Rapid ReaXtion: Wilson Re-signs with PC
Monday, November 19, 2012 | 4:55 PM
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PrintJason Weigandt
We all know what Dean Wilson looks like in Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki colors, so let' move forward from the present day signing and think about how this will impact Wilson's future.
It's great for Dean that he found a safety net once the Jeff Ward Racing situation started to get dicey. But the pressure is on. Based on his 2011 250 MX title, Dean's asking price and negotiating powers were huge. Plenty of teams wanted him, to the point where he could turn offers down (including JGR and the original approach from Pro Circuit, which would have kept him in the 250 class bike for an extra year). He was heading into 2013 with a fat paycheck and multi-year deal, staying with Kawasaki, and doing it for a team that had won at the highest level before (don't let the new JWR name fool you, this was the L&M team that won the 2008 and 2009 AMA Supercross titles). If it would have worked out, it would have been low pressure, it would have been fun. Now that he's been spit back into the Lites (wait, 250) class, and everyone will expect him to win and win big. And as we saw last year, the 250 class is exceptionally deep, maybe more competitive than ever. Dean is a great rider, but nothing is guaranteed in that division. For example, due to PC's injury woes, Dean will most likely be slated in 250SX West against Eli Tomac, so you're looking at a real battle there. And if he's on a 250 again outdoors, well, his teammate Blake Baggett sure isn't going to slow down, nor is Ken Roczen. Tomac may be there, too.
So, you've got Dean, who didn't even want to ride 250s anymore, having to step up and ride one better than ever, because the competition keeps stepping up.
Of course, Dean could potentially race a 450 outdoors (we've heard that rumor). How does that impact things? Heading into 2013 with JWR, Wilson got to cash in on potential -- the team was betting on him becoming a threat to win 450 races without having watched him race one. If Dean goes 450 this summer for PC, he'll at least have to show the potential to do battle with the likes of the Ryans. And that's a tall order no matter who you are. In other words, Dean has to perform at a very high level over the next 10 months to get back where he was a month ago.
On the bright side, some of his potential suitors might be better equipped to get him for '14. JGR should be working with a new Yamaha YZ450F by then, and maybe Chad Reed's TwoTwo Motorsports team will finally be able to make a run at a second rider -- or, maybe Reedy will step aside and let Dean be the lead dog. Chad has never been afraid of dropping a retirement rumor.
A lot is going to happen within the next few months, but Dean has to make sure it's all positive. Judging by the way he handled this little career crisis he just went through, he seems well-equipped.
Dean Wilson will be back with Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki for 2013.
Simon Cudby photo
Davey Coombs
Dean Wilson just did the right thing: he red-shirted and gets to play for his team one more year. If you're a college football fan, you understand that concept. You only get so much time to play for your school before you turn pro, but when you get hurt, you can play an extra season, and that helps make you as prepared as possible for the big move up.In Deano's case, he was on the best team in the class -- Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki -- but after having an excellent sophomore (second) year in the 250 class, winning the 2011 Lucas Oil Motocross title, Wilson had an injury-shortened 2012 season. Still, he thought he was ready to move up to the big-time in the 450 class, and he signed in with Jeff Ward Racing, even though he had yet to win a Supercross Lites title. Some second-guessed his decision to join a fairly new team, but then that became a moot point when the wheels fell off of the JWR program. It seemed like a bad deal -- like a football player losing a scholarship or getting cut -- because the other 450 factory teams were full.
That's where the redshirt comes in. Like a football player with one last chance to make a big impression, Wilson now has a chance to show what he can really do in SX, and also test the deeper waters of the 450 class outdoors. He can use this last season in the 250 class -- his senior season in college terms -- to make a better case for himself.
Given the crowded market, the lack of full-blown 450 rides, and the empty spot in his trophy case for a #1 250 SX plate, I believe Dean Wilson is actually in a better spot now than he was when he was with JWR, which was also learning its way as a new franchise team. Dean gets another year to learn the ropes, work with Mitch Payton and Bones Bacon, and maybe win another championship before moving on up. Like a redshirted, blue-chip athlete who stays in school one more year, Wilson once again has a chance to improve his stock before he goes into the draft -- in moto terms, a 450 factory ride in 2014.
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Cudos to Mitch for stepping in and giving Dean a ride when the JWR deal fell through after the contract was inked. We all benefit by having Wilson in the 450 chase.
I hope that Wilson gets to ride a 450 for the outdoors. Injuries constantly seem to pare down the field for the outdoor championship. Wilson is a legitimate contender for the title and the premier class needs all contenders possible.
With Barcia making it the Big 6 in the 450 Class, there really wasn't any room for Wilson. Honestly, I thought he should have never left PC in the first place.
Sure wish you guys at Racer X would fix the formatting on your comment section. Don't know if it's happening on computers, but I'm viewing on my phone and words are being randomly cut in half with second half on next line which makes it really hard to read.
OK Butt farmers who told me he would be on RED...What you sayin now?? LOL
.250SX and 450 outdoors should be good.
womp. I was counting on seeing Dean in the big boy class to add the the talent. I'm glad he ended up getting another rider but am pretty disappointed its back in the lites class.
For the long term of Deans career I believe this is the best move, He is back on a premier Team with outstanding support and that will only be a benefit to making the next step. Dean is still young and one more kick at the 250 SX Title won't hurt. As much as I personally looked forward to seeing Dean on a 450 at A1, I can wait. Congrats Dean and Mitch and all those involved.
Congrats to Dean Wilson. My question is this: How deep are PC's pockets? When other team's can't stay afloat (JWR), or can only afford 1 rider (Suzuki), how is PC able to say come on board rider number 6? Don't get me wrong, I think this is a great deal for all involved.
I think this is a good move for Dean!One more shot @ a 250 sx championship & one more year sx experience.Hopefully we see him on a 450 outdoors!Cheers!
Tomac will dominate 250SX this year and straight up beat Wilson just he did last year. Outdoors on a 450 Wilson will probably be a top 10 guy, maybe a top 5. I honestly don't get the hype. He didn't even win an overall till like the 9th round the year he won the 250MX title. He is fast no doubt, but not on the level of the top 450 riders, and probably not the top 250 guys anymore either. It will be interesting for sure. I'm a PC Kawi fan so I will be rooting for him
It will be interesting if it's a Tomac / Wilson rematch in the 250 West SX. Neither rider seem to want to race 250s anymore.
Nice save. It could have been worse JWR could have gone belly up halfway through the Supercross season.
Good for Dean Wilson...
Seems the 250 and 450 classes will be stacked with talent (again) in 2013. Anyone know if JWR is throwing in the towel or is Wardy actively trying to secure Sponsorship $$$$$$$ to run the Outdoor Nationals? With the Flying Freckle's name and reputation, this seems like a no-brainer/Win-Win for any Sponsor.
I like Dean.... Good kid with a refreshing sense of humor, however after the injuries in 2012 and a rather subpar performance in the SX series, I think this PC gig is a better fit than jumping on the 450... He won the 2011 MX title , but it wasn't a dominating effort if you will.... So go out and show your ready for the big boys....Eli is more ready than Dean in my opinion and he is staying on 250..... Dean is young.... No rush
Congrats you scottish ladd !
who ever designed the racerx mobile website needs to be kicked in the nutsack. The formatting on my phone is all goofy too, sentences half cut off.
Iphones work decent, but androids are almost impossible to navigate the main page.
It sucks trying to slide the links to the left without ACCIDENTALLY clicking it as you lift your finger. You end up going back and forth to places you dont want to go, half the time I just click phone off and leave the website.
Wished they would fix it.
How can anyone not be impressed with Dean Wilson?
It does not matter what or where Wilson rides,, he will be whinning his butt off,,, as usual....
@rickamatuzio
Their mobile site does blow. The full site works pretty well on my galaxy s3. You might give that a try.
Finally calling it by it's right name, the 250 class not that G ay A** lites!
Big 6 only huh? Never heard that one. And honestly Barica will be the one out if that is the case. But why not 7 or 5? Why is it cut off at 6?
oh and ya, their mobile site and app sucks. Mine still shows articles 2 months old and says it was just refreshed.
hate on em all you want , its not like hes being demoted to the 250's , he can go for the lites championship again and then next year he has a shot at another factory ride. this time he will think twice about going to a satellite team
This is what I like about Mitch and Pro Circuit, he's more than willing to put Dean back on a bike even with a full stable. The kid is talented, but the SX title is going to be a huge stretch against Tomac. I'm glad he's back on a bike and has a ride for the season.
man 4 strokes are killing the industry , You should be able to race a 250 2 stroke in the lites , and is it possible to make a 2 stroke comparable to a 450? It would totally make things better all around .Dean would be able to be a privateer and be competitive , think about it ??
plus it would give other people a shot at least and open things up more to other people winning other than the usual
I downloaded racer x app. After you choose an article, hit option (menu) button on your mobile device and you should have"go to article" button. This way you get comment section and all crap that goes with it! Lol.. Thats how I've been doing it for long time! works fine on my android!
Almost forgot......
GO DEANO!!!
I like the football analogy but for most guys who have a big payday waiting for them and elect to stay in school for one more year.... it usually cost them. In Deans case it may be that Eli, Roczen himself and who knows who else (Baggett?) will all be looking for 450 rides in 2014.
Who else made the move last year? Just him. His team blowing up was not his fault and this all could work our fine but its theres going to be a crowd with resumes in hand come spring time.
I heard the Mayans have figured out the Yamaha and will be delivering one sometime in Dec.....lol or maybe later if their space ship has problems...... actually they will get back in it by outdoors most likely and that will also possibly open up some spots.....the four year Mayamahan cycle is almost up....the next one will be better for all mankind......the 250 class is going to be as heavy as the 4fitys.....Good for Wilson ..hes a great rider and should be healed and ready to rumble........now ....wheres Canard..........
Who else better to succeed reed than Deano or Townley
Would be good to see Dean riding a two two motorsports Honda in the coming years
Best of luck to Deano but he's got pretty big freight train comin right up his back yard with a big #17 on it.
I think it would be a great idea for the AMA to allow two strokes in the lites class. 250vs250. Let the cards play out and let the masses decide what's best.
I bet a few riders ride a two stroke based on the holeshot factor, while others stay with the four stroke.
What's the definition of insanity? Doing the samething over and over expecting different results. Obviously Motocross is in decline, salaries are high, teams going bankrupt. Push the sport back to a design that let's user friendly to the public at cheap cost.
I will never give up on this. You know why snow-cross racing won't switch to four strokes? Because they aren't stupid. Twice the power, half the weight, half the price. GP road racing? Diesel two stroke GM? Chainsaws, weed whippers?
Imagine holding a 60lb four stroke chainsaw above your head cutting off a tree limb.. That would be a trip!
Ya ya ya, I know people are rolling eyes, but its reality. Motocross is dying fast.. Make a change, for heavens sake to save it.
$$$$$$$ is bottom line.
P.s. I can't stand people wacking the throttle of a 450 on the starting line as if it was a two stroke. DO YOU DO THAT WITH YOUR LAWNMOWER? it doesn't run rich, or need to be purged. Let it idle and wait until the 5sec..
Sorry, I'm cranky.
Sorry, I should not have blurted all that out. I'm just tired of watching teams fold, 1 rider teams.. 4$million salaries while 7th place riders can't afford to race (new motocross show out with Chisholm and grant). It's frustrating.. I miss the 5 man teams when people rode because they loved it. Not because it was about the $.
Four strokes have just made everything that much harder (except from the riding standpoint).
It will never change, so its a waste of time. Kinda like the US spending money.
Yeah exactly thats how a free market society works!! Let the consumer decide.There cramming this 4 stroke shit down our throats,only yamaha still makes a 2 stroke,The industry is dyeing , 2 strokes need to be in the format , Guarantee in the lites class alot of guys would switch,The privateer guys would have such a better shot at competing , There bikes would be closer to factory , as far as there cost of racing it would go way down! I mean shit a pipe setup alone on a 4 stroke is $6 700 dollars .Alot of guys just riding in the woods are selling there four strokes and going back to two strokes no one can afford it , the demand is there include them i n racing bring it back
2 stroke or 4 stroke a privateer still has to travel across the country 29 times for the 450 class and 20 times for the 250 class. You are looking at well over $200,000 in gas, vehicle and maint mechanic bike parts and hotels. yes a 4 stroke is way more expensive for the 250 class but for the 450 class it is probably a wash.
They have allowed 250 2-S to run int the 250 class for quite a few years at the AMA local events, assuming the district adopted the rule. I was a bit surprised that most of the top A guys chose four-strokes, but I think that's because if they race any other kind of event (LLQ, pro-am, non-AMA.), that rule is not in affect. In deep-sand tracks, guys with the two-strokes had a definite advantage, but everyone else, it was pretty even,or advantage 4-S, mostly because of the more "modern" suspension and chassis.
So no official PR on Wilson? They just let some French guy into the PC shop and let the BLOGs run with it?
I definitely know fuel isnt going to be $200,000 . Maintaining a 2 stroke is less than half as expensive.My point is open it up let the riders choose what they want to race. Let there be options especially in the lites , they are just plain dumb not letting them race a 250 two stroke in there, Trust me the guys with not alot of money would be souping up those two smokers and saving tons of money doing it and also being more competitive equipment wise,and maintenance wise saving lots of money to. There is definitely a reason why the average riders are switching back, 2 strokes are more reliable and cheaper, Thats a big reason why racing is so down. The average joe cant afford to compete the way it is.
Great comments guys and I agree. Change the 2stroke/4 stroke rules and I bet KTM changes the 300 smoker to a 350 in a month. A well tuned 350 2-stroke would be more than competetive with a 450.
Not even mentioning the startling increase in serious injuries since the 4 stroke revolution began? Guys feel that with the torque and traction of a 450 they can do and or clear any obstacle.....when they figure out they were wrong it's too late and they're being body slammed into the turf. With a 2 stroke it's different....you know as soon as you reach the apex of the turn if everything is in place to clear the jump.....you have to know how to ride and more importantly be in tune with your bike. The good side of that is if you don't have the momentum you know plenty early and can plan an alternative line which may just save your season and potentially your life!....I'm rambling....sorry..
I race in MN and have noticed a considerable drop in the number of entrants at the races in the last 5 years. The classes have half the riders, C through A through Vet. I believe this is simple economics. People cannot afford bikes and racing. With number of bikes/parts sold shrinking, manufacturers have fewer dollars to allot for race teams.
To me the biggest change was the financial attitude of Americans. People are no longer willing/able to buy homes with a mortgage at 110% of appraised value, run up the limit on 5 credit cards, and live well beyond their means. People are being fiscally conservative and motocross is an expensive sport, especially for a family. Look at how many tracks across the country have closed due to low numbers of riders/racers. People will come back but we need to weather the storm built up by years of irresponsible economic decisions.
The economy is what is killing MX. House, cars, motorcycle sales are all down. Back in 83 I spent 13K racing locally in southern California. I had a great job and lived with my parrents so I could afford to race. If I had to do it in this economy things would have been more difficult if not impossable.
Hopefully he'll be on a 450 for outdoors. He's not getting it done anymore
on the 250. I think he's to tall, just like it's starting to show with Tomac.
Not everyones a peanut like Blake (I can't get it done at the De-nations)
Baggett.
Good point John and I agree, but buying a used bike then having to dump 1100$ into the motor isn't helping the situation. Not to mention labor..
Economy hurts, but undoubtedly 4 strokes have hurt the sport equally. Why do I know this? Because I have asked just about every single racer I know.
How can a 16 year old kid get into mx with these expenses? A yz250 costs about 165$ to rebuild, that's where it's at. Plus when they go down its rarely catastrophic.
The point I am making, a rider of Dean Wilson's caliber certainly should be deserving of a ride!! Factory Honda get your head out of your rear...lower some salaries of existing riders and make a powerhouse.
Sounds good in theory anyway
The last season I raced was 2009, and things were declining already. One of the reasons I stopped was because racing with 4 or 5 other guys is just not fun to me. I raced a lot in the last peak, roughly 2002 - 2006, and I would be one of the few to show up with a bike in the back of a pick-up. I would be parked in a sea of motor homes and enclosed trailers. It was hard for me to believe that so many people could afford to go that route, but many were using their house as an ATM, or worked in construction during the boom. And gas was still around $2/gal or less.
People now are both in a tighter spot, and or are making better financial decisions. Unfortunately, one of those decisions may be, "we don't 20 weekends a year anymore". For sure 250 four-strokes are way more expensive to maintain than a 125 or 250 two-stroke, but that's just one of many reasons for the decline at the amateur level.
At the pro level, I loved to see them take the four-stroke language out. You can run up to 250 in the one class, and up to 450 in the other. Period. If some guy can wrestle a 450 two-stroke around the tracks these days, good for him. I think 300 or 350 would be where they would end up. Unfortunately, only KTM and maybe Yamaha would be in favor.
To all really good points on the economy the displacement and class shrinking. Then why ? Why are we still headed in the wrong direction ! Why are we doing another four years of this B,S. Mix it up and try something else, it's not working on any front.. In my mind I dont see burning a little premix in the air is so bad now you are supposed to consume more oil and more maitenance expense. Kinda like the stupid light bulb thing. Country is on a crash coarse south of the boarder !
There are still many companies putting dollars into MX/SX. We need to support those companies. The fact is that SX/MX is a fantastic show. On TV or in person, its appeal to spectators is undeniable. We do not have a problem in the product or marketing of the product. We have a problem with dissemination of it to the amateur ranks. We do not want a NASCAR situation where it is a spectator only sport. I favor anything that keeps our local tracks in business with people coming to race.
In the early to mid 2000's MX was doing great then came the 4 chokers, after that MX is hurting,early to mid 2000's gas was $1.25-$1.50 a gallon after 2005 mid 3's to near $4.00 a gollan after that economy hurting, stupid is; as stupid does.
im buying a cr 250. 03 hopefully
I was really looking forward to DW battling with the other top 450 riders but hopefully this will mean we get to see him battle with ET at least.
Local racing is hurting causse the ama has it all f''d up. On a race weekend where 60 bikes show up.....an hour away there are 400 bikes at the local off road race.
Dirtbike racing is not on a decline. Motocross is on a decline. Racers will still spend the money, they just want to get their money's worth.
THERE ARE TOO MANY CLASSES. People don't wanna sit around on their a** all day for 20 minutes of sseat time.
I always said it: if you're not a pro rider or top amateur, if you're not making mx your career. Get a two stroke! It's not as easy to ride as 450, but it's a lot of fun! Maybe you'll recall about things like body positioning, standing up, getting your weight back to get more traction and save yourself some $$$ by doing that!
Hey Kram, I can afford the extra 50-100$ in gas to drive to a race. It's the 8000$ bike I can't afford, or the 2009 used bike I bought that blew up and needs a new rod and head for $1500.
My friend bought a 06 450 last year, he has ridden it 5 times and now has another 2000$ into, no joke. It's gross... (Bad luck) but none the less a risk with 4 strokes.
Listen, the sport didn't switch the four strokes because they are better. We were forced to by a faulty EPA claim and misinformation.
800$ for a pipe? Give me a fuc@@ng break.
The AMA and the FIM both screwed up by letting a 4 stroke be 450 cc against a 250cc 2 stroke and a 250cc 4 stroke against a 125cc 2 stroke. If they would kept the 400cc limit 4stroke against the 250cc 2 strokes and a 200cc 4 stroke against a 125cc 2 stroke the 2strokes would have not become extinct.
Think what you want, but if the 2 strokes were competitive at the top level teams would be using them today.