Budds Creek: what the...? part 2

See More Motocross Photos at VitalMX.com

Tim Ferry is in control, this photo notwithstanding. Scrubbing that jump with a little extra Lysol bathroom cleaner, Number 15 was again number 2 in qualifying at Budds. Number 2 is good.

Undercarriage inspection pic by GuyB

Budds Creek: what the...?

See More Motocross Photos at VitalMX.com

Josh Grant going for it over a Budds Creek double. I am pretty sure I would never attempt such a jump.

"What Part of this don't you understand?" pic by GuyB

Budds Creek: Mike Brown!

See More Motocross Photos at VitalMX.com

Another cat that can flat ride a bike, Mike Brown can get down. Yes indeed.

GuyB milking it

Welcome back David Vuillemin!

See More Motocross Photos at VitalMX.com

Look who's back and racing at Budds Creek! Go DV12!

Welcome back pic by GuyB

No, you can't have this

See More Motocross Photos at VitalMX.com

This is a works Suzuki fuel tank. The AMA inspection sticker next to it seems to assure that it is legal. Does it even matter? It does if you want to win.

In my mind, even stock production race bikes are works of art, so to see examples of pure craftsmanship like this just tickles my inner gadget geek. Bring back the full factory specials.

Expose photo by GuyB.

Budds Creek: Ah, Motocross...

See More Motocross Photos at VitalMX.com

Since GuyB is streaming the goods, I can't resist hanging a few shots here to pretty up the place.

I haven't been giving our two-time 250 National Champion Ryan Villopoto enough props for the clearly dominant, nearly flawless season he's having. He's on it, hard, as he showed in Saturday practice at Budds Creek, Maryland. What a great rider. [Mark Butler, go to the race!]

Mike Alessi's looking pretty good!

I know I am overusing the word, but wow again. Mike has just dropped a video on (guess) Racer X Films...directed by none other than Troy Adamitis... and he almost looks like he's ready to ride. Wow.

Racerhead 28: Wow

Check out the flow as DC lets go. This is indeed an exciting time for motocross.

Sean Hamblin: "I think the only way I rode was just pure adrenaline and a bit of stupidity!!"

Here's a funny thread started by Factory Yamaha sensation Sean Hamblin. He posted this pic (with an assist from ocscottie) from Red Bud, obviously in pain and trying to deal with a dislocated shoulder. Hamblin has come a long way with his PR skills development; his consistent participation at VitalMX is a great example of a pro athlete reaching out and interracting with his base.

Photo credit unknown.

Apology accepted, Jason. Now, what's your problem?

See More Motocross Photos at VitalMX.com

I give credit to Jason Lawrence for issuing this apology on Racer X Online, and I don't particularly care whether he was the original author of it or not. I am just happy to see signs of intelligent life from the Lawrence "camp" in a mature and timely fashion, no less. It reads authentically enough for my purposes as a motocross fan.

I also do not particularly care about Jason's sins, his ethical or moral standards (or lack thereof, others might add), whether he has a substance abuse problem or is simply another troubled American youth. As far as I'm concerned, Jason Lawrence is just another guy. He just happens to also be a reasonably-compensated professional athlete who does things on a motorcycle that I personally admire... even though that sounds kind of funny. But it is because of his prowess on his motorcycle that I even know about him and pay him any mind at all. What he does off the track is only of interest when I am bored. Which I guess is why I'm writing about this at all, as Jason Weigandt sort of predicted.

So in a way, we are all as guilty as J "no longer above the" Law. Somebody yelled "Fight! Fight!" in the AMA's schoolyard and we all quickly crowded around to egg the pitiful fools on. The would-be pugilists pay the price, of course, while we get to curse them and compliment ourselves for not being so stupid. I don't know what happened that resulted in Jason's arrest on Saturday night, but if I am to be totally honest, I have to admit that I WOULD like to know. And I'm sorta pissed off that the motocross "press" hasn't put it out there fully... I guess I'm too stingy with my time to root around to a dozen sites just to find basic info about the incident, like the name of the guy he allegedly fought. I'm a fan, not an investigative reporter!

In the grand scheme of things, in the pantheon of motocrosser transgressions, I would claim that, as it has been presented by the current stories, Lawrence's offense does not come as close to "embarrassing the sport" as the M's on-track mental meltdown during that fateful second moto at Glen Helen in '05... and Alessi took months to issue his personal apology. So I think those intent on kicking JLaw out of motocross are being tragically short-sighted.

Better days wallpaper by GuyB.

Iron Man Hamblin, before the Fall

See More Motocross Photos at VitalMX.com

Check it out. This man deserves respect for earning some time under the big blue awning by putting in hard work. This past weekend at Red Bud, new Factory Yamaha star Sean Hamblin dislocated his shoulder TWICE, but still raced to earn points in both motos. For that, a well-earned Getdown Sean!

And GuyB gets big props for the VitalMX Perspective doo-hickey.

High Point 2008: Fast MoFo Club member Tim Ferry

See More Motocross Photos at VitalMX.com

The big One Five is definitely on the gas this season, just like he's supposed to be. Timmy Ferry, in my warped mind, should be the current National Champion. The man is FAST... definitely the leader of the pack behind his Monster Kawasaki team mate James. He's got Alessi-handling speed, he's got Milsaps' number, Tedesco apparently can't handle him, Short's got nothing for the Red Dog, Josh Hill is probably afraid of him (kidding!)... so why the 4-4 in Pennsylvania, Timmy? You know you got it in you to podium every single race. Why do I suddenly sound like Steve Matthes?

Killer shot by GuyB

Signs of progress are a very good thing

To me, the best news of the week was this short paragraph in Racerhead 25 where DC wrote:

Looking ahead to next week, we’ve got a big treat for everyone: With David Clabaugh taking the extraordinary step of bringing in world-renowned Musco Lighting to illuminate Thunder Valley Raceway, the second set of motos from Colorado will air live on Speed TV. So with the satellite truck there and the camera crews in place, Racer X and Toyota will be presenting the telecast of the first set of motos as well as the WMA moto live on Motocross.com, beginning at 6 p.m. Mountain Time (8 back east and 5 on the West Coast). It’s free to watch; you just need to sign up over at www.motocross.com, and when you do, we will also hook you up with a free digital edition of the August ’08 digital issue of Racer X Illustrated. What a deal!

This is EXACTLY what American Motocross needs. LIVE coverage free to EVERYBODY, even if just for the first motos (for now...). It is the easiest and most logical way to expand the audience by making the show easily available to the largest pool of fans, including those that don't get certain cable channels or broadcast signals.

I wonder when the advertising creatives are going to catch up to the concept here... Toyota has been hitting it pretty hard with repeating their made-for-tv Tundra ads, but I sure would like to see some motocross-specific spots soon, utilizing some of the cool concepts they've been doing at the races. Heck, they got Joe Gibbs, man..!

(gearshift)

And how about WOMEN'S PROFESSIONAL MOTOCROSS LIVE the same night! Gol durn it's 2008 and the ladies have finally made it to the big time. Talk about 'it's about time'...

Earlier this year, I joked about CBS Sports broadcasting this race live, goading them to "wake up that sleepy Saturday night audience with a live network television broadcast of the outdoor motocross championships this summer!" I cannot tell you how glad I am that Racer X and Toyota are really making it happen.

High Point 2008:Thank you Racerhead!

I don't know what it is, but motocross just seems to bring out the best in people. The High Point security here a rather lovely case in point. Cudby photo courtesy of Racer X Online.

Style Council: HD-ready riding gear!

See More Motocross Photos at VitalMX.com

James Stewart and Fox Racing pushing the design envelope once again. I am frankly stunned by the detail in this outfit. That supertrick factory Kawasaki ain't too shabby, either. Look at those forks and that pipe! Another GuyB production.

High Point 2008: This Is Motocross

See More Motocross Photos at VitalMX.com

Moto 1, another holey for Mikey. Starting technique: the M haz it. And GuyB haz the photo cred.

Motocross as Art: The Vintage Machines at HighPoint

See More Motocross Photos at VitalMX.com

Vintage bikes on display included this gorgeous trio: L-R a German Maico, British Greeves and (then) Swedish Husqvarna. Pic by GuyB.

X Games: About to Suck Again?

Someone hijacked the James Stewart/motocross.com video that I embedded here. Has to be a jerk and appears to be employed or contracted by ESPN.

Jason LAWrence: Bad Time for Breakdancing

See More Motocross Photos at VitalMX.com

Sorry Jason, I couldn't resist running this GuyB photo of your misfortune. Glad you weren't seriously hurt sampling the sand whoops in the second moto. Go get 'em in PA.

This is What You Want

See More Motocross Photos at VitalMX.com

Cool shot by GuyB.


Just admit it. You want to see someone, ANYONE, step up and take the race to James. For at least a few laps, right? You're probably pissed that Chad Reed and Kevin Windham elected to sit this one out, even though those guys can't beat Stewart indoors or out. You might even want to harbor a slight grudge against the GOAT for retiring to race cars, but your heart won't let you (and I certainly don't blame you). I am here to tell you it's okay.

It's okay to want to see some racing for the win when you attend a professional motor sports event. Just as it should be okay for the pros to do what they can to put on a show that pleases their fans. Yes, a show. A production involving a cast of thousands, most of whom pay dearly just to be in the audience. That's what all the super-successful professional sports deliver, consistently and at a high level.

The James Stewart show, like anything else, has changed over the years since the young man turned pro. Forgetting supercross for a moment, the Outdoor Stewart story went from "Holy cow he's fast!" to "He's winning too much, why won't he move up already?" in the lightweight class to "FINALLY, someone to race with Ricky" to "Why is he crashing so much racing with Ricky?" to "Wow, 2007 was more exciting without him."

Ouch, that must have hurt, reading those stories in the motocross press last summer. I am just assuming that James feels that he has some unfinished business in the 450 class, and that the only thing that matters is winning that elusive heavyweight national championship to complete his collection of titles. And after watching him ride at the Glen Helen opener and seeing the videos from Hangtown and hearing the webcast from Freestone, it seems to me that James started this season on a mission to quickly establish dominance. If the field was hopeful that Stewart needed more time to heal from knee surgery, those hopes were sorely dashed by the time the tour left California. And that is the James Stewart show right now: utter domination, lightly mixed with "yeah, but he might crash his brains out, so stay close as you can."

Would you be okay if James decided to put on a different show? No, I'm not talking about stunts like the one he clowned Chad Reed with at Unadilla (that maybe pissed you off), but something more subtle... like somehow not setting fast lap in qualifying, or getting an abysmally bad start and taking all moto to come back. I think some of you would settle for what happened at Freestone: falling in the first moto and then instead of going nuts in the second to pass Alessi as quickly as possible, James took a few laps to go around. Right?

I can tell you that I am looking forward to the next chapter of the James Stewart show, as the young man becomes an old pro at this motocross game, giving the fans the show they paid good money for. Not faking, still racing with class and dignity, still showing the same growing respect for his competition as well as his fans and still amazing us all with his speed, guts, style and bike handling.

Style Council: Stewart wins 3 in a row

See More Motocross Photos at VitalMX.com

Does this look easy to you? It looks cool as heck to me, but never easy. James Stewart shredded his competition in qualifying and during both motos to stretch his National-winning streak to three. GuyB caught the roost on Saturday.

National Number 2 rockstar Mike Alessi

See More Motocross Photos at VitalMX.com

Mike Alessi returned to form and showed off his conditioning in the 103-degree heat by clocking second overall at Freestone MX in Texas. Mike actually broke James Stewart's laps lead streak by holeshotting and leading moto 2 for a few. GuyB caught Alessi putting it down here in practice.

Freestone scenery: real or fake?

See More Motocross Photos at VitalMX.com

I mean the cowboy hats, of course. Texas steps up and GuyB mows 'em down.

Freestone? More like Fire and Brimstone...

Early in June in Texas... who knew it would get so hot for the third round of the National Motocross Championship? I listened to the second motos, and guys were literally collapsing off their bikes, and I couldn't help but think that maybe summer isn't such a great time for racing motocross in the Southern U.S. Either that, or maybe those guys in Colorado are starting to look like geniuses for planning a night race...

Breaking News: AMA Follows Own Rulebook

Heard the story about Paul Lima, the privateer that the AMA wouldn't let race at Glen Helen because his bike, an off-the-floor Husqvarna TC450, wasn't "legal" for AMA Pro Racing? No? Well, you can read a shortened version that hits the facts at Racerhead today. DC wrote,

Okay, the strangest thing I’ve seen all week is the beating one or two folks on Motodrive are giving the AMA for not letting privateer Paul Lima enter his Husqvarna 450TC at Glen Helen. It began when the bike had not been homologated by the AMA because the paperwork had not been sent in, and there are less than the mandatory 400 units in the country to be able to race them right now in AMA Motocross. One critic called the AMA “retarded.”

Retarded, lol. Okay, I wouldn't go THAT far. I concede that following the actual rules are a refreshing change for the AMA. We certainly wouldn't want a privateer racing a super-secret, one-off factory rocket ship in the National Championship, would we? The very last thing we would want is Paul Lima getting a huge holeshot and and running away from James Stewart because of his AMA-illegal, non-homo(logated) Husky. I mean, that would be bad for... business? What?

Frankly, the strangest thing I'VE seen all week was this single sentence,

But what if Kawasaki pulled out a handful of ’09 bikes with a nuclear power plant, titanium frame, electric start, cup-holders, the works? Would the AMA have treated them any differently? No way.

I read Racerhead for stuff just like that. Warm irony.

I happened to see the renegade Husky in person at Glen Helen, and it stood out simply because it was different. Certainly the Husky-classic red tank/white fenders look was attractive enough, and the bike seemed to have a stance that was both aggressive and exotic, but you can see it at any Husky dealer, if you can find one. Everyone knows Husky is a low-volume manufacturer... how the heck is it fair to hold them to the same homolo-whatever count as the huge ones? Sure, the AMA stuck to its guns at Glen Helen, but in a weird way they wound up dissing the marque that arguably brought motocross to America.

As far as AMA "rules" go, I've had more than a few thoughts about them, mostly unpleasant, as recorded here in a look at ten rules from the 2006 AMA rulebook. Ironically enough, that rulebook banned supercharging and turbocharging, and limited engines to single cylinders, but never ruled out nuclear power plants, so... I guess it makes sense that Kawasaki would first be required to make an even 400 such bikes available for sale in the U.S. before a single one could take a starting gate drop at a National. Oh, progress... must you always be stymied by the "rules?"

Free! It's Free, I tell you...!

Funny, but sometimes the best news of the day comes at the end of the day, and when it comes to motocross news, Friday's Racerhead at Racer X Online has long been the best source of the latest happenings. Today's edition, #23 (subliminal Jordan message, no doubt), features the great news that Motocross.com will "be posting every round of the series free one week after it airs in the U.S." Great idea and great news for MX fans.

Four for Four: Stewart Storms to Hangtown Win

See More Motocross Photos at VitalMX.com

Remember back when Stephane Roncada ran with James for all of 3 laps during Stewart's last season in the then 125/250F class? Well, Davi Millsaps was the guy this year, but he made it last only a half a lap or so before succumbing to the pace and giving up the fight.

With RC retired and Chad Reed on the sidelines, the motocross industry appears to be in a tizzy, worrying about the effect of this Summer of Stewart. It won't be too long before some people will start talking about rule changes or making 250 riders move up... anything to somehow stop the James Juggernaut. Guys relax, we're only two rounds in and nothing is guaranteed.

Snazzy snaps by GuyB.

Hangtown Saturday revisited: Don't Forget the Ladies

See More Motocross Photos at VitalMX.com

Well well, look's who's at the back of the pack in turn two... Ashley Fiolek. Ashley went down at the start of the first Women's Motocross Association moto, which was run on Saturday at Hangtown. But don't fret for Ashley... she ran down THE ENTIRE PACK and won the moto! GuyB caught the action.

Hangtown: Tim Ferry is the story

Tim Ferry put his Kawasaki solidly in second place at Hangtown, AND had the grace and presence of mind to acknowledge "everyone listening on the internet." I listened or "earwitnessed" the second 450 moto, using the Supercross Live broadcast and the AMA's live timing website, and Ferry came from mid-pack to chase down and pass rabbits like Mike Alessi, Davi Millsaps, and a surprisingly quick Ivan Tedesco (who took third overall with 3-3 finishes... the sauce is getting warmer?).

Ferry's Monster Energy Kawasaki team mate, James Stewart, should have been the story as he obliterated (to borrow a term from Hillary) the rest of the field in both motos. But it seemed that once he got past holeshot winner Millsaps on the first lap, the webcast announcers rarely mentioned him, other than to call out the gap he had over second. No mention of lines, riding style, crowd reaction, nothing. I guess he was riding well. I guess I'll find out after the photojournalists weigh in.

Hangtown Saturday: Robert Kiniry

Nice form in one of the less rutted turns. Cool photo by Factoryphoto.

Townley crashed in Hangtown practice

Okay, the news is slowly filtering to us on the internet... over at Vital MX, someone posted that they saw Ben go "... down real hard and limped off the track it was ugly."

So, ask and we shall (eventually) receive. It's kind of funny... not funny that Ben crashed; later he was able to qualify seventh in his group... but that motocross reporting is still stuck in the dark ages, despite the fact that we have instantaneous electronic communications networks at our disposal. The only real-time information coming out of Hangtown during practice and qualifying was the AMA's live timing. We have to wait for the photojournalists to upload after the riding is done.

Considering the quality of Factoryphoto's work, though... I guess I can't complain about the wait!

Hangtown Saturday: who are these guys?

Looking at the top five free practice times in the 250 class the inevitable Villopoto, Dungey, Lawrence... but, J-Law is in 5th, put there by Honda riders Kyle Cunningham and Robert Kiniry. What?

And then there's timed qualifying, and of that group, only Kiniry has to turn in a time... and he goes from a 2:07.123 in practice to a 2:09.055 when it "counts". Dude, that's the wrong way!

Seriously, DNA/BTO/Butler Bros.-sponsored Cunningham and Solitaire/MB1/Brawndo-sponsored Kiniry are great riders. It's just surprising to me to see them so fast in practice. Let's hope they turn in top five performances on Sunday.

Hangtown Saturday: what is up with Ben Townley?

Look, I saw (on a live, pay-per-view webcast no less) Townley running almost as fast as the legendary Ricky Carmichael at that MXoN race a few years back. I have been a "believer" of the New Zealander since then. His championship battle with Ryan Villopoto was intense. Ben is a fast guy.

So what's up with these practice times? It's not like this is his first time on these tracks. Last Saturday at the Glen, he was around 35th fastest in practice; today he clocked a 2:25.830 on the Dirtdiggers-prepared Hangtown course... and that's the 62nd fastest time!

I think I heard David Bailey on the Racer X Pre Show say something about Townley not being worried about setting fast times in free practice, about only going fast when it counts. And at Glen Helen, Townley DID turn faster laps in timed qualifying... but so did everyone else, as the track dried further into perfection.

So the expectation, after free practice, was that Townley would "show up" at least in the top ten during timed qualifying at Hangtown. And that's just what he did, considerably improving his fastest laptime to 2:09.476, to land in 7th in Group B qualifying. But... but... Townley was slower than guys like Juss Lansoo, Chris Blose and Jared Jet Browne. Holy cow, I've never even HEARD of that last guy!

Mr. 101, where are you?

Vital MX Goes Off, Part 2

GuyB cannot be stopped! You will not believe the ultra-fine detail in this collection of wallpapers from Glen Helen! Okay, maybe you will believe it...

James Stewart: "I'm looking forward to being in front of everybody"

That's from the Monday Conversation over at Racer X Online. And actually, what James is saying is that he's looking forward to showing up at all the nationals and racing in front of all the fans. Taken out of context, though, it sounds like he plans on being in front of his competition all season long.

Then again, maybe that's the subtext.

Mike Alessi: Credit is Due

See More Motocross Photos at VitalMX.com

"The M", Mike Alessi, styling on his Rockstar Makita Suzuki RM450, deserves credit for putting some pressure on James Stewart at Glen Helen, although it IS Mikey's home track. Alessi should now be expected to run this hard all season long; let's not forget that he was runnerup in 2007. GuyB shoots a promo shot for the big GH.

This is Racing

See More Motocross Photos at VitalMX.com

Looks like James didn't want to give up the second moto holey to the start artist M. Alessi, so he just kept it pinned through Talledega, dominating the inside. If anyone is going to beat James Stewart this year, they will have to keep it pinned, too. "GuyB is EVERYWHERE" photo.

Putting it down, East Coast Style

See More Motocross Photos at VitalMX.com

The first 250 moto of the year, and New Jersey's Jason Lawrence took the win in impressive fashion. GuyB asserts his photographic excellence in another great gallery.

Of course, there is a lot more to Glen Helen 2008...

So I was sitting in a grassy field beside my Mustang, eating a baby spinach salad while observing what looked like the monumental meanderings of a mad tailor: a small airplane was performing acrobatic maneuvers over the Glen Helen racetrack in the distance, stitching up the sky with great looping threads of smoke.

Again, that spectacle was in the distance. I was also being entertained by an airshow of a different scale in the grassy field before me: a flock of tiny birds wheeled, looped and careened over the carpet of grass, pulling moves that made the aerobatic pilot seem lame in comparison. I was sitting in a field right next to the Pavillion (whatever corporate sponsor owns the naming rights), about to make the hike into Glen Helen with hundreds of others as the parking "lot" continued to fill, feeling pretty pumped about seeing the first AMA Toyota National (presented by FMF, don't forget) of the year. How many Nationals start with a friggin' airshow?? Glen Helen had two (counting the birdies).

Rode in the back of an overstuffed Toyota Tundra. I have to say the overcrowding effect seemed to override any other impressions I might have had about the truck. Um, the bed liner was fresh?

To the racing. Jason Lawrence wire-to-wire in the first 250 moto, say what? Damn, that was cool to see. Monster Pro Circuit, though, really flexed their muscle today: Austin Powers, er, Stroupe won his first National by going 2-3! Ryan Villopoto turned a 5-1 into second overall, and J-Law wasn't able to repeat his first moto win, but got on the box with a fifth in the second moto (holding Trey Canard at bay to do so. Hmmm.).

And in the 450 class, like I said before, James Owns Glen Helen. He is still poetry in motion for those able to see him without being blinded by politics or other distractions. He was flying his Monster Energy Kawasaki higher and farther than anyone over that crazy mountaintop step-over in the REM section of the track, which then plunged steeply downhill straight into some Prius-sized braking bumps, which James would jump over, landing in the turn. Just watching that guy ride is truly one of life's little pleasures.

You gotta give Mike Alessi credit for giving it his all to make it a race. No one else on the course (save James, of course) could hang with the M. Mike rode the crap out of that Suzuki trying to keep Stewart in sight. Roger D and Big Goose deserve credit for putting a great bike under Alessi, and the entire Rockstar Makita Suzuki team should be pumped with Alessi's 2-2 for second OA.

Red Bull Honda is loaded this season, but their top man today was a surprise: Davi Millsaps carded 3-3 for the last spot on the box, after team mates Andrew Short and Ben Townley both dnf'd moto two. The Last Dragon on RBH (last Bull?) was Ivan Tedesco, who's sauce hasn't been hot for a while now. Number 9 ran hard all day, though, finishing fifth OA. He shouldn't do any worse than that.

Tim Ferry looked strong, but couldn't handle Millsaps for some reason. Timmy is faster than that, so I don't know what's going on there.

Big surprise of the day? Has to be Sean "I'm Back" Hamblin going 8-8 for SEVENTH overall, beating out some factory guys on his TUF Racing-backed private Yamaha. Hambone might get invited back into a big rig soon.

So the day was great, the racing was fan-tastic, the weather was the best it has ever been at GH, I hear the riders actually like the track, and the AMA Toyoto Motocross Championship is underway.

So what was NOT to like? Little birdie airshow notwithstanding, the parking SUCKED this year, and what sucked the most was that I was using the side of the facility that was supposed to IMPROVE the parking experience. In the past years, I seem to remember parking in the same area, but this year they had only one way out, so all the cars, trucks and motorhomes were funneled into one path out. Yes, I sat in the grassy field by my Mustang and watched the aerobatics one more time.

James Stewart Owns Glen Helen

That's all you really need to know. And I'm sure it may be news to the Feldkamp family, but there you have it.

More later...

Is Toyota the greatest American Motocross sponsor ever?

It's raceday (speaking of race, I wonder if Obama has ever been to one of these?), and on the very first page of the Glen Helen 2008 Souvenir Yearbook it reads,

THE ORIGINAL OFFICIAL TRUCK OF MOTOCROSS.

In the 1970's, a sport called "motocross" was just getting off the ground in America. Toyota was there then and we're there now.

Oh man. Whoever wrote that line loves this sport as much as I do, if not more. And Toyota provides evidence of that claim on the inside cover, in a series of iconic images of legendary badasses like Hannah and Howerton. Toyota is a badass sponsor.

Time to for me to hit the road.

Glen Helen Practice: a nice day at the (raceway) park

Doom and gloom was the forecast, and there were dark skies and plenty of mud puddles in the parking lot this morning for sure, but by the time the pros hit the track for practice, the course was actually looking awesome.

And I mean that in a good way. I was struck by how fun the Glen Helen course looked; I'm used to it being the most fearsome track on the National circuit. There is no question that in years past, Jody Weisel and his crew have built some just plain scary racetracks... this year's course seems to be "lightened up" a little. Don't get me wrong, it is still very challenging, and the whole REM section of the track is all about major airtime. MAJOR airtime, do you hear me? They're jumping far AND fast to clear the triple step up and other jumps back there.

Still, the course this year looks like it would actually be fun even for a non-jumping, slow-ass beginner like myself. This obviously means I haven't been on a bike in a long time, to think I could actually handle this course.

On to the real deal: who was fast in practice?

Here are the top five numbers for the 250Fs:

1 - Jason Lawrence, Yamaha 2:44.053
2 - Ryan Villopoto Kawasaki 2:45.150
3 - Brett Metcalfe Kawasaki 2:45.913
4 - Austin Stroupe Kawasaki 2:46.134
5 - Nico Izzi, Suzuki 2:46.427

And here are the top five in the big bike class:

1 - James Stewart, Kawasaki 2:42.278
2 - Andrew Short, Honda 2:43.294
3 - Mike Alessi, Suzuki 2:44.135
4 - Jeff Alessi, Honda 2:45.000
5 - Timmy Ferry, Kawasaki 2:45.343


Okay. Stewart being a second faster than Short was to be expected; Lawrence more than a full second faster than Villopoto is a straight out surprise. Jason looked strong and smooth today. Ryan looked astonishingly fast, but sometimes he looked like he was fighting his bike a bit, just a little on the edge. But these are just the timed practice results. Timed QUALIFYING was a little bit different...

250F group A (or 3):

1 - Stroupe 2:42.502
2 - Kyle Cunningham, Honda 2:45.036
3 - Trey Canard, Honda 2:45.094
4 - Izzi 2:46.813
5 - Matt Goerke, KTM 2:47.127

250F group B (or 4):

1 - Ryan Sipes, KTM 2:46.826
2 - Jake Moss, Yamaha 2:48.112

blah blah blah, now I'm tired of typing this mess...

In any case, the track only got faster and so did the riders, as they learned their way around the course. The AMA's weird qualifying/practice structure still confuses me, but hey, it was all about watching the fastest riders in the world at one of the best tracks in the world.

More thoughts:

- There were a lot of people there! I was surprised at the turnout, considering the weather issues and the general alarm sounded throughout the motocross internet. I like the cool, unhurried vibe that Saturday practice has at the Nats.
- James Stewart looked healthy and humble in the pits, and ridiculously fast on the track. I think he has a lot in reserve as far as speed is concerned.
- Ben Townley looked really fast (and his fast time in qualifying, a 2:42.463 compares very well to Stewart's fast practice time. Towns reminded me a lot of Sebastien Tortelli with the way he rides, but more fluid like Chad Reed.
- Monster Energy drink does everything big. There used to be a big hue and cry about people setting up tents and canopies in the infield, blocking other people's view of the track. Well, Monster has set up the biggest (or at least tallest) infield structure I've ever seen at Glen Helen. The thing is HUGE. It has a viewing platform/lounge on the top (complete with palm trees!) that must be at least 30 feet off the deck. The bottom part looks to be a stage or something; maybe that's where the band Ten Man Push will play.
- The new Glen Helen sand section looks amazing.
- Ryan Dungey looked SOOOOO smooth, I can't help but think he's top three tomorrow.

Okay, I'm going to go enjoy the Racer X Preview show and call it a night.

How sandy is it at Glen Helen?

Check out the detail in this Racer X wallpaper shot by Steve Cox; they've got more over at RXO. Ryan Dungey was looking super-confident and crazy fast today... how that translated to only 7th fastest (2:47.416) beats the heck outta me. But consider that only 3 or so seconds separate the top 10 in the 250F class... it is going to be a hell of a race tomorrow. If you live in SoCal, you need to suck up that $4.25/gallon gas bill and get out to Glen Helen for this one.

Vital MX is Going Off

See More Motocross Photos at VitalMX.com

This Glen Helen practice pic of Tim Ferry crushing it in the sand is by Vital MX member "RAK"... and this person is not the only Vital member putting in awesome work.

Ferry was feeling it today; he set 5th fastest time, a 2:45.343. Timmy was faster than Davi Millsaps, Ivan Tedesco, Josh Hill, DV12 (David Vuillemin), the afore-mentioned Ben Townley, and basically 70 other guys.

Glen Helen Practice: Killer Pics by Hoss

Check out Joe Gibbs Racing's Charles Summey railing this sandy berm at Glen Helen. He's looking pretty fast here, right? Dude was flying. However the AMA's stopwatch put him in 30th place, meaning there were 29 guys railing even faster. It seems almost impossible there are that many fast guys racing the nationals.

Summey's 2:53.987 put him in mid-pack, as there was a total of 75 big bike riders on the AMA's practice list, but it was more than 11 seconds slower than the 2:42.278 lap that James Stewart blasted to set fastest time on the day. Surprisingly, Summey did beat Ben Townley's 2:54.192.

This great photo was taken by Factoryphoto, who has a stunning gallery of today's practice pics here. Very impressive.

Glen Helen 2008: Practice Day

I'm feeling it. Or will, as soon as I get off this 'puter and get to the track. I hope to run into the future Champion of the 40+ Beginner class this weekend...

An Outstanding behind the scenes film of James Stewart by Fox Racing

Fox Racing's unique relationships with its long-time riders has allowed them to create some of the most memorable motion pictures ever made in our "little" sport. Fox has been sponsoring James Stewart since he was in first or second grade or something like that, so if this latest video seems like it was lovingly crafted by a family member, well, Fox and the Stewarts (and the Carmichaels and more) ARE family.

Mind-blowing footage from Glen Helen pre-season practice

Simon Cudby rocks yer socks once again with the latest from pre-season practice at Glen Helen, courtesy Racer X Films.

A whole lotta excellence on display, I must say...

James Stewart Back on Track

Did you know the Monster Energy Kawasaki team has its own website? If you didn't, here it is, complete with a short (too short) video interview of James Stewart at practice at Glen Helen this week.

Mmmm, outdoor motocross...

Fiolek finishes third in Bulgaria!

Ashley got on the box! How cool is that? And she blogged about it... what a great story. Photo from this race report at Racetime.com.

Let's Take It Outdoors

Wes Williams does some amazing stuff. Check out this promo for the 2008 AMA Toyota Motocross Championships at Racer X Films. (sorry, I couldn't figure out a direct link) Wes is definitely feeling it.

Look at what they're doing to Glen Helen!

Holy cow. Just when you thought the track couldn't get any gnarlier, now they're bringing in sand by the truck load. Here's the story from Motocross Action online; I'm upset because it looks like they've eliminated Yamaha hill, my favorite...

Ashlely Fiolek is World Wide

American motocross phenom Ashley Fiolek has decided to spend some time racing in Europe, before she starts her title chase for the U.S. women's motocross championship this year. This weekend, Ashley has qualified with the fourth fastest time for the FIM Women's World Championship round in Bulgaria... and that's ahead of current World Champion Katherine Prumm! Wow. Read about it here at Ashley's own blog.

Remember this post?

Back in January, after James Stewart dropped out of the Monster Supercross series, I posted this link to a Steve Cox/Racer X online interview of Chad Reed, during which he said "I think they're going to try and do something..." , clearly implying that someone in control of the sport would try to influence the outcome of the series by making the tracks easier. Back then, I thought Reed was speaking the truth. I mean, after all that talk of a need for "parity" and how 450s are too powerful for mortal men to ride (whatever happened to all that 350cc nonsense anyway?), after THREE fuel fiascoes (fiascii?), I wouldn't put it past the AMA/FIM or LiveNation to do whatever they can to keep the races from becoming boring, poorly-attended parades. What a concept.

But what do we make of Reed's words now, after a truly exciting 17-race series from which he emerged triumphant despite the best efforts of those who would... what? Make a tricky rhythm section less tricky? Constantly groom the ruts between races? Really, now that the series is over, what could "they"have done to make the racing closer? I think what really happened is that Kevin Windham REALLY got fired up or excited or turned on or whatever and stepped it up like he has never done before. And that's really saying something for a guy that has always been as fast and professional as they come.

Reed's crashes, injuries and that heartbreaking DNF at Daytona are also what made this title race captivating. Chad rode with heart, raced through the pain and beat a worthy and beloved rival. I bet "they" were very pleased with the outcome. So was I.

Okay, not really. I sort of hinted at it before, but I would have been beside myself with supercross glee if Kdub had parked SuperX in the cheap seats to win the race and the championship! Kevin's got too much integrity to pull something like that... but imagine Kdub going all "Mike Alessi at Glen Helen" on Reed in the turn after the long start straight on the Vegas track, kind of like he almost did to Davi Millsaps... I believe the motocross world would have spun on its axis or something.

Remember James Stewart's one and only 250F ride?

Here he is on a KX250F, before his last race in the old 125/250F class.

Matthes on Vegas: Hidden Treasures

Steve Matthes of racerxcanada.com writes some funny stuff in his Observation column. Go for the latest on the James Stewart to L&M Racing rumor, stay for the bassett hound picture by his wife... it's all good. I just wonder is any of it true? Reed to Suzuki?

Congratulations, Australian Supercross Fans!

Your guy did well, didn't he? Chad Reed, the pride of Australia, is the AMA/FIM Supercross Champion for 2008, his second supercross crown (third if you include his 250F East title). He's gonna bring that winning flavor back home to start his own stadium motoccross series. So now I can finally say it: Getdown Chad!

Try This On The Guy In Blue Next Time

See More Motocross Photos at VitalMX.com

Geico Honda's Kevin Windham (14) nearly took out Red Bull Honda's Davi Millsaps in the first turn as they were both not backing off for the holeshot. I wish Kdub was that aggressive when Reed came up and passed him for the win, but Chad was in ass-kick mode. Photo by GuyB.

Synchronized Swimming in Vegas

See More Motocross Photos at VitalMX.com

There were three Hondas in front of Reed for much of the main. Red Bull Honda's Andrew Short (29) was the last man standing between Windham and Reed. Reed easily passed and quickly dropped Short, and then went on to hunt down and dispatch his championship rival, again, with ease. Reed later said that it seemed like the other guys didn't want to win the race. I don't know about that, but it is clear that Red Bull Honda had no intention of riding dirty against the Yamaha rider. Photo by BuyG.

Chad Reed is the 2008 Supercross Champion

See More Motocross Photos at VitalMX.com

Congratulations to Chad and the entire LM Racing/San Manual Band of Mission Indians/Yamaha racing team. Photo by GuyB.

Added Vegas Bonus: Hudgens Explains Reality

So I was listening to the Supercross Live webcast for the Vegas finale tonight, wondering why they were running commercials urging people to buy tickets for an event that was already underway and halfway over. And then the Director of Marketing for LiveNation Ken Hudgens appeared, apparently to publicly address complaints about the lack of live television coverage for this otherwise most exciting of nights.

And I was surprised they didn't ask him who was gonna win tonight.

Anyway, Hudgens explained that a joint decision NOT to go live as in previous years was made after Anaheim 1, though he did not elaborate on the significance of the timing, if any. Basically, since the event takes place on the West Coast at night, live broadcast requires the East Coast audience to stay up late (after 1am) to watch. Which they historically do not, if television ratings mean anything. Which they do, certainly to Hudgens and his clients. Simple, really: the ratings are too weak to justify the costs.

I heard that and immediately thought, "so tell the promoter to move the finale to an East Coast stadium and be done with it..." Oh yeah, LiveNation IS the promoter. This should be a no-brainer, right? Of course not, stadium logistics are a nightmare, ask someone who would know... like LiveNation. Anyway...

So after listening to Hudgens, I felt pretty clear on a couple of things. One, he knows a lot about this sport because he has been involved with the sport for a long, long time. One could say he's part of the status quo; he's certainly part of the establishment, and since the issue of live television broadcasts has ALWAYS been property (literally) of the establishment, he has great credibility on this issue. So when Ken Hudgens says that the ratings indicate that broadcasting the final supercross event is not worth the cost and effort, we should take that as the truth.

So with that understanding, Mr. Hudgens, why not let us have it on the web, for free? You know, us, that miniscule audience listening to the webcast with our friends from all over the world? I'm not even suggesting you pay for production, just let someone else come in and do it, for free. As in, no licensing costs to broadcast in a certain limited fashion on the internet. Imagine that? Some people can't.

Mr. 200 Percent

See More Motocross Photos at VitalMX.com

Midwestern guys aren't supposed to be flashy, right? No? Trey Canard rocks the red state flavor. Red plates on a red bike... haven't seen that before! Another GuyB joint.

Smooth B

See More Motocross Photos at VitalMX.com

Roll left, homie. J-Law lays it out at Vegas Press Day, looking like he wants to go to the des Nations or something... Color snaps by GuyB.

Remember Battles Like This?

Last year in St. Louis, Chad Reed and James Stewart trading paint... great stuff!

Speaking of 'plates

Time for a change, this site is way past due for a little touch up.

Fashion Plate

See More Motocross Photos at VitalMX.com

Hey Chad, now that color scheme is working. SuperX put on a riding clinic, going from last to fighting Andrew Short for second on the last lap. Here Reed gestures to Shorty after taking the checkered flag. "What up, foo? You can't stop this!"
photo by GuyB

Jason Lawrence: 2008 supercross champion!

See More Motocross Photos at VitalMX.com

He did it, he pulled it off, he earned it and he definitely delivered for the once-mighty Yamaha of Troy team. Give the man some credit! Getdown Jason Lawrence!

I know the headline looks a little off since Lawrence "only" won the 250F West Regional championships... and they have a term for the class that I refuse to use.... but to me, supercross is supercross, regardless of the bike size. Anyway...

photo by GuyB

Honda Gets The Small Bore Crown

See More Motocross Photos at VitalMX.com

When was the last time Honda won a 250F Supercross title? Was it back when Travis Preston capitalized on James Stewart's rookie mistakes to take a surprise championship? Well, Trey Canard's crown is every bit a "surprise", as even with his pre-season injury, Monster Pro Circuit Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto was widely expected to dominate the East Coast region.

What a difference a year makes. Last year Pro Circuit won both Coasts; this year they were completely shut out.

A Championship Lost, A Title Won

See More Motocross Photos at VitalMX.com

Trey Canard did it! He outmaneuvered Ryan Villopoto when it counted most, going inside before the finish line jump and forcing Villpoto into a mistake, winning the St. Louis 250F Supercross and the East Region Championship. Congratulations TC! The crux of the biscuit brilliantly captured by GuyB.

Chad Reed Has Heart

Pro athletes often are called upon to perform when injured. Tonight at the Detroit Supercross, championship-points-leader Chad Reed (L&M Racing/San Manual Band of Mission Indians/Yamaha) suffered a big time crash in practice, spent hours in the hospital being treated for internal injuries, than came back and raced to a championship-saving 12th place finish.

Now, that might not sound like so much for the normal, jaded sports junkie... but I just heard his voice, as the Supercross Live webcast guys were able to interview Chad right after they pulled off the track. And it was kind of chilling listening to Reed's voice. You could hear in his voice how stressful the entire night had been, and even though he was somewhat relieved to finish as high as he did, particularly since he also crashed in the first turn, there was still a lot of tension in his tone.

Get well soon, Chad. And keep doing what you're doing.

BREAKING NEWS: The Thunder Valley National Outdoor Motocross will air LIVE on CBS TV!

Actually, that's a complete fantasy of mine, no truth to it all. Call it a late April Fool's day headline, but wow, after thinking about the new Saturday night championship round in Colorado, well... it sure would be cool!

C'mon CBS Sports. Do it. Wake up that sleepy Saturday night audience with a live network television broadcast of the outdoor motocross championships this summer!

The Man from the Mission is on a Mission

See More Motocross Photos at VitalMX.com

Say what you want about Chad Reed's sartorial splendor, but the "The Man from the Mission" (San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, to be precise) is in complete control of the Monster Supercross Supercross title chase (yes, it looks silly to repeat "Supercross"). On a nasty track in Dallas, SuperX Reed rode away from best of the rest. Yamaha's Josh Hill took second, and Honda's Davi Millsaps found himself yet another podium ride to finish third.

But Chad... what's up with the gear? That color scheme is teh suck...

#2 is 2 for 2

See More Motocross Photos at VitalMX.com

First, I have to say my favorite source for All Things Motocross, the generous Guy B of Vital MX, spent the weekend at the Grand Prix of The Netherlands at the Eurocircuit at Valkenswaard. So this week's Monster Supercross report is ably illustrated by the cheerful (and charitable) Chris Hultner of Amateur MX.

Monster Pro Circuit Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto continued to re-emerge as his usual dominating self, taking advantage of points leader Trey Canard's bad luck to grab his second win in a row in 250F East action at the Dallas Supercross. RV is down 17 points to Canard, with only two rounds to go. If Villo loses this title, it will have nothing to do with his speed or skill; that first round DNF is the major culprit.

Jeremy McGrath Injured While Practicing

Man, I'm sorry to hear this: McGrath was riding at his ranch when he somehow crashed . He fractured his femur, according to the report.

Get well soon, MC!

"It's in our blood" - Joe Gibbs

Check out this great interview with the legendary Joe Gibbs. Good stuff from Todd Huffman and Racer X Films.

News of the Weird

So, Supercross' version of "spring break" ends this weekend, with a trip to the Great White North for the Toronto Supercross. And some, um, let's say "unique" things have happened over the past two weeks. Here are some of them in no particular order...

- Chad Reed has partnered with the promoter of the "Crusty Demons Live" shows to launch his own supercross series in Australia. You know, that sentence just doesn't look right without an exclamation mark. I mean, this is BIG NEWS, but it didn't seem generate all that much heat on the fan boards when it was dropped. Or maybe I hang out at the wrong fan boards. In any case, Chad's partner, a guy named Mike Porra, has some pretty big plans. He told Amanda at Supercross.com, "We created a new company, with its major objective is to re-invent and recreate supercross in this part of the world."

Now some of you might think that's a joke. If you do, read Amanda's interview. and you find out that this guy Porra is for real. He was a general manager for IMG, the international sports and entertainment marketing giant, heading up the Australasian Region. And check these chops: the "Crusty Demons Live" show was the top-grossing touring entertainment event in Australia in 2005/2006, beating out the Rolling Stones and U2 tours.

Looks like Superbad done good.

- History was made in Lake Whitney, Texas at the Parts Unlimited Spring Classic when Michael Young won the 65cc (7-9) Modified championship on his Cobra CX65. It was the first major national amateur title in the 65cc class for an American manufacturer. Cobra President and CEO Sean Hilbert laid it all out there when he told Racer X's Billy Ursic, "Our whole mantra or reason for being is being the best company in the world at the youth competition segment. So the 65 and other bikes in that segment is certainly fair game for us now and in the future. "


- The Superhero from Annapolis, Travis Pastrana, decided to drop another mindblowing trick on us, by riding ACROSS THE TOP OF A LAKE to a floating freestyle ramp, and then hitting the jump and tossing a trick. Ever the savvy marketer, the trick will be featured in the next installment of "Nitro Circus" (he's up to v6 now). Here's part of the call in the press release: "TP then accelerated down the 40 degree slope to the final flat piece of land and entered the lake. The bike “skimmed” (hydroplaned) across the lake with a good rate of speed, but the waves hit Pastrana’s left foot and he was suddenly riding the bike over 5 feet deep water at 70 mph, with one foot on the bike..." Did he make it? Read the release and find out!


- Team Rockstar Makita Suzuki's Ryan Dungey has called it quits on 450 racing this year, pulling out of the Toronto round to focus on the West Region 250F title chase. I have to say that makes sense, but Dungey brought a lot of excitement with him to the big boy class, so he will be missed this weekend.


- The American Motorcyclist Association jettisoned a number of employees on Thursday, according to this article by Dean Adams at SuperbikePlanet.com. Still waiting to hear what that's all about...


- And finally, just what we've all been waiting for... NIGHT MOTOCROSS. No, that sentence did not need an exclamation mark. Looks like the Lakewood Colorado round of the outdoor national championships will be run under huge Musco temporary lights on SATURDAY night, June 28th, at the Thunder Valley facility.

Now, if you're like me, you're probably wondering why this is even considered a "good idea." Well, consider what Thunder Valley's promoter, David Clabaugh, had to say in this press release: "Hosting the race at night brings a new element to AMA Motocross and gives fans a new perspective. And in this ever-changing marketplace, we’re constantly looking for ways to improve our event and night racing seems like a perfect fit for our regions’ fans.

“We’ve met with officials from the Bandimere drag racing facility up the highway and we’ve done studies on local trends on event attendance in our area. We strongly feel that our greatest area for growth at Thunder Valley is to hold our national at night.”

Hope it works out, David. I salute you for taking it to another level with Thunder Valley MX.

MXerDW's Racetime Pressroom Daily

Okay, this is a very cool thing over at Racetime.com, kind of reminds me of the Drudge Report but for motocross! It's an index of the very latest writings by guys like Motocross.com's Jeff Kardas, VitalMX's GuyB, Racer X's Steve Cox and the former factory spectator (and site owner) himself, Steve Bruhn.

Oh yeah, I think they have a pretty cool message board too.

Milestone magazine

I'd like to write something funny, but to be honest I feel very honored to have a story of mine published in the 10th anniversary issue of one of the greatest motocross mags ever, Racer X Illustrated. And it's on the cover, no less! When you get a chance, check out "The Original Riders." It went on the newstands today.

I did this... er, almost 22 years ago!

Davey Coombs at Racer X Online posted this scan of an cover photo I shot for Cycling East newspaper WAAAAAYYYYY back in 1986! Davey ran it at the end of this Racerhead column. Why? I have no idea... but it sure was cool to see it there!

Racer X Films covers the Dealer News trade show!

Okay, you've got to see these hilarious clips over at Racer X Films.... first, there's the warm-up, then the pitch for Day 1 and then the swing for the bleachers on Day 2.

I'd say it was a homerun. While the first video consists of "survival tips" from insiders like Troy Lee and bonafide superstars like MC and RC, the funniest to me is when Davey Coombs checks out the latest, greatest Chinese motorcycles on Day 2.

Another SX knee injury; this time it's David Vuillemin

VitalMX reports that team Suzuki rider David Vuillemin has traveled to France to see his doctor, following his DNF at the San Francisco supercross. Sounds like DV12 dislocated his knee during the main. Ouch.

What is up with these recent knee injuries?

Was David wearing a knee brace? I don't know.

Would a knee brace help in a situation like that? I don't know.

Hmmm, rain didn't stop Chad Reed from winning

Gotta give props to Chad Reed for doing it in the deeep dirt in the City by the Bay, no weird pun intended. I think this win should erase any lingering doubts about Reed's ability to ride in the mud.

Biggest shock of the race, to me, was watching Tim Ferry jet out to a humongous holeshot. But I was having a really happy weekend, so I just figured the stars lined up just right for Ferry, too. I didn't see his slow fall from grace, though. He could only manage 10th in the main.

Chad Reed: "I think they’re going to try and do something..."

Chad Reed implies that some entity will attempt to make the competition closer in supercross in this interview by Steve Cox for Racer X online.

Wow.

Ladies and Gentlemen, how about a warm round of applause for...

... your current Supercross Champion, James Stewart!

I just watched the press conference on Racer X films, and I must give James all the credit in the world for his decision and how he handled himself.

Of course, his next test will be how he handles himself during his time off. The injury is to his left knee, which could affect his clutch control should he try to get some car driving in. Well, I hope that he is able to get his knee completely repaired in time for a solid assault on the outdoor title.

And I also hope James takes some of his "down time" to get online and start interacting with his fan base, even if it's to simply sell merchandise.

Get well soon, James.

Didn't see this one coming...

So yesterday I was walking out the door when I got a call from one of my moto friends, Paul. He told me Stewart was out for Anaheim 2, something about his leg, but at the time no one was sure. Not good.

We chatted about how James would have to just kill it the rest of the season, to overcome what would surely be a 25-point deficit to Reed. I ended the call and went about my business, which did NOT include making the 1-hour drive to Angel Stadium to actually see the supercross. Personally, the news only affected my fantasy supercross team selections...!

But then the news that James wasn't just sitting out a race, he's stepping off the scene for the rest of the season. It's not even February yet!

Racer X Films captured the press conference. As I write this, I haven't viewed the footage... I'm enjoying the Giants-Packers game right now... but I did read Jason Weigandt's take. My insta-opinion is man, that sucks for supercross.

In my eyewitness opinion, Chad Reed is riding the best he ever has. Watching him come from behind to win his heat race impressed me, and while I confess I didn't watch him as much during the main, it was clear that except for that one fall, Speedy rode... speedily. Had to do it, sorry. Anyway, I thought Chad was gonna give James some serious competition this season.

We can forget about that now. Instead, what we have here are conditions very similar to the last time (ONLY time) Chad Reed won the U.S. Supercross title, when the great Ricky Carmichael sat out the 2004 season. Seems the only difference, besides bikes and brands, is that RC made the call BEFORE the season began.

Guess I'll look at that video before I comment further.

Was it cold in Phoenix?

This is what I want to say about that: yeah, Monster found some cutie-pie twins in the town of the burning bird. But what's up with the packaging? Is it me, or are they not sexy enough?

And what has the world come to when I turn the discussion to the fashions of the 30-second board girls?

What I saw at A1

It was a mighty fine night of racing, that’s for sure. LiveNation and Dirt Wurx are to be commended for keeping their sanity and doing a great job at presenting a program in which the racers could do their very best. It may have been hell on the track, but it looked great from where I sat in the stands.

I saw Ryan Dungey establish himself as the man to beat for the West Coast regional division, and it wasn’t during his main event win that he sent this message. Dungey fired the first shot with his resounding heat race win, dominating in almost Villopoto-esque fashion.

I saw the “new” Jason Lawrence confidently stake his claim to fastest practice time, and I was pretty convinced that he was going to eventually pass Dungey for the win in the 250 main. So I was pretty surprised to read a race report in which Lawrence admitted he was “nervous” with Dungey stalking him, so he let him by…! J-Law may be working hard with Ryan Hughes on his fitness, but it seems he might need some help with his mind-game strategies.

I saw Chad Reed crash in practice and go down again in his heat race, and it made me think he was mentally struggling. But when he came from behind to win that heat race, I was very impressed. Reed can really ride Supercross, not that that’s news to anyone. He’s great fun to watch.

I saw James Stewart drag race a red bike deep into turn one during the 450 main start; it turns out Ivan Tedesco went down as well. It’s my speculation that James was bumped and that’s why he went down, but I haven’t read or seen anything to support that. In any case, after watching Stewart calmly dominate practice and his heat, all I felt after seeing him get up in last place was a building excitement. I knew it was going to be a thrill watching him slice through the pack catching up, and I was right. And he saved his most spectatular pass for last, when he tripled past both Langston and Ferry at the same time to take over second place.

In the pits before the races, I saw Jeremy Albrecht entertaining well-wishers wearing Kawasaki green over at his JGR (Joe Gibbs Racing) transporter. They had some very nice looking Yamahas.

I saw James Stewart’s dad, “Big” James, giving out his own autographs, which seemed kind of weird. But I guess his name IS James Stewart…

I saw more Monster Energy logos than I cared to at the souvenir stand. I mean, I appreciate the company stepping up and sponsoring the sport, but man… the ubiquitous “claw slash” logo is starting to feel tired. I ended up forgoing an event t-shirt, instead settling on a pretty cool #7 hat (with NO Monster logos).

WHO I saw… I saw the Icon, David Bailey, as well as a very fresh-looking Ernesto Fonseca. I also saw MXi publisher Steve Cox, and Mototalk legend BobbyM. I missed seeing the scourge of Motodrive, Big Lenny, and his protégé BammBamm.

And I just missed Marty Moates altogether.

Anaheim the First: Chad Reed won but "Stewart rode smart"

Check out Jason Weigandt's great race report from last night's Supercross opener at Anaheim. I'll weigh in with my own observations shortly.

First LOL of the new season!

I just read Steve Matthes' 2008 Supercross Preview over at Racer X online... I am much amused!

FINALLY... the off season is over!

And regular posting will resume because IT'S TIME TO GO RACING!

I just got back from a holiday vacation with my parents, two weeks in "flyover" country. And I just picked up my A1 tix from Pasadena Yamaha (no link, I paid full price!). Planning ahead, I got us seats that are out of the rain...

More coming soon!