10 Things to Watch: Phoenix
Friday, January 11, 2013 | 10:00 AM
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PrintBy Aaron Hansel and Chase Stallo
On the Radar
Although Millsaps finished second overall in the points last year, he wasn’t exactly on the short list of riders expected to battle up front at A1. But win he did, on non-factory equipment to boot. It was the first win for Millsaps since he was victorious in the mud at San Diego in 2010. He won't be sneaking up on anyone this time, but, he rode way too well all day and night at A1 for his victory to be considered a fluke. Can he do it again?
Zach Attack
If you only look at the results from A1, Zach Osborne’s finish (seventh) wasn’t particularly impressive. After all, he was able to post better finishes several times in his limited time in the series last year. But when you take into account the fact that Osborne bounced off his teammate Eli Tomac on the start and came from the very back of the pack for that seventh, suddenly his result looks pretty good. He was easily the fastest rider out there over the final few laps. Expect Osborne to be a factor in the podium shakedown this weekend.
Osborne had the speed in Anaheim, but some tough luck got in his way. Will he rebound in Phoenix?
Simon Cudby photo
Davalos’ Do Over
Poor Martin Davalos. He’s got all the speed he needs to set fast laps in practice and win heat races, but when the main rolls around it seems as though something always happens to ruin his race. The trend held true at Anaheim when Jessy Nelson’s big crash right after the first turn triggered a chain reaction that resulted in a crushed pipe and broken crossover tube on Davalos’ radiator. Can Davalos break the curse this weekend in Phoenix?
Dunge Airs It Out
Villopoto crashed, Stewart was hobbled and Reed still didn't look back to his old form. But Ryan Dungey was right where he needed to be during the Anaheim 1 main event, but could't sustain enough of an attack to get from fourth to first. Is this a sign that the likes of the "Big Four" will be beatable all season long? Was Dungey just learning the ropes of his 2013 program--like that new air shock on the back of his KTM?
The Dirt
Phoenix is notorious for its unique desert soil. It’s hard, slick and requires excellent throttle control, and with the stadium’s retractable roof, weather is guaranteed not to be an issue. Having precisely the right bike setup and tire choice, as well as rider patience, is key. Who will rise to the occasion in Arizona this Saturday night?
What Ryan Dungey will we see in Phoenix?
Simon Cudby photo
The last time Chad Reed finished fourth or worse at a season opener was 2011. He finished fifth at A1 that year—but later went on to capture two race wins, hold the red plate and finish second in points, just four behind Ryan Villopoto. Reed is the ultimate veteran. He knows when a fourth is adequate, and when he needs to rev the limiter up a few notches. In a 17 round series, a fourth at the opener isn’t a sign of the apocalypse. Considering he’s coming off a major knee injury a year ago, and has only raced four times since February 2012, expect Reed to look a lot more like the Chad Reed of old in Phoenix.
Leiber Fever
After an off-season filled with turmoil, Rocket Exhaust’s Michael Leib was able to put the distractions to rest at the opener. Although he secured two top ten’s in four races last year before leaving to contest the FIM World Motocross Championships, Leib’s finish was somewhat of a surprise considering the amount of time he had on the bike before Anaheim. “Probably about a week [on his new bike], so not much time. I race dirt bikes—that’s what I do, and I really don’t think that much will be different about it,” Leib told Racer X two weeks before the opener. With another week of prep under his belt, will Leib’s rise up the results page continue in Phoenix?
The Return
Earlier this week James Stewart confirmed via Twitter that he would race this weekend after suffering a knee injury in practice at Anaheim. Although specific details on the injury have yet to be disclosed, Stewart appeared to be in obvious pain last Saturday night, as he limped (no pun intended) to an eighth in the main. Will a week of rest provide a healthy Stewart, or will the effects of last week loom large?
Will Leib's hot start continue in Phoenix?
Simon Cudby photo
Jitters Begone
Everyone expected flash and fireworks from Justin Barcia's 450SX debut, but instead he rode steady in third for most of the race before a late crash dropped him to seventh. Turns out even the Wild Child isn't immune to Anaheim 1 nerves, and those in his camp say he'll be much more relaxed in Phoenix. Similarly, Cole Seely admitted the nerves got the best of him in his first race back from a kidney injury suffered last year, and hopes he'll improve on his third-place finish in 250SX from Anaheim this weekend.
Continuing Momentum
Anaheim provided a glimpse of what the 2013 season should offer: depth, and plenty of it. Millsaps and Canard added to the parity at the opener, with the likes of Weimer, Brayton, Grant, Short and Windham lurking, waiting for the next opportunity. Will that opportunity present itself in Phoenix for one of the aforementioned riders above? If you're a betting man, chances are slim. But who had Millsaps and Canard going 1-2 at the opener?
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Cant wait, one more freakin' day..
I'm sure the Stewart camp now knows the details to his knee injury. Wondering why they dont let it be known? Hope this isnt going to be the same as the mystery wrist injury all year long...
Agreed bd. I'm a sports fan in general, but nothing compares to the anticipation of the races on Saturday night. I wake up Sunday morning wishing it was next Saturday.
@Nikola--Heck yes, I am already tired of basketball, never seem to get tired of moto..
11th thing to watch for.....Stewart's built in excuse.
If this guy has any question on whether he can win or not he comes up with a back-up excuse just in case. you see it's hard to market yourself as the F.M.O.T.P when you can only do it for one lap while there is no-one racing with you.
Just suck it up James and ride.....real SX fans don't give a rats azz about JSE....they want to see you race with all the rest of this incredible athletes. You don't have to win every race to be liked.....just show up, give your best effort and leave the drama in the rig. The look on Mike Webbs face in the pre-race interview last weekend said it all for me.
I predict A Yawner slick soil makes it hard to make up time. (and an easy layout)
@ MustardDog.........unless there is no real injury to report and it was just a tweak. This is why they need to release details because after the past few years it can't be a surprise that fans have their doubts. Until they say he has a real injury it's fair to assume it was just a tweak and we need to stop hearing about it, there's not many guys out there riding without a tweaked something of some sort.
It's obvious to me that Dungey has to bite his tongue every time someone ask him about that stupid air shock. KTM should have let someone else test that stupid thing this year. Dungey has been a tremendous amount of testing AND PR for the last year and I'm sure was ready to start the season with last years notes to go by and just concentrate on RACING!.
I'd set my bike up for holeshots this year. Barcia's ability to stay injury free even if he crashes is rarely brought up. Wears more safety gear than any one.
@RCRDDW ,,, Cairoli has been testing it for at least 3 weeks now.. There's not a whole lot of guys riding the KTM 450 here in the States that can test that..
Me thinks the big four have company. Big 6 or 7?
@ RCRDDW
Don't sweat it.....if he doesn't win you can blame the shock. Same as I will question RV switching to the air fork when his bike was so good last year without it...it's a win win for everyone.
Just a couple more...
RV showed his human side at A 1, and had an off day at the office. What effect, if any, did his sub par performance have on Villopoto?
Canard had a story book ride first race back! Trey was fast all day, but looked on the edge a couple time, still he kept the Honda upright. Can he keep the story book ride going towards a happy ending in Phoenix?
Roczen said he jammed his wrist a bit and rode tight, as why he was off Tomac's lap times. Will K-Rock dial it up a notch to roll into Eli's time zone?
After showing a total lack of sportsmanship, will Hanson suffer any repercussions from his meltdown, such as fines, suspension, loss of sponsorship or just hear the sound of BOO;s as he rounds the track..
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh yes can't wait!!!
Who will have a bad day?? Who will leave with the Red plate?? What crazy stufdf will happen?? I will say this if RV starts in the top 5 he will win!! ...... I hope LOL
41,5,22,18,1,51,20,12,14,33
Carmichael proved you don't have to win the opener to win the championship, just leave A1 healthy and you are still in it.
I'm thinking Dungey could have a good night.
^^^^^^^ RD could have a good night.....but he'll need a holeshot to get her done with this crowd.
# 7-# 41-# 1-# 18-# 5-#51who cares after that,RIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@BD25 (we have 2 guys named bd?!?!) I agree with your point about Canard. I worry about that guy. Love to watch him ride. He really attacks the track and rides the edge, but as much as he gets hurt I get nervous every time he gets a little out of shape. Like at the end of the main when Millsaps passed him, I though he was going down on that one.
Can someone tell me. What is the airshock suposed to give them that they ain't got already. IE what problem are they solving as aposed to what problem are they creating?
My $ is still on the champ! He's gonna be ready to battle
racepaintusa: Dude! How did you get my Social Security number?
18, 51, 41, 1, 22, 4...
Barcia holeshots, Millsaps follows in second until the 51 blows out a turn, Canard starts 8th and moves up, crystal ball is foggy on Villopoto.
RD is a good rider but he could not pass my dad on his Penton on a supercross track. Just watch and you can see this dude is timid and in supercross you do not
have time for that. JS and RV might crash but at least they go for the win and not
settle for 4th place. If you want to point race then go watch NASCAR where they roll around and settle. Bradshaw and Johnson might have lost titles by being aggressive and wanting to win but at least they are thought of today in a very bright light.
The air shock knocks off a few pounds according to mxa, and they claim it has smoother action and is easier to set up the dampening.
Pretty sure the only advantage offered by the air shock is a little less weight.
@Ripdown--I dont think RV switched to the air fork, Kawisaki did.. He pretty much has to use it then.. He is Factory Kawi, and the 2013 bike comes with the air fork.. I dont think the new fork was his problem, I think he was afriad with his bad start the leaders were going to get away early.. He tried to make every pass on one lap..
Milsaps was not a fluke - he has always rode the zook real fast. He will win again sat night in front of his home town fans.
I'm gonna go out on limb and guess the podium tomorrow reads something like 1, 5 and 14.
You guys need to leave the negative remarks at your desk - these riders are the best in the world. even the ones that miss the main by 1 or 2
This is probably the most extreme sport on the planet next to BULL RIDING
If one of you have tweeked your knee in a corner - it wasnt at JS7 speed
I believe Stewy is also running air forks..
Ya the only person anyone should have anything to say something about is Hansons dumbass. F'n bonehead move. They should strip his license for a year.
@MustardDog........"mystery wrist injury"?? What was the mystery?? Look at the video when he gets up from the crash in colorado.....that wrist was tweaked hard!! You guys just don't give up!! Hey DungeyPoto.....isn't "suck it up and ride" exactly what James did last weekend???? If you think there was nothing wrong with the knee last saturday you are delirious, he may not have won, but the whole race in 8th place is not where he would have been if nothing was bothering him!! Once again the guy is damned if he does and damned if he doesn't with some of you people!! Give it a break!
Milsaps will not win again this year .. STAMP IT !
A Villopoto win on saturday and a Seahawks win on Sunday......
Sounds like a perfect weekend!
RV is no lawn dart (lol), he just freaked a little under the A1 pressure. Him coming up on Barcia in their heat just to say "I can do it" lets me know...........he can do it. Gonna be a killer season, just hope they all stay healthy.
Dont believe half of what you read in MXA. They print stupid stuff.. the latest being 2013 honda. They think moving a cam gear in a unicam engine changes overlap! Its ground into the cam (split between lobes) and cant be changed.
Honda may have advanced the cam, but has nothing to do with overlap.
They also printed last week that replacement honda 2 stroke pistons "B" was bigger than "A". Wrong again... no credibility writing technical stuff like that.
"A" piston is bigger for cr250 for the knowall self proclaimed wrecking crew.
@ theysaidwhat
never intended his knee wan't hurt....just anytime it's apparent he's not gonna run away with the win there is drama! Coincidence??? been going on too long.....
RV obviously tweaked his leg as he limped back to his bike.....not hearing much about it from his camp? No drama.
If JS is able to throw his leg over the bike and go then leave the excuses and ride.
Want to bet that if he doesn't do well this weekend the knee is the excuse?
Im sure dungeys shock is better or they wouldnt waste time. They can save weight many places if they needed to.. remember RC broke a titanium spring and dnf.
@redrider24 I like the way you think!
@DungeyPoto,, He didnt "run away" in the first 2 rounds of the Nationals.. I dont remember there being any "drama" there, do you? I also don't remember JS having any excuses at A1? When you hurt something, its not an excuse.. An excuse is when you dont hurt something, and use that for an excuse... RV's camp said he was fine last week.. Thats why that got put to rest..
Peick should have spent the $44.99 and avoided the issue... Stop blaming everything on others. http://www.harborfreight.com/5-in-1-digital-multimeter-98674.html
Drama Queen.....sorry. need I remind you of JSE
@ Mishoeye, I agree at no one ever noticing Barcia's ability to stay so injury free. The youth, stretch and made out of rubber has got to end sometime. ( I hope not for his sake) I root violently for him and I live in Colorado, its gonna be tough on me when Eli reaches the Big Show. Both on Honda's so thats cool with me. I am a former Dist. # 34 guy and SCREAM at the flat screen while 'Homeboy' Barcia is riding.
@ theysaidwhat.... In all honesty and all bias aside, even the most die hard JS fan can't deny all the smoke and mirrors the past few years surrounding injuries, attendance, teams, etc. How can a fan not start questioning how all this stuff follows one rider? They create drama and get drama in return, it's a two way street. Everyone else makes their injuries/circumstances known to the fans and industry to remove questions and all the BS that comes with keeping secrets, as that just leaves everything open to speculation. No one doubts he tweaked his knee last weekend and rode wisely as a result, but if it's not actually injured clear it up and move on. Did you see the leg Brayton rode on last year and gutted out? The "damned if he does, damned if he doesn't" thing is two way as well, because now if he loses his knee is to blame, and if he wins he's a hero for overcoming "adversity" as they like to say.
Stewart, just retire or race in a country where they still think you are a hero. You wasted your money just like Alan Iverson in basketball or Mark Brunel in football.
Welcome to the middle class, your ride is over. Check for any praonal items and exit to your right.
@DungeyPoto,,, Who cares about JSE.. Why the hell wouldnt he do that? I know I would if I had the oppurtunity.. Is Chad Reed a Drama Queen?
someguy...Sorry but the #14 aint going to make top 3 unless there is a BIG wreck of all the top guys. It would be cool but man the class is so deep and to top the off K-Dub is fighting the Demons for sure!!
@Cooks6161,, Your right... Lets have all the riders that have the same number of championship or less, go ride in another country.. Thats good thinking..
How can you guys say Stewarts career is over the same week he just set the fastest lap in practice? You do realize the FASTEST lap means potential to win right? Thats something that 17 other riders DONT have.. unless a crazy circumstance like last week. Millsaps won because RV crashed, Stewart was sore, and Dungey was off... this does happen, but not very often. Until Millsaps posts a top 5 lap time 3 weeks in a row, I'll consider it 'he was on that day'.
Have you guys ever tried to type with a broken finger on these boards? Maybe Stewart can help you with that..
The only Drama over JS's knee if from some of you!! He said days ago he will be at the next race. That was good enough for me, it tells me he is good enough to race why do you need to see the med charts??
.Cooks6161...JS wasted his money?? You must really hate the fact that he has more money than yiou ever will. He is broke?? Please tell us more!!
Hey, I said i was going out on a limb, lol.
323mx RD was off because his lap times were off all day. Tell me this if RV was in his spot do you think he would have won or stay there like RD did? RD did not look his best and only got 3rd because Barcia fell late in the race or he was stuck in 4th. You may see that a lot this year from RD. Finish where he starts.
LOL Someguy don't go that far out We don't need you getting hurt too!!
Everyone is skeptical of Stewart because every season he drops out. The wrist injury was legitimate but other series he dropped out because the "bike wasn't ready" and he fell off pace in a MX moto.
He did the right thing last weekend by finishing the race. Lets hope he can continue with this new found maturity, 16 more races to go. Hell, he needs to finish a race or he's going to get dropped from his sponsors and no one new is going to pick him up if he keeps quitting race series.
Especially not for the amount of money they're paying JS7
I can't help but always want a K-Dub win or at least podium.
Dungey did appear off somewhat as far as i could see but, it seemed more him than anything looking off bikewise. He'll have his usual issues with moving through the pack this year as always but his consistency should pay off.
RV will be back in top form tomorrow. With the depth of the field this year those points will be spread so far out that his 5pt finish wont have any effect i'm betting.
You know...if I did'nt know better, I would believe that Stewart went around to the homes of all the Stewart haters and did them and/or their families something wrong. But I know better.
The venom of the insults and criticism is simply unbelievable. He is human being first and a racer second. Lets be a bit more humane and temper our harsh and insulting citicisms with a bit more tact and class.
@Brad46--- You don't come here often do you? lol. That's asking alot.
@someguy. Hey.....gotta keep hope alive right.LOL
I'm just hoping the champs leg is truly ok honestly. He/his camp don't bullshit anyone though so i'm sure it's as stated, just fine.
I would love to see KDuB on the box this season, its going to be tough given the depth of talent. But no one saw Milsaps coming.....neither did anyone saw Josh Grant who won the opener a few years ago either. So anything can happen
Yeah, it's do-able. But i have to agree with BillC even if i dont like it, it's not likely to happen for him.
@brad46 do you even read? JS7 doesn't finish race series anymore yet gets all the press. That's why we rag on him. And his excuses usually have nothing to do with injuries except Colorado.
"Claxton wrote: about 1 hour ago
RD is a good rider but he could not pass my dad on his Penton on a supercross track. Just watch and you can see this dude is timid and in supercross you do not
have time for that. JS and RV might crash but at least they go for the win and not
settle for 4th place. If you want to point race then go watch NASCAR where they roll around and settle. Bradshaw and Johnson might have lost titles by being aggressive and wanting to win but at least they are thought of today in a very bright light. "
It's about championships. Plain and simple. The go for it style lends itself to injury and that takes you out of it. Dungey is as fast as any of them (he has proven it when they are healthy) and knows you have to be in it to win it. Consistency is the key and it IS points racing. I just hope everyone can stay healthy because it will be an incredible year if they do.
Anytime JS7 isn't winning, he has an excuse. Other riders don't do that, they take a 3rd, 4th place and call it for what it is.
"The "damned if he does, damned if he doesn't" thing is two way as well, because now if he loses his knee is to blame, and if he wins he's a hero for overcoming "adversity" as they like to say."
So true.
@RcX1....who gives him the press??? Does he give it himself??? If he does'nt finish a season then so what? Am sure its not for a lack of trying...
Good conversation guys and I se a lot of valid points. I for one loved to see DM18 and TC41 up front dicing fro the podium. JB51 had a missed shift from what I seen and RD5 & CR22 were not gaining hardly because of lacking and I could only assume getting setting strait and for CR22 I'd say needs more saddle time before he becomes more competitive. As for RV1 he was so fast, but starts are his enemy and making up time causes him to ride faster yet creates more mistakes. as for JS7 is hurt and well lets see how far that carries him.
So with that we have Phoenix SX. Its coming down to a few big key points.
1) That dirt is hardpack, slick and gets pebble sized clumps in the tops of the corners.
2) Throttle control is a must and being fast yet keeping the front wheel planted in the corners are a must especially since the track designers are trying to add about 5 - 7 seconds to slow down lap times with more technical tracks.
I'm going with
5, 1, 18, 22, 41, 7, 51, 14, 800, 29
Bottom line I just want to see some good racing and can hardly wait another 24 hours.
I thought Wilson was supposed to move up to the 450s this year or does that start with the Nationals?
Really rooting for Leib and Osbourne. They both looked good.
Hanson can go race in Canada or Australia for all I care. There is no need for riding like that. How does he keep getting rides? He hasn't won anything and choked under the pressure when he had the chance. At least J-Law left and stayed gone.
They all have excuses...JS7 just started out racing consistantly with one of the greatest our sport has ever offered, RC4. His expectations have been sky high since he came in because he was the one guy that could dethrone RC. That's not a great way to start a career, mentally.
The JS camp appears to create a lot of controversy and contradictory and even false information. I believe it's 90% our doing though.
Too many speculates and know it alls who can read minds and know all intentions.
@Timmer Hansen doesnt have a ride, he was riding his friends bike or something like that.
He rode for Pro Circuit, then quit for Hart and Huntington, then HH fell through and now he doesn't have a ride. What an idiot. Why would you quit PC for HH...
@Dan175 you are brave......I think RV will take Pheonix.
Wilson moves up for MX i believe.
Gahh i can't wait another 24 either. Phoenix always seems boring to me though, i hope tomorrow doesnt disappoint.
My prediction..at least 2 asshats will say "stamp it" prior to every race this year
Hey watever happened with Austin Stroupe??? Missed this guy for quite a while now. I thought at one point he had something to offer
It always starts out as a points race in the beginning. The table gets set and when you get to the last 5 or 6 rounds you know where you stand. If you know you need to win some of those last races to have a chance, that's what will separate the top riders. Example: When Dungey had to beat Villo in the outdoors and lost in the last turn. One of the best races ever. Bottom line, you have to be there in the end. Get top 5 the first 10 races and your in the hunt. Hopefully we have enough riders stay healthy.
@Brad. you should have been here when a blue light on his dash board turned him into "car jackin, murderin, cop rapin,no good rotten s.o.b''
@Edno4...are you serious? He got on the wrong side of the law?? I didnt realise that. What a shame
Timmer
We don't want him in Canada either thanks....you can keep him.
I've read that Stroupe has given up racing and working with family and that he cant pass concussion testing. And also that he's training for outdoors, but that info is a few months old.
@Timmer - Canada does not want Hanny either. Fortunately he's probably dumb enough to try to enter the country packing weed or a loaded handgun so I think we are safe.
In addition to all the 10 things - I think PHX will see Jason Anderson claim his first 250SX podium. LIKE A BOSS! STAMP IT! (The two most annoying phrases - what is it with MX fans that make them so dumb at times).
@brad46, I'm thinking that RV1 will have a bad start again especially on the hardpacked dirt then make a few mistakes before passing to second. I think RD5 will be top three in the start then move to the lead and for DM18 I think he will have a decent start but end up 3rd. I've lived and rode in phoenix are tracks and the corners were always a issue going from baked hard dirt to packed with loose dirt on top. I could only speculate but that's what I think. Lets see tomorrow night.
Ah crap, Anderson was 2nd in SLC last year! With the name change it will still be his first podium in "250SX" however.
@323mx, 800 has been improving his SX skills and I could see him in the top 10. I could be wrong, but thats the fun of bench racing.
@323mxwho's your top 10 for Phoenix?
You know....life is so unpredicable sometimes. I followed #800 when he was just a little kid......and he was just killing it in the amateurs. And to think that today he has no championships to his name despite killing everybody and setting records in amateurs is hard to beleive. I mean the work ethic had to be there. I tend to agree with most that his Dad helped to railroad his chances......but the guy was so superior to most. Not one pro championship...........thats tough.
@ timmer Wilson was supposed to move up. The team he signed with folded and he had to go back to pro circuit, they offered him a 250 ride. @ rcx1 I believe Hanson quit pro circuit for H&H because they have more tattoos than Mitch. Seriously as dumb as Hanson is he probably thought Mitch was to hard to work for and wanted to ride with guys who party more than train. The last video of Hanson before the season started he was riding with twitch goofing off while his competition was pounding out laps. Gee, I wonder why he wasn't prepared.
@323MX....no "1" in your prediction?
My true PHX prediction:
RV, JB, TC, RD, CR, JS, KW, MA, DV.....rest is anyones guess.
@Brad....#2 is #1
2 is his career #, # he HAS to wear cuz he's the champ.
#1 he HAS ****^
@someguy....good one!
Ok got it.
2, 41, 7, 51, 22, 5, 18......
And the discrediting of Dungey and his abilities continues after one race where he once again used his brain and GASP, finished in the best position of the big 4 in a crazy race doing exactly what he should.....can someone please clear up his title count for us all at age 23? It's getting to be just like everyone writing off Reed each year, although not so much anymore because his riding and results speak for themselves again. Like I said before say what you want about the Dunge, we'll see who's in this at the end when 2 or 3 of the top 5 are hurt again riding above themselves too frequently. I wanted Millsaps to win again this weekend but now I want Dungey to just to shut up all the people who continue to write him off. Give all the reasons you want regarding passing, aggression, this, that, blah blah blah, luckily none of this matters because it is racing and the only thing that matters is where you finish and he doesn't seem to have any issues there.
Bah DM not DV...lol....i'm a about 10 years off on DV hehe
@brad46 , I think @323MX meant 1 instead of 2. Is'nt 2 technically still McGraths old number.
2 is RV's Permanent Career number danyl75. It still applies to him, he just has to wear the #1 plate due to AMA rules.
@retardcross. I did'nt see anyone say they have written off Dungey. We all know he builds momentum later in the races......but I dont think anyone in their right mind would write him off.......just me.
1 THING to watch js7 soil sample............ STAMP IT !
The general consensus on RD is just that he can, and often should be more aggressive in moving through the pack. But his style, obviously has paid off. Could go either way.
1 Dungey
2 CANARD
3. Barcia
Stamp it !
@someguy, thats right. I forgot He was #2.
@retardcross, check my first post,i think he will take pheonix. Dungey is a great rider who does not push the envelope in 90% of the times from the footage I seen in recent years. But I do think that he wants another SX title and he will be more agressive thanin the past. If anyone thinks 5, 7, 22 are not title contenders than thats there opinion, but any of the top 5 - 6 guys can hold the title at Vegas.
Agreed danyl75
@someguy......Agreed, neither approach is perfect. But all the speed and aggression in the world means nothing if you DNF a series. I'm sure his wallet isn't too upset about all the extra money he makes by making it to every race either while the others miss out on every other series and a whole lot of money to severe injuries.
Speaking of injuries. Look at the new posting "Recharge" In and out at Pheonix
@Retard---Ya, you're right.
Retardcross
no-one is Writing him off....if he gets a holeshot he may make it happen this weekend......if he has to pass someone.....gonna be tough. As you may have guessed I'm actually a fan......and yess he generally does use his brain but keep in mind, he crashed last weekend so I think he may have been pushing a little more than you think...unless crashing was part of the strategy?
Wow, Durham can't catch a break.
@ Retardcross
" I'm sure his wallet isn't too upset about all the extra money he makes by making it to every race either while the others miss out on every other series and a whole lot of money to severe injuries."
How many SX rounds did he miss last year? Was it 3 - 4???
His crash at Southwick this summer was a season ender if it was anywhere other than the soft sand of the Wick!!!
They all crash, even the ultra smart RD.....
ouch.....
All I hope is that Millsaps has another GREAT finish. That dude was completely underestimated, left out of the A1 press conferences despite being second in points last year, and was not even mentioned in anyones 2013 "predictions". I love to see an underdog win and its the ultimate feeling to have people count you out and go out and prove them wrong. He has been getting overlooked for years... hell in 2012 JGR gave Stewart all the money in the world to DNF, crash, and make a fool of the team.... leaving Millsaps as a fill in for the second bike. Well Millsaps went out and got second in points for what I am guessing is a fraction of what they paid Mr. Excuses James Stewart. Then this year, Stewart gets factory equipment while 2nd in 2012 points Millsaps doesnt... and he still went out and smoked the field. Some say "well the top guys werent there in 2012 to finish the season". Thats just it! They WERENT there. They all crashed out. The championship isnt about who can set the fastest lap time week in and week out... its about who can do the best overall across the ENTIRE season. And for the record I still cant believe sponsors put faith in Stew.
Millsaps if you read this, go out and SERVE them... you CAN win.
as a fan we all want to know what the status of the knee is but as a competitor you don't want to give your competition any more confidence on the track. It's like having blood in a sharktank
@ Ripdown.....That was his first injury last SX season, hardly comparable to the big picture. Yes, they all crash but not with same frequency or severity, not even close. Wad it up hard more often = leave in an ambulance more often.
I would maybe take your "ouch..." jab seriously Ripdown if your argument had a leg to stand on. Implying RD is a crasher like some others and saying he's lucky he doesn't get hurt the odd time he does have a get-off is BS. Let's just say if you get hurt 1 out of 5 crashes (arbitrary numbers but the theory stands), and Dungey crashes 1 time for every 5 RV or JS has.....well I think that explains itself. These guys make their own luck with their behaviour and habits on the track. I don't really consider tipovers "crashes" either typically as they are usually low risk. Based on this RV has already used gimme's for this year up not including his off track excursion. It's simple logic, put yourself in bad positions more often and you will get bit more often.
**two gimme's
I have a feeling that this will be k-dubs last year, just wanting to get a few good finishes or a podium. As much as i love watching him ride there is just too many faster younger riders. I only hope he stays in the sport as a coach or team manager and shows them how to ride with class and respect..... Barcia!!!! Did i say that out loud?
Do any of you work? OMG took me ten minutes to get to the bottom of the paige.
I wouldn't worry about JS7 I think they (Webb) will tell him not to worry and do the best you can and get as many points as you can if it's first great if it's fifth great.
CR22 will get a little faster every week and be in the top four week in week out.
RV had a tip over in SX last year that cost him his chance to defend the outdoors and essentially gave another championship to RD.....even minor tip overs can be costly.
The 'ouch' comment was due to your proclomation that Dungey is somehow intellectually superior to the guys that actually race to win. Even with his in it to win it strategy he still crashes?
If you're gonna crash while following the leaders hoping they hand it over ...why not just pony up and try and make a couple of passes.....
I like him....just think he's wasting his talent riding like a wuss...
Hope the real talent can stay upright,some guys try really hard and crash aka 7,1 and then theres mister safe 5 hoo always comes out smellin like a tulip,heck canard is held together with fishin line and he dont play it safe...rock on 41
Dungey doesn't race to win? His titles don't say so....
If you think he's wasting talent riding like a wuss, then it's also fair to say RV and JS are wasting their talent when they're on the couch from riding above themselves too often. I don't think Dungey is holding back as much as he is simply riding in control only a tick off the ultra risk takers who take care of themselves 50% of the time.
@Retardcross,, Well said...
Some people don't have it in them to ride above their heads, myself included. If you look at it from that standpoint RD is pretty dam* good to be so close to the guys always in the red zone without riding out of his realm.
Air forks / shock issue: This technology isn't going away. The weight savings are spectacular on modern four strokes (two stokes too) and it would take multiple thousands of dollars in Titanium to achieve those gains (losses) any where else if they could even be matched in the first place.
Also, being that the weight is 50/50 at the sprung / unsprung weight apex, shedding that much weight in another place is probably impossible.
Furthermore, a team (not considering the racer at this point) cannot afford to fall behind, technologically speaking, from the other teams that use this technology and progress in the development curve.
Villopto must run air forks because he and his team cannot fall behind in the technology or development cycles. It doesn't matter that his '11 or '12 KX450 was the best bike for him. That window has closed and he must accept the new.
It happened to four-strokes, air cooling, non-power valved cylinders, analog ignitions, drum brakes, right-side up forks, twin shocks, carburetors and it's going to happen to coil-spring forks & shocks.
As far as the Stewart issue(s) go, all one has to do is look back in history, his camp has remained consistent in that they are the most "un-transparent" camp in all of MX.
Stewart turned pro in 2002, so he's been a pro for 12 years now. How much longer is he going to bless us with his presence? The normal window for a pro is ten years if they are extremely blessed and remain (relatively) injury-free. Kevin Windham obviously being the exception to the rule.
I think there was a time that his speed could be managed by his youthful, flexible bones, luck and determination. I think those things have run out and he's just plain out of control like any other racer trying to go that fast.
Whomever posted this earlier has a good point: How can you include a man in a championship he hasn't completed since 2009?
millsaps has been training like a mad dog..things at home are good and he is in great shape. i really hope he kicks ass all year. Trey and his godly way,,he tried to close off davy but lost to the tonnage factor..and was lucky he didnt go down. I really like trey and millsaps. they both are a fresh breath of air,,they speak well and certainly suprised all of us,,cept TP199..he did call it..props to 800. sure would like to see him do well and get on the box, heck if he did he just might be able to look erin in the eyes instead of her,,what did ping call em?
Super impressed with sap"s last week. Never seen him get a second wind like that. Also impressed with Trey being off a bike for a year. Looked to me like RD was pushing JB into the leaders when mayhem happened. RV got a bad start and was in the wrong place twice because of it. His speed looked as good as anybody. With that being said I think A1 showed nothing new but a few more hats being in ring. Good start and pono is gonna be tough to beat. RD is gonna do what he has too. Reed seemed to take a half step back and stewey was def off. He gets well and reed finds the next gear there could be 7 guys on the line every week who can win. They all stay healthy this season can be the best ever. If I was a betting man I'd keep my cash in the pocket. I sure as hell wouldn't of bet on 18 in A1. What an awesome race
Too bad dungey and canard can't train together, or at least compare notes. If Ryan could pick up Trey's total lack of hesitation when it's time to pass regardless of who, where or when or Trey could take Ryan's rather impressive consistency and lack of injury, we might be back to the BIG 2 (or 3, depending on how many fictional characters I just created) As far as real people are concerned, for most of the last 20 years there's never been a huge question of who would win, it would be cool to see 18 ( or 41 ) reel off a streak of their own.
@retardcross and DungeyPoto.......guys, seriously.....do you think he made up the shit about his knee to create drama?? Do you honestly (even though you don't care for him) believe that if the knee wasn't bothering him he would have ridden around in 8th the whole race?? To say that it is an excuse is absolutely true. It would have been for any of them, if you take one of those top five guys and even reduce their "level" if you will by 5 or 10 percent due to an injury of any kind or extent on any given night, it is going to make a huge difference in how they do!! Truth is we don't know if the knee is hurting anymore or not, or if it will begin to half way through a race or if it takes a jolt for some reason. Damn, to me the guys luck just sucks too often, it;s not his fault, it just does. I mean tweak your knee in the last practice before the first race?? Tweak your wrist after a great start to the outdoor season?? Nobody from that camp has used the knee as an "excuse" for finishing 8th, the dude just went out and did what he could do with what he was dealt that night, how in the hell can you criticize him for that?? As far as the Brayton comparison, is Brayton on the same level as those guys?? Where did Brayton finish with that leg?? Not sure what the point is there?? It sucks that anything happened to JS knee at all, because you, me, and everybody else honestly just wants to see how these guys stack up against one another 100% healthy. Making mistakes and crashing is one thing, but injuries just don't give us a fair shake at finding out, and that sucks!!
My two cents worth...
If Villapoto stays on the bike he wins- but I have a strange feeling this is a season full of crazy mishaps- I hope not though as he is a true champion racer!
If Stewart is healthy enough to set fastest time in practice and stays on the bike he will podium but not win...
Reed will stay on the bike and runs third....
Bring on the racing!!!!! :-)
Go Reedy!! :-) consistency will be more important than ever this year with so many capable of a win there will be bar banging and crashes..
Seely is going to kill it this weekend!!!!!!!!! That dude is a BOSS!!!!!!!
1st-SEELY
2nd-Tomac
3rd-Roczen
4th-Who Cares
STAMP IT
@ ridindirteee
Seeley is a squid !
@theysaidwhat....I believe he jacked his knee up last weekend I acknowledged that and said Stewart rode smart. But if it's not actually injured it needs to get dropped and not be the go-to for Shaheen or anyone else for that matter. A simple PR would clear that up but they continue with smoke and mirrors. As for Brayton's leg he races the same tracks, same lines, and is going plenty fst enough to feel the same forces, saying he doesn't get as much punishment on the track as anyone else is wrong. He battled with Villopoto in a heat race at one point, he goes plenty fast. If he was rolling the jumps and a backmarker that's a different story. By the way, Brayton still finished 4th in points tied with Dungey.