10 Things to Watch: Atlanta
Friday, February 22, 2013 | 6:00 AM
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PrintBy Aaron Hansel and Chase Stallo
Jake Weimer
After missing a pair of races with broken ribs suffered at A3, Jake Weimer will make his return this weekend in Atlanta. As anyone who has ever had broken or bruised ribs knows, it's an extremely painful injury that makes even minor physical activity very demanding. Plus, the field just seems to get faster and more dialed in every weekend. Weimer was a top-five threat before his injury. Where will he fit in now? -Aaron Hansel
Round One Throwaway
Had you taken a poll before the gate dropped in Dallas asking how Jeremy Martin would do, it's likely that more people would have guessed top ten, or even top five, than a DNQ. But that's where Martin ended up after taking twelfth in his heat and fourth in the LCQ. Expect the talented Star Racing Yamaha rookie to bounce back and put in a better showing this weekend. -Hansel
Weimer makes his return from injury in Atlanta.
Simon Cudby photo
The Breakout
Although Gavin Faith put in some pretty good rides in supercross last year, it's doubtful that anyone would have called him out for a heat race win over guys like Marvin Musquin and Wil Hahn (except for Jason Thomas, Steve Matthes and Jason Weigandt in the Racer X Eastern Regional 250SX preview podcast, just sayin'). But that's exactly what happened, and neither guy made it easy on Faith either, as he was under heavy pressure from both for a good portion of the heat. If Faith can get a good start and ride with the same confidence and poise this weekend that he showed in said heat race, he could end up on the podium. -Hansel
Tale of Two Rookies
Rookie Justin Hill hadn't raced a motorcycle, not even at the local level, since March of 2012, due in part to injury. But that didn't stop him from going out and putting in a truly fantastic ride to nail down fifth place in the first professional supercross race of his life. Meanwhile, Zach Bell's last few months have been injury-filled also, but at much higher-profile level. Hill's race in Dallas was solid, but Bell's was dotted with crashes and-just about everything else. How will they perform in pro SX race number two? -Hansel
Hometown Hero
Davi Millsaps has hands down been the best 450SX rider this year, and even if Monster Energy Supercross wasn't heading into his home state this weekend he'd still be one to watch. The fact that he's a Georgia native who took the first 450SX win of his career in Atlanta in 2008 just makes things that much more interesting. Will the points leader make the fans in Hotlanta go crazy by taking his third win of 2013? -Hansel
Canard looks to get back on track Saturday.
Simon Cudby photo
The Slump
After four straight top five finishes, Honda Muscle Milk's Trey Canard has been in a slump the last three rounds (no podiums, no top-five's). The culprit? Starts. Canard has started 13th, 14th and 16th the last three rounds, compared to 2nd, 6th, 2nd and 3rd the first four rounds. Can Canard get the rails back on track in Atlanta? -Chase Stallo
Pecking Order
After the four title contenders (Wilson, Wharton, Hahn, Musquin) in the 250SX East Region, the pecking order is extremely convoluted. Cole Thompson, Gavin Faith, Justin Hill, Kyle Peters, Vince Friese, Jimmy DeCotis, Zach Bell, among others are all vying to solidify themselves as consistent top-five/podium threats. And with Friese in the mix, there's always the potential for dust ups (remember, Wil Hahn took him down last weekend). Will Atlanta begin to separate the contenders from pretenders? -Stallo
Red Clay
Atlanta has always been known for its tacky red clay, which should provide the riders more traction, and hopefully more lines, than Dallas. But over the last few years, even that sticky red clay has grown harder and slicker for supercross. With riders expressing their unhappiness about the tracks thus far, will Atlanta ease tension in the paddock? -Stallo
Can Stewart secure his first podium of the year in Atlanta?
Simon Cudby photo
Revitalized?
Before having to pull out of the main with a clutch problem, Yoshimura Suzuki's James Stewart arguably looked the best we've seen him all season. He's reportedly able to practice a few times a week now, and the ACL doesn't seem to be bothering him that much right now. For certain, they're searching for answers-like bringing his dad down to the line to pack his gate last weekend. Can Stewart break through and grab his first podium of the season in Atlanta? -Stallo
Chizz Filling In
After missing the last two rounds due to a concussion, and following a rocky start to the season with the new-found Velocity 3 Yamaha team, Kyle Chisholm will fill-in for the injured Josh Grant in Atlanta. Chisholm has been a top-ten performer in the past; will the switch to JGR provide a spark to his 2013 season? -Stallo
Late Bonus Entry: As if we needed anymore competition in the 450 class. After his announcement on SPEED last week during the live broadcast from Dallas, everyone has been salivating over the possibilities 2012 West Region Champion Eli Tomac brings to the table. Can he podium in his debut? Will he throw a wrench in the title chase? Those and many more questions will be answered this weekend in the ATL. -Stallo
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We shall see.
Super combat wombat holeshot btw,....ya'll got nothin on me.
Yes we shall.HahaThis is the closest one to me 2 1/2 hrs. away and I'm to dam lazy to go.
Zach bell this Zach bell that. Shut up! In Moto you are going to go down and 80 % of the time it just jumps up and gets you unexpectedly . Plus getting to SX is no cake walk even with Geico Honda he's been racing for over ten years he could jump on a supermini and beat half that bunch of no name riders that dean Wilson was caught up in the heat
Watching Eli Tomac race his 450 this weekend should definitely be on the #10 list...and wouldn't surprise me if he gets a podium too!
No mention of Tomac? Is he not jumping on the 450 this weekend?
Good dirt?? Tomac?? JS finds his mojo?? RD pushing his way to the front?? RV getting starts?? Reed still looking foor his mojo?? TC back up front?? JB holeshots?? SAP's still in the lead!!
.24hrs away!!!
I just had to get up and run a circle, doing a happy dance thinking about this race...
I hope its good
motocrossone.blogspot.de See you there!
@Spydee112 - go to the home page - go to Wednesday - there is a Video dedicated to Tomac and his 450 debut this weekend at Atlanta (AMA debut anyways....)
Got some really insightful questions and answers...
- Are you excited to be racing 450? _ that is all the kid has talked about - even before the 2012 Nationals ended - so I say yes...
- What is the main differnce between the 250 and 450? - Brilliant question there...
I hope and pray that _________ is first to cross the finish line drawn in the Georgia clay this Saturday.
Sorry, but it is impossible to pick a name that makes sense in the 450's because everybody is so good.
Wilson again in the 250's.
Will james stewart keep his finger on the clutch lever?? Doesn't look like it.
It would be extra cool if Tomac could win on a 450 in Atlanta, that would be twice he won his debut race.
If not Tomac, definitely Davi Millsaps. Davi will be at home in Atl.
Atlanta of all races will probably be the biggest pressure test for Millsaps....Points leader, home town, pretty much the half way mark of the series....going to be great....I think Stewart will finally make the podium....can he have any more bad luck than last week.... top 3 will be RV, Saps and Stewart....cant predict what order.... Tomac will do fine I am sure, but I dont think he is out there to prove anything just yet with the West title still on the objective....but who knows, I could see him run up front...but this isnt the Monster Cup either.....250/125 succuess doesnt alway equal 450 ......Weimer, Tedesco had some dominant times on the 250's, but jumping to the 450 not so much....but we'll see....Tomac is a good kid and just another Honda pushing Reed back a spot most likely....
Reed still has it, i'm just not sure his "it" is enough for this era. I've never been a fan of his really, mostly because of his past attitude, but i can't help but like the guy these days. Even if he never produces another championship win for himself, he's surely secured his place in the history books as one of the best the sport has ever seen. With a start i wouldnt be surprised if this tacky (we hope) clay will produce a win for him. Then again, he had the start he needed last week.
Tomac this, Tomac that. He won't jump on a 450 and win.
How many riders have dominated lites and struggled with the jump?
Eli can make a top 5.. Maybe better, but it won't be easy for him.
Speaking of dominant 250 riders that have not enjoyed the same success this year on a 450, Brock Tickle surely comes to mind. Sure, the field is extremely deep, but RC has had to watch his rider race from the back...Grant's returning. Lookout!!!! Someone is going to get a wheel in their fender. T-bone for dinner....Good luck trying to predict a winner in ATL???????
I think its smart to get some rounds in now for ET. He can get comfortable in the class and see where his speed is at all without the stress of it being his rookie year.
Will be in the JGR camp this weekend come bye and say hi...If you see Art Eckman or Larry Maiers you will probably see me by there side................. Will be in Daytona for the 500 Sunday in the JGR pits as well with Art and Coach Sunday say hi if you are around ....
1.RV-1
2.RD-5
3.JB
1. DW-15
BD25 I saw my taste of snow 2 days back in Arizona LOL
CR 500 AF
Whats happening !!!
Tomac is gonna make some noise. And Stewart with a good start will win.
If you think Tomac is going to struggle with the 450 like Weiner and Tedesco, you must not have seen him at Bercy or the Monster Cup. He'll be the fastest Honda.
I'll bet that he wins 1 within his first 5 races.
OOOPS! In my comment above, I said Grant was returning. My bad. He's not......Hey, what's the scoop on Hansen again? I know he made that bonehead move at A1 and got totally ripped, which he rightfully deserved for being an absolute Dbag. I thought I read somewhere that he had an illness??? I am thinking there may be more to it than just that.
@ryan - no official wordon Hansen, not much info on his twitter account, but someone asked if he was going to race any more SX and he replied with a 'yes'. The Kranyak Kawi deal from A1 doesn't appear available anymore. If that's the case I don't see anyone offering him a ride, but you never know in this business. As he's shown, it's tought to make a SX main if you're not ripping test track laps and training full time.
MrMx Glad you escaped the snow. We had a couple days of it, most of it has melted away leaving us some needed moisture. I met Larry several times in the late 80's and drank a adult beverage (or 2) with him at the Lazy E, after an arenacross..He is a great guy! He and Art Eckman covered our sport with style. Helmets off to both..Enjoy Atlanta, it is shaping up to be a great race, I will have to catch the rebroadcast Sunday, as I am going to the Arenacross in Wichita Saturday...Nice to see your name back on line...
Hansen is done racing....No team and zero desire.
Go Blake Wharton and Davi Millsaps!
Just got done watching the '11 MXdN Mx1+Open. Just makes you nod your head and smile lol.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&feature=endscreen&v=yEpzdb41up4
Yes I watched the Monster Cup. And your point? RV was in a league of his own, Reed first ride in a year and Barcia was just as fast as Tomac. What are you getting at? That's a piss poor indicator of Tomacs 450 speed if you ask me. Nobody was there
Wonder how many people in that room believed he'd be where he's at now.
....man i miss racing myself.
Mr Mx - welcome back after your extended travels. Hope your back is in the mend.
Tacky red clay - Hmmmm. I think not, based on the press day pictures. Some of the shots Brown Dog took look more like Class C flat track than MX.
Clay can fool ya when its been compressed and scraped by the blade of those machines. Could be right though.
man, supercross is so boring
Dungey wins w/ smooth throttle control, and a whole lotta desire. Slippery red clay....Milsaps second,.....I like RV as much as anyone, but , I dont have a good happy feeling for him on slippery indoor track. My free 2 cents, worth.
Does this Joint have a roof? Old one didnt I dont think.
Joemoto...the GA dome is enclosed.
Any chance Stewarts stars line up tonight? I'd like go see the dark horse (no pun), and RV go at it.
Zach Bell, NO CRASH tonight kid, Bodner has slept all week worrying about this kid. It's ok to settle for top 5 zach