by Davey Coombs
450 Words: Phoenix
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PrintThe buzz term of the week in supercross seems to be changing of the guard. After Saturday night's alarmingly easy win by Justin Barcia in only his second 450 SX race (sorry, Monster Energy Cup doesn't count in the record books), it's easy to throw around the idea that a generational change is upon us, and guys who have loomed large in the sport over the last decade—James Stewart, Chad Reed, Kevin Windham—are in the process of being replaced. Not everyone wants to hear it, and many are quick to shoot it all down.
But it's true.
From the moment Kevin Windham showed up in Anaheim, he's looked tense and uncertain. The game is changing quickly, and Windham seems unsure of how hard he wants to push things. Bikes are getting better, stronger, faster, and the riders are reaching race-winning speeds in seemingly shorter time than it took back in the day when Windham was first coming up and long runners like Jeremy McGrath, Mike LaRocco, Jeff Emig, John Dowd, and Larry Ward were in the midst of epic careers. The respect for K-Dub is there with these younger guys, but the patience is not, and he seems unable to respond to the aggro style of younger contenders like Justin Barcia and Trey Canard.
Windham has looked looked tense and uncertain during the first two rounds of 2013.
Simon Cudby photo
Stewart is obviously hurt. He's still got fastest-man-on-the-planet speed, but he's only been able to show it in short clips ever since he caught his knee in the last practice at the Anaheim opener. Now he, too, seems hesitant to pull the trigger—not due to a lack of comfort or commitment, but rather like he doesn't know how far he can go on that knee. He's dropped out of the last three SX tours with injuries, and he seems unwilling to either go too fast now or just stop and have the problem fixed. But knowing James, something has got to give soon—eighth- and seventh-place finishes are nowhere near the scores most figured he would have out of the gate.
As for Reed, his problems are confidence-related too, but it's with his setup, not his health. He's obviously chasing the right settings, and while he's mustered steady 4-4 scores, he's not the same Reed we've come to expect. He's working on finding the fix, and when he does—and you know he will—he will be right back up there.
But for how much longer? Supercross is a young man's sport. That's why we already think of a rider like Davi Millsaps as a seasoned veteran (one who many seemed to count out before this season started). But Windham and Stewart and Reed have been at this game for more than a decade, and they've seen it go from two-strokes to four-strokes, from pacing to all-out sprinting, and the falls are seemingly harder now as the bikes have gotten bigger and faster, matched by the race craft of the contenders. Those younger men who are running up front—Millsaps, Barcia, Ryan Villopoto, Trey Canard, Ryan Dungey—are not here to compliment them. They are here to replace them.
Meanwhile, Chad Reed has been chasing the right setup.
Simon Cudby photo
Time marches on in every sport, but it's slightly easier to see it in supercross because the evolution is as obvious as the results. All three of these superbly talented veterans—Windham, Stewart, and Reed—have enjoyed long, lucrative careers. All have better nights to come than we've seen so far, but exactly how many better races they have left is a question that will probably answer itself sooner than later.
Yes, something is changing in supercross, and it may very well be them.
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Love it Davey! "Millsaps, Barcia, Ryan Villopoto, Trey Canard, Ryan Dungey —are not here to compliment them. They are here to replace them."
Change is inevitable, so no one should be shocked. But I haven't seen anything out of the ordinary yet. All things considered, I think the vets are exactly where they should be. A top 10 for K-dub is pretty impressive with the current lineup and Reed is a notoriously slow starter so 4-4 IMO is pretty solid. Stew- as usual - who ever knows what to expect from him.
Nothing new here they way I see it. We all know these guys only want to do it for another 2 to maybe 4 years tops. I think all of them are fine and Barcia is the only new guy, Trey has already been in the mix.
Didn't Reed get 5th last year at the opener?
Barcia hasn't had the big bike digger yet to put the speed into perspective... advantage Canard. Also with Milsaps holding the red plate he is still being ignored, He is a veteran and he is fast. A wire to wire win while it is great, it isn't greatness. We havent seen all the battles yet, Barcia will be there but not dominating like what is being implied.
I say Justin Barcia #51 wins at least 10 races
The phrase "they are here to replace them" irratates me and rubs me the wrong way. Yes they will be the next stars of the show but for as many years as K-dub and Reed etc. want to keep racing they can and will be welcome. To move them back a position or two would be how I want to see it because I love to see ALL these guys race together both young and younger !!!
KW is invaluable to this sport and far more than just filler, we have all seen him get 10th before and improve throughout the season- in houston heat race just last year Barcia would not have gotten around him. JUST because it takes a 30 year old a few races to get back up to speed after a bad wreck doesn't mean they can't give a hell of a run for the title.
Am I showing my age to say it is a good thing to have these older guys out there showing us and the world they still have it ? I think its a great thing and may it go as long as the crowd still makes KW still want to be out there. We will never fault them for quitting but will always thank and enjoy seeing them be a real part of this great sport.
Poto is just getting warmed up. He will dominate again... I hope.
Ryan V will now start to dominate again. He is faster plain and simple. He is getting use to new forks 2 more races and that will be done. A1 was nerves and trying too hard to get to the front too fast, he has learned. Reed will be there in the end as will Dungey look for Trey and Barcia to miss some points due to injury and poor results. Stewart will not make the end of the season and will hang on for the money that he needs to fuel what is the Stewart train.He has to race now, not that he wants too.I feel for him. Kevin needs to step back and fill a roll in the organization that brings him to the races but where he doesnt need to go all or nothing. Think about your kids Kevin they will love you if your racing or not. The fans will not be there if you some how hurt yourself and end up not being able to work anymore. I hate to say it stop while your ahead healthy and wealthy.
I think Stanton deserves an apology from a few douche bags that thought he was prematurely claiming speed >= Dungey.
Time marches on and waits for no man or in this case rider. I can only imagine the thoughts that must be going through the veterans minds. Coming to grips with ones limitations is never easy, probably harder yet, for those who have experienced so much success, derived from pressing those boundaries. As with any athlete, they must realize retirement is on the horizon and soon their greatness will only be in the pages of the record books and in the memories of their fans. Each one must search for a way to appease their ego and replace the crowds approving roar, a sound they have come to love and draw inspiration from.They can take solace in knowing, they have all brought something special to our sport, as champions and individuals, that will not be duplicated, and will be sorely missed by those who revel in their greatness. Our heroes never die, they are simply replaced.. the king is dead... long live the king!!
Great artical Davey,, Reed is a good veteran tester too ,.surprised he is chasing his setting ..
This cannot be a RacerX column! Stating that Stewarts days are numbered? Am I dreaming? Before you loons come on here jumping on me (you know who). I am trying to be cynical. Here lately I feel the need to spell it out for a few (who will comment shortly).
Barcia is strong and will be their ecery week. I think villopoto is doubting his consistency for the year. This could be a big mistake. RV is still the favorite but after two rounds he is not as big of a favorite as he once was. Big Red is back.
Windham give up the ghout !
Sorry the word is GHOUST !
It's going to be an amazing season. We could easily see 6 different winners in one season. How manny times has that happened? It could end up being a war of attrition so I won't be surprised to see Reed and Dungey battling for the championship in the end.
Barcia had a great race but the old guys aren't done how does that go? Youth and talent are no match for age and trechory? I think reed has more than setting problems when you get a little gun shy no settings are gonna feel right. Bubba won't go out losing he will win or be carted off.
I think Davi could slide right in and take over Windham's job as fan favorite.
Did I miss something? Some are making it sound like these guys are dead.
Agree with Pitbull. This article is really reaching for it. Not a fan.
Hopefully the RacerX Jinx doens't come into play. Barcia the only new threat to the group for the past 3 years and it's the changing of the guard after one race?
Sloan. It's ghost. Stay in school kids.
Bamcia is an excellent starter ,as is Canard and that matters ALOT right now...We'll see how Barcia responds to pressure as it is coming..or an unusual poor start......its just a matter of time...if he can deal with pressure hes got as good of chance as anyone ..like him or not. Go RV1 Go Bam Go 41..........as soon as RV gets a start ...IT WILL BE SO ON....!!!! and its also about time for Havoc to turn it loose or upside down....
Just seeing if anyone is watchin !! LOL !
Just seeing if anyone is watchin !! LOL !
Canard needs to ride for the win now. He lost some points in 1st two races cause he couldn't believe he was in a good spot. Now it's time for him to know that he belongs there.
That being said...... GO RV!!!!
I think we might be in for some Poto vs Barcia battles soon. Personally I can't wait to see them.
323, I wasn't writing about Villopoto and Dungey, I was writing about Windham, Reed and Stewart, all of whom have been at it for more than ten years (which is as long or longer than Stanton, Carmichael, Emig, Rick Johnson and more). And I said they certainly have more great races left in them, but the question is how many? Not sure what good going on strike against me would do, just for writing a piece about veterans, career longevity and the rising young stars, but if that's the price I pay for pointing out the march of time, my bad I guess...
DC
MX Sports
Like I said a few days ago.....
Barcia, Canard and Milsaps are up to speed and / or winning, but its not because they surpassed the other's speed.
The "others" Reed, Dungey, Poto and Stewy are easily 5 clicks off last years pace. If you have a recording of any of last years SX, its as plain as day ! I'm a Dunge fan and even I'll admit he looks way more slugish than normal. At least Poto looks like he's climbing out of rusty mode?
No dissrespect at all to the current top 3 in points.....But if the "Old Guys" find last years pace.....look out !
A thought I had.....I wonder what Reed would do if Barcia pulled a Bam Bam on him? This makes me grin........
This article is premature. Maybe would have been wise to wait until round 6 or so and see if the trend continues? Reed is 3 points out of 2nd place in 4th! Stewart is nursing what could be a serious knee injury. Reed went 5-4-6 in his first 3 rounds in 2011......and was 11 points out of 2nd and 5th in points after the first 2 races. In fact, the same talk existed then! I seem to recall him getting it together soon after. K-Dub is a month from being 35!!! I think he is not quite the old guard.....he's the old OLD guard. It's just great having him out there and astounding that he can still run that good......and he too will get better as the year progresses. A better focus for this week would have been a return of the walking wounded, with RV, Reed, Canard, K-Dub and whoever else back out there after serious season ending injuries.
BD25, I think you mixed up your poetry forum with RacerX. Did you post moto comments over there at PoetryX?
323mx
Looks like the boss just got you good !! HA HA that will cost you 15 large in salary for 2013 that preety much puts you in the hole and should you be man apology should be in order !!
Hey Davey! Notice newly crowned Miss America (New York) grew up in Alabama. So many pretty ladies down here, had to move North where there is less competition.
Talking about age! If you click on Villo's name in RacerX's articles the site shows him starting his career in 2000 and that he will be 28 in less than a week, that's not right is it?
Davey i luv ya but come on?! Younger doesn't equal faster. the new ultra aggressive riding style eguals faster... no one is getting replaced, the sport is just evolving. The vets arent slower the new kids are just faster! But can they maintain that style of riding every lap all year? Doubtful... its all about style matchups to track conditions. the first two tracks have been ...well easy, the depth of talent and quality of equipment are so close the start has become that much more important!
I went and reread this article to see why Davey is catching hell. What did he say that wasnt true??
If people dont realize that Reed and Stewart are at the tail end of their careers, do some more reading.
21 is not young in this sport by any stretch, and 26 is considered aged traditionally. McGrath, Larocco, and Windham are exceptions to the norm with a few more racing until 30.
Davey
you should know better than to listen to these goons....you probably just used too many big words.
Good read and some good perspective on the transition of talent in this sport we all love but many like to gripe about.
MX / SX is a lot like football "skill" positions, you have a window of opportunity, if you're lucky, of about ten years. This is not a chiseled in stone rule, but pretty close.
Windham is coming up on a twenty year aniversary. I personally would like to see him make the twenty mark and have a "farewell tour" and peace-out.
Reed is a wily veteran now and his 4-4's are indicitive of a guy that can have a good result even while he's having a bad day. Is he title competitive? I believe so.
I think he already has a two year exit strategy in place. Perfect.
Stewart is Stewart like a previous post stated (sorry, to lazy to look). Is he title competitive? I don't believe he will be in contention for this title. His body certainly can't take the reprucussions of the "FMOTP" speed anymore.
I cried when Marty Smith retired, but it wasn't the end of the world.
I was like ten, so whatever.......
JB, is awesome, this kid is going to win a lot more!!!
Barcia is 2 for 3 racing with the big boys if you count monster energy cup. Pretty good start.
Reed, Windham and Bubba are certainly towards the tail end of their careers. Windham is obviously the most open about it with pretty much a guarantee he won't be out there past next year.
Reed and Bubba... it will be interesting to see how they go out. None of them will be able to go out like Ricky did - on top. But if either of them finds a way to win a championship this year will they use that to tie a bow on their career?
If Reed stays in this 4th place stink all year will he be out there next year? Will he keep his race team going with a new rider?
Bubba has already set the stage for his after pro racing life. Will he wont to go out on top if he can find is way up there again? Will an injury stop his career? Will he see him in the booth after he hangs it up?
So many questions and possibilities for just these 3 riders. Windham has had a long career with the majority of it not winning championships or really even being in the hunt but its different for Bubba and Reed. They spent a lot of time on top and in that "champion" spot light so I don't think we'll see either of them stay out there as long as Windham has and its probably best that way.
Jeebus, typo fest. Pardon my horrible sleepy eyes typing.
If Villo, Stew, Reedy and Dungey cannot beat a boy whose mommy tells him when to go to bed (Barcia), they should be embarrassed ....
Can't believe the crap I just read...Reed is fourth in the championship after two rounds of sixteen and you beleive he is old and slow, WTF! Dub 10th, too old, too slow, WTF! Stewys past it because he hasn't completed a full series in three years, WTF! Ok we will go with your suggestions, get the more experienced riders as you mentioned to retire ans lets see how much better the sport would be for it? It won't! How about writing something positive, for example, how well these riders are doing against a younger generation. Can't wait to see egg on your face after Barcia & Villopoto wipe them selves out after injures from going too hard and Reed win the championship...Maybe it's time for you to think about a new career and letting a younger more talented writer take your place? I hope all three use this crappy article as fuel to their fire...
Ryno_Honda
Yeah so what !!!! Your dumb and dumber SO!!!
Total load of crap in this article. Stating K-Dub is pre-historic and Reed and (maybe) Stewart as old is as insightful as saying that the sun rises in the East and sets in the West. To be honest, I am surprise DC has written this, especially considering his history in our great sport. DC, what have the last 20 years taught us? This sport is super volatile, no matter what angle you take on it. Changing of the guard is an inappropriate term anyways, cause that's only relevant when one dominating guy is replaced by another (MC to RC). There are simply more faster guys now. Its nothing more complicated than that. There are a lot of races left in the season and anything can happen. Maybe these new guys are on the wrong side edge and its only a matter of time before we see the stretchers pulled out. Who knows? The only thing that can be drawn out of total of two observation points (rounds 1 and 2) is that there is a massive battle raging right now between the vets and the rookies, and the next couple of weeks are going to be epic entertainment. The only season which compares with this one, in my humble opinion, is the 1990 season. How many victories did Stanton get to win that title? It was something quite low no?
Langston_fan
Your washed up too! Go watch your reruns of Amish Moffia !! Dork !
Pitbull
pit bulls cant type or read all they do is bark.. I shot to kill MOFO
Maico25, I don't know whose bio info they used for RV but it wasn't even the right birthday listed, let alone right year. RV turned 24 in August. Stewart is only 27 and doesn't hit 28 until December. Barcia will be 21 in March I believe. I think looking at history we've seen Bradshaw and Lechien's come in and win right away and never win a title (Lechien did it at 16 I believe) and then we've seen guys come in and win right away and become champions (MC, Dungey). Interestingly, MC was older when he was a rookie as well (21).
I think you guys needs to lay off the pipe. Reed, Windham and Stewart and on the way OUT. A few more years.. Reed is the richest supercross racer in history. He is worth 30million $!! He has nothing left to prove and will have a happy life, he isn't interested in riding the edge.
Stewart is second richest SX racer in history..
If you guys think In 3 years that Reed, Stewart and Windham will be beating Tomac, Roczen and Barcia your hitting the pain pills too hard. And if they don't have a chance at winning, they won't race.
Davey was absolutely correct.. And he never said RV was thru. RV is at the END of his prime, and in 2-3 more years he will be like Reed. Very wealthy, very talented, but unwilling to ride the edge to win.
It's life. I understand how you feel, I cried (literally) when McGrath retired and I didn't even want to watch anymore Sx.
And hey as$hole, maybe if more kids listened to their moms they would turn out champions or even productive in society for that matter. Not little losers playing video games failing out of school smoking pot and getting enough tattoos they can stop a train.
The article doesnt even mention rv except for saying he is one of the younger riders compared to the focus of the article - bubba, reed and kdub. Late twenties is old in this sport. It's a young man's game and always has been. Nothing new here so I'm not sure why some of you are getting so bent out of shape. He didn't say they should retire tomorrow.
Windham started last season with a 9th. Maybe he is feeling different, but his results have not been up there for a long time unless something happened to everyone else.
So many of you are correct. I'm so sick of these bogus narrow minded articles. Most posters on here have a far better concept of what is going on. After all, most posters used to be pro's or are on their way. Sick and tired of paying my hard earned welfare money to read these pointless opinion driven self serving articles. I want my money back!
@pitbull... Take a few spoonfuls of your own medicine. Do you really think you have any great insight to offer? I laugh at Sloan and the response he gets. Some really have no clue. Maybe you can figure it out since you seem to be so intelligent.
@rickamatuzio - where did you get those net worth figures from? Celebrity net worth site says he is worth 60 mil, but who know if that is legit.
@Misoheye....
"After all, most posters used to be pro's or are on their way." LEGEND!!
@Ryno-Honda--Stewart finished the entire series in 2011--he just didnt finish it last season.. Stewart ran the entire series in 2011 and finished 4th overall..
@langstonfan....Do know that was sarcasm, right? It's fine to have a negative opinion but, come on people it's free and way better than most if not all.
@ osteo...the only thing those 4 should be embarassed about is they pay people big bucks for a.job that mommy is doing better...this biz is full of people lookin to get paid to do a whole lot nothin...iI applaude him for keeping trust worthy people close to him...it will pay dividends in his future.
Great article Davey,
I have to agree with Micahdogg and Metta. I must say though I just don't see RD and RV as part of the "new guys" thing. I mean both are already multi-champs, RD is way up on the all-times win list. These two are already established. They will win a few more championships between the two of them (SX & MX) at most but I see them only having about another 3 years of podiums. When you look at who will be stepping into the big class next year (Tomac, Baggett, KRoc, etc) there will not be room for the Shorty's, KDubs, Reeds, RVs, RDs, JSs, etc. As for JS, well he has been out of it for a while. His results have nothing to do with the bogus "knee" injury (btw I have not seen any official report from doctors). He is showing how fast he really is when he can keep it on two wheels. Some of us said the same thing last year, that being that if he raced the speed that he can actually handle he would finish top 5 at best. Yes, he was the fastest at one point of his career, and yes he still has a win or two in him (in fact I think he will win A2 this year) but his days of domination are over.
My take on this season so far is this. The field runs deep with talent and when you have 15 guys who are top ten contenders...well, do the math, they cannot all fit in the top ten. Sure I believe CR is a top 3-5 guy, I believe RD and RV are top 3 guys, and no question that Barcia was coming into this season as a top 3-5 guy too. So it does not surprise me one bit that RV, CR, RD, JS, or TC are not running away with anything yet. CR is only 9 points out of first...he still sits in a pretty good position as does RD with 33 points. If all stay healthy this will be a year we will never forget... until the end of 2014 anyway, which I see as a bigger season than this one will be. Oh, and I realize this comment will probably not even be read since the article is at least a day old and the comment is probably about the 40th down on the list :)
The way K-Dub is riding and talking I really wonder if he will make the whole season.
Read must have doubled his net worth in 4 months. What an amazing return.. Dude is old and gold.
Reed and Stewart are not happy unless they have a shot to win. It's getting harder to do, so they may not be around much longer. KDub never really had the killer instinct so it didnt bother him to loose as much. Thats partially why he has had such a long carear.
K-DUB is turnin out to be geico dumber !!
Interesting article about Father Time and how it relates to the sport of Motocross/Supercross. Seems like just yesterday seeing Roger DeCoster in '76 at prime young age of 32 cruising up and down the Carlsbad Freeway on his way to his 5th FIM World Motocross GP Championship. Which he had been already been around for the pro-ranks for 10 years. And he go on to competitively compete in top 5 Championship standings for another 4 years after that.
People are getting into this sport much earlier and much more seriously involved to where either the burn-out stage and/or physical wear and tear take their toll.
As Davey Coombs (I believe) referenced Jeremy McGrath a few weeks ago stating, Riders/People who make it big in this sport (financially) can afford to get in and get out early, if they are smart, and hopefully stay healthy in the process.
So compared to 36 year-old's of yester-year being the norm age of retirement, you have 25 year old veterans looked upon as the Old-Garde and being pushed out to pasture by new 16/17 year old World Champions hoping to last another 3 or 4 years before they are forced out by and even younger crop of modern day gladiators.
It's a cold reality in an ever warming planet...
I need a shot of Geritol with PBR chaser.
@DC - great article and classy response. I'm always amazed at the lack of maturity of many of the posters; I guess bath salts must be catching on with some of these guys.
pinkfld42 I hear what you are saying but I don't buy it yet. When RC took over from MC he was plain faster. You can't say that right now about Barcia or TC, RV and JS have had the fastest laps so I really don't think you are right that it is over for them. RV has been sloppy for sure!! You really don't think he still has what it takes to win this title? I still do. He has shown that he still has it to me and just needs to get the bike diled in. I am a Hugh RV fan and at this point am not worried at all.
Whoops...Hit submit before proofing, my apoligies!
Interesting article about, "Father Time" and how it relates to the sport of Motocross/Supercross.
Seems like it was just yesterday, seeing Roger DeCoster in '76 in his prime of (32) cruising up and down the blue groves of the Carlsbad Freeway on his way to his 5th FIM World Motocross GP Championship, which he had already been around the pro-ranks for 10 or so years by this time. And...he'd go on to competitively contend in top 5 world caliber standings for another 4 years after that.
People are getting into this sport so much earlier, (and considerably more seriously) to where either the burn-out stage, and/or physical wear and tear take their toll on their minds and bodies. As Jason Weigandt (I believe) referenced Jeremy McGrath a few weeks ago stating, riders who make it big in this sport today (financially) can afford to get in and get out early, if they are smart, and hopefully stay healthy in the process.
So, compared to 36 year-old's of yester-year being the, norm (age) of retirement, you now have, 25 year old veterans looked upon as the,Old-Guard, and being let out to pasture by the (new) 16/17 year old World Champions, hoping to last another 3 or 4 years before they are forced out by an even younger crop of modern day gladiators.
It's a cold reality on an ever warming planet...
I need a shot of Geritol with PBR chaser.
My take is that bike setup allows you to be more comfortable, which allows you to go faster. RV;s problem so far (in my opinion) is that he is already going fast enough, and could actually slow it down one click to find the comfort zone. If RV was going 1.5 seconds SLOWER than the fast lap, that is a worry. Stories have it that when RC went to Suzuki he basically told the engineers that the bike is complete crap! And story also has it that NO ONE can ride a bike the way RC had it setup, except him. Bike setup can be an excuse for someone who is sucking, but it also can be a valid reason. Reed last year said RV sometime chooses a tire that he tried in practice and said he could not understand how he was riding with it. Personal preference counts for a lot. What works for Barcia may not fit Reed at all. I think a huge part of Stewart's problems for years has been that he doesn't know what he likes. He can't help the mechanics and engineers figure out what he needs, so they just try everything hoping to find a good combo for him. That is a lot harder than a guy that can tell them it needs a touch less rebound or a touch more compression, etc. As an RV fan I'm digging how the season is shaping up.
pinkfld42 Gotcha. I thought you were saying barcia is the King now. Sorry.
B-KR that is 100% right!! Hell K-Dub can feel the diferance from an AL skid plate to a Carbon fiber one!! That is CRAZY!! These guys LIVE on their bikes and just a tad off is a BIG deal to them.
Caeypons, I don't know who you are referencing about the norm being 35 when they retired, but right now K-Dub is in rarified air qualifying for SX at 35. Larocco was about 35 when he stepped down too. Dowd was the example to use for outdoors (even at 45!). DeCoster is an example, but that still wasn't the norm. The norm in the 80's/90's was around 28-29. We've seen a resurgence in the higher ages still racing in recent years.
Right now Reed is one of the richest and one of the oldest out there, yet is still going for it....he'll be 30 in about 2 months.
Wow. How quickly things change. Just last year, everyone was talking about the parity of the top 5 riders (Stewart, Reed, Villopoto, Canard and Dungey). As we all know, last year was a huge disappointment due to the unprecedented attrition. Now, all the same players are back and healthy (with the notable exception of Stewart and his knee). The only new addition is Barcia, and while he is blazing fast and looking good early on, the season is on 2/17ths over. I think it is safe to say that none of the "Fast 5" have lost any speed since last year. They are simply struggling with early season jitters and set-up issues. Let the season progress. These guys will claim their rightful places atop the podium. It is absolutely ridiculous to be writing them off so early in the season. Yes, Stewart, Reed and Windham have had a slow start, but it was just last year when all 3 either won or were very close. It was just 2011 when Windham had Houston all but wrapped before a crash ended his night. Stewart won the toughest race of the year at Daytona in horrible conditions, JUST LAST YEAR. Reed was arguably riding better than he ever has, and looked to pass Villopoto for sure for the win in Dallas before his season ending crash. If anything, last year should have taught us that ANYTHING can happen. Don't write these guys off so soon, Davey. They are the absolute cream of the current crop. Mark my words. They will deliver.