450 Words: Washougal
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PrintThe effort put forward by MotoConcepts Racing’s Mike Alessi this summer has been outstanding. Going up against a juggernaut like Red Bull KTM’s Ryan Dungey hasn’t been easy for the 800. It’s his time-honored formula to get a holeshot and ride like hell for as long as he can, but this summer Dungey inevitably gets by and goes on to win by a large margin.
But this weekend at Washougal we saw a different formula. Alessi again grabbed the start and again Dungey was all over him. Many people thought that we’d see what we’ve seen so many times, that Dungey was going to grab the lead and disappear. But on this day, things weren’t like they seemed.
Mike rode a great race, defending Dungey when he could, attacking the track at times and then Washougal, which had been so great to Dungey so many times, reached up and grabbed him. A simple wash out by the KTM rider enabled Mike to open up a lead and although it was very close at the end, the dragon had been slayed. Mike Alessi won the first moto and stopped Dungey’s ten-moto win streak.
Mike Alessi (front) became only the third different moto winner in the 450 Class in 2012, after his moto one win over Ryan Dungey (rear) at Washougal.
Carl Stone photo
Dungey wasn’t happy, he ate roost for 27 minutes and did everything he could to try and get around, short of gang-tackling Mike. And in the second moto Dungey focused on the start, got it, took off for a big-time win and got the ever-important overall. Dungey, like other great champions before him, wasn’t going to let that little sliver of hope that Alessi had grow into anything more.
Alessi became just the third rider to win a moto this year and deserves full credit for the win. On a bike that is far heavier, slower and without any factory transmissions, suspension, ignition or anything, Alessi is showing that this is perhaps his greatest outdoor performance of his career. Better than 2009 when he won two Nationals before hurting himself, and better than on KTM's battling for titles in the 250 Class. Alessi is going up against one of the very best riders ever and doing it on equipment that you and I could buy.
Dismissed by the USA team manager as not worthy of a spot on the Motocross des Nations team due to his speed, his team and his equipment, Mike’s showing that snub to perhaps be a motivating factor in his riding. No apologies from Mike, he’s going to ride as hard as he can for as long as he can and try to do the best that he can. And on Saturday, it was enough to finally break through for a win. As with all things Mike Alessi, it’s a start.
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@Matthes; Well spoken/written, Steve!
I dont know about him deserving the win so much after watching that block fest 1st moto and forcing Dungey off the track a few times..... That guy is a little dangerous to ride around....
If it wasn't for all of the little tricks he pulls, like brake checking, gating crooked etc. I would probably support this guy.
I did not think he rode that bad this weekend. Seed pretty clean. RD went off the track twice on the same jump but that was not Mikes fault nor was RD's crash. I do think IF RD got by he was gone but ya gota get by first. and look at the lap times, Mike was not far off and even in moto 2 RD did not win by as much as most moto's.
brake checking and blocking are time tested moves. that and some pretty fast riding got him the moto win.
IMike has made a ton of mistakes as a pro racer. But IMO, Mike should be given the chance to race this exhibition race for Team Decoster.
@BillC....totally agree with you that MA looked more in control, and less like a side-to-side funkey monkey. He did what he had to do, in controll for a change, in order to win. I saw nothing that could be out of the ordinary for "racing".....
@MustardDog....spot on.
MA800 does have history, and bad baggage, but the first moto at Washougal showed that he does have speed, and endurance to run 1 30+2 moto when the conditions are right. I certainly give credit when credit is due.......Now the second moto, the Dungenator smoked him like a cheap cigar tho......
What is it with Alessi and sticking his leg straight out at the start. I have seen him make this move before when he is charging for a holeshot. It looks like he is trying to take away the line of the rider next to him with his leg. "As with all things Mike Alessi", it seems stupid.
I'm sorry, but if mike was so great, then why was he able to win a Moto on a KTM 350 and then take 2 years before he won another moto? It doesn't take factory engines transmissions ignition maps in the 450 class. It takes the best rider on a well prepared machine.
Alessi doesn't even run a yellow front fender, which according to suzuki is a requirement to be part of their contingency program.
Alessi is a fast rider, but my final straw was when he cleaned out windham in SX this year, he crossed jumped and chopped windhams tire in the air sending him flying.
Alessi doesn't deserve to be on the MXdN team, keyword TEAM, he and his father are all about themselves and I would in no way want them representing TEAM USA. I would rather the US not continue the win streak then have Alessi there.
Mike and Ryan both rode an extremely good moto that race. Mike kept his head down and stuck to his lines. Never giving up and always looking forward, and he was rewarded ! Ryan doing everything he could to pass, never has trouble with that it seems. But, Dungeys mistakes, where that of, DUNGEYS mistakes. Had to be one of the best 450 races we have seen in awhile. Very exciting! Looking forward to more excitement from these two.
@yzfsean.....motoGP racers do it all the time, at a considerally higher speed, to ensure the line is protected, plain and simple. I have, on occasion, seen the racer from behind, hit the extended leg causing the lead racer (extended leg) to loose their position.
Racing is racing...plain and simple. If it works then good on ya, if it doesn't then Oh Well......
Why does this bother you anyway? It is not like plowing into somebody, and it seems like a good tactic to me. But personally I would be afraid that the person I am trying to keep off of the particular racing line would try to take my leg off.....just sayin'.
@ yzfsean
Your so true about the leg out bit. I told MA # 800 that if he ever lined up on the line and either you or tonewall and B'BALL PLAYER were next to him to take the line away and step on you, like the Little weasles that you are !
MIkey boy rode a good race and it was up to Ryan to find the line around him. No disrespect toward Ryan, but he couldn't find an outside line to pass on? Baggett does and RV would have!
I seen Albertson laying on the track for numerous laps. Any word on his condition?
your chances of going down increase when you have to ride out of the best line. ask js!!!
@Not4show, if you watched the video, you can see clearly that it was KW's fault, not Alessi's! Mike deserves a spot on Team USA, and Decoster is looking like a fool for not picking him. Roger is holding a grudge from the past, and is coming across as vindictive. Maybe if Roger went out and said if Yoshimura stepped up, Mike would be on the team, and that would help the sport.
I thought Mike rode exceptionally well this last Saturday, with one exception: he continues the cross-jumping. This is not a case where "if it works for you, good on ya" applies. It is highly unprofessional and extremely dangerous. Wanna know why Dungey wouldn't shake Mike's hand after the race? It's because Alessi almost put him into the crowd with the cross-jumping. Mike Alessi has some talent, too bad he thinks winning by any means is warranted. The sticking his leg out at the start is a tactic, not some wierd quirk. When he did it to Dungey at the final SX round in Las Vegas last year, I tweeted to him that I thought it was unprofessional. His response? "The holeshot award is $1500. You gonna tell me you wouldn't do it for 30 seconds work?" So according to Mike, its perfectly ok to stick your leg out to try to block another rider. Do you see ANY OTHER RIDER on the track in either class pulling this crap? Mike Alessi needs to stop listening to Tony's insanity and start growing up. I believe Tony Alessi's influence has seriously damaged what could have been a brilliant career. Roger DeCoster said that the problems with Alessi at Suzuki were with Tony, not Mike. Can you imagine Tony, who at the height of his riding career was a 250 Intermediate rider, arguing with Roger DeCoster, a 5-time 500cc World Champion about race strategy. And now there is nobody to even talk sense to Mike because Genova has given Tony free rein. Insane.
@TexMex..... I really think you should consider the prozac. It could be life changing for you. I have known a few "tools" ( i wanted to use a differnt word to describe you but they wouldn't let me) who suffered from a simple chemical imbalance and have been able to lead normal lives with the help of prozac. just saying.......
Sorry for all the Alessi lovers out there but I will be more impressed when he actually beats Dungy on a track that is not a freeway and that is not one lined throughout the whole track and all you have to do is hold your insides and block. Alessi has had his chances on multi lined rougher tracks and Dungy made him look silly. Mike is also lucky that Dungy is probably the nicest rider out there since he wont bump anyone and he rides way too nice when he is behind someone.
Btw I love all the Alessi fans calling Dungy a poor sport after the race... he gave him a thumbs up even tho Alessi pretty much wanted a hug from him what more do you want personally I think he was acting really weird after that race ended..
and anyone giving RV crap for his interview is stupid. Any real Alessi fan that has known him since amateurs should know RV/MA cant stand each other period. It was really stupid she even asked him about that, should have just had Erin Bates ask him "take us through Alessis ride"
yzfsean's channel
Hey tuff mudder thats a stupid hair cut you have.................You mize well dye it KTM Orange/red like that other clown in CO
"On a bike that is far heavier, slower "
That's been repeated a lot, but I'd like to see a scale and a dyno confirm it.
This is great for the series! But if any of you believe that this article is really how Matthes observed the race you are nuts! I have grown to appreciate Mike Alessi more as the years past because he dose treat the young fans well. But that race victory was not how he dreamed it would be. It was less. I hope next weekend he wins without all the antics.
Sounds like Steve has the goods on the Des Nation's team - it is time to come clean Big-S!
THAT That was a great ride by MA in the 1st moto. Washougal looks so awesome til you see everyone racing corner to corner. They need to change the layout to make it more passer friendly. The post race thing was odd? I can understand RD not being as happy as MA about the result. What did he want a hug and a kiss? As soon as RD stopped and gathered himself he gave him a handshake. The whole hug and palms up made me feel unconfortable 3000 miles away watching on tv. I hope when Ryan peeled his gear off he wrapped himself in a towel and went to Alessi's camp and gave him what he wanted.
Tex,Tex.....tex... relax... fussing and fueding! Now where's that gonna get you.
I think TA is well aware that any rift between #800 & RD (and let's not kid ourselves, there is) is completely on his shoulders. I would be mortified that I hobbled my son's career, whatever career it might've been.
I don't like to bring his name into any discussion regarding #800 but, it seems that they are inseperable for whatever reason. That sucks for Danielle.
If in fact RD is biased against #800 on the MXdN squad, then I have reason to respect him a little less than I do now.
This is a sad commentary and I would like to think that all of the blame rests on TA but, I don't have those answers.
All that said, Mike Alessi is doing a great job and he is an outdoor threat to this day, seven years after beginning his pro mx career and THAT is something.
I still dont know what to think about MA ?
Many years of being an idiot and one outdoor season of being, well, less of an idiot......doesnt mean much. He's still earning respect, but barely. Wasn't there a flippin' of the bird at Dungey from Mike, not too long ago?
Just as Dungey's killin' it w/o RV, CR, and JS.......MA is 2nd and not 5th
Ya, I know......in it to win it
@TexMex... I am flatterred that you were so taken by me that you tried to find me on the internet. I had no idea what you were talking about until i googeled yzfsean's channel. That is not me. Yzfsean is a parody of yzsean who used to end all of his posts wiht DUNGEY RULES!!!!!!!! I guess I should change my name so that I am not confused with the tough mudder guy.
Some things you can safely take for granted. The sun rises in the east, goes down in the west. The ocean is wet. Factory bikes are better than modified stockers.
Not MX Bob. You sir, must be from Missouri.
I feel if MA ran down RD and passed him and won that Ryans attitude 5 seconds after the mote may have been different. He felt like he deserved to win but thats racing. When he had a moment to reflect he shook his hand. I raced and have been in that situation and it took me a good half hour before i calmed down and grasped it.Just saying dont think that it was an unclassy act.These guys want to win more than anybody. Fist time i watched the whole moto in 450 since JS got hurt. It was great racing
I have never seen RV or RD, hit a Freestyle ramp like any other pro "stewart, MC, RC, RD, TC," etc.. etc.., how come?
Ok- here's my 2 cents:
I agree that Allessi is a cheeses rider- and yes, he has risen this way since amateurs.
I do not agree that he ride cheesy last weekend- for the first time, I think he rode really well.
I do not agree that Allesi should have moto stalked RD around looking for an "At A Boy" from the golden child! Dungy going off track- twice- was all on him!
Dungy crashing- all on him. But come on guys- have you ever seen Dungey really go for aggressive passes? Doesn't have it in him! He takes toooooo long!
Allessi with leg hanging out? He did this since he was on 80s- run that stomp over and teach him to keep it on the pegs!
BUT- don't worry ladies and germs, and Allessi fans- Stewies coming to Southwick- whose getting second?
Politically correct/ fake Dungey? Or out of control Allessi?
Put that leg out in front of Stewart and he will have a Nice Dunlop logo tattooed to his tib/ fib!
Great job MA, why do all you people feel the need to hate on him? I dont see you still hating on Barcia for his BS, people make mistakes, get over mikes. As said by others, brake chequeing etc is a part of motocross. Its not like he tried to clean him out like some other guys would!
I thought Mike's ride was a little cheesy. Fast, strong, solid, but also cheese. The track was one lined, but whatever line RD chose. (and he did switch it up) Mike blocked it. You can call it good racing, but several of Mike's line changes were very cheeky. JS or RV would have punted him out of the way. Never-the less, I was rooting for him to hang on to the lead just cause it was more fun to watch than RD checking out.
Although it seems like a lot of "ifs" and "whens," perhaps Dungey will use some of MA's tactics if/when Stew returns and if/when Stew attempts to pass him.
What?
I love this place where the Dung was eating dinner tonight...............
http://www.redstonegrill.com/index.php
Thanks for the tweet Dungey !
MA800 rode great -- didn't fade as usual -- and hung on the way he had to to win the the first moto.
However --- you make your own bed over time-- and your forced to lay in it.
No Factory ride - No MXdeN - No respect from other riders.
Dungey gave him more love than he deserved.
Is that so over_the_bars? Going by that logic Barcia should have been dropped ages ago! I love these double standards from you people....
Barcia's still making his bed Wheelz -- We'll see wear he lays in a few years
Hopefully doesn't end up like MA800.
I be pissed if I was Dungey too..........having to eat 450 roost for 30 minutes.
JimM
Pala374
MA rode a great race. There was no brake checking involved. RD jumped off the track three times on his own. On two of them he was no where close to MA. RD crash on his won. Riding the best lines and covering the inside is part of any motorsport. If RD really wanted to pass him it would've taken a BB like bonzai move and that's how it should be. When you play it safe you don't always win. RD is fast enough he'll win more often than not and that's what he's counting on.
If Alessi didn't beat RD straight up then whoever was on the 800 bike did.
I'm going to fire my editor. That should read RD crashed on his own.
@handlebar....lets stick to this fact ...Alessi beat Dungey ..Dungey followed him UNABLE TO PASS , sucking shotgun blast roost...for 35 mins..(ya didn't really watch it did ya...)...MA did nothing any decent racer wouldn't do to protect his lead.(sat only)...if only for one moto a little credit is due (you call that pandering?) and a simple atta boy never hurt... of course anything positive or non hate/racist isn't your style......hang in there your favorite black motocrosser will be back for you to hate shortly.......
Alessi amped up what would have been another ZZZ 450 moto ....
Don't be hatin on him ....
BillC. Please go back and watch it again. MA moved over a lot off the jump. It is a testament to Dungey that he didn't crash. Also, RD was much faster. The only lap he had where he wasn't blocked he turned a 2:07.
Would be really interesting to have some additional insight and facts on the following:
1) Why the decision to make MA800's Suzuki not look like a Suzuki. Was it MotoConcept's, MA's, TA's, a monkey? There must be a valid reason, just don't know what it is that would be in the best interest of Mike and the MC team.
2) What is the true impact of a privateer bike with the best aftermarket mods versus a factory bike in terms of seconds impact per lap? Mathes seems to think a big difference... and he should probably know. If there is a sizable difference, then if Mike was on a factory bike (and not a KTM350) it's possible his win percentage could be higher. Just sayin...
When I see Alessi race like he did on Saturday it makes you realize he has a lot of speed and talent that was squandered by the ridiculous behavior of his father. It makes you wonder what could have been had Tony stepped back like the fathers of RC, RV, RD and everyone else that had success and Titles. Nepotism does not work in competitive sports at the pro level.
Let’s keep in mind Alessi is only 22 years old. He is still very young and his change could serve him well since he still has some years of racing ahead. If he keeps acting with class, racing hard and keeps a muzzle on Tony, I would not be surprised to see a factory ride come back.
The reason the #800 does not look like a Suzuki is that the team owner could not get any support from the manufacturers,so he will not give them free advertising.That is also why he lets his riders choose the bike they want to ride.Their aftermarket sponsors make parts for all brands.
Way to get in an underhanded jab a DeCoster also known as "The Man" .......your such doucebag sometimes Matthes
@handlebar...i don't hate anybody, thats our difference. But i also don't like racists so it looks like we won't be hangin out...As for Mikeys need of a factory bike ...its his stiff 'unconventional' at best riding style that limits him more than the bike.(see : Kevin Windham)..it gets hole shots ...he's now won a moto against the "brand new ultra superior factory KTM".(only RMZ's have so far)... I don't think its as bad as some people seem to think ...Cubic $$$$ can buy some pretty good stuff (see : PC) these days...@jonR Agreed....RV is back in the saddle on Weds....things are lookin up....
So it's come to this? Really? Even you Matthes? Dont you industry types have ANYTHING else to write about? I'm so tired of seeing 800 plastered all over this site. And now talk of MXON? WTF? Put the crack pipe down. Step away from the crack pipe.
And the whole "Our bikes not as good,whine,snivel,whine" thing.
Someone please post Tony's proclamation when they started this team (cause no one else wants them) "our bikes cost $60,000.00 and they are better than a works bike cause we can test and change things and not wait on a factory and blah,blah,our program,blah,blah.
Remember all that?
I do
not believe the hype.
@motorhead620, did Tony really say that? I would love to see that quote. Could you give me/us a quick reference if you have it. If Tony actually said that, not sure what to say. It does make me feel sorry for Mike. People cannot select or choose their parent.
In fact, let me share a Tony moment from Millville when I was there. It was the start of Mike's pro career. Tony was walking through the pits and saw a local District 23 B rider (which means black number and yellow background) with #800. He blew a gasket, said it was Mike's number, and actually shoved the guys bike off its stand. Forget the fact the kid ran the local Millville series with that B number and was not in Mike's class at all.
Like I said, I feel sorry for Mike. When I watch TGO series while working on bikes, I always cringe when Tony says anything.
Funny how all the JS fans are on the Alessi bandwagon now that he beat RD once. Not necessarily just this thread but in general.
Nepotism can work in professional sports if the father has a clue and isn't an egotistical baffoon like Tony Alessi. John Tomac seems to be good example of what works. .
Way to go Mike!
Mike alessi was born in May 1988, which makes him 24, which for MX is middle age. He has been racing pro for 7-8 years? which is no way a young man in this sport.
I once was an alessi fan when he first came on the scene, I didn't care about the arrogance or bravado he came with, its a Alpha Dog sport and you have to be yourself. It was the unsportsman like riding he has done over the years to turn me away from him.
SLO1962@ as far as Alessi taking out windham...how can a rider on the outside who jumps from left to right not be at fault for taking out the rider who was going straight?
After Alessi won the 2nd moto of Hangtown in 2010, he disappeared for the rest of the year. If someone on a 250 can beat guys on 450's there is no reason he could not get the same results if he was a capable rider.
Alessi is a goon rider, always has been, I was just in denial the first couple years.
As far as the first moto ride, Mike didn't need to ride as wide of a bike as he normally does, the track at Washugal is to narrow. Dungey won't force a pass because the consequences aren't worth it. Mike forced Dungey wide off the track once on the big jump, but dungey was riding that fine line everytime around so he went off on his own a couple times. Dungey blowing out the berm was all on his own,
Mike rode a good race and held the inside line, I didn't see anyone who could make a pass on the outside without the guy on the inside making a mistake.
Dungey had several opportunities to clean out Alessi and didn't, I doubt he will be that nice next race with stewart back and someone who Dungey needs to beat to show that he isn't being given this title as others say because the other top riders are hurt.
@Not4Show - ".... I doubt he will be that nice next race with stewart back ". I'd be willing to bet it wouldn't be any different. That's just RD.
Some of the posts talk about passing guys on the outside...remember last year, Dungey going outside to get by Villapoto.....he went down. Maybe there is something to the "Washgl being a one-lined track". I still think that JS or RV would have made a pass on MA though.
My 2 cents.
Also, for someone that is riding around on a much heavier, underpowered scoot, it sure does get some holeshots......just sayin.
He won the moto. Yes. Was he the fastest rider on the track. No. Was it his best moto of the year. I'd say yes.But i am puzzled by the fact that people wanna put him on the MXD team. I've been watching all year and dont see what I'm missing. BTW where was he in moto 2? He got 2nd and rode great but in no way a threat to RD. Now that Rodger brought up the lap times how come no one is on here saying you cant compare different classes. Thank you Rodger for bringing up that. I feel vindicated. Come on people who slammed me last week for saying that tell Rodger how off the mark he is. MA is riding better than ever but is a reach for the team.Fact is the start is everything to him. Haven't seen him run down a championship contender since he turned pro. Not hating just what i've seen this year and in the past years
Hope you all were not sleeping through the 450's this time....I wish I could have been there. Still so frustrating to see Dungey not be able to pass. Love his style and confidence, but his lack of passing ability even pissed him off. how come noone said
"Why is Alessi so perplexed about RD's lack of fist pump, good race?" Cause he was pissed at himself for losing to the "hole shot" guy. Well wake up RD. Alessi is not just a hole shot, he is a racer!
o yeah, bubba who?
or bubba who cares
Mike rode great! We needed something to talk about and that was it.
Dungey has never been a great passer, even a lites.
in lites
Someone up there stated Decoster is a fool…
Yea, I guess Roseanne Barr is hot, the earth is flat and I’m as fast as RV and pull better chicks than Clooney.
if everybody was in dungy would only be 3-6 place consider himself lucky a sore loser
if everybody was in dungy would only be 3-6 place consider himself lucky a sore loser
Dungy just is not that good he just lucks out when everyone goes out. The old saying applies " I would rather be lucky than good ". That is Dungy if Windham had this kind of luck he would have won some championships.
I wish I was as lucky as Dungy. LOL. . Your funny
Steve, you said " On a bike that is far heavier, slower and without any factory transmissions, suspension, ignition or anything"
I ask, how much heavier? Is that far heavier?
How much slower?
What if Mikes Suzuki is actually superior to the factory KTM?
What if the riders switched bikes?
I think Dungey would have run away.
It was a fine performance to be under the pressure of Dungey for the whole moto and pull off a win.
Congrats MA
Kick him back...
Mike did run a good race. He's been riding a lot of them, lately. Whether the technical or psychological effect of changing from KTM to Suzuki influenced this is for somebody else to figure out. For this race, I think Mike spent the majority of the race just blocking Dungey. Look at the lap times. It would be pretty inconceivable that the difference in Dungey's was due to anything other than being shut down at every possible pass point. It could be said that that's all part of racing, but....after racing for more than 30 years I've always regarded motocross as a cut above NASCAR or other competitions where anything you can do to short circuit your opponent's ability to pass is OK. In any race where first place was achieved through Alessi's types of maneuvers, the win seems to be less than satisfying, less than a true racing achievement. I'd love to see Alessi win. The sport needs the competition right now. So, Mike, it's up to you. Let's see you COMPETE.