Ping,
I just recently read about Aldon Baker’s deal with KTM for training their riders. Am I the only one that sees this as a big mistake for anyone training there not named Dungey? Let me explain. During the supercross series we all seen that Dungey, Musquin and Anderson had better fitness than most, if not everyone out there. But what I also noticed is that Anderson and Musquin do not have a killer instinct when it comes to battling with Dungey. I believe it’s because they all train together and see each other every day. How would the weeks training go if Anderson stuffs KTM’s golden child in a corner, sending him back to 10th. place this weekend? And then does it again the next weekend. Probably gonna be a little tense at the Bakers Factory. I know you have heard Cooper say he’s not going to dinner with Jeremy anytime soon. Motocross is an individual sport. Cooper and Jeremy know that being buddies all day, every day with each other will affect their desire to beat each other. Training with your competition every day is a joke and I am floored Anderson and Musquin cut a check every week to do it. If you ask me, this deal was made by KTM to do everything they can, on top of building a good bike, to make sure Dungey remains the champ. Knowing that the Baker Factory riders will not force Dungey out of the way to win, but instead could at the very least, be fit enough to hold Roczen and Tomac at bay for a few laps.
Peace out,
Jeff
Jeff,
You’ve lost your mind, bro. This same situation has played out during some of the best eras of racing. Do you remember the 1980s when Johnny O’Mara and David Bailey pushed each other to the brink, on and off the bike, on a daily basis? What about when Ricky Johnson took in his factory Honda teammate Jeff Stanton? The two of them worked together even though they were fierce competitors. Or what about when Ryan Villopoto brought in Ken Roczen to train with him during his last couple of years even though Ken was quick enough to beat him at times? Riding with fast guys and those who want to work hard just makes everybody better. A rising tide floats all boats. Your conspiracy theories are fun but there just isn’t any truth to them. KTM wants to ensure that they have the best trainer and facility for their riders; Aldon wants some stability so he doesn’t have to worry about the mortgage payment on his property and equipment and the riders who sign up for the program simply want to win. This deal makes sense for all parties involved and is just one more example of KTM doing things the right way.
PING
Hello,
I read Racer X on a regular basis. I confess it is not every day. My wife and I have a life that includes a dog, cats, and a few beef cattle. My first motocross race was on August 24, 1974. In the spring of 1975 the first race at Red Bud had 200 entries in the 125B class plus all the other classes there was at least 400 riders that day. This was not uncommon for the time. My last race was in1981 at Red Bud. I read the Big Ragu’s comments and your comments with great interest. We did not race so we could be on book face. We raced because we liked to. If we wanted to talk to each other we did it in person, face to face, not text to text. It occurs to me that the iphone is exactly that… An iphone is not concerned about what your friends are doing; it’s concerned about what I did and if my friends approve or think it’s cool. Many in today’s world need to be connected to something, their electronic pacifier. Kids used to have blankies. Now they have iphones. Many adults do too. Will humans be able to talk to each other face to face in 25 or 30 years? I have a Trac-phone. I use it 2-3 times a year. If I want to talk to someone I like to look them in the eye, face to face. Technology does have its place… I can listen to Rush’s Caress of Steel while writing this.
Michigan 586
Michigan586,
Wow, I thought I sounded like a grumpy old man but you are on another level of cantankerousness. Ironically, I had to use my iPhone to Google what a Trac Phone was so I can’t totally get onboard with this. But I do understand some of your frustration. Kids are losing the basic skill of communication because all of their back-and-forth is digital. Job interviews are stressful now, but they will be unbearably nerve-racking when you’ve never looked up from your phone and carried on a conversation with another adult. Dating, shopping, conversing and studying are all done online now. In fact, there is even a website where you can arrange to cheat on your spouse. That gives a whole new meaning to the term, “hard drive.” I’m definitely on your side when it comes to talking face-to-face. No FaceTime or group chat can replace looking another person in the eye, shaking their hand and having a conversation. You keep being you, Michigan586, and take solace in the cool Canadian sounds of your favorite Rush album.
PING
Ping,
After seeing James Stewart riding press day at Hangtown, in what has to be the ugliest gear ever produced, I wonder how you think he’ll fare this summer? He says he’s through the injuries but I’ll wait to see if he gets through some races before I believe that. He’s amazing to watch when he’s “On” but, to be honest, it’s been awhile since I’ve seen that.
Duddy
Duddy,
I don’t think James will finish on the podium. I would love to be proven wrong because he is so fun to watch when things are clicking for him. But when you consider how fast Dungey, Tomac and Roczen are going, not to mention Canard, Barcia and others, it won’t make it easy for James to find the box. And when was the last time he really came out firing at a national? It’s been a while. The tough part is James isn’t very good at just posting safe, top-ten finishes to build from; he wants to be in the mix up front or he will crash trying or pull in and find a scapegoat. I don’t really know what to hope for with him at this point. A top five would be great but I don’t know if he’ll accept that result or twist the throttle harder and wind up smeared into the Sacramento soil.
PING
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