Insight: Various Views on Millsaps
Thursday, March 7, 2013 | 11:00 AM
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PrintThere’s no doubt that Rockstar Energy Racing’s Davi Millsaps grabbing two wins and having a 12-point lead in the series (with two wins!) is one of the bigger surprises this year. Millsaps is trying to do something that has never been done in our sport, and that is win the premier class supercross title in his sixth year in the class. It’s an amazing story and he’s been as solid as a rock the entire season.
We thought that going around the pits and getting thoughts from some of the people that worked with Davi before, or have seen him through the years, was in order here:
Mike Williamson/Factory Kawasaki: “I think Davi’s riding great; I think that at Anaheim 1 everyone was surprised. Now we expect him to be up there every week. He had never been up there this much before. If you don’t say you’re surprised, then you’re lying. I don’t know the reason why he’s this good. It can’t be the Yamaha—he got second in the points last year. He’s confident and he hasn’t had a bad race yet. When he does have a bad race, we’ll have to see how he recovers from that.”
Jimmy Perry/Yamaha: “I’m absolutely surprised by what we’re seeing. He’s finally putting it all together and I think the biggest thing is that he’s been healthy the whole time. I think [throughout] his whole career, he’s been down and out and healing from injuries. It’s tough to get back on top of that horse when you’re always healing, and now he looks to be in great shape. [He] had a whole off-season to get ready and we’re seeing the results.
“He’s got it all together this year—it’s surprising. I guess when you realize in life that you’ve missed a lot of opportunities, you have a baby and [get] a reality check, you maybe realize that you can put it together." - Jeff Stanton
Simon Cudby photo
Dan Bentley/Team Manager, Honda Muscle Milk: “We all knew he had the talent and he’s finally figuring it all out. He seems like he’s not under a lot of pressure, and that environment suits him well. The bike is working well for him, also, and kudos to him; it’s nice to see. When we had him, we saw the talent—that’s why we hired him—but I think it’s a combination of being a bit more mature, having a family, the team, and everything is falling into place for him. I’m happy for him.”
Jeremy Albrecht/Team Manager, JGR Yamaha: “I would say that it’s unexpected only because I expected—with a two-year deal [with us]—that he would get a little comfortable, but he’s proven me wrong. He’s riding awesome and he’s actually doing what all of us thought he could do years ago. That’s why he got a Honda ride and why we hired him also. He’s riding at the level that he’s capable of. He’s always been this good—we’ve all seen it here and there. Last year he was good for us and we talked about re-signing him, but we didn’t want to do a long-term [deal], and yeah, it looks bad on us now, but we told him that if he kept going we’d keep going. He’s always had the talent to win, but it’s been a question of “Does he want to?” and now he wants to a little more.”
Frank Latham/Mechanic, Red Bull KTM: “He’s a good guy. I just think he came in ready. Usually it takes him until about now to get fit, but now he’s fit right away. I always thought he had the talent. Now he did the work in the off-season and he’s got some things going his way this year.”
"He’s riding awesome and he’s actually doing what all of us thought he could do years ago. That’s why he got a Honda ride and why we hired him also." - Jeremy Albrecht
Simon Cudby photo
Ian Harrison/Technical Director, Red Bull KTM: “I think he’s happy with his bike, and his confidence is up and that’s why he’s doing what he’s doing. Everything has to be lined up for a rider to win races and for him, this year, it’s all there.”
Jeff Stanton/Former professional rider, Advisor to Honda Muscle Milk: “He’s got it all together this year—it’s surprising. I guess when you realize in life that you’ve missed a lot of opportunities, you have a baby and [get] a reality check, you maybe realize that you can put it together. I think he’s always had the talent but perhaps he didn’t want to put in the work ethic that it took to put it together. He’s right up there among the most talented guys, but he’s never put apples and apples together. To have the opportunities that he’s had, to now being in somewhat of a privateer situation, he’s working hard and it’s a good thing.”
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Davi has always had an amazing talent and a great riding style, but whether it was personal problems, his often questioned work ethic or his long list of injures, a black cloud always seemed to hover above Milsaps. This year the cloud has lifted, with all his injures behind him, a healthy Davi seems to be reborn, finding the inspiration, comfort and confidence that are required in this sport. Perhaps now he will be able to finally reach his true potential, once again proving, hard work and persistence are required to walk the path to success...
I thinks its great.. Second last year and now leading the points, pretty cool.. Lets hope if he does have a bad race its on him and not a mechanical.. I would hate to see anyone lose a points lead by a mechanical.. Lets hope he can run like this all the way to Vegas..
His wife said " sack up you pu**y and go make some money for your family"
that and he's healthy for once, a that Suzuki has been a title winning bike most of the last 8 years
.
It's good to see someone that is off the radar doing so well
Is just one of those things....He had the talent coming up from the 125 and was a top prospect when he jumped on team Honda...He showed moments of promise here and there, but never too consistent...No outdoor titles in the 125 days is my biggest suprise....Saps reminded me alot of Pastrana outdoors....He has shown the same moments outdoors in the past few years on the 450....a great moto here and there...but never consistent....this year he has been consistent, so we'll see....If he doesnt win the SX title, I bet he still finishes consistantly in the top 4 from here on out and only losing it to RV by a few points.....
Following the STL race in the post race interview, I you could tell he was a little frustrated, for obvious reasons. However the " he completely destroyed my arm " comment and his body language I hope is something he shook off as that frame of mind may work against him....Alot of folks were fired up after all the protest and flag debacles....so hopefully everyone is rested up and ready for DAYTONA.... I think Davi can do well and it will be a hint at what he can door outdoors this year as well.....
If bringing a life into this world doesn't motivate you nothing will. Props to Davi and good luck.I think he'll need it to pull off the championship.
Its pretty simple.. If he continues to get good starts, and no major mistakes,, he will do well, just like about 7 other guys would do..
I think his St Louis ride was probably his most impressive this year. He took a massive hit from Canard and still ended up just a few seconds off the 5 riders in front of him. He said his arm felt like he had bad arm pump, and anyone who has experienced arm pump will know how much of a handicap it must have been. Also, don't forget, it was his right arm, the one that does all the work. Without that, I feel he would have been on the podium, very possibly in front of JS.
The guy is on fire ATM and he's rock solid into the bargin.
I'm not a betting man, but if I was, I'd have a small wager on Davi taking the title this year.
Suzuki. Plain and simple, the proven bike is working for him. I think the Suzuki is the most forgiving bike on the track and just suits him perfectly. I also think the baby and new work ethic helps, but I don't see him doing it on the JGR bike. Oh, and I'm not one of those " the Yamaha is unrideable" guys, but the Suzuki just works. How's James looking on it, too?
In the past, I've always questioned his heart. This year he is showing us some – and he looks so casual and comfortable on the track (I kind of wonder how much more he's got if he is forced to hang it out a little down the stretch).
And I can't say that any of the team/rider changes have reflected well on the Yamaha's...
And remember how girlfriends, wives, and families used to be deemed a bad thing? Gotta place the blame or the credit somewhere I guess! :D
I just watched Millsaps Go Pro video from St Louis. There WAS a red light on the first jump (of the double that Dungey jumped to pass Millsaps). You can see Davi look over at him like WTF? I'm not saying Dungey did it on purpose, as he may have not seen the red lights in time....but, the AMA screwed up big time! Feel bad for Davi...he got screwed royally.....(and I'm more of a Dungey fan)....
Also watched the Stewart Go Pro video........2'nd red cross flag for sure....maybe RV didn't see it because he was already 1/2 way up the right side of Stewart? ....I think the AMA blew that call too...again not saying RV maybe didn't see the 2'nd Red Cross flag....or that he wouldn't have won anyway (he was flyin)....but that doesn't matter....the rules are the rules....he should have been docked at least a position (and I'm an RV fan....not a Stewart fan)
If RV wins the championship, I hope it is by more than the amount of points Millsaps got screwed out of last weekend.....imagine if it isn't?
The amazing thing Davi is really showing everyone is how important consistency is. RV has also shown it from the other end of the spectrum? Looking at the points, only Dungey has a realistic shot at the title should RV and Davi falter. The next guy is way way back, Dungey is pretty far back too.....but 23 points is Stewable. 40 points not so much.
Grifter, gotta agree. Dungey should have been where Millsaps was when Canard whiskey-throttled into him. Millsaps may have been up further if not for dungey getting ahead of him. I'm sure dungey didn't do it on purpose either, but he did it.
I wonder if Barcia also didn't see the 2'nd red cross flag, as he also came up alongside Stewart (its quite possible considering his position). He also saw RV moving up alongside and may have just followed thinking all was good. would be interesting to hear his take on it. I'm betting they both couldn't see it because Stewart was blocking their view (or they weren't looking to the left at all).
The first moto I ever won I got a red flag at the finish instead of the checkered flag. They said I must not have seen the Red flag (So I guess is possible....although I was so far out front (Mud Race) that I figured they never gave it to me). I had to start on the far outside gate because everyone else was already on the gate for the restart....was totally bummed.....at least my girlfriend was smart enough to run and get the gas can before the restart.....I got third....from like last off the start....wish I knew the AMA rules then, as you can't restart a race with one lap to go! It was the first time I went to a race without my Dad....if he was there he would of made a big stink....I probably would have won!
@grifter--please take the "red cross " stuff over to the red flag post on here and let it go.. Please dont drag that over to this post also.. I for one am sick of hearing about it..
I think he is serious and has a family now he sees an opportunity and is taking it he wants to make his family proud. Im a fan now for sure and hope he wins the championship.
I think St. Louis qualifies as Davi's bad race but there is still a lot of revisionist history going on regarding the restart and flags. Davi was in 10th before the restart and benefitted from it greatly regardless of Dungey's position. All of you who keep talking about the second red cross flag seem to forget about the two prominently waving yellow flags well beyond it. The pass was made under yellow. If RV wins the title he did it fair and square.
Great season so for for Davi and his team. Question though, JGR says they didn't want to resign him long term even though he finished 2nd in the points last season (and really didn't get any respect for it with JGR or SX media)? What did he need to do then to warrant a longer deal? Looking at the riders JGR chose to sign instead, this looks even worse. Secondly, if RV overtakes Millsaps this season and Millsaps finishes 2nd for the second straight season does his Suzuki team look at it as a failure? Davi will be looked at as "throwing away" a title in the end. No matter that RV is a 2 time defending champ and is coming on strong each week, Davi had a 22 point lead at the halfway mark and lost 10 points in one race. I guess what I am asking is, based on the above comments by these teams, that Davi really can't win unless he holds on for the title this season? Many riders/teams would kill for two top 2's in thier career.
I'm so happy for Davi. David Bailey used to say "nothing makes a person more productive than the last minute" and I think that's what Stanton meant. He realized with opportunity running out, it's now or never. It must feel amazingly good for him..
He has milked every last dollar out of his injuries.
Stanton said what I have said for years. "I think he’s always had the talent but perhaps he didn’t want to put in the work ethic that it took to put it together"
..Some got mad at me for saying it (some still do) but it seems it was the case.
This should show guy that you don't have to heed to the norm of the media that puts in racers head that you washed up if you don't achieve success in our sport away.
Davi is an inspiration to guys like Tommy Hahn, Austin Stroup, Nicco Izzi and Jason Lawrence etc.. With heart and desirer you can still become successful in our sport and race for championships.
It doesn't matter wheter Davi finishes first or second this season, it was his commitment to keep charging forward each and every round. I have not seen one rider in a while who has received so much praise for his hard work and dedication. Way to go Davi!
Bill C. Who hasn't been saying that for years? Not exactly a revelation.
CZmark. I totally agree with the sentiment but if he finishes second it looks exactly the same as last year in the history books. I am cheering for a championship for him. Anything less will be a disappointment after his great first half.
This is a statistic comparison between riders results in 2012 and 2013. All riders listed rode Yamaha one of this two years. For fair comparison, I've only counted the first nine races in 2012.
James Stewart
- 2012 (Yamaha) - 152 points
- 2013 (Suzuki) - 122 points
Justin Brayton
- 2012 (Honda) - 116 points
- 2013 (Yamaha) - 103 points
David Millsaps
- 2012 (Yamaha) - 109 points
- 2013 (Suzuki) - 189 points
Kyle Chisholm
- 2012 (Kawasaki) - 82 points
- 2013 (Yamaha) - 38 points
Chris Blose
- 2012 (Kawasaki) - 9 points
- 2013 (Yamaha) - 16 points
Joshua Grant
- 2012 (Kawasaki) - 6 points
- 2013 (Yamaha) - 40 points
Conclussion
- Average Points ON Yamaha - 76.33
- Average Points OFF Yamaha - 87.33
So the Yamaha DOES share some blame for poor results.
@therealnerdtard...er mofo....my point was mainly that Millsaps season has been affected by the AMA's bad decision. This was about Millsaps right? Just thought it was very unfair to him. Others were talking about how down he seemed after the race....this is why. Maybe you shouldn't read my posts....oh wait, you actually didn't...lol
Since national grammar day was earlier this week I just wanted to comment on a couple of the most common inexcusable mistakes.
Your favorite rider rode well, not "rode good"
When you observe something in a race, you saw it, not "seen it" . If you are referring to something that you saw in the past, you have seen, or had seen it.
While I'm on the subject, I'm sure Jeff Stanton meant to say that Davi hasn't had the work ethic to put in the effort required. Work ethic is a noun. You can not "put in work ethic". You can put in (add verb here).
I know that I am being a douche and this isn't a fine publication but there is no reason to perpetuate this crap. As you reach puberty, grow up, and move out of your parents homes, you will find out that you must have a basic grasp of the english language to gain employment in the real world and avoid being a drain on society.
Wow
Cranky is a Bit
Cranky !!!
A talented but always out of shape rider suddenly in the middle/end of his career finds magical fitness, in the golden age of magic in a can.
Or it could that his wife had a baby.Hmmmmm.
I want to ride a yamaha sometimes. I here they are good but I live in a rural small twon and sometims it is hard to do that.
I watch on tv we have 32' lcd but i would some day like to get a bigger tv like a 36 sony. i here the races are good i wish i could watch but we only have bacis tv which is okay i dont mind too mcuh.
i go to my libary so i can use the internet. i am here now.. lol. oh boy, ya its okay, i try not to get dwon because i know it could be worse
i want to be firefighter or work at paint store like sherman williams when i grown up. that sounds like fun. I will graduate next year and i hope i can go to colege but sometimes it is hard because my mom works and my dad wors to. he works at the chemcial plant, they make paint for cars. he has worked therere before i was born.
my mom works in the old folks home. she dont like ti to much but she does.
okay, i am going to go now there is alot of people waiting
if
Hi ,
Bill C.
uh oh
Haha! Humor is a good quality to possess as well, crf4502077! My comment wasn't intended as a blanket statement toward all people who post on here. It was directed at those who are incapable of structuring a coherent sentence. They know who they are.
Bill C. I was just trying to point out that DMs lack of effort is the most redundant theme of his years as a pro.
Glad I got a response that wasn't name-calling.
hi cranky!
i live in ohio, boy it gets cold here sometimes. I like to hunt and fish and trap. i have a creak in my backyard and sometimes we catch crawldads and we scrare my grandma with them
i saw a kid on a dirt bike here last summer, boy he looked fast . he was riding some trail across the street that the telephone company owns. i tried to talk to him but h wouldnt stop. i thikn he was on a suzuki maybe even a 450.
cranky, where do you like? do you live in ohio too? or people on here from other places. i dont how know it all works
I had to look it up, because the medium-term memory is the second thing to go, but last year's Daytona was a mud fest where JGR had their best day ever; Stewart and Millsaps 1 - 2 on the much-maligned Yamahas.
I'm hoping for big whoops, long lap times, and places to pass. Keep the dozer off the track and let it get rough.
Grifter, please shut the f*ck up. The horse is a steaming pile of mush and you’re still blindly pounding it. The article displays different views on Davi’s brilliant year so far and there’s nothing about your cherished rainbow flag conspiracy.
Please go find another forum to voice your opinion on the f(l)ags with the numerous other couch racers. I’m sure they’ll agree with you that the three rider race you lost at chicken lips raceway was simply because your dad wasn't there to protest the outcome.
your always strong at Daytona, this ones yours Davey, go kick their asses, everyone's pulling for you bro!
@Grifter--Wow what a meaningful and intellegent post, too bad I stopped as soon as I read the childish insult, I never even read the rest of it.. I hope you waste your time reading this post though.. LOL!!
@BILLC---Well you are so smart, man I cant believe one of the Factory teams hasnt already signed you to run their entire program.. Since everything we ever read on here you say "I have been saying that forever." I cant believe you havent been scooped up years ago just so others can revile in your wisdom.. Have you ever heard the term "Know-it -all"
smee113 ---Wow!! you must not have alot to do!! I'm hoping Davi can hold on!!! He looks great on the Sook--always have!! Go Davi!!
Next time Davi is on the box I would like to hear him give thanks to his Mom. I know they don't get along but he wouldn't be where he is if it wasn't for her. just saying
Apparently run-on sentences are ok, Cranky?
Okay? O.k.?
Davi is riding great.
But, everyone can have a great race and a great season. I will judge Davi when he has bad races. And i'm not talking about 6th place bad, i'm talking 10th place or worse and see how he handles it. I want to see how he will handle guys like Barcia and Dungey and Reed getting in there this second half and stealing points from him. I want to see how he will react in a race where winning or getting on the podium is clutch. .
Everyone is judging Davi when things go well for him. I will start to judge his riding when things start going badly for him. Hell maybe they won't though, he is doing awesome. It's easy to keep the points lead when everyone else is having bad races, but how will Davi react if he loses the points lead? Now before his fans start getting mad at me, don't. These are legitimate questions and scenarios every champ and winner has to go through.
I think it's a combo of a lot of things .. But fitness and program is what top experts in this sport acknowledge.. The yz to rm argument maybe part of it.. But remember he wasn't this good on factory Honda.. You can't argue that.. He has really got it together for all 20 laps with great starts this year.. All the other riders including villo have not been able to do that on a cr a ktm a Kx or a yz.. So I want to say its rider and commitment to fitness.... PS I just got my susp done made a few clicks and will just ride the bike.. If I want it better I'll achieve it inside the gym not with a flathead screwdriver.. Fitness and attitude are no doubt the key elements of winning ... Milsaps has both!!!!!
Rickamatuzio. Please expand.
It's great to see somebody who NOBODY predicted would be leading the series at the halfway point to be stomping a mudhole in Stewart's ass. I mean, think about it. Millsaps is totally kicking Stewart's ass. He is a better rider than James Stewart, and the results prove it.
@Speedshifter- It is great to see Davi having such a great season. I am rooting for him to continue his success. I can't say that I have seen him kick anyones ass this season. He has showed the speed to win, as has RD, JS, JB, RV. I would also say that Trey Cannard and Chad Reed have shown they could win. The only rider that can possibly say that they have kicked ass is this season is RV. He is the only rider who has clearly been the fastest rider on the track on a given night. I don't say that out of favoritism; I say it strictly from results. Would love to understand how my thinking is flawed.
I heard somewhere that he lost a lot of weight coming into this season? I think it was Jeff emig who said that in the first race.
@speedshifter you said Stewart and ass way too many times in that rant. Its telling me something.
@MNfan. Wanna know how your thinking is flawed. Try this result.
Milsaps - 189 points
RV - 177 points
Yeah RV has been soundly kickin DV's ass all year long. LOL,
way too go Davi,your half way there bud.All it took was for Davi too get back on a Suzuki.it was like a welcome home! hes confident and very smooth on his bike,something i havent seen in the years since he left the team.nice work Davi!!!!
@pippedekok. Current series point standings aren't a "result". The series has only completed 9 of 17 rounds. The only results that we have to compare are individual race "results".
RV - 4 wins
Others - 3 wins
DM - 2 wins
I'm not being critical of Davi. He has been the most consistent rider while showing the speed to compete for the win every week. Just saying that he isn't kicking the other top riders asses. I would love to see him kick ass this weekend.
@pippedekok. I stand by my comment about RV being the only rider who has any claim to kicking ass this season. He is the only rider who has had a weekend (or two) in which he was clearly the fastest rider.
In a year so super stacked with talent it certianly was most unlikely that Millsaps would emerge as the leader of the pack. If he can keep his program together and stay healthy he can get it done.