by Andy Bowyer
Rev Up: Anaheim 2
Thursday, January 17, 2013 | 2:00 PM
Dragon is a leading mx goggle manufacturer with innovative new styles like the NFX frameless goggle with patented lens technology. To win a pair of these premium NFX goggles, go to Dragon’s Facebook or Instagram page and pick this week’s 450 AMA Supercross winner.
Tweet
Advertisement | Advertise with Us
Share
Comment
Email
Print
Hello, everyone, and welcome to the Rev Up. After two rounds of the 2013 Monster Energy Supercross Championship, we should get ready for the racing to intensify. It’s hard to think about a race being more exciting than Anaheim 1 where two Cinderella stories passed back and forth for the win on the last lap. Phoenix burned hard, producing a first time winner and some downright dirty crashes, but we’re a long ways from reaching the potential of this championship. The return to Angel Stadium carries some serious steam with a surprise points leader and veterans hungry for redemption. This event on the schedule is always cool to me because the complexion of the field changes. Two main events removed from the opening round butterflies and with time to adjust the machines, this race historically paints a different picture. I think we’re going to see something special. Let’s look at both classes and roll the neck a couple times pondering what lies ahead.
250
GEICO Honda’s Eli Tomac is in tune with his CRF250 and putting down some laps that are hard to find a dent in. When Tomac won his first ever National I noted his text book form and riding style. He was smaller then and looked to fit the bike better. I think his new size and strength makes his riding style look a little more sloppy, but it’s allowed his speed to climb. His cornering technique is still flawless, but he can over jump to the face of hits, and simply ride ahead of his bike now. I know a lot of talk has been made of the 250 being a superior racing machine, and Eli concretes the hype. I’ve always felt you can get around a supercross or motocross track faster when you aren’t being yanked around by the bike. In fact, I’ve seen 85cc and Supermini riders set the fast lap times at amateur races my whole life. Jeff Emig used to be the faster than the 250 pros at Lake Whitney on his. What I’m getting at is, just watch Tomac get around the track. He’s absolutely charging on every foot of track surface, and never waiting to get on the gas. He’s ready for what the machine can offer and pulling for more. He’s flying.
Cole Seely sits 12 points back of Eli Tomac in the West Region after two rounds.
Simon Cudby photo
450
I don’t think we’ve so much as scratched the surface here. With Muscle Milk Honda’s Justin Barcia getting his first win last week, and Davi Millsaps carrying the red plate the scenarios just jump off the screen! We shouldn’t slight the domination of Barcia’s win, because he’s been fast since the opening practice session, and won the Monster Energy Cup. It only took him one round to win by a wide margin. He’s always been a holeshot guy, and this is why he gets the nod from me for at Anaheim 2. He’s ready to ride away again if he bangs another one. His teammate, Trey Canard is doing what he needs to do. Had it not been for that unlucky tip over, he would be the points leader heading into round 3. He needs to keep the rubber side down and keep it rolling.
This brings us to Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto. The two-time defending champion has two things wrong, and they’re both crashing. Was he fast enough to get Barcia at Phoenix if he didn’t slide out? I think so. But, like the last three times he raced, he went down. Losing the front wheel like he has been has to deter his confidence, landing him in unfamiliar territory. I think he’ll top the practice charts and be ready to race Barcia. The holeshot will be paramount between the two.
Meanwhile, frustration looms. Red Bull KTM’s Ryan Dungey and TwoTwo Motorsports Chad Reed are rattled following their opening efforts and need to keep Barcia close in points before things get away from them. Reed’s game isn’t that far off, and I think he’ll continue to come into his own over the next two rounds. Dungey has yet to produce the speed of Canard, Barcia, and RV plus he almost didn’t make the main last week. He’ll rebound and I expect some desperation from RD5 as he tries to get on the box this Saturday night. Desperation may be just what he needs.Speaking of desperate, the JGR guys haven’t been so much as a blip on the radar yet. Justin Brayton is beat up, and Grant has started well but faded. Coy Gibbs will go to the whip on those guys and I think they’ll be further motivated to get in the top five. But, hey, the top five is salty. Passing is scarce thus far in the big show, and you have to start up there.
Ryan Dungey looks to rebound from an 8th in Phoenix at Anaheim 2.
Simon Cudby photo
Yoshimura factory Suzuki’s James Stewart continues to press on. You can hear the dissatisfaction in Ricky Carmichael’s commentary when he ripped off that heat race win. RC has seen James race beat up his whole career and knows if he has his riding gear on he is a threat. Stewart was tentative in the pack at Phoenix, and there is little doubt he’s wounded. Be that as it may, if he can make it to the main event healthy he can get it done with a holeshot. He’ll fight hard for it, too.
A fight is exactly what is coming. The push-pull between the former champions and young lions is about to manifest some hay makers. If the track lends itself to more passing the mess we’ve been waiting for could rear its ugly head. Attrition has knocked on the door, but all of the guns still have powder in them. Through two rounds Davi Millsaps is standing tall with the red plate, but the wolves are coming. We’re set for Supercross at Anaheim. Supercross in southern California -- the pinnacle of our sport. The fans are rabid and passionate, and the racers all leave a little more on the track. Let’s get ready to see if Davi can hang on, Barcia can repeat, or if RV Park will have his vengeance. I can feel some serious pressure mounting and am expecting to see some paint and plastic clash. It feels like a barn burner is on the board. The power of the 450s and the prowess of the contenders has us flinching with each passing lap. Let's get it up in here and get ready to watch them hang on again!
Thanks for reading, see you next week.
Share this article:
Did you like this article?
Check out LAST NIGHT
in our Latest issue of Racer X available now.
Ryan Villopoto may have locked up his 450SX title a week early, but the 2013 Monster Energy Supercross Championship finale still had drama and excitement to spare. Page 124.
Look for the verified symbol 
Impulse Studios
Heres to hoping that Ryan Dungey wins this title.
It's so awesome to be a fan of this sport. Its like watching UFC but with every fighter in the cage at once. Woohoo!
Awesome article. always love reading rev up. The only issue i found in this peice was the Dungey comments. At A1 he was faster then barcia and canard in practice, and was tenths off of RV and stew. in the main he was all over barcia the whole race till he went down. He was the fastest guy out of the top four. At pheonix he was once again was only a tenth off rv, stew and barcia in practice, also faster then canard. i thought he was gonna win it until he had the misfortunes in his heat race. saying he is in desperation mode is a little far fetched i think.
I want to see RC & Frow throw down right on tv ! I know I would ! LOL
I want to see if that woos Ralphy will get in the middle or just run.. I say he would BOW out ..
Someone will take a major dump this weekend it will end there hopes for the title... Will it be Toto Poto ! will it be Lil Gary Coleman ... or ? Thats the question ! WHO !
Great article but I disagree with the Tomac statement. When watching the races I sometimes just laugh at how crazy it is that he's going soooo fast and seems to have absolute control of the motorcycle. He's either on the brakes or the gas and the bike just flows under him. It's amazing to watch. Actually it's amazing at how fast a bunch of the top guys are going. It's mind blowing that these kids can ride these tracks WFO and not look like their riding over their heads .
@ Sloan
I took a 'major dump' this morning...reminded me of you...hahaha
Dodge, Bowyer is a biased piece of garbage who hates Dungey for whatever reason. Dungey's been fine and will only get better. He had two little moments that have hurt a bit, one of which was out of his control (you can count on Grant to make stupid moves like he did in heavy traffic at phoenix leaving Dungey in a tough spot for the night). Only Villopoto and Reed have shown that they have what it takes to beat Dungey over a whole season, and considering the points situation, Dungey's in great position especially already getting a bad night out of the way.
Problem with Dungey is practice times mean very little if you can't run fast in traffic....especially the speed this years crop is running. My man the Dungenator is going to have to take a cue from RV (minus the crashes) and start making things happen! When it's a slot track you gotta get a little creative and whole lot assertive!
I want my Ryans back up front where they belong dammit!!!
@warrior462, haha yea. I don't mind Bowyer at all. His rev up articles always get me fired up for the coming races. I just think it's too early to be saying that its desperation time. Plus his facts are based of a crash that happened in a heat race, that wasn't even RD's fault as you stated. i'm pretty sure he never doubted RV after crashing three times at A1 and again at Phoenix. Just doesn't make sense. if there is anyone to be worried about it's stew.
@Dungeypoto I agree practice is much different then the races. But grant made a stupid move that unfortunately took dungey out. although i must say RV seems to be crashing a lot when he is trying to make something happen. I fear he is gonna lose confidence in the front tire soon if these crashes continue.
One month ago I would not have believed that anyone could raise the bar in terms of speed and technique: Barcia and Tomac are riding at another level.
Villopoto appears to be the only one trying to take it even higher. Milsaps and Canard are doing a great job of hanging in the fight.
Everyone else is doing their best, but it doesn't appear to be enough.
1. RV
2.JB
3.TC
Good luck all
@ Dodge
don't think it's so much the tire but more the Air Forks....they got to get them dialed or go back to last years...
Thing I love the most about RV is his aggressive cornering.....enters harder and gets on the gas earlier than anyone out there.....that will change if he can't trust the front end.....just watch the roost off his bike as he gets to mid corner....straight up in the air = awesome.
I have a feeling that JS is going to come alive this weekend..
DungeyPoto
What a goof !! You should be ashamed to have 2 great rider last names or use them for your funny........ Which I think you should do everyone a favor and die on your buttered warped sword !! LOL !
@ Sloan
it's ok dude...don't get sensitive.....I'm one of the few that likes your posts..
@ Dungeypoto I'm mostly a reed and dungey fan, but even i am amazed by RV's abillty to control that bike to the extreme limit. it's fun to watch. What he did at a1 in the heat race was incredible.
i'm thinking he is gonna want to reassert dominance, along with CR22, RD5. JS7 is the x-factor this week due to his health.
450:
1) RV
2) RD
3) CR
250
1) KR
2) CS
3) ET
@ Dodge.....
would love to see your predic tions come thru.....it's great to see t he JB and TC doing well and adding a new element to the series.....but I do believe the 'old guard' is no where near ready to pass the torch. I would also like to see Bubba get up in there and start taking some points away.....
@ Dungeypoto The 'old guard' isn't quite ready to leave yet! hopefully get to see some awesome racing this weekend! millsaps is a great story, and canard is an even better story, but the original fast four are gonna start to take the series back.
Dodgeb81
I like them pics !!
DungeyPoto I'm relaxed I just took a sedetive !
GARY COLEMAN HAHAHAHAHAHA
Do ya not think that given what they know about round 3 ie: guys are over their nerves and ready to rumble that it would a good idea to have this one live??
Gonna have to watch lapcharts and twitter...ugh.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7YYeF7cvY4
Nothin like being out front and the buze from the crowd! LOL
$5 ON FROW HE HATES RC......
Reed rattled? I'm not so sure. 4-4 is right in the thick of things and Chad has spent a lot of his career there.
I agree that some may be looking to assert themselves, and A2's track conditions will favor a more aggresive riding approach over Phoenix's slick track.
It will be interesting to see if Villopoto will keep his "crash every race since returning" streak alive.
A win from steady guys like Dungey or Reed would be a suprise and probably shock the others into taking an even bigger gamble than they may or may not already be making.
I think a suspension tech that could get a handle on these air forks and come up with a set-up that these guys could race with would be a wealthy man right about now.
Dungey passed more people than anyone last week. ya, they werent the fastest, but on that slot car track, it was pretty amazing. he can pass when he needs to. The officals should keep a close eye on Grant- he has caused many of the crashes and near crashes in the first 2 races so far, and i am sure he wont let up now.
@ Ruletheroost
Hey subliminally every time I see you post something, I think of Rooster Cogburn in my own mind !
I was wondering if you had a patch over one eye or smoke 100 cigarettes a m day !!
LOL !!!
@Pitbull, KRoc was definitely flying through those corners last weekend. That's for sure.
It's a little early to be giving away the title fellas. I just honestly don't think that Dungey, Reed or Stewart are gonna be championship guys anymore. It's not that I don't like them because honestly the only riders I can say that I hate are Josh Hansen and Vince Friese. The window of opportunity in this sport is very small and we are finally starting to get more contenders in the field. Dungey has the asterik by his titles that were given to him by the haters for good reason. But in that sense MC should have an asterik by all of his titles too since there really wasn't anyone else on the same page as him. I fully understand that you have to be in it to win but Dungey was never the fastest guy really, He was just consistent. I don't think that approach is going to work with all the competition that is out there this year. Reed and Stewart are old horses who will grab wins here and there but I think their championship days are over. Here's to hoping that everyone stays healthy and on the starting gate this year so we can get an answer to this debate.
Looking forward to going A2 this weekend, but as for race win picks, who knows. I may be wrong, but in the last couple of years, is seems like it takes Reed a few rounds to get going. Who knows whats up with James, but I thought he looked better in the first 2 rounds of last years outdoor season. It is hard to think Villopoto is an old guy campared to Barcia. Best of luck to all.
@MustardDog,, RD couldnt pass for the lead in the LCQ in Phoenix, and had about 4 laps worth of trying.. That didnt look to good.
@Meangreen Dungey was the fastest evrytime he won a race. And that's a lot. Rember he has the sameamount of Big bike titles as Villo , with 1 less year . Same as Reed with a lot less years.
If anybody was missing from the races or Championships, well thats on them . You got to be in it to WIN IT !!
@pitbull
That's pretty good stuff. I'm with Bam Bam because he had a 10 second lead at one point last weekend, then backed it down. And I think his bike is working for HIM better than anyone. Agreed RV should win too, and I think they'll battle if get out. 3 winners in 3 races sounds good, no?
Staying with my feelings that Tomac is above all in 250's. If he doesn't wreck big he's gone. IF he does, Roczen is your guy.
Didn't mean to bash RD or KTM last two weeks, Ryan just hasn't looked fast to me in the main events. Be a big win for him and KTM. Heck, a KTM sweep could happen soon. I like Katooms...do you ride a KTM? haha
Tomac is gnarlboro country in the first two races. Not much left to imagine.
@carlsbad
Reed is rattled because he is pissed with his bike so far. He'll get it dialed.
I'm really pumped for A2 though. Can't argue it's the most exciting yet with what's happened so far. Rooting for Millsaps to podium and keep the plate!
@Hattica77--I'm with ya'. # winners in 3 races, heck yes..
Warrior and Dodge I would be glad to make a gentlemens bet on Dungey. Practice times and heat races mean squat. Even race times mean squat. The only thing that matters is where you are when the checkered falls in the main. And one doesn't necessarily have anything to do with the other. Dungey has proven time and again that in SX he isn't a charger. AND, indoors or out he gets frustrated when he can't easily pass. Think Im wrong rewatch Washougal from last year and his tantrum surrounding not passing Alessi. He will melt down mentally this year. No question. This field is stacked, and to use a movie quote this is the not fookin' around crew. You better be ready to force your way to the front if you aren't ripping holeshots. If you don't believe what Im saying then you are not legitamately paying attention to the racing with an unbiased view. I would not be shocked if RD doesn't get another podium this year that doesn't involve someone elses bad luck
@ motobk....AGREED. I've said it a million times, they race for championships and there's no such thing as asterisks, we could asterisk every title ever won if we tried. Asterisks are assigned by people who are angry their favorite didn't win the overall can't stay on two wheels regardless of lap times. First to the checkers wins the moto, person with the most points wins the title, there's really no two ways about it. The rest is just speculation and opinion.
this is what dungey has always looked like when the big boys are all racing
once a few top guys go out for the season we'll start seeing him on the podium again
just like a boring bowl of corn flakes, he'll be there when all the good food is gone
@speedracer42, i'm pretty sure every racer gets frustrated when their faster then a guy and can't pass him, but to say he mentally lost and through a tantrum leads me to believe were not watching the same races. do you forget southwick in 2011? a minute behind and comes back to finish 7th.. two spots behind villopoto... how bout pala that same year two crappy starts yet he won the overall. what about last year at millvile? bad start in moto1 yet had the lead 6-7 min in. Dungey is as mentally tough as they come, and i see many podiums this year in sx,
@speedracer42, i'm pretty sure every racer gets frustrated when their faster then a guy and can't pass him, but to say he mentally lost and through a tantrum leads me to believe were not watching the same races. do you forget southwick in 2011? a minute behind and comes back to finish 7th.. two spots behind villopoto... how bout pala that same year two crappy starts yet he won the overall. what about last year at millvile? bad start in moto1 yet had the lead 6-7 min in. Dungey is as mentally tough as they come, and i see many podiums this year in sx,
Red Riders are coming! With young guns Barica and Canard, and soon to graduate Tomac, I feel the dominance of Factory Honda of old is soon to return. Tick Tock, the clock waits for no-one.
carlsbad, Yes Reed went 4-4 but it was NOT pretty and I am sure Reed would be the first to say it!! he is WAAAAAAAAAAAAY off the pace right now. I am sure he will pick it up but the 4-4 was a bit lucky IMO. RV passed him and left him for dead. If not for the starts and others going down Reed may be looking at a 8-6 so far.
MustardDog he can't pass the top guys when he needs to, We have seen it to many times!!
I am hoping Barcia get up in RD's grill!!! that could be all RD needs to set him off and start pushing people around!!....Or at least push barcia around LOL
Dodge re-read my comments. He doesn't charge is SX. I just used Washougal as an example. He is much better outdoors, but even there we haven't seen him up against a stacked field. Hes simply better outdoors than in. Gentelemens bet. Lets see how this SX season goes for him
Dodgeb81 YUP there have been Races where RD passed a lot of guys and looked GREAT but there have been more where he was much faster but could not make the pass. If he gets the start he will be hard to beat but is not going to do it from outside the top 5 at the start. Infact he gets passed a lot on the first lap.
Well can any one smell whats about to hit the fan??? Bammer is full of C&C, RV was feeling it last weekend, but slipped down..All things being equal (the start), it will be the new kid on the block looking to push around the class bully. When these two get to race each other, in tight quarters, we will have a show to watch..
The 20 somethings, Millsaps, Canard and Dungey not much difference in speed, Breaking it down, Trey is the most aggressive, Davi still thinks he has something to prove, while Ryan rides their speed in the comfort zone. Time for RD to widen that zone or miss the podium again, because we have seen the other two, do what it takes..
In Vet class, Reed is tired of 4th and being 10 or more seconds off the pace, Stewart is tired of playing it safe, so the two of them will reset the clock and pretend it is 08 or 09 in an effort to relive when they were the stars..What do they say about when stars collide..
In the tiddlers, so far it has been To Much Tomac for the rest of the class. Roczen needs to start out closer, if he wants to spoil Eli's T party, other wise E.T. will be caught on CBS's film on his bike alone in space..
Speedracer42, then don't use nationals as examples. sx and mx are two completely different animals. one is a sprint, and the other is a marathon. yes he is better outdoors than in, that is a fact. The difference is he has proven, to me atleast, is that he can beat the top guys because he has already done it. Atlanta last year he held off RV all race( and stew who was in third) running his best laps at the end. i would like to see more aggression, but it won't ever happen. it's not his racing style.
RD dont need skills to pass people that are laying on the ground. Go read what preston says about RV's crashing.... it aint the forks.
@billc I agree, first laps kill him. especially last year they did. seems like it takes him a lap to get going.
So no bet then?
RV is having 2008 flashbacks, he's definitely the fastest but he's making a lot of mistakes, just like he did in 08.
The only way RD will win in sx is if the others have problems, speed wise he's not.
JGR is not getting top 5 on those Yamahas.
Great start for Barcia, Millsaps and Canard...
I just hope they all stay healthy all season long.
This field is Super Stacked!!! Gone are the days of leaders lapping up to top 5. As fast as Barcia, Trey and Villo were going, they barely lapped up to 15 th( hurt Brayton). Top 10 in 450 lcq was packed with great riders. What a season! Can't wait for Saturday. Go RV! Or may the best man win!
@Sloan
Careful, you WONT like what i know and have to say about you, think before you talk smack on me !
"Dungey didn't have the speed"............. GIMME A BREAK YOU JERK. almost as biased as MSNBC
All these articles have their flashes of rhetoric......whether it is that Canard would be the points leader if not for that "unlucky tip-over", Dungey and Reed being "rattled", or Barcia won by a "wide margin".
It is still amazing that people don't see this is the SAME RV that we saw in 2011 and 2012. Anyone remember him failing to qualify (and still winning the title)? Was it Phoenix last year where he clipped a bike and fell in the sand, and then ran off the track, before getting an amazing 3rd? How about when he got hung up on the Tuff Blocks at some point. Expecting flawless, calm, consistent laps from RV is something new apparently, maybe forgotten is that he has never done that....not even while winning 3 straight 250 MX titles (check THOSE crash reels). I think that even when he wins by a slim margin now, people will act like something is wrong expecting that 20 second gap. I think a lot of people will be changing their thinking once we get this 3rd round over and they groan and say "oh nooo, not again". It remains to be seen whether that will be RV fans or RV haters.
My inside sources at Feld have told me the tuff blocks are shit canned for the year. They will be replaced with painted school buses. The metal scaffolding will be covered in velcro so the riders will just stick to it.
Why is everyone so quick to think that RV would beat Barcia with a good start or no washed out front end? No more evidence to support that than Barcia will crash out. How many times has RV passed Barcia? Once, twice when Barcia filled in during MX. I hope these two do race together it will be awesome anyway it turns out. Think about this..... If you look at things through a tunnel, you will get hit by the train.
great conversation. there is no way to predict a winner or champion this season. go dm js tc cr rv rd in that order please
I'm getting ready to take my 3 sons to Anaheim 2. We live for moto for the most part and I have a good paying job, but after dropping $400 to get thru the gate, $100 for gas, min $100 for food and drink for the day I'm thinking $600 is pretty much like an arse raping. Can i at least get some KY gel at the gate.
mrfingknowitall11
Is your real name Fred Mcmurry?!?!
What I've seen do far is RV and TC appear to be the most capable speed wise but Barcia and millsaps get starts and don't make mistakes ...I pick Barcia to win title if the red heads don't smooth it out ... Millsaps a solid 4 th and reed and dungey behind those 4 riders
@ruletheroost- hahaha took me a while to realize who the hell that was. Thats funny shit.
mrfingknowitall11
No problem.....SLOAN did it to me and i got all but hurt until
i found out it was the DUKE !!! LOL
It's all good.
Good rev-up Andy. I,m going to stick my neck out and say Barcia and Roczen for the wins.
For all the talk of Jame's dominance, fmotp, etc. the reality his he's been inching off the radar screen bit by bit for a couple of years and recent events bode more of the same to come. The next thing to go will be the staggering contracts he's been able to garner. At some point sponsors and teams will hve to face the undeniable reality that an occassional first, punctuated by months and months and months of obscurity just aren't worth the dollars and redirect the same to more 'present' riders. James is a nice guy whose time came and went and we all are struggling to 'get over him', but it's time.
@pitbull...Read your last sentence, I think myself and few others think the same of you. Go back to the kennel before Sloan catches you and gets you neutered, maybe spayed. Hard to tell.