10 Things to Watch: MXoN
Friday, September 28, 2012 | 11:35 AM
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PrintBy Aaron Hansel and Chase Stallo
The Sandbox
In case you haven’t heard, this year’s MXoN track in Lommel, Belgium, is a sand track. We’re not talking Southwick sand, either. Southwick may be the sandiest stop of Lucas Oil Motocross, but it features a hard base underneath, while Lommel is nothing but deep sand stacked on top of sand that’s been dipped in sand. Ryan Dungey, Blake Baggett and Justin Barcia are new to this track (although they have been riding there this past week), and it’s going to be interesting to see how they handle it in competition. Expect the top-notch physical condition of the Americans to help them plow through the nastiness that Lommel is sure to deliver.
Dutch Sandman
The controversial Jeffrey Herlings not only raced his way to the MX2 World Championship this year, he cemented his reputation of being one of Europe’s all-time finest sand riders when he recently beat his nearest competitor by over two minutes in each moto at the sandy Lierop GP in the Netherlands. Unfortunately, those looking for a Dungey/Herlings/Cairolli battle will only get it once, as Holland has dispatched Herlings to the MX3 Class, instead of MX1. Why? MX3 riders have to run back-to-back motos, and the team figures the 17-year-old can handle that physical task better than veteran Marc De Reuver. No doubt, people will be all fired up for the third and final moto, which matches the MX1 and MX3 classes together.
Team USA is looking for their eighth straight Chamberlain Trophy in Lommel.
Simon Cudby photo
The General
Red Bull KTM’s Ryan Dungey has been a part of Team USA’s winning ways since 2009, and brings a wealth of MXoN experience to the table as this year’s team captain. Although he didn’t have many opportunities to show it this summer, Dungey is a great sand rider and says he’s looking forward to the rough track at Lommel. Dungey’s sand experience goes all the way back to when he first learned to ride in 22 acres of deep sand on his grandfather’s property, where he and his friends and family would see who could ride standing up the longest on the rough, whooped-out track. With his impeccable fitness, unquestionable speed and vast experience, betting against a perfect 1-1 performance from Dungey in the MX1 Class would not be advisable.
The Sophomore
After wrapping up the Lucas Oil Motocross 250 National Championship, Blake Baggett will now represent Team USA for the second consecutive time in the MX2 Class. Having grown up riding on the hard pack of sunny Southern California, Baggett is not widely considered to be a master in the sand, although he did win at Southwick this year. He’s shown maturity as a racer this year by successfully managing a points lead all season long and refusing to crack under the heavy pressure Eli Tomac was applying down the final stretch of the season. And when it came time to step up and deliver at the finale at The Elsinore National, Baggett put the championship on ice, taking the overall to boot. Baggett is confident in his ability to learn the Lommel track and be competitive, and believes his previous MXoN experience will give him an insight on what to expect, as well as help keep him calm. Last year, crashes held Baggett to 17-17 moto scores. This year, look for Baggett to ride smart; he’ll take the win if it’s there, but don’t expect him to throw away valuable points by attempting impossible moves or committing rookie mistakes.
The American Sandman
Considered by many, including himself, to be an excellent sand rider, is Justin Barcia. New to the MXoN with just a dash of experience racing a 450, Team USA’s wildest child is also their wildest card, which really puts into perspective Team USA’s extraordinary depth of talent. While other teams are lucky to have even two front-runners on the roster, Team USA’s largest question mark has two Eastern Regional Supercross Lites titles under his belt and is the 2012 Lucas Oil Motocross 250 runner-up. Expect Barcia, who says he prefers riding a 450, to put in solid motos in the MX3 Class at Lommel. And on an interesting side note, keep an eye out for a potential fiery showdown between Herlings and Barcia. Both are controversial at times (Herlings probably more so than Barcia), both are great in the sand and both have been known to ride with a bit of attitude. If the Barcia-Herlings matchup materializes, international sparks could fly.
Can Cairoli solve his MXoN troubles at Lommel?
Ray Archer photo
The last time the Motocross of Nations took place on Belgium soil, the Belgians were able to withstand a Ricky Carmichael onslaught to hold serve on their home turf in 2003, under a bizarre one moto format. The following year the U.S. didn’t send a team and the Belgians captured a second straight Chamberlain Trophy in the sands of Lierop. Having only finished off the podium once since 2004—Belgium finished fifth last year in France—the Belgians have been a formidable foe to the U.S. The team consists of Jeremy Van Horebeek in MX2, The MX Panda (Clement Desalle) and Ken De Dycker. Will a massive, raucous crowd that is expected to flood Lommel over the weekend be able to push the home team to their first overall since 2004?
Les Francais
Aside from maybe the Belgians, the French have posed the most consistent threat to the U.S. throne in recent years. But pressure has begun to mount for a French squad that has had five runner-up finishes since 2004—including a devastating loss on home soil a year ago. It’s been eleven years since their last Chamberlain Trophy, which came on the heels of the attacks of 9/11 and the withdrawal of the United States in 2001. With a returning cast of Gautier Paulin (MX1) and Marvin Musquin (MX2), paired alongside Xavier Boog (MX3), who unexpectedly replaced Christophe Pourcel, France will again be poised to dethrone the U.S. from their eighth consecutive Chamberlain Trophy.
Not So Super Tony
The struggles for six-time World Champion Tony Cairoli at the Motocross of Nations have been well documented. Just two moto wins have come from Cairoli in his seven MXoN appearances—something that probably doesn’t settle well with the Italian—as crashes, injuries and even struggles with U.S. customs (at Budds Creek) have set Super Tony back. For Cairoli, like many Europeans, Belgium is a second home as he spends a lot of time training and riding in the deep sands. With depth a problem for the Italians this year, the team might not fight for the overall, but Cairoli desperately needs to overcome his past MXoN demons and carry the torch for his country. Will Cairoli finally be able to right the ship at Lommel?
Roczen hopes to lead Germany to the podium for the first time since 2010.
Simon Cudby photo
Da Germans
After Ken Roczen's dazzling performance at Thunder Valley in 2010, the Germans knew they had a sure fire stud to lead their team for many years to come. Although Germany would come up just short of upsetting the Americans on their home soil, there were whispers that a new nation ready to challenge the U.S. But after pressing the U.S. the prior year, a wounded German squad, that was missing Max Nagl, was only able to muster a seventh in France. Now, the same team that posed a legitimate threat to the U.S. in ‘10 will embark on Lommel. Will Roczen and company rebound from a disappointing performance in France to challenge for a podium spot?
Short Term Notice
Yesterday afternoon Team Puerto Rico was left scrambling to find a fill-in rider for Jimmy Albertson, after Albertson suffered a broken leg practicing. A few hours later Kyle Chisholm was boarding a plane headed straight for the deep sands of Lommel. Chisholm grew up riding in the sands of Florida, but with only an hour on the bike since Elsinore, according to Chisholm, it may be tough sledding for the JWR rider at Lommel. Will Chisholm be able to dust off the cobwebs in time to lead Puerto Rico into the finals?
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Man, I must admit, I'm rather excited.
Herlings more controversial than Barcia? How so?
Has Herlings "cemented his reputation of being one of Europe’s all-time finest sand riders" by being on the tour for what, two or three years now? Better call Marc Velkeneers, Sylvian Geobers, Dave Strijbos and Stefan Everts to give them the bad news.
I just don't see "All-time" and Sophmore or Junior in the same context. Maybe it's just me.......
Concerning Herlings, what that Barcia that said "Why you little ______"
Was instead of what.
Interesting food for thought. Nice article guys. If Murphy can keep his hands out of the pie, I still believe Team USA has the most overall qualified riders in the entire field. All aspects concerned; Experience, physical conditioning (huge factor) track type experience, eguipment preparedness, managerial experience, and confidence which comes from being there and having done that, and how to do it (yet) again.
All that said, may the team with the least visits by Murphy win, then that should yield another Chamberlain Trophy with a, 2012 Team USA enscription on it.
One can only hope...in my humble opinion, because this is Motocross, gents (& ladies), afterall, and not reality TV. Go Team USA!
Herlings more controversial than Barcia? How so?
Herlings threatened Mel Pocock on Live TV and dropped the F-bomb as well.
USA USA USA USA USA!!!!!
I can see it know... If Herlings gets WAXED by RD in the final moto, will Herlings say he was tired???
I absolutely love this race.
Bam Bam and Herlings in MX3 = pure awesomeness
I can't imagine Cairoli having another bad race this year and that will make things interesting for sure. It does seem that the 350 (sie swee-fiffy) would be at a disadvantage in the sand, but maybe not. I have a lot of respect for Cairoli, which is why I would love to see Dungey beat him straight up.
Why, oh why couldn't Tomac have been selected for Puerto Rico!? Is Chisolm riding a Yamaha or a JWR Kawi?
@ mxmofo1
Herlings will be doing back 2 back races on one of the roughest tracks on the planet. I'm sure Barcia will be chin-strapped come the end of his 2nd moto.
Bummer for Albertson, but cool deal for Chisholm. I wonder if Eli has his bags packed..,, just in case!
Herlings won the first in Lierop by 2 minutes....I have been there and I have never seen a guy riding sand so fast...
Please - please - please Herlings bang with bam bam
1. USA
2. Belgiulm
3. France
JimM
Pala374
@ mahnoi
I know what you're saying as I witnessed it myself but it falls on deaf ears here m8. Because no American on here has seen Herlings racing in the sand live, all they say is he done it because he had no competition.
Herlings at Lierop is much faster at that track than he is at this track.Roczen was much closer to him at this track than Lierop in 2011.
How does it fall on deaf ears? I watched that GP- Herlings is amazing. The bottom line is that GP hero after GP hero gets worked over here and sent home where they are back at the top of their class~ see Searle.
Herlings will most likely win his class- if you think he is going to lap Justin Barcia, you are the ones with deaf ears. Will Herlings beat him by 20 seconds? Maybe. Barcia just might saw his front wheel off in the first corner and send him home to cry in his Voorjaarsgroentesoep.
Carlsbad,
Do a quick google search on Herlings and you'll find plenty of info to back up the controversial reputation. As far as his sand riding abilities go, here's what Stefan Everts had to say about it during the second moto at Lierop: “He’s an animal in the sand. He is the fastest rider on sand on the planet!"
I've watched them both in the sand and Herlings will take Barcia easily, Herlings is unbelievable in the sand if you check the times between mx1 and mx2 at Lierop when he lapped everyone up to second - he did a lap than more than the mx 1 race(on a 250) - he could have lapped Carioli who won the race! Herlings will win going away in both races however its going to be epic between Carioli and Dungey
@theped26,, I agree, but I'm talking about RD,, you know, the guy that does not get tired? I'm not saying the US guys are going to beat Herlings, but on 90% of the tracks in the world, they would.
Can't wait. But Baggett is a 'sophomore', not a 'sophmore',
What are you talking about? If you had aver seen a race on sand you will know that the very last moto is the toughest one, as the track is at its worse. Just look at the times of the first motos in Lierop to have a better view of what I am talking about. Races are not just about the time tables shown at the end, there is a whole story behind them. Then keep in mind that Herlings for some reason pushed all the way till the checkered flag in both motos, while Cairoli kinda took it easy.
No doubt then that Herlings is faster than Cairoli on sand, Cairoli himself said that without problems.
After this weekend Barcia will be saying I thought I was fast sand rider.
Having watched the last five des nations -since Budds Creek I couldnt agree more Dungey and Villopoto are the fastest without question although I think Herlings in the sand is unbeatable and Carioli has improved three fold this year -I race between Baggett and Roczen for the mx2 class should also be epic
its going to be something special... herlings will win, at least one moto. If what i read about the practice times of Barcia, who was the fastest American , at that German track in the week , he wont stand a chance. By all accounts Roczen put 40 secs on him, that was from a biased source so i aint going to stand by it. i wish bam bam , or anybody would stand herlings up , but even if they do he will still win. Ive said it before I cant stand the guy but he is something very special in the sand.
Lets keep this in mind.Herlings is a 250 rider.That 450 might wear him out.He can't get away with some things that he can on a 250.I personally think he will crash his brains out.
RacerX show us some flim of Herlings .You have shown our riders practicing show us some Herlings .Surely he has been riding at Lommel these past few days.
Ha ha ha. Another somke up the ass blowing session. Dear me. Don´t you guys ever get tired of all your trumpet blowing?
You will get smoked, trust me.
Who would bet against a Dungey 1-1? WTF? Damn, I will. Any takers? Nah, didn´t think so.
A Herlings - Barcia showdown? Yeah, when the punk gets lapped and decides he doesn´t like it and tries to take the sand king out. I really hope for Barcia´s sake he doesn´t try it, because Jeffery has a reputaion for being a bit of a fighter, and the punk will get the crap hnocked out of him. And when he´s done with Mr Big Shot the fans will invade the track and kick his head in. This isn´t Bercy punks. That sort of crap gets punished outside of the surrender capital of the world.
Wake the phuk up yanks. This is going to be WW3. Lets see what you bring to the table punks. I´m betting, not much.
Merica was a great land once, but those days are long gone. You´re living on memories suckers. Like Rome, you´re history.LOL.
I hope usa wins but would love to see herlings wax bam bam
Fred - Herlings is riding a 350 and he will be seriously fast by your assumption however Barcia is now on a 450 so he should then crash his brains out -he's definetly more wild than Herlings is!
I doubt he will be riding a 350 in MX3.I thought the bike had to be something like 451cc and up for MX3.
@kingw22 Barcia has actually raced a 450 in the US nationals and didn't.
With his riding style and riding a 450 and then racing two races in a row BAM BAM is going to be toast in the second race however by then team USA would probably already have the Chamberlain trophy in their bag
He looked tired at Southwick on a 250 and he has never raced a AMA national on a 450 in the sand-and Herlings is riding a 350 likewise Carioli
Well I guess if he rides a 350 he will get protested.Since when did MX3 become a run what you brung class?
Oh yeah.How hot was it at Southwick and what was the humity there.Whats the temp. in Lommel .50's.That is a big difference right there.
& fred
Herlings is riding the 350. In the MX3 class you can ride anything you like.
Don' get me wrong wth the following remarks as I bleed Red White & Blue but I have a couple worries about this year's USA team. Though I love Barcia's personality and free-spirit about how he looks at the World, those same attributes don't often mesh well in a "team" environment. My only real concern about a team win for USA is that Barcia gets sucked into the whole Herlings & Cairoli hype thing and is unable to keep focus on the fact it's about "TEAM".
I also think folks are forgetting what a really great rider Searle is. Tommy Searle has matured a lot both physically and mentally the last year and I am guessing he may play a roll in who is near the top of the motos this year.
Only about 3/4 of day left until the qualifing races start and this thing is on! Can't wait!
"GO Team USA"!
@fred stop giving excuses if it was so hot at Southwick how did Tomac smoke him and the sand at the Wick is nothing compared to Lommel-Bam Bam going to finish mid pack in moto 2
@Euromike,, "sand king?" If only ALL the tracks were sand, huh? I think to be called a "king," you must come prove yourself in the good ole' US of A first?
Euromike is gay!!
I couldnt agree more I think with all the hype about Bam Bam he could 'bomb' although I think having Roger and Mitch managing the team could be the deciding factor - he needs to be focused on the" team" otherwise they will could lose the Trophy
The only thing that might mess up Barcia is the lack of aggression of the GP riders. Other than a few, I heard it's like racing against lappers. Wait till the Rev Limiter starts popping!
Euromike is right ;) i gonna love this weekend
Well shit.Herlings should just ride the 350 in the 250 class then.Why isn't he in the premier class(450) anyway?
@crossup yes its'like racing against lappers - like the 450 class in the US is so competitive- fact is 2012 the 250 AMA class was far more competive than the mx2 however racing in the MX1 class smoked the AMA 450 racing this year
The cool thing will be if Harlings passes Barcia, Because we all know what happens whenBarcia gets passed, He kicks it in to stupid speed to try and pass you back!!! This could be fun!!
Any Euro that wont come and race in the U.S. is a giant homo.
@Euro mike what are the displacement rules for MX3?
@kingw22,, Thats true, but its just because of injuries.
@fred Herlings is racing the MX3 class because he is fit and fast enough to race two races after each other which the mx3 class has to do -he does not need to race a 450 he could win on a 125
Herlings could possibly be the fastest sand rider in the world but there is no way he will lap any of the US riders unless they have problems. Man he is going to have his fist full in the final motor with RD when the track is super rough. I predict the man is going to show that kid what being in shape is all about!
@fred,, I do believe you can ride anything you want in the MX3 class. It has been called the 'Open' class in the past.
Jake511 :"Barcia just might saw his front wheel off in the first corner and send him home to cry in his Voorjaarsgroentesoep"
.LMFAO at that one!!!
Jake511 :"Barcia just might saw his front wheel off in the first corner and send him home to cry in his Voorjaarsgroentesoep"
.LMFAO at that one!!!
kingw22,...Umm Barcia won the second moto at Southwick last year on...Wait for it........... a 450!!
@claxton who siad he will lap your riders - although it seems to be playing in your mind - maybe you know something we don't - RD will be racing Carioli for the win in his first moto and for second in the final race the kids going to show everyone -watch in awe!
MX3 is OPEN run what you brung
Bottom line is it's a TEAM race, If herlings run's away with his moto's who cares?? The over all is what counts not moto win's. Of corse eurotrashmike will go crazy over every moto a non US rider wins but that may be all he has in life.
@BillC sorry he did but Tomac smoked him this year and last year he moved up a class because he new he could not beat Rattray in the 250 class at southwick!
@kingw22 ,, well, if thats the case, maybe Rattray should have stayed in the 250 class. The 450 and him did not get along this year.
Unfortunetly eurotrashmike is still suffering from being smoked by the US team year after year - I cant see any team beating team USA although as I siad anything can happen in the sand and you have both Baggett and Barcia on your team who can both be unpredictable!
Rattray won a moto at Southwick and he got two 4th overalls in half a year although I agree he was better on the 250 -two years in a row vice -champion and he hasn't been signed for next year
Hey kingw22 Barcia won the second moto at southwick last year , bonehead !
I think Baggett will be the shining star for USA........
Herlings is a clown and will get smoked by Barcia and Dungey.
The Barcia winning moto 2 at Southwick last year is a mute point in my book..... He didnt win because he was better than the best....he won because RV was dikin around since Dungey started last......Dungey and RV had Barcia covered at the Wick on the 450.... BUT, BUT....Barcia was still railing and faster than the other 28 guys.....it will be interesting, but I predict Barcia will blow it....Dungey will be consistent as always....and Bagg's will be the deal sealer.....RV2 at budds Creek style!!
@motobk who won the first moto in the MX1 class last year in Fermo in Italy or Agueda in Spain....................BONEHEAD!
@motobk who won the first moto in the MX1 class last year in Fermo in Italy or Agueda in Spain....................BONEHEAD!
@KilloMoto,, I hope so.. He needs to get about 10th out of the hole, so the the
'el chupacabra' can come out... hahaha..
And Dungey started a lap down in a hurricane and almost caught the leaders. @ Southwick
@euromike
HILARIOUS. Seriously if Europe is so great.. why arent you there? or at least surfing one of their European Rah-Rah Pages!!
I am Canadian. and I cheer USA allllll the way!!
Dungey for the WIN!
I am sorry, but I have to add another (I believe) bit of reality to these boards.
Some people, not all, but some people use the definitive word (will) to describe the outcome of the future of this, or any event that (hasen't) happened yet.
None of us knows how the future will (in fact) unfold.
To say Herlings will beat Barcia (or the reverse) is sheer speculation. Not fact!!!
Now maybe that is why I am not a big gambler, because you cannot control the outcome if you are not involved with the process. ie Sitting behind a keyboard!!!!
Now, to say (maybe) Barcia will beat Herlings (or vice versa) based on the statistics of previous and similar outings, or even the way the planets aligned last night, or the way your arthritic shoulder felt when you got out of bed this morning, I can accept that as a (maybe).
But those individuals who substitute (will) for (possibly) week in and week out is halarious to think, that you think (you) actually control the future. Are you trying to convince yourself. Because that is what you are saying. Your (perception) of reality is only that, a perception. Reality is a given and you do not control and/or effect the outcome of reality from a keyboard. Hello!!!!!
In less than 3 days, reality will lay her hand down and we can look at the cards without speculation.
Maybe that is why so many people use Alias', because they are so easy to hide behind, when it comes to reality.
You guys in the US and Canada are so frigging fortunate to be able to watch the race live and in HD ...
@queenw22 , you were talking about Barcia not riding a 450 outdoors and he has and won. And who gives a shit about who won those races .
I feel I had my say, so I don´t want to sort of rub it in. I have the greatest respect for team USA, especially the Dunge and mostly BB, but that doesn´t stop me from saying, sorry guys, this is it, the end of the road. You won´t win this one, I promise you. OK, I´ve been baiting you in my previous posts, but the brutal truth is, Lommel is what it is, a one off. You can either ride this track, or you can´t. I accept and respect the ability of all three American riders, but this isn´t a normal MXON. This is Lommel. On Sunday you will eventually understand what I mean. Peace.
The euro's will get spanked AGAIN !!!
@caseypons like the mormons!
@kingw22,, I have Direct TV, and its still not showing up in the guide. I think it will be on, but you never know..
Euromike you said it before and USA KEEPS ON WINNING !!!!!!!
@motobk because you dont give a shit who won those races is why you shouldnt give a prediction for this weekend no wonder you're such a bonehead!
motobk wrote:
Euromike you said it before and USA KEEPS ON WINNING !!!!!!!
Sorry dude, I´ve only said it once, last year, and if you are honest with yourself the USA were just plain lucky to win. Pourcel´s tyre peeled off when it was done and dusted and you won because of a DNF. Is that really something to crow about?
@kingw22; Not goin there, that is purely speculation, my friend! ;~}}}
Touché ...
Folks, head over to VURBMOTO and listen to the live audio team interviews that happend this morning.
Herlings just said..., "It's my time to shine"!
@mxmofo I believe the racing is being shown on CBS sports and in HD damn I wish I was back in the US now!
@kingw22, yes, it is suppose to be, you never know.. Its possible it could just depend on where you live in the US if you get it or not.
@Euromike,, Remember, "luck" is the residue of preperation..
@caseypons Racer X just added a link to an iLap of Lommel on closer inspection I'm sure I saw Barcia lying on his back in corner three......and i swear I heard Herlings chuckling in his helmet.......
Kingw22 ..Barcia raced the Southwick sand on a 450 in 2011. Justin's Honda let him down 1st moto and he won the 2nd...Its not the same as type sand, so he may struggle a bit in Lommel..He does ride a 450 better than a 250 in my opinion..
Fred ..they have an exception rule in the MX3 class : even though the motor size requirement is 451cc, if it is raced in MX 1 or MX 2 it may be raced in MX 3..Dang Google is good!!!
It should be a great race...I think KTM will be the winner in the MX 1 class, as all the press is going to Tony vs Ryan...the 350 vs 450 All good in the Orange corner!!
On the track, Edge goes to TC, he so familiar with Lommel, having trained on this track. Also Cairoli is also ready to show the world how good he is and exercise the mx demons who have been following him to the Nations race. I think Dungey will be top 3, as he will be smart and steady...seeing the big picture.
MX 2 It should be a Roczen romp! Kenny too, has something to prove. He has been racing on our turf all summer, now he is home, relaxed, back to track he has won on before. His confidence high, he will be tough to beat..Baggett will find the good lines, carry his momentum, save energy, be smart and have the PC KX top 3 also ...
MX 3 Herlings is about to put on a show..if Jeffery at 17, is half as good, as the legend he has created, for being the greatest sand rider ever..WOW that is pressure..I hope he is that good, as special talent like that does not come around very often, be fun to see...Barcia will do fine as the rookie of the team. He is confident in his sand skills, the 450 smooths him out, he raced with a more mature attitude this year showing he is capable of seeing big picture..so he too will be top 3..
Power may win the battle, but Strategy and Perseverance will win the war...
mxmofo1 wrote,
@Euromike,, Remember, "luck" is the residue of preperation..
Not in this case. The moose broke up and the tyre peeled. Shit happens. Had nothing to do with preparation.
BD25 great post, only, you are missing the point. Do you imagine the only guys out there who see the big picture are the yanks? Dream on fella. I bet you the guys most likely to crack under the pressure are BB, and particularly Bam Bam. The guy has an ego bigger than the world trade centre, and we know where that is today. LOL.
kingw22 you don't know what your talking about, Moved up?? and what has your bou Ratty done here in 3 years?? Nothing!!
@Kingw22; You can always go to; http://www.mx-life.tv/ and spend some of that big money you have been rat-holing for just this (rainy day).
I have watched every race this year, last year and some of the previous. The picture quality is great, Paul Malin (and guests) are great commentary, you can see qualifying, interviews, great camera locations and you can watch it over and over for the entire year all you want, when you want.
Stop beating yourself up dude. I am doing both CBS and MX-LIFEtv.com. to make sure I get it all. Ninety minutes from CBS is great, don't get me wrong.
But 3 X 40 =120min, the last I checked. And... that does not include the time allowed for an occasional (brief) word from our sponsors, if you catch my drift.
Will people STOP taling about Roczen in MX2... HE IS riding a 450.
No he´s not. He´s on the 250. Wake up you dopy bugger..
@BillC: You are the only person who I have heard say Roczen is on a 450. If you can supply the link to where it says so, fine. Otherwise, I think young Ken will be aboard a 250.
I could be wrong, I have been wrong before, and I am sure it will happen again.
But, show me the money...
Euromike you are complete trash for using a tragedy like the World Trade Center for an example like that and then laughing about it. You dont even deserve the air you are breathing you useless waste of exygen.
Bottom line-Best TEAM wins, this isn't a contest of individual results. Herlings may very well win, but he can't score all the moto finishes for his country, so who cares if he wins one or both of the races he's in.
Anyone who is specialist at a "specialist" type track should be expected to do well. In the US, we see this every year at places like Southwick and Washougal, where local pros get in the mix against the best of the best. So we should expect the sand specialists and euros who have regularly raced this track to do well and likely pull off some individual wins. Doesn't mean anything. The American teams have always performed at the highest level, regardless of the conditions, location, etc. and that's the bottom line. That's why they are still favored to win. I look forward to seeing what the great sand riders can do, and how a couple of great sand riders from the US stack up, minus RV of course.
No matter the outcome, some idiots posting on here are going to be eating a lot of humble pie...we'll know who after this weekend and you can bet that the victors will be serving more up after the fact...so let the feast begin!
I remember a little battle in the sand across the pond a few years ago.
Shock & Awe.
Its going to be a repeat. I can feel it.
While your at it, stamp it, with gold paint...
@euromike,, you evidently don't know the definition of "luck."
@misoheye,, very true, but America is still the best place to live. I'm also pretty sure Europe is much worse off than we are... Man, i hate being right.
@triplenickel,, i agree, but these guys want to win motos.. But yes, team strategy is the first priority.
My boss just moved to Lux Belgium and said he hates it !!!!!!! He wants to come back to California next year !!!!!!!!!! He's quiting because the company said 2 yrs he said forget it !!!
@Misoheye,, i never said you are from Europe.
To all my fellow Americans here, calm down brothers! You guys are all talking like it is USA vs. The World. It isn't. If Herlings wins, cool, great for the kid and The Netherlands, but the Dutch won't take the overall. Same for 222, maybe he finds some luck this weekend, but even if he wins, Italy won't take the overall. Our team is solid and we just need to ride fast, smooth and smart and we can take this.
Here is something that no on here (and I've been following these blogs all week now...) has touched on. Some of you may not remember back in 1981 when we sent our "B" team, as the Euro's called us, to Lommel and look what happened? We won. Our B team won in the deep sands back then as well! Maybe we didn't win overall moto's but we took the trophy! I have a good feeling history will repeat itself! To everybody on here, where ever you are from, get some cold beverages of choice and get ready to enjoy a great race this weekend. MOTO-the Greatest sport ever!!!
I like to think I'm somewhat international, will ride my 490 Maico tomorrow (Germany), then prepare some pizza (Italy) and Duvel beer (Belgium) and cheer on my USA team in the MXoN!
Lets just all have a few cold beers and enjoy the racing! MXoN-2012!!!!!!!
@Kevin_54,, if it isn't the USA vs the World, than who is it?? As far as I'm concerned, the rest of the world is trying to beat the USA? Each country tries to beat the rest of the world. Am i wrong?
Barcia worked with Jeff stanton this year. Jeff wouldn't take any crap. Barcia has grown a lot as a racer and his results showed it. Herling is the head case.
@ eurotool, AKA Mike, I do not condone name calling on here but you my friend sound like an ass-clown! You can now fire back with your usual Yank rhetoric.
Your posts sound exactly like they did last year, except this year you are playing in the sand. Herlings by all accounts is a great sand rider but you sound like a guy with a HUGE man crush. You discount the Americans and the USA as if you lived here, raced here and beat them, then were horribly wronged by this Country and it's people. Then you try and act as if you are just trying to ruffle some feathers. Most people I am sure hear Blah Blah Blah or don't read your nonsense at all. I on the other hand am amused by how far you are always willing to go.
Touting ones success in the sand is almost as bad as proclaiming a great mudder to be the best in the world when 90+ % of the time he races a dry track and is not. I hope the result is the same (as always) and you disappear for another year
Enjoy the motos and remember everybody told you so! Again.
In order to be called king of sand, i think you should have to beat JS7... and go.. ahhh man all the trash talk and everyone getting pumped i love it..i love this race,, its getting closer cant wait!!!
@BillC,
What happened this year when Barcia got passed.....wait for it........he..........finished 2nd
I just watched a track-walk video on MX-LIFE. Track reminds me of a day at the beach when the sand is wet. The Euros weren't kidding when they said the track is gonna get ROUGH! There will be a lot of casualities in this war for sure!
Only 6-hours until programming starts on MX-LIFE! Almost time to start the coffee pot! :-)
@ mxmofo1 ...it's USA vs. Germnay vs. Netherlands vs Belgium vs France etc. Right? What I mean is, the way some people talk, you would think it's a Euro team of Herlings, Roczen and Cairoli, against the USA. But those 3 are all from different countries representing different teams. My point being, and I think you would agree, is that Team USA has the dept and it is a team race so I think we, the USA have the best chances.
Open practice sessions going on now! Herlings best lap 4-secs. over Barcia! Cairoli 4-secs. over Dungey. Bagget back about 5th in his practice.
Heat races to come in th enest hours!
Great pre-race show going on with Chuck Sun and other older Euro riders talking about the progression of the US dominance in the MXoN.
Well hello yanks from a wet and cold Lommel where the track is just starting to get interesting. Free practice has just ended and the yanks are doing really good. No, seriously. Dunge was impressive, but he was getting a bit ragged as the session drew to a close and the track stared to cut up. It´s going to get much worse before the first quali race, so that´s not good for him. Tony was Tony. He just glided around waving to his thousands of fans and still cracked in a time 4 seconds better then the rest.
Of the mericans I was most impressed with Baggett. Lovely sand style, smooth as hell, and only a couple of seconds off Osborne and Roczen. Also, that PC Kawa is one sweet handling bike. He could be team USA´s best chance for a top three individual result.
Barcia when out smoking, just to show that young upstart Herlings who the real boss is, and when he was done, and his times started falling off as the track got a bit bumpier, Jeffery went out and stuck one in a nearly 5 seconds better. Damn, that must have been a downer for old goldie locks. He continued to bomb around long after Jeffery was back in the pits in a vain attempt to improve his time, and just got slower and slower as his legs started to cry, ENOUGH.
It´s going to be a long, hard and painful weekend for the poor boy. Welcome to Europe Bam Bam. LOL.
Time for the USA to wake up have some coffee and see what a real sand track looks like - BAM BAM is already 4.7 secs a lap slower than Herlings Carioli likewise over Dungey and the track is still smooth wait until tomorrow after the Q races today and tomorrow morning- and they don't grade the track between races like in the US- its going to be tuff ! 1 hour to go before all is revealed!
@motobk wake up! smell the roses and watch Bam Bam smoke Herlings! he was only 4,7 seconds down in qualifying but as you siad he is waiting for the race as he gets faster as its gets rougher, yeah right! who's the Bonehead now ????? BBBBOOOOOM!
MX1 (450) Qualifiing Race (20-mins) just ended.
1, Cairoli
2, Nagl
3, Desalle
4, Bobryshev
5, PAulin
(Dungey 6th, and 58-secs. behind leader.)
Dungey's best lap was about 4-secs. slower than Cairoli's best lap.
Sorry, there was a change right at the end of the race.
1, Cairoli
2, Nagl
3, Desalle
4, Paulin
5, Bobryshev
(Dungey 6th)
@oldgreymxer -whats your prediction for tomorrow?
Baring crashes, or mishap, I think it may well go as many predicted in that USA may achieve combined scores that might contend for the team win, but it's for sure looking good for moto wins to the locals!
Hoping for more from Bagget and Barcia???
Next qualifing race starting in a few minutes.
I will say that from a spectators view, this is the most boring track for an MXoN race in decades. No elevation changes and minor jumps. Seems like miles after mile of sand ruts!
European Monster girls are killer hot! :-)
MX2 (250) Qualifing race about to start!
MX2 (250) qualifying race (20-min. +2) just ended.
1, Roczen
2, Van Horebeek
3, Baggett
4, Musquin
5, Nicholls
Baggett's best lap was 4-secs. slower than Roczen's best lap.
Roczen was WAY out front! Baggett started 6th and was moving forward the whole time!
BAM BAM is coming why so quite ................ YO ALLLLLLLLL!
Kingw22, More comments are over on the new thread under the RacerX report post.
MX3 (Open) qualifying race (20-min +2) just ended.
1, Herlings
2, De Dycker
3, Leok
4, Anstie
5, Guerneri
(Barcia was 6th)
Barcia's best lap was 1.5-sec. scower than Herling's best lap.
Barcia got the hole-shot and lead for 8-mins.Hurlings was back in double digits off the start and within 8-mins. was in the lead! Barcia crashed into the fence and lost a lot of time but caught back up to 6th in the end!
Barcia's 6th was disqualified for receiving outside assistance getting out of the fence.He finished last.
USA overall qualification position is 6th. :-(
@ Aaron Hansel, I'm not disputing your article's factuality, I just don't think Herlings' "controversy" compares to Barcia's.
If Everts thinks he's the "fastest sand rider on the planet", he must be...........or he's making a pun on the Stewart "FMOTP" thing.
motobk wrote: 3:40pm September 28, 2012
The euro's will get spanked AGAIN !!!
Whoops!
Bagget lapped both of his races..
Barcia seconds from being lapped only because Herlings as rolling around acknowledging the crowd on the last lap.
Dungey over a min down and nearly twice that next time.
Please spank us again like this next year.