Open Mic: Preston and Hughes
Thursday, November 8, 2012 | 9:10 AM
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PrintOld racers never say die--they just say that they're vet riders. Glen Helen hosted the World Vet Championships over the weekend, and the race created some big buzz thanks to a last moto, last lap take out/bump and run battle between Travis Preston and Ryan Hughes in the 30+ class. They both hit the ground, but Hughes got up first, thus winning the moto. Preston took longer to get up and ended up fifth, squandering the overall.
Preston won moto one and would have had the overall if he had just taken second in the second moto. But he wanted to win…and so did Ryno! So when Preston found a late-race opening for a pass, Ryno tried to block, and they both ended on the ground, instead. Knowing these two are not shy, we chatted with both of them this week. First, Preston spoke on Matthes' PulpMX show on Monday night, and then we called him for more. Then we called Ryno. Here is what they had to say.
Preston: I was going into the race expecting to be in shape and having to run fast laps, and it was nothing like that. It was like I was having to pass a D8 bulldozer! And that sounds easy, but when it's weaving all over the track it's hard to do. He's smart, he knows what lines I wanted to take. Then I would come up with new lines and he would block it. It was crazy! Not even kidding, he wants to rip your head off and win.
First moto, I got a terrible start and just kind of slowly worked my way toward the front of the pack, and I was getting ready to pass him and he crashed.
Second moto, oh, you know what he does, too? He goes so fast on the first lap! He just pins it, he passed me on the first lap in the weirdest place. I didn't even see him pass me! I got it together and passed him back on like the third lap and started to pull away, but Glen Helen had this pipe break in the back and it just flooded like five turns. Just standing water. I over jumped the jump and landed in a bunch of breaking bumps and puddles, I locked up the front wheel and went down. He passed me, I got back up, caught back up to him, and that's when the battle started. He's just…he's just a tough guy to pass.
Preston (11) and Ryno (9) going at it.
Brown Dog Wilson photo
[In my career] I never really had a chance to race him. And how he races, I've never seen anything like it. He's like a tornado on the track! And man, he would go so fast down the hills, at Glen Helen it's all rough and choppy, then he would be cruising through the turns. He would just pin it down the straights and then cruise through the turns.
I had a great time. I could have stayed in second behind Ryno and won the overall but I really wanted to go 1-1. It was cool because we both went down and there was no fighting or anything. We just laughed about it! Ryno was blocking me like the purse was 1 million dollars! I didn't want him to win, so I thought when we both went down that Tedesco would win. But I didn't know he went down, too.
Ryno had a good idea--we're going to race [like this] at halftime during the nationals.
Hughes: My side was, I was struggling out there riding, and I had to rush some sections and slow up in others. He went inside me on the last lap and I just said, "I'd rather get taken out than let someone get by me."
I don't care what people think. People think I get mad all the time--hey if you want to rub me or bump me, that's racing. I love that. I'm not mad about that at all. But if you do something to endanger someone like LaPaglia did to me, we're going to have a problem. But what Travis did, I would have lost respect for him if he didn't do it--he's a competitor and so am I. You're supposed to want to win and if that means we're running into each other, so be it.
It's awesome when two riders go at it this hard--even better when it's two riders that love to talk about it.
Brown Dog Wilson photo
It was fun to have Preston and Tedesco there. It had just been me and Doug [Dubach] forever, those guys are 31 and 33, they're quite a bit younger than me, I'm 39, and and much younger than Doug, who is 49.
I've never won an overall riding that bad. I was just tired--I was at the track coaching for 19 out of the 20 days leading up to it. It was a struggle all day. The reason I was able to win was my preparation, I was as prepared as I could be considering my situation. And my will--I was sitting there between motos saying there is no way, no way, no way these guys were gonna' beat me. And just be able to adapt--I wasn't feeling good, I had to dissect the track and try different things to get comfortable. Most riders, when they feel like crap they're just done, they give up. I had to adapt. And at 39 you can still learn and adapt--that's why I love this sport.
But when we ran into each other, I wasn't mad. I didn't even have enough energy to be mad! In practice, I tried to do a sprint lap to wake up. I just pinned it as hard as I could go. It didn't wake me up! All I felt was, "Man, that was a lot of work. Now I'm really tired."
The battle ended like this....
And Ryno was the first to get up. He wins!
Brown Dog Wilson photos
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" But if you do something to endanger someone like LaPaglia did to me, we're going to have a problem" -- WHAT LIKE GET YOUR ASS KICKED??
This guy is so delusional.
I like it that LaPaglia was not scared for Hughes and gave him hell. Hughes was screaming like a little girl. Lapaglia was the hero in this one.
It is just weird to me that Ryan can admit he wrecked preston because preston was going to beat him. I call that dirty- cant beat him racing so take him out. I also call it stupid. Nothing wrong with pushing out, block passing , taking lines, BUT when you intend to wreck someone so they can't win you shouldn't be on the track. That is cheating/ dirty and unsportsmanship in my book. I agree he is delusional
Hey gives Hughes a break. He obviously feels stupid about the Lapaglia incident or he wouldn't still be talking about it. He probably knows he overreacted and can't take it back, we have ALL done it at some point.
I love Hughes attitude and racing. Remember, he has a chip on his shoulder, losing multiple championships from bad luck that he had earned. That affects poeple.. They become bitter. Yet Hughes went to ride for team USA and came through for us. I say let it go and enjoy that we still have him in our sport, he is a rare breed. Very Stanton and Larocco like..
I remember Hughes at Hangtown last year twisting that throttle into the ground and leaving hurt to a massive cheering audience.
A little bit of Hughes sounds a whole lot like Vince Friese.
Was Tedesco injured?
The rough or dirty riding doesn't bother me. It's not like he's back there doing it for 20th. He's doing it for the win. I can respect that..
It's his crazy talk all the time.." Oh you must be one with all the elements Daniel son"... "You must allow your mind, body and soul adapt to your surroundings" ...."Come here my MX children and drink this Ryno Power Punch"
Exciting to watch race, but David Koresh, I mean Ryan Hughes, your are bat sh!z crazy.
@Davidl....dude, it sounds like Hughs held his line and got taken out by Preston rather than move out of the way. I see nothing wrong with that. Everyone rode like this in the 80's. It wasn't considered dirty riding. As long as you are not T-boning or dangerously cross jumping, it's all good. I swear, the sport has become so wuss-ified in recent years....it's like a bunch of little girls on here lately....why do you think Hughs and Preston aren't mad at each other? ....Oh, maybe because they are men......real racers.....like we all were in the 80's.....half you guys should just put some pink tassles on the ends of your grips to let us know that you will wet your pants if we slam you in a corner. Wait, maybe you guys should go buy some electric MX bikes, this way you won't be frightened by the sound...lol
Good read! Gotta like them both.
@davidl - you're confused man, Preston took out Hughes. Read the interviews and look at the pictures from it. Preston hit him going into an inside rut and they both went down, Hughes just happened to pick it up first.
I was like 10 feet away when Hughs and Henry started punching each other in the head at Binghamton....was hilarious. By the way, I don't advise this, as punching someones helmet hurts your hands (even with your gloves on), trust me, I know.
Where was Lapaglia to beat his ass! Preston should have beat him too, maybe Ryno doesn't owe Preston's dad money.
Ryno acts like a hard ass until he gets beat up(Lapaglia). He is just a bully! Go away Ryno!
First off, Lapaglia is a jerk for endangering a racer because of an off track situation.
Second, Lapaglia looked bigger in size to Hughes, and Hughes didn't back down to his harassment.
Third, I don't like Hughes so much either, but he hauls on a dirt bike @39.
Fourth, Preston acts very professional in tough situations.
Ryan Hughes had quite an ego. I don't really have a problem with the crash with Preston. If Preston's ok with it, everyone else should be too. It's Ryno's attitude and ginormous ego that turns me off. I agree about the ready-made excuses too. "I was so tired...", but i beat those guys anyway. I wonder if he'll have another sticker made for the window of his truck "Ryan Hughes - 2012 World Motocross Champion". I'm surprised he didn't have a sticker that says "I beat Tyla Rattray at Hangtown". I think I just got so turned off on Hughes because of his ridiculous behavior in that Lapaglia video. He IS a bully, and apparently a cowardly one too.
yeah and Ryan Hughes did many more than you all and LaPalala
Nice to see Travis Preston #11 racing again, hope he will be on Honda next time !
@ griffter, you took the words right off of my keyboard.
@ rickamatuzio, I agree with the Stanton / Larocco comparison. If you put Stanton - Larocco - Hughes in a tumbler with a box of rocks, they would smooth the rocks' edges.............that kind of tough.
A "fast racer" that can't take a little derby'ing is the same as a boxer with a glass jaw to me. I know your weakness and will exploit it to accomplish what I'm here to do.
Hannah v DeCoster, Falta v Russia, Hannah2 v Howerton, Bradshaw v Matesevich.
Some of the greatest battles in the history of our sport are won in hand-to-hand combat.
This is why Barcia is a breath of fresh air to me and I hope there are one gazillion butt-hurt babies crying every time he goes "bulldozer".
The meek will inherit the earth, NOT the trophy.
Ryno needs a flashing light on his helmet so everyone on the track knows when the douchebag is coming through...
You have two options at that point depending on your riding skill, either throw a clothesline as he douches by, or get off the track and save your life.
Glad to see Travis Preston out there racing, and that he hasn't lost his sense of humor.
If Preston and Hughes didn't have a problem with the 'rubbin, why do you guys have a problem with it.
Just some old dudes partying like it was 1999. Get over it. Enjoy the sparks.
Also, if Ryan wants to drink kangaroo urine or whatever it is, I don't care either. I personally like cookies and milk though.
@BigUglyManiac I agree with you ! At 39, I wish I could go out there and ride like that. Haters always going to Hate !
I was never a Ryno fan while he was pro, but it is very impressive to see
a guy 40 years old that's in better shape than say a Josh Hill, newly fat R.C
or many others that supposidely train. I like his attitude and the fact that
he and Preston had no words. Ivan, let it go, 2 old timers beat you
in a Vet race. Pack it in, nobody will hire you (maybe Mitch, since he had
his fling with Hanny)
I'm a little surprised "Hot Sauce" wasn't the winner. With him being the more recent national caliber pro, I would think he would have the speed and stamina to take Ryno and Preston.
Did anyone see Rusty Holland take Ryno out at Mammoth? Talk about a battle.
You haters need to chill.....Ryno is a pretty good dude...just very competetive. I'm a big fan, he has always been cool to me.
@ghost of x-mas pass....wasn't there (Steel City) that year but heard about it. At Binghamton, coming down the longest downhill into the off camber right hander at the bottom.....into the inside berm, Hughs tried to go inside Henry....was room for only 1 bike, so ended up with Hughs pinned under Henry in the rut/berm...layed over, but almost upright.....Doug started punching him in the head....of course Hughs did the same...was damn funny.
Always loved Preston's humor!! He still has it!!
Hughes is a bad ass. He doesn't make excuses and has commited his life to being a hard core mx guy. He rdoes stuff on a bike at 39 that most of you could never do. When he was pro, he was a bad dude, that was his thing. At Dilla, when everyone was wearing chest protectors and hhand guards, he didn't even have sleeves on his jersey. If you want to see an example of a never give up guy personality, look at this guy. He has adapted and has great knowledge on the mind set needed to win at motocross.
I am a fan and have always have been. When most of you guys are 39, the most exercise you will get is maybe mowing the lawn. Hughes is the man and has been keeping it real for a long time.
Ryno's attitutde is a throw back to the old days. He wil do what ever it takes to win. Rick Johnson, Bob Hanna and most of the racers back in the day would feed you a wheel to win. Nowday some factory racers are content with a top 5 or 10. It's different times now days.
Would not want to land on whatever is in the outside of that turn, not sure if it is a log or a big rock.
I would love for Erin bates to rub me the wrong way but none of these clown dudes. You get ur ass kicked for that. no homo in mx
I would rather lose straiht up than to win by a pick up pas....
Wait.....Ivan Tedesco...a current pro racer on the national circuit....didn't win? Hes racing retirees for gods sake.
I saw what really happened....Hughes unlocked his hips and unleashed a sweet roundhouse kick to Preston's front tyre..... the force also knocked Hughes off his bike...
Otherwise Preston would have won easy
I saw what really happened....Hughes unlocked his hips and unleashed a sweet roundhouse kick to Preston's front tyre..... the force also knocked Hughes off his bike...
Otherwise Preston would have won easy
man I was at anaheim one year and preston and for the life of me I cant remember who else where battling It was to the point of comical ! They kept stoping in the middle of track block passing each other . Literally werent racing the rest of the field just kept at it with each other . They were definitely both pissed about something.lol I know they had to go talk to the ama afterwards , Its was hilarious though!
Preston gave Husqvarna its first 125 class win at the 2001 Houston SX. Got him a
factory Amsoil ride and went on the win the west coast 125 championship, glad to see a nice guy win.
Ryno, has always been good to me.