by Davey Coombs
450 Words: Unadilla
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PrintAs Ryan Dungey rode into the history books on Saturday as KTM's first premier-class champion on the U.S. SX/MX circuit, behind him was a trail of tears. On a brutal Unadilla track, made rougher and meaner by a long rain deluge on Friday afternoon, bikes and riders were scattered around the circuit. No less than four different leaders in the 450 Class—Michael Byrne, Jake Weimer, James Stewart, and Broc Tickle—had either dropped out or been overtaken by the relentless Red Bull KTM of Dungey as he raced to the first-moto win. And the one man who still had a mathematical chance to beat him, MotoConcepts Suzuki rider Mike Alessi, suffered a broken water-pump valve that caused him to pull off early.
Dungey himself, the series points leader since the third round, crashed in the early going and had to come forward from deep in the pack. It was a heroic effort for the soon-to-be-crowned champion, who finally passed the impressive Tickle at the very end of the moto.
Ryan Dungey has made a career out of taking full advantage of every opportunity afforded him. When he was plucked by then-Suzuki team manager Roger DeCoster out of the 125cc Schoolboy ranks to be Ricky Carmichael's heir apparent, he overcame the pressure to reach the top in 2009 with the Lucas Oil AMA 250 Motocross Championship. He won both the AMA Supercross and 450 Motocross titles in 2010, only to lose both to Monster Energy Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto the following year.
Dungey took advantage of his opportunities at Unadilla, much like he has done throughout his pro career.
DC photo
He also lost Roger DeCoster in 2011, as The Man took his managerial skills to KTM, as well as master technician Ian Harrison. The Austrian brand was trying to finally make a dent in the U.S. motocross market, specifically in Monster Energy Supercross. Dungey got them partway there, earning the brand its first AMA Supercross podium at the Anaheim opener, and then its first main-event win one week later in Phoenix. Of course he did not win the title—Villopoto repeated as champion—but he finally got a KTM into the championship mix. Many men had tried and failed to accomplish that inside U.S. stadiums.
Outdoors, the opportunities were better. KTM has a long history in Europe of winning world championship titles, going all the way back to Gennady Moiseev in the mid-seventies (when the bikes were actually red, and then white). And with Villopoto, Chad Reed, and Trey Canard out, Dungey was in a good spot. The man to beat would be James Stewart, as the results proved at the first two rounds. But then James crashed hard in Colorado after a photographer crossed the track at the wrong time, and everything shifted Dungey's way. He has not lost an overall since, sweeping a Carmichael-like eight straight races en route to a very early championship.
Saturday was the best day ever for KTM in America. With help from Marvin Musquin and Ken Roczen, the Dungey-led Orange Brigade won both classes and three of four motos, as well as the 2012 Lucas Oil 450 Motocross Championship. Yet Ryan Dungey's best day ever may be ahead of him. Having reclaimed his outdoor crown, he is now likely setting his sights on the battles to come in 2013 Monster Energy Supercross and the opportunity to get KTM what it has long coveted: the AMA Supercross Championship.
Congratulations to Ryan Dungey, his family and sponsors, and everyone at Red Bull KTM.
Photo by DC
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Can we know stop blaming the poor photographer for JS7 crash? We all know the real blame should be towards Sir Isaac Newton as evident in both motos Saturday.
first 450 moto was a I don't want it you can have it crash fest!!!
conoe589 don't forget RD crashed 3 time in the last 2 races, Lucky to have not been hurt.
Enjoy the gift RD, as next year will be a different story. 2012 MX = Boring...
Scoreboard. No asterisks in the record books. Dungey earned it regardless of who wasn't there. Can't wait to see the Dungey and Cairoli showdown in the sand across the pond.
I saw a photographer in the background of Stewart's wrecks. I bet it was his fault!
Sorry Preston, James may have beat Dungey in 4 straight motos, but Dungey was right there and take note of what he WASN'T doing.....crashing! The two 2nd overalls soon became a string of 1st's after the inevitable Stewart crash. Do not think for one second that Dungey's strategy wasn't to just sit on James' ass and wait for the mistake to come. Dungey had no intention of attempting to pass James once this summer as he just KNEW he could ride by when the bike started flipping.....that is if he found himself behind Stewart. It makes zero sense to try to pass James as there's a better than 50% chance that he is going to take you out once he's behind you and sets his phasers to self-destruct.
If you go back at watch the first few rounds, the KTM looked twitchy and unpredictable. Yet RD5 still kept pressure on JS7 through the motos, and when they got the KTM figured out....JS7 crashed trying to keep the lead by pushing faster than he is able to go at this point in his career. The thing is RD5 does not have the passing skills to get by JS7-RV2 or CR22 if they do not crash.
Nobody works as hard as Dungey has and wins via "gift." To those who insist on downplaying the accomplishment, get a life!
Stewart's presence at Unadilla certainly brought increased interest, and his move to the front in moto one, while Dungey was back in 10th, had everyone wondering. But alas, James simply can't stay on the bike on a regular basis. Any doubt was confirmed as he put himself in a good spot in moto two, right behind Dungey and Alessi, only to inexplicably toss it down again. Those who still think he's the FMOTP are deluding themselves. Fast is one thing, finishing is what wins races and championships (see Ryan Dungey).
I love that Kiniry raced 'dilla on Saturday, garnering 11th place points, then made his way to Canada on Sunday to place third at Walton. The kid loves to race!
Still waiting to hear word on Zach Bell, who appeared to be hurt pretty badly in only his third pro moto. Best wishes to him and all that were bitten by the granddaddy of National venues - yes, even Bubba.
Also, I feel bad for Byrner, who had his best chance ever to win a moto (he was WAY out in front), only to break his leg - w/o even falling off! Those who were there know you were riding great, Michael. Get well soon.
Funny how non Stewart fans talk about him more than his fans. You guys all sound like little girls that got dumped by their first love. " I hate him, I hate him, I hate him" sniff, tear, sniff.. We get it, you secretly want him to win and then we he doesn't it breaks your wittle hearts. It's ok bud, throw in your old mixed tape, get in fetal on the bed, and have good cry. The pain will get better I promise.
Look at the photo at the top of the page, and you wonder why Dungey isnt the best podium speaker... mobbed. Congrats to RD- 2 of these titles in 3 years! and very close last year. That was one tough weekend to watch JS. left me speachless.
@Motod6 - Keep telling yourself that.
@preston,
you are so steeped in denial and emotionally involved in your stewart campaign, you have lost all ability to reason.....It is called irrational and it keeps you from making rational decisions/comments.
I am guessing he made over 2 million in salary and bonuses for the 2012 AMA Nationals, #5 is thinking he made the right choice in teams.
A couple of weeks after the Stewart crash Dungy was almost hit by a bike going the wrong direction on the track. He didn't crash.
I can't believe you idiots are still talking about Stewart....Give it a rest already, it was old like two months ago....
I give up on js7!!!
My comment wasn't directed at JS7 or his fans. In fact, I feel sorry for him and what happend this year. However, I think its BULLSHIT to blame the photographer as the author of this article did. Pro Motocrosser's brains make reactions at the hundreth of a second level and the 2-3 seconds JS7 had to compensate for a photographer had little if not nothing to do for the crash.
WHO CARES!!!!! This was discussed at great length for weeks when it happened. Just drop it already.....
Congratulations to RD5 !!!
The well-deserved "no-excuse" 2012 motocross champion!!
As a long-time MotoX/SuperX it seems to me that the MotoX series is much more difficult and should be a more prestigious title than SuperX.
As for SuperX, is must be the time of year with little other going on sports-wise and the ability to cram in alot of paying spectators to the stadium environment that generates more money for those involved which seems to make SuperX more prestigious from the "media" perspective.
But from the true talent of being the fastest on a dirtbike it is plainly clear to me that a MotoX champion is ultimately the true talent and should garner more praise. The speed, temperatures, conditions, track variability requires a much more rounded, and in my opinion -- better rider to dominate.
Congrats again to Dungey on what should be the "more coveted title" in dirtbike racing.
Well done, Ryan Dungey. He deserves all the props he's getting... ridden like a champ. Motocross is a survival sport as much as it is a mental, physical connected to a boat-load of riding skills. Wish all the other guys would have been in the chase as well... it might have been an even better series than the 250 class.
Dungey is smart, steady, methodical and trains like there is no tomorrow. He seems devoid of outside distractions and knows what he wants. Years ago there was a guy from San Diego named MARTY SMITH who had the same approach to racing. Smith collected two 125 titles and a 500 title in the 1970's on his way to Motocross History... before a Hurricane named Hannah and a revolutionary bike from Yamaha knocked Smith off course.
Smith, like Dungey today, was extremely smooth and not particularly flashy with his riding style. Though I'd bet anyone else who also saw him in person will probably agree with me that Smith's cool dragging the bars in the dirt, foot stretched out to the front wheel and His flat, hunkered-down-low-slung style over the jumps was amazing to watch back in the day. [You can see a clip of him when he was his prime (probably 1975-76) railing a berm on the current FMF commercial currently airing during the outdoor National broadcasts. He's the first guy in the commercial on the #1 red Honda].
Efficiency, on the bike & track, was one of Smith's true gifts. Same thing with Dungey. The bikes are way better today, the style of riding has evolved, but there's no substitute for that kind of focus and determination for the #1 plate.
It was a good day Saturday for KTM and the boys. They have come a long ways here in the States and have finally made their mark. We can all say what could have been, but it wasn't. So congrats to Ryan and his championship season. I am looking forward to seeing the boys at Elsinore. Too bad for James, but the I gate and hold the throttle wide open doesn't work for him anymore. Hopefully he will change his race strategy.
@fred- If you have ever seen the other half of Elsinore, would know what I mean by finding A good home for tons of fun, she would fit right in. It sucks what the weather did to the corn crops and not having the flour to roll her in!
@Welker- what is happening in Texas?
@motocrossjoe589- fred is trying to give back your girlfreind.
Thats it RacerX, Keep reminding Dungey that RV CR and TC were out and how he took advantage of it "meaning why he won the title" and oh yes, please keep telling us that it was that photographers fault JS crashed.... What a joke, talk about milking something for all its worth ! Give it up already !
“I don’t remember you reminding JS that NOBODY was there when he won his outdoor title”
JS crashed because thats what he does best, no matter what color the fenders are or distraction was period, History tells the truth and Dungey won the title because he was THE BEST RIDER out there. If not for a bad handling bike at the first 2 rounds " As you people have failed to recognize and report " he probably would have won them all !
When will everyone stop blaming the photographer for JS7's crash in Colorado? The man was no where near him. He cross rutted....end of excuses PUH-lease!
I am not a JS fan but the haters (probably kids) keep putting words that are not accurate in his mouth. The day of his wreck in colorado JS said "I saw a photographer crossing in front of me and lost focus" - it is very clear that is excatly what happened.
Congrads to RD for another championship and as fans we can say what if and we all wish everyone was there, but the fact is everyone was there that could be and he won. He was giving JS everything he could handle the first 4 motos and the series would have been twice as good had JS not of gotten hurt and 4 times better with RV,CR,TC, and BT in it.
This can be said as fact - if all players were in it RD would have given it everything he had and he would have been right there in the mix. This guy is first class and still getting better.
I hope all players show up for the whole season come jan.and we get to see a 8 way brawl for twenty nine race for 2 titles.
I am pulling for RV, I feel that in spite of his obvious skill and speed his stongest asset is his quiet confidence that he can beat all comers - he almost knows it.
pressure rolls off his back and he always seems to have an answer.
I predict CR to put in his best rides ever next year - I really believe that 30 is the new peak in this sport. Look at Mike Brown, Dowd,KW, and many more. Chad - please give us 3 more years !
I think Trey Canard can and will stay uninjured this year.
Dean Wilson will start top ten and be top 5 by the end of season.
Barcia will be at or better than Dean
JS - I love watching this guy race but am sick of watching him beat the **** out of himself. I will not blame him for calling it a carrier and will hope for no more injuries if he tries again. This guy truelly tries.
KW - I expect him to be as good as ever but the tallant we now have will put him back o few more spots. A true leader in this sport and ALWAYS welcome.
BT - I have nothing bad to say about him but injuries have robbed him and us of a lot of good times.
I feel sorry for the rest of the really truelly great racers as they face a HUGE wall of title contenders in front of them- its almost scary, kind of like how can two objects occupy the same place at the same time ? I can almost feel the bikes reving at the starting gates in january and am looking forward to the outdoors even more.
Congrats to all the team! Look at the picture of Decoster at the top! The smile says it all without saying any words......This guy single handedly picked Ryan from the local amateur ranks I think riding B Class..............Molding him all the way up to Champion, more than once on different makes now KTM. Must be a very special moment from a guy who has done it all in the sport! Who is the sport! MOTOCROSS
B-KR put down the crack pipe!!! YOU really don't think RD was trying to pass JS?? Please!!!!
@ BillC.....Do you not think the other top riders know how to deal with JS by now? They play that guy like a flute. I'm not saying Dungey wasn't trying to make a pass but I'd doubt it was stressing him much at that point. Anyone with a clue knows if you can just match pace, apply pressure and glue yourself to JS' back fender you're going to beat him in the long haul. He hasn't changed in 10 years, he's the most predictable guy out there to me.
I will agree with those who say the racing in the 450 class was not as close or exciting as it would have been if all the competitors were there and healthy. Who would have won the title, if they were all there, most likely, (insert your favorite riders name here.) Whether its Villopoto, Reed, Stewart, Canard or even Townly, Dungey would have been in contension. With so much talent on the line, no one rider would have won every event, consistency then becomes an even bigger piece of the championship puzzle. Ryan has the speed to win at any given race, but his strong suit is consistency. In the 2011 season that is what kept Dungey in the title hunt. Villopoto (10 motos) and Reed ( 7 motos) won more than Ryan (6 motos), but the only time Dungey was off the podium is when his motorcycle let him down at Freestone and Southwick. Dungey had fifteen 2nd place finishes and one 3rd to go along with his six moto wins.
Every one is entitled to their opinion, of who would have won, or will win next year, as that is great bench racing material. To say Ryan is undeserving of the title or was gifted the title seems disrespectful of the young man. Is he the fastest man on the planet, no, is he the most creative rider, no, a flashy style, no, is he the most talented rider on the track, again no. Ryan Dungey is a quiet, hard working, focused, determined individual, who is constantly trying to improve his talent and ability on a motorcycle, who deserves, all the credit and accolades that racing for your country, winning one 250 Outdoor Championship, two 450 Outdoor Championships and one Supercoss championship brings!
He will never be the GOAT, but he has proven time and time again, to be one of the elite riders of this generation, who, in my humble opinion, at least deserves your respect, for all he has accomplished in such a short time. Congratulations to KTM and Ryan Dungey for earning the 2012 450 National Championship in the Great Outdoors!!
Yeah after all how much did you accomplish by 22 years old ! Thats what I thought as much as most of all of us maybe a little, but defintley not that much
MrMx That is why I respect Ryan and all the rest of the guys who race!! They have accomplished more in their young lives, than I have in my 55 years!!
Retardcross ...so what are you saying?? I was right?? I said nothing about anything but RD was trying to pass JS the rest is just you saying crap that had NOTHING to do with what I said.
It was sad watching Stewart riding this weekend because it really did look like a crash was coming any second. It was like when I was rooting for Pastrana. I always knew it was going to get ugly and it always did, even though he could flat out fly.
Then again, it seemed like everybody crashed this weekend. Even Tomac looked like he was going to throw it away more than once.
Hey Mr. sef154...it is true, RD just won the title and nobody is saying much about him, you are all talking about Stewart....cracks my ass up! B-KR has his head up his butt too, ya, Dungey wasn't trying to get by JS in those first two races...no, not at all, thats why he let James pas him off the start in Colorado too....nah, he didn't want to pass him, he liked being 14 points down after two rounds....he knew what he was doing, right?? What an idiotic thing to say....sure you can lay down some money that James would put it on the ground, but he was perfect those first 2 and sorry a-holes but the photographer did have something to do with it....you are dumb as ass if you say not....diffeent series completely if not for that dumb-ass!! You guys who dislike Stewart do nothing but validate his popularity when he is the guy you tallk about even when the big story is RD and KTM getting their first American 450 title......nope, JS still trumps him......keep talking you one track mind chodes!! I love it!!
Alot of the James Stewarts crashing maybe do to lack of riding from the past hand injury and out of bike shape, riding. Trying to match intensity and pace will result in a lot of mistakes. All riders at the top level make mistakes on every lap that they take in any given race. The goal is to quickly contain the consequences of those mistakes which James appears not to be as proficient as he ounce was. Results are crashing quicker.
Davey Coombs : WHY DON'T YOU JUST GO GIVE JAMES STEWART A BIG OLE KISS AND CONFESS YOUR UNDYING LOVE FOR HIM!!!!!! HE CRASHES BECAUSE HE HAS TO RIDE OVER HIS HEAD TO BEAT DUNGEY, RV AND REED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FOR ONCE, JUST GIVE SOMEBODY ELSE CREDIT-PEROIOD!!! I'M SO TIRED OF ALL THAT CRAP....
Preston: Any kid could see that Dungey's bike/team are MUCH better than the first 3 races this year. Good gosh boy, he's only been on that bike for 10 months with NO PRIOR TESTING!!! You little crybaby....
Motod6: Are you little Stewie's girl now?
KYFHO69 wrote: about 5 hours ago
"I can't believe you idiots are still talking about Stewart....Give it a rest already, it was old like two months ago...."
Tell that to the idiot who wrote this article and made it about James. You don't have a clue so just stay off here.
call-it: You bitter little fellow. It's hard watching your idol get his butt kicked all the time isn't it??? LOL!!!
Will there EVER be a season- indoors or out- where the top 5- soon to be the top 8- will all be together for a full season? It just doesn't seem possible. It sure hasn't happened yet.
BillC: I'll be more glad to see RV back than you will. Maybe then you'll quit being so quick to criticize Dungey. I know, you pretend to give him credit but you aren't fooling me. Get ready for next year because 2013 Dungey ain't gonna be the same as the 2011 Dungey. COULD YOU NOT SEE DUNGEY (on a brand new un-tested bike) was getting better after the first few rounds?? Go back and watch the first 3 races. He was the best with or without Stewart by the 4th race of the year. Stewie had been on that bike even while he was with JGR pretending to be hurt. Some of these guys on here are just ignorant kids and I ignore them but you should know better.
@call-it - Not sure why you came after me specifically with your little Stew-whine. I commented on several subjects, including saying that Stewart's presence at Unadilla made things more interesting, and pointed out that, once again, he had trouble staying upright. Was I wrong? Did I throw any invectives at him? No. This is why the term "Stew-tards" came about - because of whiners like you who jump at anyone who makes the slightest criticism of your boy. I've never denied that I'm not a Stewart fan, but I respect the success he’s had (and I respect any other rider who puts himself out there and rides at National-caliber level). James’ appeal, though, is diminished by fans like you.
New pit reporter needs to slow down or learn to speak American. Who is she married to? Is it one of the riders?
She is married to Top Jimmy Albertson, 48 on the BTO backed Suzuki
@BillC, I know you are a closet Stewtard, you used to rave over him and defend him to the end for years, but here is my take on Dungey the first two rounds. He was on a brand new bike, that hasnt had the testing that Stewies Suzuki had, and he was still running Stews pace. Do I think he was trying to pass him, sure. Probably, but at his best oppurtunity. Dungey plays it safe, and he knows its a very long season. He listens to his team, and Decoster. Its just like supercross, Stewart will get his wins, but he wont beat us over the entire season. So while Dungey was working out all the bugs in his new ride, he was still running Stews pace for the most part. And preparing to win the title, not just one race. Everyone knows Stew couldnt keep it on two wheels the whole season, its not rocket science..
@sef-154--great response, I have seen some so called fans who never even comment on this site until Stewart is racing.. I think BD200 came up with the "Stewtard" comment, Havent seen him on here too much anymore, but he was on here alot over the years..And I agree that some of those "fans" make it hard to cheer for Stew, just because of how they act, its childish..any little critic of Stew and they go all hog wild.. Its kinda creepy too.
So great to see KTM at the top, congrats to all of them, I cant imagine how much work went on behind the scenes to get that bike in order for the Nationals, great feel good story for a deserving team and Ryan Dungey.
We can all only hope that everyone is healthy for A1, truthfully I'd rather have them all healthy for the outdoors, the hell with SX.
BD25.
Thanks.
BD25.
Thanks.
BD25.
Thanks.
The best man won, maybe not always the fastest, but putting motos together, and staying off the ground, added up to the best overall. Aint that what this whole motocross thing is all about?, WTG Ryan @CZmark, ever since I mashed my knots on the hodacracker, I havent had the need for a big gal!!! :p
Maico25 , there is no American language. It is English and Georgia speaks it just fine.
Georgia Lindsay was the pit reporter for the GPs. Must have met Jimmy A when he was over in Europe. She's British and a good reporter ... and a cutie. Don't be an ignorant American.
@Therealmofo, everytime you post it just keeps getting more stupid.I would like to point out to you that Dungey had a chance to ride is bike for a whole supercross season.Thats 17 races plus Monster race.While James Stewart was riding a Yamaha.Stewart had never raced the Suzuki.He had only been riding the bike for a few weeks.Yet somehow his bike was more developed than Dungeys.Stupid.No more stupid pills for you.You are cut off.
2013 SX and MX. It looks good!
Dungey is the man and that's that.
He's done it on a Suzuki and now on a KTM.
The sophmore effort for the KTM team (U.S.) and Roger D. was good enough for gold, and as the team acquires more equipment, infrastructure and support that the established teams currently enjoy, it is just going to get easier for them to duplicate their results.
The barrel JS crashed into (moto 1 Unadilla 2012) and all barrels like it will be the next public enemy so, prepare yourselves for "Barrel-gate".
@ fred, it sounds like you are confused about the definition of "Developed". Maybe you are confusing the bikes specific development cycle versus the "seat time" a rider gets to become acquainted with his mount. Without offending you (too much), I would also add that, calling someone else stupid for a remark that you misinterpereted or misunderstood is humorously ironic (or moronic, as my father would've said).
@RCRDDW & therealmofo.... You two crack me up. WHERE did I say anything bad about RD?? You both sound like spoiled 9 year old girls!!! Because I said RD WAS trying to pass RD you get all pissed off!!! I am laughing here at the both of you!! YOU have issues!!!
Carlsbad, the barrel Stewart crashed into was plastic and empty. It did it's job, which was to mark the track and not hurt someone if they happen to hit it...
DC
MX Sports
JS7 has been given the photograher's curse! Every time he hears the click of the shutter or the whine of a motor drive on a Nikon...down he goes! Poor guy....
I stand by my statement.Dungey had 18 races on his bike Stewart had none.I would bet money Stewarst set up was totally different on that Suzuki than what anyone elese had ever used.The point is Stewart had ZERO races on that bike pluse had only been riding it for a few weeks.It is pretty obvious.Stupid pills anyone.It looks like I about to sell out.@Carlsbad Moron is my middle name.Hahaha! I'll own that.Moron is one thing stupid is another.We know who the Stewart haters are. Like I side 18 races to 0(none).
Davey Coombs, Carlsbad was being funny, not literal.
Davey, HOW ABOUT A REPORT ON ZACH BELL??? I've been asking on almost every thread. Yes, we know about Bubba's digit and Byrner and Les Smith's legs. Bell was down and out. We want a report!
@ fred, that Suzuki would have been on point from the get go, that race bike is amazing and has endless amounts of data to back it up from the top tier riders in the past decade. The KTM is actually a brand new motorcycle with no previous data. In case you didn't know also, SX is quite a bit different than outdoor MX, and his SX data probably didn't hold much weight considering the bike setup is totally different. Suspension without data alone is enough of a setback, and we all know SX and MX suspension is not even on the same page. It's also funny you still actually believe JS only rode the Suzuki a little bit before the season, he's been riding it since he walked out of SX at Houston when he was supposedly injured. His smoke and mirrors gong show of no-shows and burning bridges is going up in smoke again after all that crap being blamed on the Yamaha by his fans for so long. I find it quite comical hearing how he's going to destroy everyone before every series he enters, just to do the same thing over and over again, when will you guys learn?
Also since you made a point of how Stewart had zero races on the bike before the season, I also recall JS fans making a pretty big point of that when he won the first two races. The almighty JS overcoming adversity on an amazing bike to "smoke" Dungey, this season is over for the #5! How's that whole sentiment working out among the masses? What's the status of the series right now? Man, Dungey is one lucky kid to have 3 big bike titles at age 22 already!
Retard cross, you are SOOOO right. Great comment. Is Zach Bell ok? has he been training with Bubba? Same style.
OK, I have not read all od the post's first wanna comment to@MotoXscript wee digies ya got me on that comment (still have goose bumps) about Marty Smith! I will vouch for you today amd I have been around as long as you or longer. Marty Smith, we tried to impesinnate him cornering , it led to a new era! It is mor difiicult to drag your bars in this time with the taller bikes. I have pics of me throwing a roost off of my bars and levers also!Big difeerence between Stewart and Hannah! Bob was able to back his mouth up! Do you think Stewart would "LET BROC BY" I just types the same as Mcarty wrote it. that iis a legend.
I have nothing against James, I know he is a legend also.
I am very proud of KTM and Roger DeCoster, Dungey and the whole team!
Retardcross why then in 2011 did people use it as an excuse for RD??
What did people use as an excuse for RD in 2011? Mechanical failures? I don't use that excuse or agree with it as that's part of racing. The fact that his bike let him down in the final points count is something in the back of your mind to consider though, kinda makes RV's advantage over him seem even smaller, and I'm mainly an RV fan. I did enjoy watching RV put the nails in the coffin though by taking control and sealing the deal in the last few outdoor races last year. Good racing.
I'm stoked for Ryan Dungey! AMA Motocross is the gnarliest championship of them all. There can be no denying the guy knows how to win a championship. KTM has been the brand to have where I live for several years and It's great for KTM that Dungey has given them a level of legitimacy they deserve.
Athe the end of the day the champion is the person who was able to EARN the most points throughout a season, so all the speculating doesn't really matter in the end. Anyone who wins any championship (without cheating) deserves respect.
As for the negativity that follows Bubba, unfortunately he brings it upon himself. I love to see him race and just wish he learn to keep his mouth shut and let his racing do the talking. He could look to Alessi as a roll model for steps to take to earn some respect from the fan base. It's been amazing to see people defend MA for not getting called to go to the Des Nations. Not long ago no one would have defended him. And come on, isn't it funny to hear the words 'Alessi' and 'roll model' in the same sentince?
@motonerd - Your post reminded me of something. I was at Unadilla, and I didn't start watching the broadcast 'till last night. What was that whole "god" comment Stewart made before the first moto. Seemed like he was making some sort of joke, but I didn't get it. What did I miss?
Congratulations to Ryan Dungey and Roger DeCoster. What an amazing effort. In only a single year, they have managed to successfully bring KTM to the forefront and give the brand viability against the Japanese factories. Awesome job!
Say what you want about who was or was not there, a championship is a championship and Ryan Dungey is a true champion. For those that question his legitimacy due to the thinned field this year, remember last year when everyone was there? If not for two mechanical failures (Freestone and Southwick), Dungey would have won the championship by a large margin. But...woulda, coulda, shoulda. Villopoto did and he deserved it. Now it's Dungey's turn.
As far as James Stewart is concerned, sad to see the crashes. Must be difficult to have the kind of pressure he deals with. Everyone expects him to either win or crash. So the pressure mounts at each race..."Gotta win, hope I don't crash". Then there are the haters. Unfortunately, many of them are just racists. You don't hear the kind of vicious comments about ANY OTHER RIDER. Why is that? Because Stewart crashes? Lots of other riders do too. In fact, look at how many other riders crashed at Unadilla (Dungey included).
As for the photographer, of course he was partially responsible for the crash. Regardless of what the haters say. The objective evidence is right there for anyone to see. Watch the available GoPro videos. In the GoPro's from both practice on press day and from the race itself, it is VERY clear that JS7 goes the extreme right side of the straight after landing from the jump on EVERY lap of both videos. EXCEPT when the photographer is standing RIGHT THERE IN THAT LINE. Then, Stewart is forced to go much farther to the middle of the track, a line he had not used at all previously. Because the straightaway and corner were very rutted, he had no way of knowing (because he had not used that part of the track) that the rut he chose at the last minute was blown out halfway through. It's all right there on the video. So, be intellectually dishonest if you want. But the fact remains, Stewart wouldn't have crashed when and where he did if not for the foolish mistake of the photog.
Finally, the comments about Marty Smith are so cool. Smith had a style that changed the sport. Everyone tried to emulate his riding and it was so cool to see that I find myself rewinding that 1/2 second clip from the FMF commercial over and over just to see it again. He was awesome. Unfortunately, while Bob Hannah derailed Smith's 125 championship run (Smith almost had the 1st perfect season in the sport's history), it was a bad crash at the Pontiac Silverdome that really put an end to Smith's career.
@BillcC that was funny.@Retardocross.I understand what you are saying.Let me give you an example.For all we know Stewart may be running those springless froks.Those fork are at the beginning of the developement cycle.Months ago when James said he was riding the nationals I mentioned on here that I thought he was makeing a mistake riding the Suzuki because that bike was old and fully developed.I said that it might be good this year but that it was an antique in my eyes and would fall behind soon.I'm sure Stewart runs a totally different set from Reed or Dungey and far as suspenson goes.This was a big topic on here back when James was having problems in SX on the Yamaha.I guess everyone has forgot that.Probably on purpose to fit their needs.
@ eveyone, Retardcross had an intelligent rebuttal, didn't resort to name calling and used correct spelling & punctuation.
I think I just saw a unicorn.
@ lisaoutriding, thanks for the perceptive eye and well-tuned sarcasm radar.
@ DC, lord knows you have enough fires to put out, a freakin' plastic water barrel shouldn't (better not) be an issue. This is the wrong forum to discuss liability so, I won't.
@ fred, the RM450Z has been around in it's core form since 2005 (seven years). The bike has been "developed" by RC, Reed, Dungey and Metcalfe as well as a cast of support people that reads like a golden wrench nominee list.
One of the things that the RMZ is commended for, is it's ability to be easily set-up for different conditions & riders. Setting sag, adjusting fork height (in the clamp) for track conditions / steering preference, and correct spring rate are basically all that is needed* to be race-ready on this bike.
I'm confused by your statement "I mentioned on here that I thought he was makeing a mistake riding the Suzuki because that bike was old and fully developed".
I operate on the assumption that "fully developed" is a good thing. It seems that the way you have worded that statement, you think otherwise.
Long story short, Stewart rode all the current 450's when they came out in the summer of last year and chose the RMZ before he was courted by JGR and stayed on the YZF (probably for money reasons*). He DEFINITELY knows the RMZ and was only helped by the amount of track time the "fully developed" RMZ enjoys over the KTM.
Another bit of information that is useful to the discussion is that Stewart is a well-known poor test / R&D rider and more than likely benefitted yet again from the work of others in regards to bike setup and tuning. At least the mechanics have data to fall back on when numbnuts has no meaningful input.
Imagine being a test mechanic, holding a masters degree in fluid dynamics and multiple engineering degrees and trying to make sense of a 20-something year old kid that cannot even complete a coherent sentence, explaining suspension to you............lord have mercy!
@Carlsbad You said it your self.You went all the way back to Carmichael days.What was his last year 2007.When did he start riding for them 2005.Your saying that the bike Stewart is riding is 5-7 years old.That's an Antique in prof. MX to me.The reason why he is Riding a Suzuki is because there was nobody else or brand for him to ride for.You also said it youself that he not a good R&D rider.Since he only had a few weeks on the bike I seriously doubt he had that bike dialed in yet he won the first few races with almost no time on the bike.Dungey had a full season on SX.I don't know why you keep trying to drag this thing out here.Most people need more than a few weeks to adapt to a new bike.Surely even you know that but for some reason I have a feeling you will try to argue that as well.
Motocross Action tested Stewarts bike and said it is heavily based on the exact bike that Dungey rode.. Metcalfe and Dungey did all the dialing in and testing for Stewarts bike.. According to the industry insiders anyway,,
They also tested Dungeys bike and said it was the best factory bike that they have ever tested.
@ fred, I'll make it short. You are campaigning for Stewart and there is no argument I will buy that makes this championship his.
He got beat by the better man and I don't care if they raced Vespas, the outcome is the same.
If you need more clarity, re-read Retardcross' post, as that about sums it up. Peace.
I'm not campaiging for Stewart.If he retired today it wouldn't bother me one bit.I just thought realmofo made a stupid analgy about Stewart riding the most developed bike.So what he had only been riding it for a couple of weeks.Dungy had 18 races on his bike.I could care less what Stewart does.
@fred00P.S> you are a douchebag... everytime somebody gives a statement that is just thier opinion, you name call and call them stupid.. It for one shows how big an idiot you are, and secondly a coward behind a keyboard, so grow up.. And Stewie had his Suzuki for the entire supercross season, it was given to him by Yoshimoura Suzuki back before he re-signed with JGR.. He rode it ALOT,, so quit being such a Stewtard
I call people names when I write on comment sections because it really seems to get all my points across clearly. I think people are just better off upset.