by Andy Bowyer
Rev Up: Washougal
Thursday, July 19, 2012 | 3:10 PM
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PrintHello, everyone, and welcome to the Rev Up. We blink our eyes and another round of the 2012 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship is upon us. While Millville was vacant of intelligible memories, I was pleased with the event. I can’t think of a better track surface to race on, and the layout with her 32:1 ratio of natural terrain and human intervention produced excellent live television. Don’t forget how important that is for our trade, or to be grateful for getting to see Ryan Dungey throw pan (total pan) over a table in victory. In HD. I actually paused my 60” LCD Samsung and sent that image to instagram, of course with “Kelvin” effect.
My how hyper-aggressive yet, beautiful “racing” and our capacity to appreciate it has become. Freaking live in HD showcasing all of the snazzy track side banners and all of the mega stars of pro motocross aboard their nano-concentrated gasoline burners. Maybe I’m alone here, but I think it is so cool. I literally was shaking my head watching it with a huge smile. My favorite moment of the weekend was the opening shot of Kyle Regal drilling a start from the far inside gate. To have been in a similar situation, albeit on a slower bike on a far lower platform, it got me up on my feet. Hell, all of it did! From watching the old men score points, to marveling at the potency of the 250 boys, to wincing in pain as Nick Wey’s KX450 stacked it up into the creek...it is simply a stellar show. And the show rolls on. Scenic and historic Washougal is on the board this Saturday and a brand new opportunity to see the madness arrives.
The charge has left Millville in the rear-view and heads...
Simon Cudby photo
Scenic: The rolling green landscape painting the Northern Pacific is enough in itself. See that, then think about Horsepower Hill and the rear tires of the boys sending black soil into the goggle lenses of their competitors. Think about that ominous first turn and the cacophony funneling into it. Probably one man on the outside with a prayer and a half dozen on the inside thinking, “Holeshot.” Washougal. The shadows through the trees haunt, but the sunlight in the clear dazzles. Perhaps the most unforgiving and misleading soil compositions of the tour, the passage of 30 years of motocross and “Father Time” create a special challenge. And after they water it pre-moto, it is simply an evil son of a bitch. (Dust is worse than two laps of slime. Stamp it.) That is kind of what it is going to look like this weekend. Sounds good to me, son.
Historic: Back in the day I was always the most excited about my Motocross Action that featured the Washougal National. It was a time when my heroes started making waves as pros. It’s where Jeff Emig ran #747 for the first time and lead the first moto for a spell. It’s where Robbie Reynard blew our minds in Terrafirma. Washougal is where we saw Damon Bradshaw somehow leave it pinned on the outside of the tight left hander at the bottom of the hill. Coincidentally the same corner Emig blew the side panels off of Doug Henry’s YZ400. Remember? Oh, not to undermine the commissioner of “What’s stopping you?” One of the greatest moments in Washougal history is Mike “The Rock” Larocco and Henry sending it up Horsepower Hill whilst rubbing elbows and swatting at their handlebars like they were fanning wasps. How about the image of Ricky Carmichael literally stretching his fingers in vein as he tried to climb back on board of his hopelessly swapped out RMZ450 in mid-air. Do. You. Remember?
That canvas should suffice.
... to scenic Washougal and Horsepower Hill.
Andrew Fredrickson photo
Hey, when the sun is on your face the shadows fall behind you. And right now, the rays tanning the 2012 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship require SPF450. Damn, I know that is uber cheesy. It’s all crazy. I’ll wager to presume that a tribe of you reading this far ride, race and know the feeling. Try to emulate holding on to the back of a factory 450 going up that damn hill. Go ahead and scrub that floating table-top, then grab 4th and get ready to see Elvis. The alphas will float it up and over the precipice about 20 yds from the top. You know what these cats feel?! Back in the day they would hang their asses off the rear fender reaching for more, but this Saturday afternoon they will be like a gerbil strapped to a rocket ship. All the same a select few will indeed be reaching for more.
Gates are going to drop. Hell will be unleashed. Time for Washougal.
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"Where we saw Damon Bradshaw somehow leave it pinned on the outside of the tight left hander at the bottom of the hill."
Always think of that moment when Washougal comes around. Incredible pass!
Glad to see Rev it Up back ...always a great read!!
As far as 250F's go, I'd like to see some more bar-banging. The GEICO boys could easily give BB the 'ole "Malachi Crunch" (bonus points for knowing who the Malachi brothers were). Dirty? Your call. Exciting? Heck yeah!
There's great racing to be had in a four way (or five if Marvin's up to the task) slam-fest for every corner. Also, that's one way to keep BB from checking out, keep checking him up at every opportunity. Otherwise, it's almost about time to start writing this title chase off.
Before the cry babies even get started, just remember, most all of the greats have used this tactic as an effective race strategy.
If you don't believe it's fair, nice or whatever, you might be in the wrong sport. These guys are modern-day gladiators and just because it's not a blood-sport* doesn't mean they're not out there fighting as if it were. (* technically. Anybody that's donated skin, blood or bone to the cause knows better)
Andy, que up the Pantera and let's do this!!!
carlsbad
There is going to be some big time banging if what shows to be accurate... Dean Wilson is racing could be a real monkey wrench thrown in to stir the pot !
Dean Wilson racing this weekend????.... dont think so..
@ Mr. Boyer.... "While Millville was vacant of intelligible memories, I was pleased with the event" What is that supposed to mean? Both of Baggets passes on Barcia were epic!
You are trying so hard to be a cool, funky, english professor that you just sound lame.
"My how hyper-aggressive yet, beautiful “racing” and our capacity to appreciate it has become." What does this mean? Maybe you should step back and try to write for your audience.
just saying.....
Hey carlsbad, those tactics do not work look what happened to Wilson that put him out for the year. Think back to what RC dished out to Dowd and Roncada for trying that stuff. Dowd only got pitched over a berm but Roncada got his knee torn up for the year. Best not to mess around with faster guys because you just lose.
Ckeys69
Check over on pre entry and try again !!!!!!!!!!
Milsaps in he said he might on Pulp Mx show if not after the break.Looks like its a go.................Josh Hill he said he was doing it !!! WTF He mize well stay out till next year or Retire also.................
After Wilson's shoulder surgery, I would think Deano would avoid Barcia like the plague but, who knows.
I disagree Claxton, Throughout time we've seen rival racers go there with success........and to be fair, failed miserably as well. Getting in another racers head is an effective race stategy. Hannah did it to Howerton, Ward did it to O'mara and McGrath & GOAT did it to everybody.
carlsbad check other post on pre entry I guess he is not racing offically ..
@Carlsbad- good one "Malachi brothers"! Isn't that from Happy Days ? Yeah I can see Tomac and Barcia in all black leather gate'n up on both sides of Baggett. When it comes time to hit horsepower hill, those guy's will wish they only weighed 90 lbs.
Great photo !!! I see at least 5 that are out of the series if you throw wey in know....The rest are in the dead zone...........LOL
Great read, Andy. Coming from the PNW, it's nice to know others beside me have fond memories of Washougal's storied past. The pre-entry list shows Deano listed, but that (to my knowledge) is the only reference. I just read this week he went back for more surgery, so I seriously doubt he's riding. We'll see!
I want to see who's got the stronger pulling motors on, "Horsepower Hill." If I remember correctly, Baggett (the flea that he is) took the overall with 1/3 finishes and the two other PC bikes were close behind. This year the Honda's in the 250 class seem to have some convincing power, so it will be interesting to see who can pull who.
They say lot's of new dirt has been brought in, but I am not expecting anything but the "snot box" that track has been in the past when wet, to be any different this year.
Regarding Carlsbad's reference, I think you might be right about additional effort to control Baggett will be present, especially after last weeks 2nd moto Kamikaze mission, both Tomac and Barcia were subject to.
Right around the corner, can't wait...
That pre-entry list means nothing, JS7 is on it, Durham is on it, Wilson is on it and a list of others who are not racing. I think it is a generic pre-season list and the only thing it is good for is to match bike # to rider.
@9lives-Mr-Mx- those pre-entry list are never accurate. I also see Swanepoels name and I believe he is out too.
1980 We traveled to all the races in those years Washougal was with my dad and Honda to see my friend Flyin Brian Myerscough and other Ohio, Pa. contingent TILL 1998 THEN BACK AT 2006 the week after that it was the Mudder in 2006 millville......
It was like 104 temp that day unseasonably warm for stop, remember like yesterday.........It usually was a family vacation week when younger before school started............ over 2500 miles one way there was alot in between..........Good Times
Had some Ohio storys about 5 rounds prior 1980 year Chuck Sun and gang were out in Ohio practicing at a track It was at about 30 minutes were I lived back then after southwick before Mt Morris and Red Bud. I remember they had the trophy with them in the box van from Mt Morris just sitting out in the open on a pedestal all by itself while we rode. I wish I had a camera or cell back then......Technology has come a long way would you even of thought of it . I couldnt, what was a computer then. WOW !!!!
Calvin Kalicki RIP my friend...............Never forgoten !
Your buzzed MX MR
Thanks !!!! glad someone noticed !
@ Sean Hamblin105:
Get out there and RACE !!!!!! Man you were a STUD!!!!!!!!!!!!
Carlsbad the riders you mentioned, Hannah, RC, and McGrath (supercross only) were just blazing fast you could not beat them by banging or blocking or any other tactics. Just like with Blake Baggett you either match his speed or lose simple as that, unless you hire kids to put sticks in his spokes LOL. I been around motocross for a long time and I don't remember anyone putting 4 seconds a lap on top racers except for RC. Even Jeff Stanton is amazed at what he witnessed.
I applaud you for upgrading your word choices in this missive and for leaving out any references to NASCAR. I think you missed out on something if you had no "intelligible memories" from last week. Baggets pass for one, Weys cartwheel for another, and Baggets crash and Tomacs run were all intelligible memories for me.
I am not sure about "nano-concentrated" though, thats a bit of a stretch.
The 250 class is down to 10 motos. Barcia = -18, Tomac = -34 and Roczen = -42.
Yes, one moto can change everything. But it would appear that it is crunch time ....
@ yzfsean...I read that same thing like 5 times and was like, wtf? Was that a typo, or is it actually supposed to mean something?
What does everyone expect top 5 to be in 450's and 250's?
@VooDoo - doing the math means that even if Tomac and Roczen win out for a 30 pt gain on BB, so that means both will need help. Not probable but not impossible, but they will need help to pull it off.
For Barcia - he has to beat BB 6 motos straight up with BB 2nd just to tie, then go on to win more to pull ahead. Barcia has won motos this year so it is possible. But it will be a tall order given how well BB is riding these days.
I'm not ready to hand the #1 plate to Blake just yet, but he will be tough to beat unless someone can find another gear. Tomac looked like he did for a few laps in moto 1 last week, but lost that extra speed when he got behind Barcia.
Now, a crash or DNF will change everything, but I'm neither hoping or predicting that will happen,
If nothing else, it should be an interesting close to the 250 season.
Thanks for the comments, guys!
YZFsean & muhamed: As charged, I over marinated that. It happens.
I fired off with a thought about modern technology and evolution of motocross racing. They go so fast, and make it look so easy. And it blows me away how much it has changed just since I've been around (early 80's).
As far as "intelligible memories" I meant championship points implications...like Reed losing his chance at the title by flying like a bird, or McGrath losing his during his '96 (almost) dream season. The action was great but no big ball busters in the title chase.
Thanks again for the comments, should be nasty this Saturday afternoon.
@Hattica77 - Andy - fun to have you still involved in the sport. I remember when your name was in the results section. My how time flies...
@ Hattica77 ... How about: "Dungey is good. Baggett is fast. MX is fun. "
Dang- Bowyers on it again! I only get this way when I'm soaking up a twelve pack, had an extra bottle of wine with my O'l Lady, or popped another pain killer for my bum shoulder! I love this guy's enthusiasm! He knows what he's talkin about ! Bring on Washougal! Love the Nat'ls!
I have been fooled by that list too. I dont think they update at all.
JimM
Pala374
Dungey goes 1-1 and im gonna predict roczen gets his first win
Bradshaw was awesome! Even on the 15 year old wr500 the guy was on it at Shougal. He was the victim of the best pass on the downhill though. I think it was 93 when longtime privateer Tony Armaradio held it on WFO and took the outside like a rollercoaster and passed Damon. I remember it like it was yesterday....AWESOME!
Rain, Rain and More Rain! It's dumping buckets right now!
Constructive feedback for anyone that cares: One could argue that the majority of the article is "over-marinated". Unfortunately, I could not finish the article. I felt like I was reading something from in an undergraduate english writing course.
Sorry for being critical, it was that bad.
Bowyer some people dont get it. You got the MX juice flowing in your veins and it is what it is. keep on writing it, the other crazed hyped and juiced up junkies know what you feel.
The best part of the 250 class and Baggett is that he knows exactly what he's doing and will absolutely pimp the whole field whenever he wants to. "Ill just sit back in 5-10th and hang out, ride around until halfway then show them whos tougher, faster, and stronger" - Baggett (The Great Outdoors TEN). Confidence is not a problem for this man! Make room on Peytons doors for another plate!
Mr. Bowers,
I figured out that the reason I could not make sense of your sentece was that the comma was in the wrong place.
"My how hyper-aggressive yet, beautiful “racing” and our capacity to appreciate it has become."
You do not need a comma after yet. You need to create a pause after my, so that it is readable.
"My, how hyper-aggressive yet beautiful “racing” and our capacity to appreciate it has become."
It is still a little hard to read but now I know what you are trying to say.