Ping!
How do we not talk about JS7, or the lack there of?! I understand you can never count the guy out, I mean he is the only other guy to have a perfect outdoor season, but that is irrelevant at this point, having had such a nightmare of a sx season starting with A1. He was clearly out of shape to begin with and then he never got to race himself back to any type of rhythm and confidence with proof that he belongs up front. He was too busy riding around mid-pack or getting lapped cruising around. Not to mention he can't have many helmets left after all the head injuries he has had over the years and most recent as you know was A1. These other dudes are coming into outdoors healthy and in the best shape, plus they have been in all season with heaps of confidence. The field is so deep and with the lack of racing for James, I cannot help to think this outdoor season is going to be anything but another year to forget.
Give it to me! #bubbastrong (+/-) 3 overall wins?!
Bubbastrong,
James is a legend, that is undeniable, but his chances of winning an overall this summer are just slightly better than mine. When you look at how polished Ryan Dungey is right now, how good Ken Roczen has been and how fast Eli Tomac is likely going to be I don’t even see a lot of podium time for James this summer. It’s difficult to know when to call it a career, especially when you still go fast and you still love to ride. I believe it is time for Stewart to hang it up while he is still ahead. Given his inadequate fitness level, his rash of concussions (just the ones we know about) and his age it is the smart thing to do. Sadly, I don’t think he’ll do the smart thing. I’m just hoping he gets through the summer unscathed.
PING
Hey Pinger,
I believe this question has been approached before from several angles, just like Pam Anderson. However, many riders seem to get injured more frequently than others! Would it make sense for the frequently injured riders to attend something like a “Stuntman School” to learn to fall properly? I get it, the point in MX/SX is to not fall, however inevitably it’s going to happen and other than putting on a suit of armor, maybe a little lesson on how to tuck and roll wouldn’t hurt?
I understand that the speed and distance these guys hit the soil isn’t the same as falling from a 10 story building to an air bag, but for some of these pros that rag doll to the ground, maybe they could learn a little from stunt pros and vice versa!
Thanks buddy,
Sincerely, Don Lopez
P.S. I’ll always be a Marty Tripes fan.
Don,
This is pretty far out there, bro. If you’ve ever been spit off at speed (which is when injuries occur) you know there isn’t usually time to react; you hit the ground the way momentum and gravity dictate. Saying a racer would benefit from stuntman school is like saying a basketball player should take flying lessons to learn how to jump higher. The best solution to prevent injuries in my opinion is to build safer tracks, wear all the safety equipment possible and work on strength training and flexibility off the bike. And if this is Dave Castillo or Regis Harrington trying to drum up business for some stuntman class, well, that’s just really sad. You’re better than that, guys. Now get back to pushing that Buttsnorkeler merchandise.
PING
Hello Mr. Ping,
I just wanted to say thanks and salute you and your fellow firefighters for putting your lives on the line, so others may live. I get why you do it. Being in the military and striving to have higher integrity, I was a little pissed by recent interview on Racer X with Jeff Willoh. In the interview he seemed to brag about working for SSR and racing a Chinese "clone" (aka ripoff) of a Honda CR450, saying he was beating $10k machines on his $5k turd, which can take Honda parts (how nice and convenient.) Is this kind of thing ok with the motocross community at the pro level? Am I a douche for wishing his bike blows up on the track (in a safe spot)? Chinese drywall and lead paint in kids motorcycles didn't work so well, did it? Correct me if I am wrong, sir.
Thanks, AF Guy.
AF Guy,
Listen, I don’t think anybody agrees with a Chinese company copying a Honda and peddling it as a cheap alternative. Sadly, integrity is often overlooked when there is an opportunity to make money. There might be a few “bros” who would buy a Chinese knockoff to go out to the desert and party, but no rider with any self-respect or dignity would waste their hard-earned money on one of those. As for Jeff, you can’t really blame him. He’s being given free bikes, being paid to test and been given an opportunity to get back to racing again. I guess what I’m saying is don’t get worked up about it. Honda has attorneys that will handle their business and in the grand scheme of things it’s not that big of a deal. Thanks for your service, brother.
PING
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