Monday Conversation: Justin Barcia
Monday, October 22, 2012 | 10:00 AM
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PrintAre we ready to add another name to the list of contenders for race wins in Monster Energy Supercross next year? Justin Barcia is making the case, based on his big win at the Monster Energy Cup. We talked to the new Muscle Milk Honda Rider about it afterwards.
Racer X: Coming here, did you think you were going to leave with $100k and the win?
Justin Barcia: Well, I was hoping to leave with a million bucks, but that didn’t happen, so I guess $100k’s alright [Laughs].
That seems to be the difference, though. You came here thinking you were going to win, or at least you were going to try. You weren’t here to learn a 450 or to learn to race these guys.
I think I had mixed feelings about the whole race. Obviously, when I get on the gate, I want to win. For us, like I said, we put a lot of laps in on my Corona test track this week and actually two weeks before, so that worked out good for us. The new Honda is a really good bike. I’m not going to BS anyone, that bike’s pretty sweet. I think we’re going to be really competitive this year in supercross. It was fun tonight, I had a good time. The track was really tough, but Dirt Wurx did a really good job on the design. Obviously, it’s Vegas dirt and it gets hard and slick. I always suck at riding hard pack, but every race, I get better and better at it, so that’s always something that makes me happy because I’ve never been too good at it.
Some of your previous experience in Vegas hasn’t been too good.
Yeah, I’ve actually had bad luck in Vegas and, as the years go on, I get a little bit better at riding hard pack. That makes me feel good because when you accomplish something, it’s a pretty cool thing.
It was a memorable debut for Justin Barcia with Honda Muscle Milk as he captured the overall at the second-annual Monster Energy Cup.
Simon Cudby photo
So was it you behind RV when he went down over there in race two?
I think I was two spots behind him. I didn’t really get to see what happened, but all I know is that he was behind the berm. That’s not ever good.
Just talk about the layout and the craziness of this racer. The joker lane and three mains, what did you think about all that?
I mean, when the gate stuck, that wasn’t good. That was crazy! A whole lot of bikes were like peeing out coolant and stuff.
You were on the side that didn’t drop?
Yeah, yeah. So me, Villopoto, Reed … we were like holy crap! But all in all, I think they did a great job. The track was cool. I guess because of the different seasons here, so when it’s not as hot, they’ve got a little … I wouldn’t say moisture, because they don't get much of that out here in Vegas, but the dirt actually was a little bit tackier than usual. That’s good. The joker lane … [Laughs]. It’s a joker lane. Nothing really to say about it. It’s kind of a joke, but it’s cool that they did something different for us. I think if they’re trying to give away a million bucks, they shouldn’t give it to us easily, so it’s pretty cool.
Where was your heart rate at when the gate didn’t drop?
Oh, well I was holding my bike wide open for like forever then finally someone came out and was like, “No, no no!” All I heard was Villopoto going, “What the hell?” or something. I was like, yeah, I wanted to say the same thing. It was crazy when the gate didn’t drop.
Did you see the other guys taking off?
No, not until they got out here. I was like, ‘Woah, this is kind of weird. I guess they wanted to give us a late jump like hare scramble or something.’
In the final race, did you kind of know where you were at and what your situation was, or were you just racing? Because it seemed like you were trying to win that race even though you didn't have to.
Oh, I was definitely trying to win the thing. I talked to Eric Kehoe before and he said I had to finish near Dungey or beat him. That’s what I was going for. I think our bike setup was really good. I made a few changes there and this track’s really high speed—REALLY high speed, kind of scary high speed on a 450. But I got used to it and it was fun.
Mike Alessi (right) challanged Barcia in the second main, but would fall short in the end.
Simon Cudby photo
What does this do for your confidence going into next year?
It feels good, man. It feels really good to come out with $100 grand. Villopoto, he was riding really good that first one. No excuses, he was ripping, so I’m sure he’s always going to be fast and we know he’s a good rider, so he’s always going to be competition out here, for sure.
Was there anything spoken between you and Tomac at all as far as if he had gotten in between you guys and Dungey was ahead?
No, I wish. Hey man, can you let me get that $100 grand? Oh yeah, no problem, dude!
No, as far as like Honda?
No, no. No team tactics.
Well you’re not teammates anymore.
Yeah, not teammates anymore, so that’s a little different, but we are on Hondas. But no team tactics or anything like that. Just racing a race. Obviously, I want to win, but it was bigger to come out of here safe and get more experience on the bike in a race, which is cool.
They call it a hybrid track, but I think this year it went hybrid toward the supercross side a lot.
Yeah, well, I think that they should build it like this more often without the joker lane because I think this was like, for this kind of dirt that they work with here, it was good. It was really good.
Where would you say you’re at right now? Did we even see close to what you think you’ll have when you get more time on this bike? Or is there a lot more to do?
There’s definitely a lot more to do. I feel comfortable on the bike, but I know I have a lot more improvement to make. I haven’t been home to test or to ride my bike at all. I did two weeks of testing before this and that’s it, so I think once I get home, get into my routine, get Stanton down there, start pounding out laps, doing some training, I think we’ll pick up a lot of speed there and just push it on into A1.
Is Barcia now a considered a contender for an SX title in 2013?
Simon Cudby photo
Can you just very quickly talk about the race between you and Alessi there at one point? Was there cross jumping?
Yeah, that always scares me. It was close. I saw that a lot with last year in outdoors with Dungey and Alessi. I don’t know if Alessi means to do it or not, but it kind of happens and it gets a little sketchy. It was really tough because every time I carried a little more speed down this main straight and we’d get to the corner, I’d try and kind of break slide and block him then somehow he’d get right under me and we’d end up in the same position we were in. It was really tough. He’s a good rider, I just don’t like cross jumping, but it is what it is. You have to dodge it sometimes. We did get close once, but I think it’s how the jump was and how we came together. It just is what it is.
The joker lane thing. You did it late in the race. Did you even plan it? Did you have an idea of when to do it? What made you go when you did?
I felt like in the second race, I went a little too soon, so me and Eric talked about it and we said lets go toward the end more and that’s what we did. It is what it is. I don’t know if I would’ve went a little sooner if it’d been better for me. I’m not sure. At least we got the overall, so that’s cool. Can’t complain. I’m pumped.
What’s bigger? Winning the thing and winning all the money, or just knowing okay, Dungey, I was there with him, Reed, I was there with him, speed-wise? I mean that’s pretty big too.
Even at the des Nations, I knew I had the speed to run with Dungey even though we don’t ride tracks like that, so that made me feel kind of good to know that I knew I had the speed to run with him from there. Then coming here, I was like, ‘I know I’ll have the speed for sure. It’s just putting it all together.’ Even though they say it’s the rookie 450 season for me, I feel like I need to be up there, I need to be battling. Honda hired me to do a job and I want to be up there for them and kill it this year.
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Good interview.......like the way he tells it like it is!
Don't think he'll be able to hold it together for a whole SX season.....RV and Dunge should have him covered but he's definitely gonna keep things really exciting this winter.
Can't wait.
Love this kid's attitude, past antics or not. He wants to win, period.
A1 can't come soon enough.
Regardless of who showed what (and there was a lot to see) there was one winner. All the fast guys were back.... and they were fast. Exactly what I wanted to see.
He earned it for sure, rode great! These top tier guys all have a great work ethic and Barcia seems to be maturing emotionally. Congrats!
I found RV’s interview comments regarding Barcia at the start of the MEC program very interesting. I was surprised to hear RV essentially “firing a shot over the bow” toward Barcia and his aggressive riding. RV’s comment was Barcia’s lack of respect for other riders and overly aggressive riding would not be tolerated in the 450 class. As others have said, A1 cannot come fast enough.
Great job Barcia! Next year's Supercross season just became even more interesting!
Please don't get hurt in the off season.
It is what it is? I'd like to see him articulate a bit more than that. I do think he'll be a legit player at A1...but that 450 line will be stacked.
RV has never needed to knock anyone down to pass them........
Wilson will oblige Barcia if need be......and Reed won't think twice.... this is gonn be a good winter........fast forward to January please?
"It was really tough. He’s a good rider, I just don’t like cross jumping, but it is what it is.".....WHAT??? LOL he cross jumps all the time!!!!!
Pitbull you said "Barcia is one bad dude who isn´t afraid of a bit of bar banging."
. That part is true, but when someone gets off their bike to "talk" about the bar banging Barcia runs away like a little girl!! LOL
.Seems like Barcia knows that RV has more speed at this point. RV did put a lot of time on him in moto 1, and JB left RD in moto 3!! So if he stays healthy out away from bad luck we will see SX title #3 for RV I think.
reed,dungey, and now apparently RV are only making comments because they are threatened I've seen every one of them put moves on people but I guess its different when they do it even mr nice guy dungey has put people on the ground its racing its not always intentional but sometimes it gets a lil to close. I suppose you guys would like to see barcia yeild right of way to a guy he's trying to pass. They act as if there is this unspoken rule that when you move up to the big bike you shouldnt be imediatly contending for race wins, dungey was so pissed that barcia was racing him last year. Its a race and its what I like about barcia he dont care who you are he's gonna race for the win if you dont like him and wish for him to lose well you are gonna be angry several times this year. Oh and one of his biggest critics Reed just needs to shut the hell up Reed used to be a pretty dirty rider himself thats why he was hated so much before he started his own team and won america over
I am really starting to dislike Villapoto...he is becoming more and more arrogant everytime he steps in front of the camera. Also, like stated above, has anyone really ever been "taught a lesson about rough riding" when they entered the 450 class? Absolutely not. All talk and no action is what I see.
Barcia has really impressed me these last few years. He did a lot of bonehead crap in his youth but so did Canard and Grant and many others.
As far as aggressive riding - I think Barcia has the field covered. He's not afraid to run with the top guys because he IS a top guy. He has several 450SX races under his belt and he did very well.
He has the raw speed, the aggression, the confidence and the right attitude. He's going to be a tough competitor - aggressive riding or not.
I can't wait for A1.
Mike Alessi was straight up afraid to get close to Barcia, even waving him by in that little S-turn section outside the stadium. He has the upperhand already cause top 5 guys are looking over their shoulder when he is behind them so he is in their heads and thats a good thing for Barcia. This kid is for real and has lots of great moments ahead of him.
i'm glad all you guys encourage by all this 'bar banging' and have anointed Barcia the 2013 champ already.....but there are two things I can assure you of.
1. none of these guys are afraid of him...annoyed maybe but not afraid.
2. every time you 'bang bars' with someone you run the real risk of wrecking your own ride and losing a championship in one instant.
it's the second point that matters the most to these guys that have been around for a while. They know how difficult it is to win a championship when everything is going your way let alone when guys want to ram into you when they can't get by.
@ripdown....thanks for dropping the knowledge on us, you are The Man
thought I should offer a counter point as you seem to have all the answers.....you're even ion the loop on what Alessi is afraid of..?
I dare say YOU are the man....lol
Everyone on here (me included) is an expert!!
ronniebarnhardt ... Mike waved RD past a few time this year also.... and who is scared of RD??
Apart from Bam Bam's meltdown at Houston on Matt Lemoine, he was a much more mature racer in 2012. He was not looking for the takeout moves like he did back in 2010 and 2011. Maybe not racing against Wilson made things a little more calm in general. I think a lot of the credit for JB's maturity should be given to Stanton.
Listen! I'm a fan of Barcia, but really a fan of all these guys becuase I just plan eat, sleep and love moto. But face it. Does Barcia really need to respect these guys. Guys like Bradshaw and Hannah had no repect in fact they plan hated their competition. I think Barcia will be in championship mode come A-1 and in for the title/long rode. He isn't going to crash him self out. He's young, but not dumb. Besides Stanton isn't going to have any of the BS, he'll drop Barcia like a bad habbit. He will have to mature and smoothing out even more if he expects to stay healthy and be there at the last round.
Does anyone know why Bagget has a cast on his arm in the Monster Cup Pictures?
I haven't seen the whole race yet (although it looked like he wasn't in it), and I haven't heard anything.
@Jeramy.....I was at Unadilla when Dungey and Barcia went at it for a while. I am a Barcia fan (especially since he comes from my district), but what Dungey and Decoster were mad about that day was not that "Dungey had to race him", but that when Barcia got tired (which was to be expected....first time racing the 450) he became a huge roadblock and started making lots of mistakes and cross jumping and stuff. I saw Dungey while in the air, have to lean way back, so that Barcias rear tire didn't hit him in the face, it was really that close. Saying that Dungey was mad that he had to race him is a false statement....Barcia would probably tell you the same, as I am sure it was discussed after the race.
OK, so now I would like to see Hansen on the new RCH team, so he can have a good bike (he was consistently top 5 last year on a lesser bike), or another team or whatever....because I want to see him and Barcia slamming the crap out of each other, (I am of course hoping Ricky will get him up to speed.....like all the time....not just once in a while when he is all amped up like at the X Games)
Ladies, ladies let 's just see how it all goes when the season starts. He raced pretty clean this weekend. He put it in deep on a couple turns with mike Alessi, but there's a lot of money on the line. Besides his 1 temper tantrum last year he was pretty clean in 2011.
RV: Yeah he's a little arrogant right now but he's earned it. But talking stuff on live TV was kind of disrespectful in itself. If he wasn't a little worried about Barcia I think he would have answered the question differently.
Reed: He's kind always yarnin about something. Wouldn't be smart for Barcia to "Bam Bam" him. Reed would make him pay all season.
Dungy: I hope he gets bammed a couple times. I would like to see Dungy ride with a little aggression. Think he'd have some more wins in SX if he was a little mad and made some more passes.
Canard: Either way "PRAISE JEBUS"
JS7: " I'm jus really essited to be racing" ahaha. I see him and Barcia coming together. Should be a good show.
Well if nothing else we can now all rest as BillC is back, he seemed to suffer a dnc "did not comment" on the race report to go along with the RV dnf. The crash is unfortunate all around but to find a positive in a bad situation it was that we did not have to read the rubbish.
upsman16 guess what i did not comment on race 1 that RV WON either. Some people go outside on the weekend to play not sit at the computer. Now don't u look dumb.
Ripdown: Well said.
Bill C: Barcia passed Dungey because Dungey took the joker lane(while he was leading)and made a mistake in there. He then failed to catch Barcia who made up 2 seconds on him in the joker lane. Don't go trying to say he "ran away" from Dungey. Nobody, including your guy, ran away from Dungey! I'm telling you Bill: FEAR THE DUNGE. The championship is a 17 race marathon and he will be there at the end...Now can you explain RV throwing in the towel?
It was Barcia who waved Alessi by in race 2, not Alessi
Motod6: I think everyone will get bammed before the year is out. By the way, Dungey has had a taste of Barcia in the past-including Barcia cross jumping on him while he was trying to win a national championship. I hope he "bams" Reed earlyon so he will feel the THUNDER from Reedy!
Great racing Dungy, Barcia, Tomac, Alessi picking up where they left off, and seeing Reed and Villapoto still have the speed this early was great.
You don’t make it to their level being scared; you make it there being smart. Never been an Alessi fan in the past but would shake his hand after this season and say bud first time in your life you rode a smart season.
Next season should be great for the first time in a long time the 450 class is going to be stacked like the 250’s have been, be surprised if anyone can run away with it in 13.
Tanks to all the racers this last weekend for a great race.
RCRDDW
I don't know of RV ever being a quiter.....I'm assuming the team shut him down. perhaps a concussion.....perhaps a knock to the freshly rebuilt knee?
Guys are chomping at the bit to bag on this guy.....all he did was jump right into the fire first race back from surgery and win the first moto. At that point he was the only guy in the field still in the running for the Million and he went for it. Probably a little too early in his comeback to try and go for the throat but I give him credit for giving it a shot.
Ya gotta admit......had he won the second moto that third one would'a been a barn burner and everyone in the house would have been standing.
BTW.....I too thought RD looked much better on the SX track this time around.....he will be there til the end. Maybe hang back in third or forth and watch the carnage unfold upfront.
RCRDDW... Yeah I forgot about the cross jump on Dungy. That was more of a dumb azz rookie move than a d!ck head move.
Justin Barcia showed he is for real at the MEC. Justin has an extreme disdain for losing, combine that with Stanton's coaching, and you have a rider to be re-conned with when the season starts. Barcia's presence will make the upcoming season better, not only will there be more talent on the line, he will add personality and attitude to the 2013 season. Justin will come in expecting no quarter and giving no quarter, ready to do what it takes to win, and while Barcia is quick with a big smile, its the daggers in his eyes every one better look out for, the Smiling Assassin has arrived.
Justin Barcia has a great attitude, great speed, and is not afraid to mix it up with anyone. Factory Honda has got to be pumped. Can't wait for A1, Bam Bam!
Barcia has alot to learn and alot of things to smooth out. He has the speed and not afraid to mix it up, so it should be exciting to see in the 2013. My only queston is with this learning curve and his aggressiveness, can he survive the whole season without wadding it up?
What is amazing to me is the huge leap between the top 5 or so guys and the rest of the field. The MEC showed us once again guys like RD, RV, Barcia, Tomac and Reed are simply at another level. When these guys are lapping up to 6th place in a regular SX event, they are of another world. The 450 class really needs some fresh meat that can run in that top 5 – guys like Barcia and Tomac. Hopefully, Wilson will be another. I see Barcia-Stewart as a flashpoint for 2013 in the bar-rubbing category for a number of reasons.
Barcia did better than I expected in the fact he stayed upright. I knew he was going to be fast but expected a crash. Congrats to him, he does have lots of work to do though, he won't be able to ride on the brink of being sketchy like that many times without crashing. He'll smooth it out, I don't see him in the points at the end of the SX series though. The title chase will still be the Reed, Dungey, RV show in my opinion.
RCRDDWEither way you put it JB beat RD.
.As for RV. Do u know how he felt?? Did he hit his head?? Did you talk to him?? If he felt less than 100% why go out there? Risk VS Reward is just not there. More to lose than gain by going out for moto 3. All of the top guys race to win, and a one off race like this for a million bucks is why he was there. the best he could hope for was maybe 4th or 5th over all so if he was not feeling it it is smarter to not race. The big picture is A1 and the 17 races. The top guys are a business, Who know's the Kawi Brass my have said sit it out. Either way I am sure RV knows what is best for him more than me or even YOU!! If the 3rd moto ment anything I am sure he would have been out there but it ment nothing. sure the fans want to see him ride but I for one would rather his sit that out and be ready for A1 than ride with maybe a cloudy head and get hurt.
Almost forgot, I NEVER count out RD but I will say this, Unless he gets a LOT of holeshots he might not win any this year!! So he will need the others to make mistakes, It worked in 2010 but not in 2011 or 2012. He is VERY fast but I just don't see him passing Barcia, Reed, and JS in one race but I can see RV doing that. If any of these guys get a bad start 5th or 6th might be all they can do and thats a lot of points to give up.
Not really as I speaking of the entire breakdown not the moto by moto posts. Did not read them, and since I have more boxes to deliver I'm checking out.
VENI VEDI VECI.........the double pass on Reed and the new hand shift KTM , and the slide jobs on Mickey were classic....get used to it.....and if your in front of him you won't have to deal with him....they used to call his type of riding....... 'racing'..........like him or not hes here to stay and its refreshing to me to see a guy not scared to get in there and work and puts nobody on a pedestal.......Tomac=450 period....... RV..left no doubt about speed......win or not JB will have his work cut out at A1....
My last post was for you Mr. Bill, gotta run.
I noticed after RV crash he looked fine when he first popped up. Then climbed to the top of the berm and stopped and had a drunk look for a second. Def his head.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7g57p-4FSrc
I love how some on here say that JB still has work to do! DUH!! he said so himself atthe end of the interview shitheads...the real question should be "how much work do the other guys have to do?""
The fact that he has reed dungey and poto talking about him says one thing. He is in their head. You do not talk about things you don't care about right?
And as for this bam bam thing - he has ridden this year as clean as anyone think about that without bias - his mental breakdown in sx was a result of having a race stolen from him - that proves his desire to win - rightly or wrongly. The greatest winners do not acheive all by being everyones friend.
Some say he was on the brink of being sketchy - nothing more sketchy than a crash and a mild concussion if you know what I mean...if you ask me, and the results verify, he was the fastest most consistent rider of the night so I am not so sure where this "Sketchy" talk originates...did he crash a-la Reed or Poto? Did he run into things and screw his bike up?? HMMM? you have to be smart to win a 17 race series they say and if you ask me, on this night at least, we saw who the smartest and fastest was.
BTW thread is almost as long as a Stewart article...that says something right there. A star is born folks....
^^^^ Good f-n point ^^^^
"Some say he was on the brink of being sketchy - nothing more sketchy than a crash and a mild concussion if you know what I mean...if you ask me, and the results verify, he was the fastest most consistent rider of the night so I am not so sure where this "Sketchy" talk originates"
It originates from watching the race and seeing him making lots of little twitchy mistakes.....are you going to tell me he looked smooth?
hey dino.
they're only talking about him cause the interviewers keep asking them about him.....trying to create drama and controversy! That's how they like to sell the sport.
Pretty sure RD, RV and Reed aren't running up to Bates and asking if they can comment on live TV about how afraid they are of Barcia....haha
like I said earlier....it's a little early to anoint him 'Champ'.....every hotshot that comes up to the big bikes has had some growing pains...RC...JS....RV....etc....
and no he didn't crash like RV or Reed....nor was it his first race back from surgery......nor did he have a chance at a million after the first moto like RV did!
probably the worst thiing that could have happened to a guy in his first race back from surgery was to win the first moto in the Monster Million.......he had no choice but to lay it on the line in moto 2.......
@tonewall and @dinosaurmedia Thumbs up! I completely agree
all this talk about being sketchy and shit he almost had a perfect season in SX this year I dont remember the actual number but he was on quite an impressive win streak
barcia is a sx specialist hes fast he will be there every weekend
Retardcross - and I hate to type that because your posts do not reflect the name you have chosen for yourself, It is MX/SX we are talking about here...going that fast you cannot help but make mistatkes, you could argue, again, the results verify this, that he was the one who made the least mistakes.
Ripdown maybe it is the media stirring things up BUT you could argue that a simple "no-comment" would diffuse any question the reporter had to ask in that regard?
No one forced RV on the line - that mistake looked to me, in my opinion like a classic example of pushing it a bit to hard. I was in awe of his speed in the first race! But using our dear friend JS7 as an example we have seen what awesome speed can lead to yes? I am NOT a Stewart fan but could you imagine the roles in reverse? Seriously with out bias would you have jumped to his defense as swiftly?
And ripdown - there is always a choice. That is what makes us sentient beings...
Retardcross - and I hate to type that because your posts do not reflect the name you have chosen for yourself, It is MX/SX we are talking about here...going that fast you cannot help but make mistatkes, you could argue, again, the results verify this, that he was the one who made the least mistakes.
Ripdown maybe it is the media stirring things up BUT you could argue that a simple "no-comment" would diffuse any question the reporter had to ask in that regard?
No one forced RV on the line - that mistake looked to me, in my opinion like a classic example of pushing it a bit to hard. I was in awe of his speed in the first race! But using our dear friend JS7 as an example we have seen what awesome speed can lead to yes? I am NOT a Stewart fan but could you imagine the roles in reverse? Seriously with out bias would you have jumped to his defense as swiftly?
And ripdown - there is always a choice. That is what makes us sentient beings...
Sorry for the double post guys..good debate though.
Good one dinosaur......not very often I have to refer to a dictionary..lol
I stated earlier that RV was probably pushing to hard in moto 2 given the circumstances. (first race back). But that's why I like the guy......he just plain wants to win. And what was he supposed to do? After the first moto he was the only one left in the running for the mil......would've sucked for everyone if he just rode for position and took the overall.
ps.....if any of these guys tried to get away with a 'no comment' they'd be vilified.....
Ok maybe so. Let us conclude with this then? We are in for one hell of a 2013 SX season??
dinosaurmedia I don't think Barcia is in RV's head, I am sure someone asked him so he answered. RD on the other hand may be thinking about him.
reed said something like "yeah barcias gonna be a pain in the ass all year" haha im not sure where he said it but they were talking about it on twitter
That would be a Sentient observation! Can't wait to see what Wilson will do on the big bike.....
Ya we are, it's gunna be unreal. I'm the most interested in seeing Deano on a 450 after training alongside Reed leading up to A1. I feel like Deano could actually be more of a contender than Barcia on a 450, but that's just speculation at this point obviously. Deano has the size and that lanky frame that lets him get around the track a bit differently like Pastrana used to do.
There was this kind of talk a while ago when another racer that didn't have "respect" for the status quo entered the scene.........his name was Bob Hannah.
Dungey & the suicide-shifter getting 2nd's & 3rd's is pretty outstanding.
Reed was right there until the 3rd moto. And this from a guy who "was just getting things sorted", Props to the wiley veteran.
JOSH F'ing GRANT???? Is there hope for team JGR this year????
Alessi's Dalmation gear was superb! Best throwback gear to date!
The Breakdown after the fact:
Barcia, speed and attitude will serve him well, Justin will be fast and win races, but he is a rookie in the class and sure to make a few mistakes..
Dungey shifting with his hand showed there is no quit in Dungey, that is what will keep in the title hunt, his speed is good, his desire great..
Tomac, would be a top guy each week, if Geico will come to their senses, move him up and let him race with the 450's...
Reed as he said he was rusty, but showed signs of his true speed, once he is focused, his experience will have him peaking at the right time...
Villopoto still has uncanny speed, will win a lot of races, favorite for the title, it will be his off nights that determine if he will repeat as champ..
Canard we don't know about him yet, if he can get back up to speed, he can win races and podium on occasion but a long shot for the title..
Stewart we don't know about him yet, he has shown the speed to win, he just has to stay off the ground and finish more races to be in the title chase at the end ..
Add the Windham, Wilson, Milsaps, Grant, Brayton, Weimer, Alessi, Izzi, Chisholm, and maybe Pourcel to the mix and you have a lot of talent on the gate, that if healthy, could give us one of the most exciting unpredictable supercross seasons we have had in along time..... Come on January!!!
@ carlsbad........ I've always been a silent fan and critic with regards to Grant. He is one of the very few who can show elite speed while healthy, he's always been capable of frontrunner speed but he's always hurt. He's got oodles of natural talent much like the Hansen/Stewart/Millsaps types. Unfortunately when talent/raw speed no longer carries you at the top and racing becomes too much like work for naturally talented spoiled riders, the hard workers with less natural ability start closing that gap. If Grant works hard and stays healthy he can run the pace up front.
Kid has skills ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8xRSTFJ1wA
Listening to the podcast right now..they are talking about the retro gear!
You may be right there Retardcross...never was I one to underestimate Wilson for sure...but looking at Barcia he is really not that short. He is taller than Redy, Rv and Stewart, a bit shorter than Tomac, Dungey and Wilson...
Ask a guy they call RC about height...see what he thinks of that debate...?!!?
Good post BD25 that is a good summation of how things should unfold.
I am praying these guys can keep it safe and free of major injury. One more year on 250's might not be bad for Tomac...get a title or two gain a bit of race savvy? i'd love to see him full time too but I'm sure his dad is saying "be patient son..it'll come to you..."
I just can't believe the pace I saw on Saturdsay, by RV especially. honestly that was the fastest I've seen anyone go...
Im not sold on wilson indoors but outdoors the kid is fast for sure, time will tell if he should have checked his ego and went for a lites sx title
@ Bill C, you and I are both RV guys. Where we are different is, I will give more credit to RD than you.
IMO RV2 showed everyone that he is still the man to beat. The TEAM call to shut it down was the right one, 100% sure of that. Waaaay too early for any JS7 comparisons that I keep reading. Not even close to the same situation. Again, RV showed the same speed and aggression he always has and someone is going to really have to step up to Take it away from him.
RD, looks MUCH better on the KTM this year than last. NOBODY will ever know if he woulda, coulda without the shifter problem but he looked very smooth and aggressive in the corners by comparison to last year and he was going pretty F'N fast for a guy shifting with his hand on occasion. He also showed a hell of a lot of desire because I think most people would have said "F" this and pulled off the track. Dungey Will DEFINITELY be there and he will also WIN a race or two. The guy is ROCK solid.
Barcia looked very good and very fast. This race was great for him to get a little more experience before the A1 gate drop. It is experience he will need, because NOBODY is immune to the rookie learning curve that must be experienced. He has good people in his corner and that will help. The best of the best, RC, JS, CR22, RV2 did not win their first season. He may win some races but a championship with this competition is a TALL, TALL order.
Eli Tomac looks built for a 450. I believe that he may win a 450 title within his first couple seasons on the big bike. I would bet on him to win a Supercross and Outdoors title on the 250 this year. Look for him to be a top 5, maybe even a podium guy, in a race or 2 when he is doing the off coast Supercross thing with the big boys!
Red54m I give RD credit, But the facts back up what I said, He can't pass these guys every week like RV can and does. Thats not a rip on RD just a fact. If he holeshots I don't see RV blowing by him everytime but I would bet RV will pass him more times than RD passes him.
Justin seems very high in confidence and coming off 2 east chapionships he is going to challenge for this championship in his first full season. And the class is packed! pretty impressive!
So Villopoto didn't want to risk getting hurt- since the big money was out of reach and all. But the only reason he showed up in the first place was to RACE. Remember- all the practice in the world doesn't equal actual race time- which he needed havin been off for so long. I think his bruised ego had a lot to do with him pulling out. Reed was never a factor in any of the threee races- but he came to race and got some good race time under his belt. Unless Villopoto was hurt he should have been out there racing that last moto- If he was really afraid of getting hurt he shouldn't have come in the first place. What if he had worked his way up to second instead of 12th? Would he have been out there racing in the third moto then? We all know hes not a pus sy- but it sure looked bad anyway.
@ retardcross, it wouldn't bother me one bit to see Grant's JGR bike up front every week. It would certainly raise more questions about the bike EVERYONE loves to hate. That in itself would create more buzz than I could imagine.
My only beef with Josh is the same one I have w/ the Alessi's. Quit the petty rivalry stuff and race. Josh took out #800, likely costing him a title that was his to lose. In return, #801 took out Josh when he was on a factory Honda, his best shot at the big-time to date in my opinion (and his best team since I've always felt Josh was a "Honda guy"). Now that they have affected each others pocketbooks as grown-ups, maybe they will see the folley in their actions and set aside that stuff to progress their careers. It seems to have worked for the other mini age rivals Villopoto & Milsaps.
Hell......I don't know, maybe it's a California thing......
Good God BillC........when I first started reading on here 2 years ago I thought you were about 12 years old. Now you sound like your 10. Dude your going backwards! We get it, you hate RD. Let it go.
some of you guys need to get a job
" who the hell is little bob"
As I said before, JB threw down the gauntlet at MEC. The question that looms in my mind is, who is gonna draw first blood?
If there is" the man above", we should all bow our heads and pray for the A1 line up to include RV RD CR JS JB MA JG DW TC AS KW BT JH BM JB JW TR IT JH and KC. ( I may have forgot someone but that makes 20)
How many different race winners could be at an all time high.
Black Jack, Yes it should be difficult to even make a main!!I I had not included Tedesco, Metcalf ,Short, Hill, Townly or Hanson to 17 I listed above, with only 20 spots available, some very fast people won't qualify and we will have a stacked gate!!
Sounds like you live by or close to the "Shoe" house...saw it on TV the other night...
Another way to look at it is, out of the 20 gates, we could have 9 previous winners behind them, Canard, Dungey, Grant, Hill, Reed, Short, Stewart, Villopoto, and Windham. Ten if you count Barcia's MEC win, even if you don't, it probably will not take him long to join that list....
This post has become as big or bigger than the Stewart posts. I guess the fans have found the new media darling............
CoD Yes, on Black Jacks list there is two JH, I think he was referring to Josh Hill and Josh Hanson.. I also assume the DW in his list was meant to be DM for Davi Milsaps, but you know what happens when you assume....lol.. Agreed, Hill will probably never get back to the speed he once had, but cant take away that win. Canard has three things in his favor, heart, courage and faith. Trey will not give up on the thing that he feels is his calling in life, hopefully he will rise above his past tragedies, to once again, be one of the elite racers in the world!!
Carlsbad....It is a combo of things, Barcia is news right now, every one hyped on the MEC upset..it also seems Barcia has the same effect on people as JS, they either love him or love to hate him, not much middle ground to stand on...plus is not much else to talk about with the conclusion of the US racing season...going to be slow on here for a while ....
@BD25
The shoe house is 40 minutes up the road.
DW = Dean Wilson ( Is he running the 4fiddy? If he is not then of course I meant DM haha.)
Sorry Duke. You are expected to be on the gate. My oversight.
I concur with the comment from another post. BD, you could very well be on the RacerX payroll. Your comments are always worth reading.
pitbull, "little bob" is the guy that just won a hundred grand!
Its a house that looks like an enormous shoe
http://www.google.com/search?q=shoe+house+york+pa&hl=en&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=4PCGUOyLIPC80QGJrIHQCg&ved=0CCoQsAQ
Black Jack Thanks, kind words appreciated! Sorry, I assumed, I should have known you were thinking of Dean Wilson, who is running 450, so I guess I added Milsaps to your list ....lol...
Home Strange Home showcased the Shoe House, quite the dwelling ...lol
@CoD
Where is here.
F.Y.I York Pa. is home to Harley-Davidson mfg. We are also on the circuit for the National Hillclimbs a couple of times a year (Jefferson Pa.). If you have never been to one it is a spectacle that should be on your bucket list.
pitbull, i get it, just trying to get the" little bob" nickname out there, think bam bam has run its course