broadcast ...after the Alessi 1st moto interview, the camera scans and catches me in my red shirt, an then the after the 250 moto before they interview Blake they film him taking off his helmet and hanging it up, I am in the background shot for 2-3 seconds, by that time I had put on my Xtreme floppy hat...Guess I am almost famous...lol
Bucky Thanks again for being so nice, enjoyed meeting your family and friends, I do wish I would have had more time, as to have met everyone at Neptune's for a cold one..but the road was calling...I will try and come up again next year..
BillC You need visit Spring Creek next year, you will enjoy it tremendously and be treated graciously by Bucky and his crew...
First off congradulations to Fuel and Nbc sports for the spot on Dowd and Brown!!!
Since I'm 45 that was way cool. Also cool to see a fresh face in the top ten, espiecialy one that has not ridden for a factory or two (or one twice) from canada, as in Cole Thompson nailing 8th overall with 15-7 scores.
Someone please dont ruin this kid with a bunch of money and a reality tv show deal.
From what I have witnessed my 2012 mxon choices are
mx1 Dungey
Mx2 Baggett
Mx3 Barcia Did good last yr. on 450
Stamp it
Sorry I meant MXDN !
Wtf is mxon?
BD25 I am going to try and be there. Will see how things are going then.
@BILLC--@Preston, If you say that about Dungeys wins, who has the majority of Stewarts wins come against??? Stewie got 3/4's or more of his wins on that list during his 2008 season, his closest competetor was a 33 year old Tim Ferry, so I think Dungey has done his against a little tougher competetion than Stewart. Dungey got some wins last year against RV1 and Reed, He has earned all the praise he gets, you Stewtards cant take it away because he passed your boy in the wins column..