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Bench Racing Ammo: Building a Championship Effort
Tuesday, July 31, 2012 | 12:00 PM
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PrintThe 2012 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship is going very well for the Red Bull KTM squad. Ryan Dungey has delivered the team’s first premier class victories, and barring injury, is poised to take the brand’s very first 450 National Championship. In the 250 ranks both Marvin Musquin and Ken Roczen continue to earn a healthy amount of points on any given weekend. Of course, it wasn’t always this way. In fact, despite winning their first National in the form of a 125 Class overall with Kelly Smith at High Point in 2000, KTM wasn’t able to finish a year with riders in the top ten in both classes until 2001. Here’s a look at the stats from the highest finishing, top-ten KTM-mounted riders since 2001.
| 125/Lites/250F Class | 250/450 Class | |||||
| Rider | Points | Final Pts. | Rider | Points | Final Pts. | |
| 2012 (Through Rd 8) Ken Roczen |
305 | TBD | Ryan Dungey | 383 | TBD | |
| 2011 | Mike Alessi | 304 | 5th | |||
| 2010 | Mike Alessi | 314 | 5th | |||
| 2009 | Tommy Searle | 332 | 6th | Justin Brayton | 249 | 7th |
| 2008 | Ryan Sipes | 228 | 6th | Nick Wey | 264 | 6th |
| 2007 | Martin Davalos | 203 | 9th | Mike Alessi | 423 | 2nd |
| 2006 | Mike Alessi | 448 | 2nd | |||
| 2005 | Mike Alessi | 367 | 3rd | |||
| 2004 | ||||||
| 2003 | Grant Langston | 380 | 1st | John Dowd | 190 | 10th |
| 2002 | Brock Sellards | 216 | 8th | John Dowd | 288 | 7th |
| 2001 | Grant Langston | 444 | 2nd | John Dowd | 326 | 7th |
KTM may not have been able to put riders in the top ten in both classes until 2001, but what a year that turned out to be. The championship came down to the final moto, and as the race entered its final stages, Grant Langston was looking good for the championship. Then with two laps to go, his rear wheel collapsed, and with it, KTM’s shot at getting their first National championship. In 2003, Langston came back and won the title. Interestingly enough, KTM followed their success up the following year by failing to put a single rider in the top ten in either class.
Mike Alessi may have never won a championship for KTM, but he did win several races and finished inside the top-ten five times for them. In fact, of the 4976 points listed above, Alessi is responsible for 1856 of them. That’s 37.3 percent! In addition to earning a large chunk of points for the orange folks, Alessi also bears the honor of most points earned in a single season for KTM, in both classes no less! Of course, with eight motos remaining and Ryan Dungey averaging 23.9375 points per moto and Ken Roczen averaging 19.0625 points per moto, it seems likely that 2012 is the final year that Alessi will hold those records.
After looking at the stats above, be sure to share any interesting trends you’ve spotted in the comments section.
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They should have hired Roger DeCoster in 2001.
Ktm is 100% focused on dirt bikes & dirt bike racing & it shows
Honda & Suzuki make cars, 4 wheelers, side by sides etc.....
Yamaha makes music equipment, wheelers, etc...
and Kawasaki makes a bunch of other crap too
KTM has made the best offroad bikes for years, now they've set their sights on Moto - everyone else better watch out!!
For the 2nd time in his career, Suzuki is kicking themselves for letting Roger slip away. Guess they'll never learn. Great job, Roger! You're still "The Man"!
roger just an old guy with a little slong that cant satisfy that hot mom ma
I remember in '93 I think, when Cliff Palmer made every 250 main on a KTM. It was the only KTM out there.
Sure have come a long way since!!
@number155.....your post must be a direct reflection as you look into your mirror on a daily basis.
What rubbish you spew from your vile pie hole.......
@number155...HUH? Keep your idiotic comments to yourself!
Mike Fisher did pretty well for them all those years ago........'91 / '92????
With so many Silver & bronze efforts in his career, it's undeniable that Mike Alessi has been a contender for MX championships since the start of his pro resume. 2001 & 2004 were heartbreakers for me to watch after the effort G.L. & M.A. put in. Going up against the PC squad was a new chapter on the old "David & Goliath" fable.
Now that we've entered the "DeCoster era", I think KTM will finally achieve the success that has so long eluded them in the AMA Pro MX divisions. Great company, quality people, legendary man & manager, talented racers and product that is so unlike the cookie cutter sameness of the j-brands that it is simply awesome to watch them succeed doing it "their way".
Also, for the people who remember when the euro brands ruled the roost, it is kind of fitting to see things come full circle.........now let's just get Maico & Husky back up to speed and we can all "do the time warp again".
I have been following his career since he left CZ and started on Suzuki in 1970. I was so sad when he left to ride for Honda at the end of his racing career. When he went back to Suzuki as team manager, he righted the ship only to be lost to Honda once again which started the up swing for Honda racing.
During that time I met him in 88 at Millville were we talked and he posed with Guy, Jana, my wife and I for a pic. In 89 at the OKC supercross, I got to stand next to him and talk racing as we watched the 250 main. He was more than gracious and treated me like an equal, something a lot of famous people forget to do.
Few years later he went back to Suzuki and was able to resurrect their program for the 2nd time. If not for the economy he might still be there, but he made a wise choice and moved on to the challenge of making KTM a winner.
He has got to be considered the best team manager ever, as his knowledge and expertise has lead each team to the top of the heap and brought the USA a lot of hardware from the Nations races. Roger has earned all the respect and accolades that have been given to him!! Roger Decoster is the definition of a Living Legend!!!
number155 shouldn't post while on his meds.
Must be a die hard Suzuki fan..........or just an ill-mannered twit. His parents are to blame.
My question is, why in the heck are you worried about Roger DeCoster's junk????
Lame post sir, you get zero.
WE need to ban nbr155 for that comment!!!! That even set me offBIG TIME I have the utmost respect for DeCoster. First of all he earned his Mechanical eng. Degree wile still racinng full time in the GP's. Now how many of you kiknow that after it was either Hans Maich (sp) or Adolf Wiel beat him in a GP with trhe first long travel ie forward mounted shocks that DeCoster went and cut and weilded his bike by himself befor the next race. Then he won that race.
That is some old history that was in "Cycle News" at the time. Now DC put your team together and make an article out of it!
Bd25 you are so right, he has always been nice and talkative to me. the 1st time was 05 in st louis I sat with him during practice and we watched RC and I had a blast every time I have spent time with the man he is the same. It seems weird to me that a guy as passive as him has done so much and commands so much respect. Hes awesome
Now we can go way back to the mid 70's when a guy from Hannibal MO went overseas to race for KTM he did make some GP points and brought back a couple of Factory KTM's at the time. He was lile Joel Roberts, sit on the starting line smoking a Maroboro and then win, also without breaking a sweat.
about 5% of the posters on here are little turds, nbr155 has joined that group
BD25, I am lost on your post. I am aware of R.D. leaving Team Honda and then bouncing around for a couple years' (even working for the MXA / Dirt Bike folks testing bikes for a while) before taking the T.M. spot @ Suzuki in '95. I believed he was there until last year when he left for KTM.
Correct me if I'm wrong but, your post states he was at Suzuki three times?
Wherever Roger goes, championships follow
Storytime again, I was gonna log off? Well I too have met Roger a few times and he was alway a good man. I74 when the Edison dye fiasco happened I got on the elavator with him and just asked him what he thought about the rain situation he said he did not care I just wanna race. Then in a couple of floors 2 couples got on the elavator and asked DeCoster if he was a racer? Well Roger said iin his best broken english (he did this on purpose he could speak perfect englis) I'am a Roger DeCoster and a yeas I race from Belgium" then the people got off and we all had a good laugh as he wanted to make an impression that he was from europe.
Good times!!!!!
Storytime again, I was gonna log off? Well I too have met Roger a few times and he was alway a good man. I74 when the Edison dye fiasco happened I got on the elavator with him and just asked him what he thought about the rain situation he said he did not care I just wanna race. Then in a couple of floors 2 couples got on the elavator and asked DeCoster if he was a racer? Well Roger said iin his best broken english (he did this on purpose he could speak perfect englis) I'am a Roger DeCoster and a yeas I race from Belgium" then the people got off and we all had a good laugh as he wanted to make an impression that he was from europe.
Good times!!!!!
Puter is acting up gonna rebood I never meant to double post hope it wont do it again??
@ all
Free your mind and your a$$ s will follow
Lets race children....................You got to wonder why adults would sit around all day scr* wing with these types of post......................GET A LIFE ! The guy is big A hole like you all HA HA LETRACE:}
WELKER Is that you and hannah or you and granny !
Carlsbad, and every one else.. I was wrong, my old memory played tricks on me in my haste to respond to the disrespect shown by 155!!!
He started racing for Suzuki in 1971-79 went to Honda in 80 and I believe won his last race. He then transitioned to Honda team adviser in 81 which turned into team manager by 82 where he stayed until he went to Hi Torque in 93. It was 95 when he went back to Suzuki where he stayed until joining KTM..
.Sorry for the inaccuracy..I was fired up after reading the comments of 155, and wrote before I thought....Roger has done nothing but help this sport evolve to where it is today and to disrespect him is not acceptable from a motocross fan...
Motocross Grand Prix ResultsYear Team Class Rank
1966 CZ 250cc 7th
1967 CZ 500cc 5th
1968 CZ 500cc 5th
1969 CZ 500cc 5th
1970 CZ 250cc 3rd
1971 Suzuki 500cc 1st
1972 Suzuki 500cc 1st
1973 Suzuki 500cc 1st
1974 Suzuki 500cc 2nd
1975 Suzuki 500cc 1st
1976 Suzuki 500cc 1st
1977 Suzuki 500cc 2nd
1978 Suzuki 500cc 3rd
1979 Suzuki 500cc 6th
1980 Honda 500cc 5th
If there was a Mount Rushmore of Motocross, DeCoster's face would be the first one carved on that mountain. Anyone who knows anything about the history of Motocross knows DeCoster is and always will be 'The Man'.
Negative remarks about him come from 'lappers' with no game and no Cajones... They're just baiting you to be reactive. Agree with 'carlsbad'... Guy's off his meds... Ignore the fool.
@ MotoXscript
Get a life ! Douche He needes to retire and let some new blood in thats the problem with you punks..Guy probably getting social security and a big check. Money Monger like you
RacerX should really make signing up a little harder. Without Mom's help some could not get on here then.
155 sounds like a crying euro, still mad DeCoster came over to US
carlsbad is that your porn name or location
@ BillC
Yeah your one to talk !
BillC wrote: about 4 hours ago
It worked for me. Man RC is chubby!! LOL
Kawasaki
Makes gasturbine packages oil tankers and heavey equipment frontend loaders Etc.
To 155 : This is a free site, where any one can offer up their opinion, as we all are entitled to one. I try and read all as objectively as I can, whether I agree or disagree. As for some of us getting a life ...well sad as it may be to you, this is my life..
Motocross has been my passion for 42 years. When I am not working, motocross is the sport I want to talk about or participate in. That's why I spend my free time on here, I enjoy the differing points of view. Each of us has a favorite bike, rider, magazine, gear manufacture and so on, the more I read, the more I learn from all the posters on here. We discuss the history of motocross, exchange stories and explain what moto has added to our lives.
I think a lot of the posters on here have been following the sport as long as I have, and most have a better memory than I, (Thanks again for catching me Carlsbad) or have seen more than I, (Mr MX) but we all share the passion for this sport. Just like brothers, we fuss and fight on here, but the quickest way to unite us, is to throw crap out about Decoster. I think we all would agree, he is the single most influential person this sport has ever known. From PR work to riding technique to bike set up to managing a team, he has done it all at the highest level and done it all with class !!
Some of us post to enrich, others to incite, I look forward to your next comment, as I am sure it will be insightful as to which you wish to be..
every living body produces shit, we just have to flush. We need a way to flush nbr155 or just put up with ****
@number155
...douche...? Are you all of 12 years old..., part French..., or both? How much have you contributed to the growth of this sport? Guessing you're comments are amusing to yourself. You should have more respect for an Icon of MX. Not surprised, though. If a person has no achievements in life they certainly cannot appreciate what someone has accomplished that benefits so many. People like you take cheap shots at Hero's and those who recognize greatness because that's the highest level of thinking your brain can reach. Your angry & sarcastic lack of intelligence is pitiable, number155.
Yes, Roger Decoster was multi talented, he won a gold medal at the 1964 ISDE as well as the 1964 Belgian Observed Trials National Championship!!!
You have to give the guy credit for his life long achievements and accomplishments. Also is number155 like going number 2?
@TheChosen1- it's not weed, it's MD 20/20. It helps ease the summer heat there in Texas.
@Welker- how you doing bud!
@BD25- 1964 is starting to sound like the "Stone Ages"! To only be able to dedicate your whole life to this sport, totally awesome!
With posts (thoughts) like #155's, we can all be assured he will be under the supervision of elders (probably his own) for a long, long time.
As far as my "porn name" and worrying about R.D.'s genitals, someday #155 will have sex with another person (I'll leave that wide open for interpretation) and he will no longer be obsessing about sex constantly. That he will be allowed to reproduce is another matter of concern all together. This is of course, ASSUMING a female would make such a mistake with him. Most of us can spot an adolecent by the content of their posts and the level of respect they convey to others. #155 was spotted a mile off by most of us. He makes a good argument for sterilization, though.
Thay last post was very insightful BD25, props to you.
Off topic but, WTH happened to the fan of the week?
@TheChosen1- if I remember correclty it was purple grape color and yes very cheap. Years ago while going to school I work at a liquor store. So MD 20/20 along whith Boones Farm was the cheap stuff at the bottom of the shelf. So for a couple of bucks you would get ripped. Now it is just the generic 2 buck chuck, same thing, taste like shit and gets you hammered. I always tease Welker about it, to ease up on the stuff.
@fred- I know you are lurking out there, whats up?
I to know RD personally! b.f.d. point is he is pretty humble guy for all he has done in racing.everything he has done has been succesfull. oh by the way doesnt matter how many races dungy wins. (as impressive as it is) I havent seen one new ktm at my local track. like the add says,"most of all,its a honda".
czmark Yes, Roger has been able to live his passion for motorcycles. However, I feel we are the lucky ones, because what Decoster has accomplished, has enriched the lives of every mx rider and fan out there in some way....
RC will be forever known as the GOAT, but Roger Decoster will always be "The Man"
Carlsbad..Thanks, glad you liked it....just call em as I see em ...Always enjoy your comments as well, along with Mr Mx, Bucky, BillC and many others...just glad RacerX gives us this venue to vent so thanks to them also ....
Top KTM Guy in the US in both classes - Mike Alessi? Wouldn't have guessed that. His records may not last much longer though.
" RC will be forever known as the GOAT, but Roger Decoster will always be "The Man" "
And King Kenny will always be Kenny Roberts. Sorry K-Roc.
Did you people even READ the article or just look at the picture of Decoster & start posting??
Yes Bob, we read the article, I can see why you wonder, seeing as how only the first few post are about KTM. One comment took the emphasis away from what KTM has done and put it on defending the Man, who is responsible for the success they are experiencing now.
Tbone .Good point, I have seen an increase of KTM's on the tracks around here but not any of the 450's ...Do not know if it is because of the cost or availability...then there are those who want to wait for next model year, fearful of buying anyones brand new bike...I know I would like electric start, hydraulic clutch and other features but the lack of funds and sluggish economy has any plans on buying one on hold...
That's why sx 250 gives you an awesome package! It's almost the same as any 450 in hp department, it's wayyyy lighter, much cheaper price & maintenance. Though it's not that easy to ride as 4 strokes, it would sti ll be a perfect choice for any local racer or weekend warrior(unless youare racing nationals)
two strokes all the way!
Now on subject:
Now I'm thinking even if he would manage"husky"team and his crew followed, he would bring them a championship! He is THE MAN! Enough said..
Get a life number155, What I said is a FACT, RC IS CHUBBY, what you said is a disdraceful personal attack. Not the same.
@ all that spoke kind word to me and the others that backed up "The Man" Yes I cant type worth a toot anymore. My mind wants to type faster but the arthritis in my fingers and MD 20/20 ya I do drink that one in a while, wont let me type as fast as I want to.
I have been on the site since it started or pretty soon after. We have to put up with the "Good Bad and the Ugly" That was a Clint Eastwood movie also, called spagetti western they are great with spageti.
Take care all and untill the great Southwick.
LETS RACE!!!!
@Welker- I always got your back dude! Have a good day and have shot for me!
BD25- in 1971, I was at a District 37 desert race (bikes had wooden wheels back then) and last Saturday I was riding out at Elsinore. So you are correct, we are the lucky ones!
@Welker, you make a good point but I want to expand. Like the fool that was arrested in Miami for screaming “This is it” at the Batman movie after being thrown out and showing up in black clothing, causing the place to empty in a panic thinking bullets were going to fly……freedom of speech is not absolute.
Edmund Burke uttered the great quote: “All that is required for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing.” I think we need to be intolerant of hateful speech and call out those people engaging in such speech. I have no problem tolerating the good, bad and ugly but when it crosses a line, good people need to stand up to bullies.
@JonR290- well said!
czmark so right, don't forget the 42" wide steel handle bars and down pipes...
"Just like brothers, we fuss and fight on here, but the quickest way to unite us, is to throw crap out about Decoster. I think we all would agree, he is the single most influential person this sport has ever known." Well said, @BD25! I couldn't agree more. There is not a single person in the history of the sport that has done more (on many levels) for motocross. I have been following the sport as both a racer and fan since 1974. I had the distinct priviledge of actually watching "The Man" race several times over many years. He was truly amazing. As MXA once wrote of him, "You could put a dime on his line and he'd hit it every lap".
With that said, it is a shame that some little do nothing fool like @Number155 would be so disrespectful. What's the matter kid, your XBox broken and mom took away the porn mags? Nothing better to do than disrespect a man who, in a single year, accomplished more than you will in your lifetime? Clearly, you are NOT a true motocrosser. Go back to your Skrillex website and keep your thoughts to yourself, punk.
@BD25- 42 inch bars and a down pipe, everytime I walk into my garage amongst my modern day stuff, is a 71 CZ 400. Just a little something I keep around to remember the past with.
czmark Very cool, never got to ride a CZ or Maico both of which in the early 70's were the top of the line...got my start on Suzuki and still have a soft soft spot for them..Only Euro bikes I have owned Husky 175 which I bought and resold, then a couple of GasGas (250Mx 125 Mx 280 trials) as I was a dealer for them for a few years....I would like to try the KTM 350 as it sounds like a bike I would like