30 Day Countdown to A1: #7 Ryan Villopoto
Saturday, December 29, 2012 | 10:40 AM
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PrintWe’re inside the top ten and at this point in the Racer X Top 30 Supercross Racers list presented by Monster Energy, and we’re pretty sure you know which riders are left. But in what order? That’s the magic question and it’s pretty safe to say that five years from now, this list is going to look a lot different when it comes to this next guy.
Number seven with a bullet is Monster Energy Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto, the first of three active riders in our top ten. RV is currently the man in supercross, with the last two titles and an astounding 24 wins in just four seasons. And if you take away his rookie year, he’s got 22 wins in three years, an incredible average of seven wins a season. Villopoto is seventh all-time in wins and almost sure to pass Bob Hannah and Rick Johnson this year to move into fifth all-time barring a disaster for Ryan and his team.
Statistically, alone, Ryan's in great standing. Only four other riders have even gone back-to-back with championships, and only three others have ever won three in a row. Villopoto is in position to make a three-peat this year.
It's not easy to rank active riders against those who are retired, as it's very probable that more wins are coming for Villopoto.
Simon Cudby photo
Strangely enough for Villopoto he only managed one 250SX title in three shots at it, he finished third in his rookie year, dominated his second year and lost a close one to Trey Canard in year three. Certainly when looking at the past greats of supercross, a one 250SX title in three years doesn’t indicate future indoor greatness. Especially when compared to his right-out-of-the-box blinding speed in the outdoors, Villopoto’s early supercross results seemed to say that he needed braking bumps and natural terrain to really excel.
But then 2009 came and a jump up to the 450 class. He had an illness to deal with in the middle of the season but returned to the tour late in the year like a completely different rider. He won two out of the last three races over the likes of established stars Chad Reed and James Stewart. With that, Villopoto came into the 2010 season as a real contender.
Winning seven of the fourteen races in 2010 showed that he was a fast learner. He was deep in the thick of a championship battle with Ryan Dungey when he crashed at St. Louis and missed the rest of the season. Just like that, in his first two years in the premier class he was a nine-time supercross winner. And who knows? Had he not crashed in the STL (while leading) he could have ended up the 2010 SX Champ and already packed three titles. But as you see often in this top 30 countdown, such what ifs happen quite often and never get answered. That's a part of sports.
A huge crash while battling for the 2010 title may have threatened his career, but Villopoto bounced back even stronger, and has been the best in supercross since.
Simon Cudby photo
In 2011, Villopoto went up against a super stacked 450SX field, and in what was an epic supercross season, he captured six wins and his first title. Dungey, Reed and Stewart were all there, and RV bested them all, despite missing a main event when he failed to qualify for a race. No worries, Villo is one of the most head strong riders out there, and he was eventually able to rebound, put together a clutch win at the next-to-last round, and seal the deal. It wasn't a dominant, win-almost-every-race season, but against such a tough field often labled as "The Greatest Season Ever" Villopoto showed he could perform under pressure.
And if you want dominance, last season we indeed saw a more dominating performance. RV won nine more races to get his second career 450SX title. Yes, the 2011 season was marred by injuries, but Ryan was already the points leader and the first rider to win multiple races when his competitors started going out. He has totally and completely earned these last two titles. And he’s only 24-years old. Like fellow long-time Kawasaki man Jeff Ward, he’s probably as fast (or faster!) outdoors but for this column, it’s indoor prowess only. And indoors, he's rounded himself into a force as strong as we have seen in quite some time.
Villopoto is our seventh best supercross racer of all-time. Besides the sheer number of wins, he's tied with Ricky Carmichael for third all-time in SX win percentage. That puts him ahead of a guy like three-time champion Jeff Stanton, but let’s do this list again in some time and I’m betting that RV is higher toward the front.
Two number one plates. And counting?
Simon Cudby photo
The 30 Best Supercross Racers of All Time Tracker:
#8 Jeff Stanton
#9 Jeff Ward
#10 Jean Michel Bayle
#11 Damon Bradshaw
#12 Mark Barnett
#13 Kevin Windham
#14 David Bailey
#15 Ryan Dungey
#16 Mike Bell
#17 Jeff Emig
#18 Johnny O’Mara
#19 Doug Henry
#20 Jimmy Ellis
#21 Mike LaRocco
#22 Ezra Lusk
#23 Broc Glover
#24 Ron Lechien
#25 Jimmy Weinert
#26 David Vuillemin
#27 Donnie Hansen
#28 Larry Ward
#29 Mike Kiedrowski
#30 Marty Tripes
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When RV's career is over and he is resting comfortably in his mountain cabin, feet up in front of the fireplace, chewing on a piece of deer jerky, reading RacerX on his Ipad, he will take great pride in seeing that he is in the top three of the greatest all time supercross riders...
That will be a topic of discusion 10 years from now as the words AC92 come into play......LOL
Maybe, but he rides "angry" and on the edge. It's easy to imagine a career ending injury when you watch him ride. Hope it doesn't happen, but not hard to imagine. RD on the otherhand rides like a guy that could have a 20 year pro-career, not racking em up in bunches but rather winning by attrition.
I'm going to say this for the last time.. The first thing I learned in College Statistics was "look for the constant". What is the constant in AMA SX? Every year talent changes, bike changes, # races changes, injuries change.. THE AMA SX CHAMPIONSHIP is the one and only constant. That being said, its the ONLY fair way to critique a rider against former racers.
I can sit here and say the same things everyone says.. I can say if Dungey didnt derail a chain RV would have lost the title. I can see if Stewart didnt get on that JGR Yamaha and turn himself into a hand grenade RV wouldnt have won. I can say that if REED didnt go over the bars, RV would have lost the title. But none of that happened and RV claimed what was rightfully his. The AMA SX TITLE, which every other racer in the comparison is pining for. Nobody can control the variables.. So, at this point, I would say its unfair to place RV ahead of #8.. what if he gets hurt this year and retires? Then this list is immediately bogus. Again.. the constant.
Now, I must say that RV is the most awesome racer I have watched since Damon Bradshaw for excitement value. I love his style, and I love that no matter WHERE he is on the track, he is going for the pass. He doesnt wait for a section, its RIGHT NOW!! Barring injury, I think RV has the potential to get close to Ricky Carmichael on this list.. as long as his speed doesnt turn against him like James Stewart.
I was really hoping to see RV on a Honda this year, but it didnt happen. I think Barcia and Canard are going to give him a run for his money, but if RV has his head on right.. He should have no problem claiming the title. Maybe he should watch some old Stanton videos before the season starts, and learn that picking your battles at the right time is extremely important when everyone is healthy and capable of winning. Now that RV is a veteran, I'm confident he wont ride over his head if Barcia is "on" some night, to prove that he is the alpha. I dont want to see racers hurt this year, I want to see a series go down to the very end.. Should be a great season..
(something I think everyone noticed, RV works traffic like none other.. when he goes down in the first turn, he is one of the only riders that can make it all the way to the podium. Even riders with similar speed havent done that aside James Stewart. This makes RV currently the BEST sx racer and most dangerous.)
Here's a race with about 7 of the top 24 guys in it. They might not have the jumps they do now but the whoops and sand match any supercross race now a days. 40 man main event. Ah the good ol days. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_eaohc8zq8
Dont see anyone ever doing what Dungey did at Mec Throat over and up against cross bar like a death wish hand and elbow below the knees trying to shift no thats a guy that will throw down
So who are the top 6 then? 5 of them are obvious, Hannah, Stewart, Reed, Carmichael and McGrath, but who is the 6th? Pastrana maybe, for just showing up at races out of shape and beating guys like Reed during a heat race and throwing a back flip at the finish line.......? I am probably forgetting someone else.
rickamatuso, Nice post - I agree except with the #8- I think these guys got him placed well for now.
I cannot wait to see Canard and Barcia in action together with the other top guys. They both have about the same experience on 450s and I believe Canard is not as accident prone as the last 2 years have shown- the last one was raw bad luck.
MC,RC,JS,CR,BHanna,Rick Johnson ?
I would tend to put RV ahead of RJ in SX simply because rv pulled two titles in 4 years in the class- and his win ratio is much better.
@davidl - this is where I agree with Rick A about using titles as a benchmark. Neither CR or JS should be ranked above Hannah.
There is a reason there are only 3 people have 3 consecutive SX titles - it is damned hard to do. Hannah has 3 consecutive titles. JS and CR only have 2 titles each, neither of which was consecutive. It is hard to repeat and harder still to 3-peat.
As for RV vs. RJ - tougher call, but I'd go with RJ over RV, though they are similar in many ways. RJ had 2 titles in 3 years vs 2 titles in 4 years and was on his way to 3 titles in 4 years until his wrist injury in '89.
In general, trying to rank RV at this point is somewhat irrelevant - he is still building his resume. As long as RV stays healthy, I don't see him losing a title to either JS or CR.
The best thing about this count down is its almost over. This rating system is impossible. At least this opener is set to be awesome!!
RJ! Oops, knew I was blanking on someone.
I've changed my mind from 3rd - 10th so many times my brain hurts.
Mathes - please go back and review some statistics about the SX series in the 70's and 80's. You need to be careful about comparing race wins from this decade with that of the 70's and 80s due to shorter race seasons back then.
RV's total of 22 wins in 3 years, or 22 of 47 (not 51 since he missed 4 rounds in 2010 ) is an impressive amount of winning indeed (47%). To keep RV's performance in perspective, let's consider RJ and Hannah in a comparable 3 year span for each).
RJ's total of 18 wins in 3 years ('86 - '88), or 18 of 34 is even more impressive (53%). He won 4 of 12 in '86, 7 of 12 in '87, and 7 of 10 in '88.
Hannah's 18 wins in 3 years, or 18 of 33 is more impressive still (54.5%). Bob won 6 of 10 in '77, 6 of 11 in '78, and 6 of 12 in '79.
We need to do the same math when we consider Reed's and Stewart's win totals as well, since CR, JS, and RV all had many more chances to line up per season then either RJ or Hannah.
Just saying ...
Sorry - that's Matthes
If you look at race wins alone, I find it peculiar that Reed, RV, and Stewart are all from the same era of racing.
It seems years ago, it was more difficult to a accumulate race wins in higher numbers. I wouldn't dare to try and guess why.. But because Stewart has more race wins than Hannah, or a better win % (which is a useless statistic) doesn't mean he is a better sx racer. In ten years, 100 wins may be the new benchmark, or even 17 wins may be considered huge.
This reminds me of global warming.. Nobody really knows enough of the facts to make a bonifide conclusion. It's all guesswork
As CR500 said, everything changes. Everything.. Except "the championship trophy in the record books".
(I'm desperately fighting ya Jeff, I gave it all I got.. I'm tired and out of shape)
Holy Cow Batman !!!! This one is WAY off !!!!!!! Top 4 all day long !!!!!!
Where RV stacks up today, I'd put him in front of JS7 and CR22. But we all know they both have two titles just like Villopoto and they have more race wins!
@biker143... I agree!
What a joke putting JS7 and CR22 ahead of RV2...He wins Championships against stacked fields, and all JS7 and CR22 do in steep competition is crash.
No tuff block is safe when hes on it......he ain't playin and he's the best i've ever seen. 7 days.
Of the three active riders left, I would rate them RV, JS, CR. RV They all have three championships. RV has won his against the other two, and has a higher winning percentage. I'd put JS ahead of CR because he had one season where he won 10 races or something, and until recently, always had CR covered.
I still think MC, RC, Hannah, and RJ (and Stanton for that matter, but that ship has already sailed) should all be rated above them all.
I don't get how angry a few people are getting when they don't agree with the list. Lighten up, it's just something to bench race about until the racing starts. Would you rather have an article every day about the latest clothing lines or a 20 year-old's perspective on the difference in PR between the 70s and now?
Didn't mean the extra RV in there before "They"
And "have two championships". I need to hire a proof reader.
Wow Stewart or Reed in the top five,Really Racer X.Stanton or RV should be ahead of them
@ rickamatuzio
So... how ya doin' today? (Sorry, man... just couldn't resist).
@MotoXscript - need salt with that? That's cold. lol
ya ya.. not so good. Until RV wins another championship, Stanton is better.
If they both had 3 championships.. I would still go Stanton until RV gets his 3rd outdoor. THEN, I would say RV is a better racer, but not yet. RV dominated the des Nations much like Stanton, so he is on the right path and I'm sure he will get there.
You better hope RV doesnt fade in 2013 due to lack of fitness, or you will never hear the end of it from me.
@ rickamatuzio
and the rest of you bums liKE BD25,CR500AF,wELKER,TONEWALL,mX bOB, mR-mX, tRYPLE,jESUS LIL SHIT HOLE biker143 .. aLL YOU GUYS GO TAKE A SHIT OR SOMETHING.....2013 IS THE YEAR YOU ALLL EAT SHIT AND DIE !
I have read through these comments and will say this as a giant RV fan.. I would NOT rank him ahead of Reed or Stewie right now.. Maybe some day.. But not right now just because they all have the same number of titles, so the tiebreaker has to be wins, and they have been at it longer.. But RV has won his titles against the other two. they havent beaten anyone except each other.. So there is an arguement for both sides I guess.. But they all should be behind anyone with 3 titles anyway..
Yeah kinda of a push/up over the berm move..., but hey- these MX/SX blogs are a tough world. Take no prisoners... All ribbing aside and speaking of such track moves, isn't Stanton the guy we can credit for raising Barcia's game over the last couple of seasons by helping to smooth the kid's aggressiveness and increase his fitness in the off-season?
RV... less fit in 2013... SX or MX... ?
The competition hopes so but Magic 8 ball says..., "DOUBTFUL."
Hannah was not a very good Supercross rider. His titles were when indoor tracks were like motocross tracks not Supercross tracks. His last Supercross win came 79. He has stated many times that he did not like the direction Supercross tracks were going in the 80's. He might have been one of the best motocross riders of all time but clearly was not one of the greatest Supercross riders of all time. McGrath clearly belongs on top of the list with Stewart a close second. I'm sure if you asked Carmichael he would say that James was a better Supercross rider than him.
Wow, what a classy post up there. You make motocross look exactly like what the public perceives.
Mx- ya I thought about the Stanton BEING a trainer the other day afterwards, and was hoping you didn't come up with that.
Touché'
OK guys - Here is why I say RV is better than RJ if we stop today,
RV won 2 titles in 4 seasons- his title ratio is 50%
RJ won 2 SX titles in 8 seasons - title ratio is 25%
RVs record could get better or worse, RJ is done
It could be said for both things would be different without injuries etc. but this is my logic for placing RV ahead of RJ. The ONLY way to compare these two is with records and titles since thet did not race each other.
Now I am thinking about CR and JS- since they have competed against each other it stands to reason to say RV has beaten them more than they have beaten RV since RV jumped to the 450 class. They both have more wins on record- but most of their wins were pre RV. They all have two titles but JS took 8 tries to get 2 and CR took 10. RV took only 4 years to get two and this was against both of them.
Now this bench racing is the best SX racers of all time. The more I think about it the higher I would list RV because I don't feel CR has past his prime and JS even when he hasn't gone down has been beaten by RV many times. I do feel JS has a mental problem (concussions) causing loss of focus or slower reflexes that may or may not improve with time. Its clear if he could stay up he would be deadly even today but results, wins, and titles are facts that determine the best.
Now I feel if JS was in 06-07 form, it would be a bloody war between RV and him like the RC JS battles we saw.
this is a fun bench racing discussion- I CAN"T WAIT FOR SAT NIGHT !!!!
I would not rank JS better in SX than RC EVER, RC has 5 SX titles in 7 tries, two of them he beat JS in.
JS has 2 titles in 8 tries and never beat RC in a title hunt (excluding the weird world title)
RC's weaknes may have been the whoops but JS's weakness was worse he couldn't stay on two wheels. Sure RC felt JS was a better SX racer, but I don't and I view that as JS simply getting in RC's head.
If you eliminate JS's weakness (wrecking) I would instantly say JS was a better SX racer. when you look at the whole package- RC is clearly better than JS in SX to this point in time. JS could change that in the next three years but that is a discussion 3 years from now.
I will always feel that JS would beat any SX racer ever in their prime if he didn't wreck he starts incredibly and comes through the pack like no other, I have no clue how he isn't maimed for life with all the diggers we have seen him have.
MC, RC, RV, (JS,CR,Stanton,RJ dead tie) is kinda where Im at, the only reason I put RV there is he clearly beat CR and JS twice in a row in their prime and typically I would say prime age now days is 26-30. twenty years ago prime age seemed to be 24-28
can't wait to see the response to this post !!!
Let's just get to McGrath already... No one even comes close to what he accomplished!!! Or ever will...
@ rickamatuzio # 104 My dong is now firmly in your hands!
@zoom804 Is this Sorby?
JS a close second to MC and ahead of RC??? If JS is such a great SX rider why only 2 titles in 8 years? Why didn't he beat RC in '05 and '06? RC has 5 titles including 2 against MC. It's not even close. MC #1 and RC #2 without question.
You, people, should put RV in 30th place or 130th. That's just going to make Ryan mad! And what does he do when he's mad? He goes grabs some wins and titles!
Go RV!!!!
@ rickamatuzio
That was actually meant as a compliment about Stanton (I think you got that, didn't you?!). Barcia has become a smarter, less-apt-to-punt somebody rider today (in those fast 180 degree turns) as compared to his actions on the track 2-3 years ago. I'm not sure if Barcia would be as good as he appears to be on the 450 without Stanton's 'see the bigger picture' guidance.
I know you're a Stanton true believer but how would you defend his lack of titles on anything besides a 250?
Stanton:
Three Supercross titles, Three MX (250) titles titles, Three MXdN titles, Zero 125 MX titles, Zero 500 MX titles and One FIM *Masters of Motocross (old guy?) title. (*10 titles, career over).
Villopoto:
Two Supercross 450 titles, One Supercross 250 title, One 450 MX title, Three 250 MX titles, Four MXoN titles. (11 titles, career still in high gear).
How many guys on this list have multiple titles in more than one class...? Since you mentioned Stanton's SX and his MX titles together at one poin, the fact that only a few guys have managed such a feat should count for something. Afterall, Supercross was born from Motocross.
Re 2013: Barcia and Canard (TC41 within 3-4 rounds) could have JS7 and CR22's full attention- and depending on which way the wind blows, there just might be 8 or 10 different guy's (RV1, RD5, CR22, JS7, JB51, TC41, KW14, DM18, JG33, MA800...) vying for a Podium spot this season at one time or another, should they all stay healthy. Will '13 really be the Best SX Season ever? We'll start to know who's really done their homework about 170 hours from now. AAAAAAAAAAA1!
The difference between JS and RV. RV rides like he hates the track and throttle cable but uses his head. JS rides like he hates himself not using any of his brain.
Last year with RV in his prime CR was about to drop the hammer - made a mistake and ended his year. It has been stated RV beat CR and JS, not true - they beat themselves just like RV did in 09 and 10. My man Dungey tracked him down twice last year but ran out of laps. Only a season with no crashes and no injuries will tell ME who is the fastest. Yeah I know keepin it on two wheels is what it is all about but I really want to know who is the fastest. I want to see RD, RV, CR, JS, JB, TC, KW and the rest of em go bar to bar - I can't frickin wait. SOMEONE PLEASE HIT FAST FORWARD TO A1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
zoom804
You need to check your post!
Bob Hannah won Daytona on a Yam. in 77 and on a HONDA in 83 and again in 85
3 time winner........... How many have you won?!?!?!
If you think Bob Hannah was not the best supercross rider in the 70's
then you were not around back then....i was !!!!!
70's Bob Hannah
80's Ricky Johnson
90's McGrath
00's Ricky Carmichael
10's Ryan Villopoto
This has been a very intersting thread, from the begining. Many comments, many different perspectives,many interesting thoughts. And only ONE RETARTED individual with worthless idiodic comments that no one cares to see. And it was almost completely ignored. Perfect. The best way for it to go away and STAY AWAY! oops, I guess I was sucked in. Oh well, when someone bashes the guys on here (obviously some good guys) they could be setting themselves up for a bit of ridicule. That is funny too. But to ignore it is best. But the fact that these idiots come on here just to stir things up and not contribute positive input, shows exactly how moto ignorant they are... If you have nothing good to contribute. Go away and stay away! There.
@ Ruletheroost. I think you nailed it pretty good. Villo still has to earn it though, but I think he will. If the field of riders this year stays relatively healthy, the champion will have to be considered one of the best ever. At least 7 guys with a chance to win. Plus a great 250 class. Best year ever. WFO
I stand corrected on Hannah's SX win list. He won a total of 10 SX wins in the 80's.
'81=1
'82=1
'83=5
'84=2
'85=1 (Daytona)
Trust me was around back then. Raced in 5 Supercrosses from '82-'84. Never made it to a main but always made the night program. I have been beaten by the best!
My point was the while Bob was one of the best motocross riders of all time he was clearly not as good at Supercross. Back in the 70's (yes I was there) he dominated before Supercross was Supercross. In the 70's Supercross tracks were more like indoor motocross tracks.
Moto-
Stanton never raced the 125 class to my knowledge. Bradshaw had the 125 Yamaha ride while Stanton was give the 250. His second year on the 250 he won both championships.
(He was either rookie of the year in 87 or 88) I can't remember..
As for the 500 title, he raced a few seasons and came close.
The point I was making is Alessi, RV, among other kids have been given everything with every opportunity from childhood including factory bikes, full time mechanics, pay checks, coaches, etc. Stanton had to work for it the hard way on average equipment by himself.
After reading all of the above, I would put Stanton #4, Hannah #5 then RV. Great points
Top 15 all time largest wind bag Douche, bags of 2012 !!!!!!!!!!
1. rickamatuzio
2. MxBob
3. Scub-This
4. Welker
5. Buckey 394
6 .Mr-Mx
7. MotoXscript
8.Preston
9. CR500AF
10. Bd 25
11. Fred
12. SpottedMarley
13. KilloMoto
14. texag
15. Jesus
@Shepster the "anti-RV tard strikes again.. Do you even watch the races?? RV DID beat Stewart and Reed in supercross, with both racing--TWICE!!!!! Were you in a cave somewhere?? Last year Reed got hurt but was still BEHIND RV in the points.. And if you want to go farther. 2011 season Reed and Stewart were healthy all year, and finished the season and still lost to RV.. If that isnt enough, then you just hate the guy and are trying to convince yourself they are faster than him..
Shepster says "RV didnt beat them, they beat themselves" How big of a joke is that comment???
@ LittleDick Clark
I'm upset I only made 14th.
I wonder if those couple of summers off made him focus more on SX. He was/is supposed to be better at MX.
Dirty dick- Walgreens has lithium on sale today.
Just to stir the pot a little...
I was browsing the vault and noticed MC didn't face a very deep field until 2000.
Given the competition I think if RV, CR, or JS win the title this year they should move up to #3.
can't we all just get along ! its all in fun ! we got a short week till A1 , lets all get thru this week safe and this time next week we will all be yelling at each other again but for different reason ! and my guess is one of these 3 guys in the top 7 all time supercross riders will be holding the big trophy and possibly all 3 on the box and we got to see it live in hd. what could be better !
@Matthes: I am glad you prefaced the point that comparing (current) riders in an (All Time) category is a difficult pull, because that is exactly what I have been thinking when you compare them to those who no longer compete.
For all those who read these boards often, know I have a difficult time with predictions when it comes to Weather, Women, Presidential Elections and Motocross/Supercross, and not necessarily in that order.
Maybe I am a tad superstitious and do not want to jinx (any) rider by throwing their name into any ring of fire that could come back to haunt me for doing so.
What does this have to do with Villopoto and the fact that he is still active and able in the hunt...BINGO! That is the exact reason!!! Still Active and Able.
I am happy he made the list, just like I am happy for the the other 23 (so far) as this really is just a, Roll-of the Dice...
This is a great topic and I don't think anyone is getting their feelings hurt- we are all just drooling waiting for the gate to drop in 6 days !
Rickamatuso- Yes the guys are supported much better these days- but so is their competition- they all are now. In Stanton and Hanna day-it was the same they were all supported less.- My point is I think the results would be the same - the cream will almost always rise to the top.
@rickamatuzio
Coincidence... that I made # 7 on the list ?
Lithium comment... priceless.