"Superbad" Chad flung down the gauntlet early this afternoon, clocking the quickest practice lap in the first practice session. Reed set a 1:10.664 to RC's 1:11.326 and James Stewart's 1:11.695.
Second practics is underway, and STOP THE PRESSES! (yuck yuck) Speedy Reedy has been challenged by both of his rivals, who turned laps in the 1:10s. How did Reed respond? By setting a 1:09.859. Yow, this is getting good.
You can follow the AMA's live laptime link here. Get it while it's hot. Let's see if Chad can hold on...
March 09, 2007
March 08, 2007
Get Well Soon, Doug Henry!
As many of you already know, motocross hero and Supermoto champion Doug Henry suffered a crash in a Supermoto race in Florida this week. The Factory Spectator, Steve Bruhn, reports in his "Weekend Window" that Doug is recovering from successful surgery to repair his broken back (!) and that things are looking up so far. Whew!
This would make the SECOND time Doug has broken his back while competing. I wish him and his family the best, and I pray he makes a full and speedy recovery. GO HENRY!
This would make the SECOND time Doug has broken his back while competing. I wish him and his family the best, and I pray he makes a full and speedy recovery. GO HENRY!
March 07, 2007
Supercross Stats To Date
Courtesy the mx think tank known as Motocross Illustrated, here's some very interesting information about the supercross season so far...
AMA Supercross Class Laps Led:
James Stewart 131
Ricky Carmichael 40
Chad Reed 39
Kevin Windham 5
Nick Wey 2
Eric Sorby 3
AMA Supercross Lites Class Laps Led:
Ryan Villopoto 84
Christophe Pourcel 17
Ryan Dungey 14
Jason Lawrence 3
Steve Boniface 1
Ben Towley 15
Darcy Lange 1
Two things dramatically stand out:
1) James Stewart, of course. The DIFFERENCE ALONE between his lap count and the second highest ranked racer equals more laps led than anyone who has led a lap this season, COMBINED. In other words... that's a lotta laps!
2) Ryan Villopoto had absolutely ZERO competition, that is, once Chris Pourcel injured himself.
On to Daytona!
February 26, 2007
SPEED Channel show the Outdoors some love...
This just in: a MONUMENTAL change in the way the AMA National Championships will be broadcast this year. Think I'm exaggerating? Check this out:
“This is a monumental step forward for AMA Motocross,” said AMA President, Rob Dingman.
There you have it, straight from the top. Yessir, a cable channel has agreed to cover the Nationals! And get this: Also spake Dingman, "We’re also thrilled to be able to present several events on a live basis.”
SEVERAL EVENTS LIVE! Oh, be still my beating heart!
Why, not too long ago I was musing over the fact that we're well into the first decade of the 21st Century, and now the news that our lovable sport has grown up to the point that we finally qualify for live coverage. Not for the whole series, of course... expecting that would simply be ridiculous, right? Yes, I'm being sarcastic, because in my heart of hearts I believe IT'S ABOUT DAMN TIME. But that's just me.
Oh yeah... you can read the rest of the press release here at Racer X Online.
But here's the real news, hidden down in the sixth paragraph of the blurb: Racer X will carry real-time web streaming of certain race elements as well as unique, behind-the-scenes action.
Now THAT'S some news. Finally, someone gets this web-thing and will put it to use. Here's the money quote: "We have spent the last five years building the audio webcast for fans all over the world, and now we're ready to go even bigger. The online coverage of AMA Motocross--both audio and streaming video--will mark yet another step forward for our sport,” said Racer X Illustrated’s founder, Davey Coombs.
Thank you, thank you, THANK you DC for bringing this sport into the 21st Century.
“This is a monumental step forward for AMA Motocross,” said AMA President, Rob Dingman.
There you have it, straight from the top. Yessir, a cable channel has agreed to cover the Nationals! And get this: Also spake Dingman, "We’re also thrilled to be able to present several events on a live basis.”
SEVERAL EVENTS LIVE! Oh, be still my beating heart!
Why, not too long ago I was musing over the fact that we're well into the first decade of the 21st Century, and now the news that our lovable sport has grown up to the point that we finally qualify for live coverage. Not for the whole series, of course... expecting that would simply be ridiculous, right? Yes, I'm being sarcastic, because in my heart of hearts I believe IT'S ABOUT DAMN TIME. But that's just me.
Oh yeah... you can read the rest of the press release here at Racer X Online.
But here's the real news, hidden down in the sixth paragraph of the blurb: Racer X will carry real-time web streaming of certain race elements as well as unique, behind-the-scenes action.
Now THAT'S some news. Finally, someone gets this web-thing and will put it to use. Here's the money quote: "We have spent the last five years building the audio webcast for fans all over the world, and now we're ready to go even bigger. The online coverage of AMA Motocross--both audio and streaming video--will mark yet another step forward for our sport,” said Racer X Illustrated’s founder, Davey Coombs.
Thank you, thank you, THANK you DC for bringing this sport into the 21st Century.
February 23, 2007
Hill and Wey get points back, but the AMA Fuel Fiasco continues...
First, I'm glad Nick Wey and Josh Hill got their podium points and purses returned to them. Check out this press release over at VitalMX.
But the really weird thing is that after re-testing and investigating the fuel samples, instead of finding the fuel in compliance, the AMA actually found ANOTHER problem with the fuel. According to the press release, "Testing has shown that the illegal substance Methyl Butynol is being added to the majority of fuels being used in Supercross."
Come again?
So EVERYBODY is illegal for MB additives, so... we'll give Josh and Nick their points back. But no mention of Jason Thomas... will he get his points back, too?
Quick question: does this solve the problem or create as new one?
But the really weird thing is that after re-testing and investigating the fuel samples, instead of finding the fuel in compliance, the AMA actually found ANOTHER problem with the fuel. According to the press release, "Testing has shown that the illegal substance Methyl Butynol is being added to the majority of fuels being used in Supercross."
Come again?
So EVERYBODY is illegal for MB additives, so... we'll give Josh and Nick their points back. But no mention of Jason Thomas... will he get his points back, too?
Quick question: does this solve the problem or create as new one?
February 21, 2007
Congratulations, Ryan Villopoto!
Who's the man who has ALREADY snagged one of the coveted AMA championship titles up for grabs this year? "Flyin'" Ryan Villopoto is the 2007 250F West supercross champion... good job, Ryan! Here's a press release courtesy Racer X online.
Actually, "Flyin'" is not his nickname. Maybe it's "Villopodium"? "RV Park" is another one I've seen. "The Stalker"? Nah, that's someone else... in any case, snarfing up a title before the third month of the year has got to be a record of some sort. Hat's off to Villo and his Monster/Pro Circuit Kawasaki team for just demolishing the competition.
Another title for Mitch Payton's company... geez, they must be living right out there in Corona...
Actually, "Flyin'" is not his nickname. Maybe it's "Villopodium"? "RV Park" is another one I've seen. "The Stalker"? Nah, that's someone else... in any case, snarfing up a title before the third month of the year has got to be a record of some sort. Hat's off to Villo and his Monster/Pro Circuit Kawasaki team for just demolishing the competition.
Another title for Mitch Payton's company... geez, they must be living right out there in Corona...
February 01, 2007
AMA: Just give them their points back already…
No doubt you’ve heard all the noise about Fuelgate 2007. Here’s my very unpopular take on the whole mess:
Either give Nick, Josh and Jason their points back or take away Carmichael’s 2006 supercross title. One or the other.
The first fuel “offense” affected Chad Reed. Penalty? The AMA took away points. Impact on the SX title? None.
The second fuel penalty went to James Stewart. Penalty? The AMA took away points. Impact on the National MX title? None.
The third fuel fiasco was last year with Rick Carmichael. Penalty? The AMA took away 25 points, then re-instated them. Impact on the SX title? RC won by two points.
For this year’s brouhaha, it’s too early to tell what, if any, impact there will be on the SX title chase in either class, but an ugly precedent has been set, either knowingly or unknowingly: when things get out of hand, just give the racer(s) the points back. That’s what was ultimately decided last year, and that’s what should happen this year. If not, then it throws the 2006 decision back into an unflattering light, and opens the door for accusations of favoritism.
On the face of it, it seems ludicrous to believe that MDK, Butler Brothers Racing and Team Yamaha deliberately “juiced” their fuel for an unfair advantage. Certainly in 450 racing, a stock bike with pump gas already has too much power for today’s supercross courses, so cheating with fuel just doesn’t make sense. So the questions turn to the AMA’s testing methods and the fuel supplier, VP. Who messed up? Will we ever know?
Either give Nick, Josh and Jason their points back or take away Carmichael’s 2006 supercross title. One or the other.
The first fuel “offense” affected Chad Reed. Penalty? The AMA took away points. Impact on the SX title? None.
The second fuel penalty went to James Stewart. Penalty? The AMA took away points. Impact on the National MX title? None.
The third fuel fiasco was last year with Rick Carmichael. Penalty? The AMA took away 25 points, then re-instated them. Impact on the SX title? RC won by two points.
For this year’s brouhaha, it’s too early to tell what, if any, impact there will be on the SX title chase in either class, but an ugly precedent has been set, either knowingly or unknowingly: when things get out of hand, just give the racer(s) the points back. That’s what was ultimately decided last year, and that’s what should happen this year. If not, then it throws the 2006 decision back into an unflattering light, and opens the door for accusations of favoritism.
On the face of it, it seems ludicrous to believe that MDK, Butler Brothers Racing and Team Yamaha deliberately “juiced” their fuel for an unfair advantage. Certainly in 450 racing, a stock bike with pump gas already has too much power for today’s supercross courses, so cheating with fuel just doesn’t make sense. So the questions turn to the AMA’s testing methods and the fuel supplier, VP. Who messed up? Will we ever know?
January 08, 2007
Thoughts on Anaheim 1, 2007
Man, I had a GREAT time on Saturday, mostly due to the company I was with, but the exciting racing had something to do with it, too! As you undoubtedly know by now, James Stewart stormed to the win after falling early in the race, denying Carmichael the A1 win that RC says wasn’t all that important to him anyway. Okay. And Superbad Injured Guy, Chad Reed, pulled a MONSTER holeshot and went fast enough to finish third.
In print, it sounds boring, but it was great! Anyway, here are the things that stood out from my day in the Big A:
1) If you want to go to the pits AND watch the practice/qualifying sessions, get there early. REALLY early. Because we got there around 2pm, in time for the second practice sessions, and by the time they were over, it was nearly 4:30… and the pits closed at 5pm. So sorry to anybody who missed seeing me in the pits (yeah, right!), but the practice sessions were too much fun to miss!
2) Grant Langston was friggin’ FLYING in the second practice session. I believe he finished with the third fastest time of the day. I mean, that really surprised me. (And sorry about that link, it was a joke; here's Grant's real website... and it looks like it needs to be updated!)
3) David Vuillemin was also turning good laps, fighting for the fourth or fifth fastest lap with Kevin Windham.
4) Ryan Villopoto was as fast as expected, but the surprise was that his teammate, Chris Gosselaar was nearly as fast as RV. I thought we were looking at a Pro Circuit 1-2 on the podium… I was wrong.
5) I simply could not wrap my head around the idea of Jason Lawrence on a Yamaha of Troy bike. I kept looking at the number 338 on a blue bike and wondering “who IS that guy with J-Law’s old number?” My confusion lasted most of the night; must have been that “coffee” we were drinking out in the parking lot…!
6) When you take the time and effort to mount a bazooka-like t-shirt launcher on a customized, lifted golfcart, don’t you think it would be cool to actually drive around the perimeter of the field launching t-shirts on the fly? Well that’s not what happened; instead they just parked that puppy in the MIDDLE OF THE FIELD and then attempted to shoot into the upper deck… and failed miserably each time. 45,000 fans were not impressed.
7) Stewart’s excitement after winning the main could be felt all the way up in the cheap seats. He was STOKED!
8) Parking cost $15 DOLLARS! Man, there oughta be a law…
9) French GP guy Christopher Pourcel looked like a supercross specialist from way back the way he effortlessly led the 250F main. He’ll be a contender when he makes the move over here.
10) Ryan Villopoto is the next “Ricky Carmichael”… he’s that fast. I hope he takes his time and stays in the 250F class another year, and then… watch out! I think he’ll be James’ biggest threat.
11) I didn’t miss the semis one bit. And if canceling the day qualifiers made track maintenance easier/better, then I support it 100%. It’s nice to see a positive change in this sport.
12) We had the biggest hicks in the whole world seated behind us. During the heat one for the 250Fs, one of them was beside himself about the “huge lead” RC had…! They were outta control. In fact, it got so bad, I wished I could hear Terry Boyd instead… kind of like curing a headache with a hammer to the forehead.
13) Chad Reed qualifying after stalling his bike in his heat. I swore up and down that he would just cruise and take his “gimme” into the main; imagine my surprise when he didn’t show up to start the LCQ. And then when he pulled that killer holeshot from the 16th gate pick, well, wow! Good job, Skippy!
In print, it sounds boring, but it was great! Anyway, here are the things that stood out from my day in the Big A:
1) If you want to go to the pits AND watch the practice/qualifying sessions, get there early. REALLY early. Because we got there around 2pm, in time for the second practice sessions, and by the time they were over, it was nearly 4:30… and the pits closed at 5pm. So sorry to anybody who missed seeing me in the pits (yeah, right!), but the practice sessions were too much fun to miss!
2) Grant Langston was friggin’ FLYING in the second practice session. I believe he finished with the third fastest time of the day. I mean, that really surprised me. (And sorry about that link, it was a joke; here's Grant's real website... and it looks like it needs to be updated!)
3) David Vuillemin was also turning good laps, fighting for the fourth or fifth fastest lap with Kevin Windham.
4) Ryan Villopoto was as fast as expected, but the surprise was that his teammate, Chris Gosselaar was nearly as fast as RV. I thought we were looking at a Pro Circuit 1-2 on the podium… I was wrong.
5) I simply could not wrap my head around the idea of Jason Lawrence on a Yamaha of Troy bike. I kept looking at the number 338 on a blue bike and wondering “who IS that guy with J-Law’s old number?” My confusion lasted most of the night; must have been that “coffee” we were drinking out in the parking lot…!
6) When you take the time and effort to mount a bazooka-like t-shirt launcher on a customized, lifted golfcart, don’t you think it would be cool to actually drive around the perimeter of the field launching t-shirts on the fly? Well that’s not what happened; instead they just parked that puppy in the MIDDLE OF THE FIELD and then attempted to shoot into the upper deck… and failed miserably each time. 45,000 fans were not impressed.
7) Stewart’s excitement after winning the main could be felt all the way up in the cheap seats. He was STOKED!
8) Parking cost $15 DOLLARS! Man, there oughta be a law…
9) French GP guy Christopher Pourcel looked like a supercross specialist from way back the way he effortlessly led the 250F main. He’ll be a contender when he makes the move over here.
10) Ryan Villopoto is the next “Ricky Carmichael”… he’s that fast. I hope he takes his time and stays in the 250F class another year, and then… watch out! I think he’ll be James’ biggest threat.
11) I didn’t miss the semis one bit. And if canceling the day qualifiers made track maintenance easier/better, then I support it 100%. It’s nice to see a positive change in this sport.
12) We had the biggest hicks in the whole world seated behind us. During the heat one for the 250Fs, one of them was beside himself about the “huge lead” RC had…! They were outta control. In fact, it got so bad, I wished I could hear Terry Boyd instead… kind of like curing a headache with a hammer to the forehead.
13) Chad Reed qualifying after stalling his bike in his heat. I swore up and down that he would just cruise and take his “gimme” into the main; imagine my surprise when he didn’t show up to start the LCQ. And then when he pulled that killer holeshot from the 16th gate pick, well, wow! Good job, Skippy!
January 05, 2007
My 2007 Supercross Predictions
Well I don’t know about you, but I am very excited about the “start” of the new Supercross season. 24 hours from now, I will hit the road to Anaheim with two of my favorite people to witness the latest installment in the “magnificent men with their flying machines” saga, the Amp’d Mobile/Toyota/and Other Sponsors Supercross thing-a-ma-jiggie. And here’s my pick for the championship:
James Stewart, Jr.
Now my regular readers will note that I picked James to win the title last year… and I was wrong. BUT, I was right about one thing: I predicted that the title battle would go down to the wire in Sparkplug 35.
With Rick Carmichael moving on, there’s no reason why James shouldn’t repeat as WSX champion AND win the AMA SX title as well… he’s got the speed, the experience, the bike and no competition.
No competition? Look, I think Chad Reed is ready to put on a fight, but he is proving himself to be fragile. Another pre-season shoulder injury was just announced, and he’s questionable for A1. I hope he shows up to gather up as many points as possible, because I think he’s the only real contender that Stewart will face this year. No one else has been able to run even close to Stewart’s pace.
Milsaps? Still recovering from a broken femur, he’s outta the title chase.
Langston? Has just recently returned to riding after a broken ankle, and he’s still unproven in the 450F class.
So here’s how I think the season will shake out for the AMA series:
1) James Stewart, Jr.
2) Chad Reed
3) Kevin Windham
4) David Vuillemin
5) Tim Ferry
Yep, I think Ferry will keep Tedesco, Byrne, Langston and Wey at bay. Hey!
James Stewart, Jr.
Now my regular readers will note that I picked James to win the title last year… and I was wrong. BUT, I was right about one thing: I predicted that the title battle would go down to the wire in Sparkplug 35.
With Rick Carmichael moving on, there’s no reason why James shouldn’t repeat as WSX champion AND win the AMA SX title as well… he’s got the speed, the experience, the bike and no competition.
No competition? Look, I think Chad Reed is ready to put on a fight, but he is proving himself to be fragile. Another pre-season shoulder injury was just announced, and he’s questionable for A1. I hope he shows up to gather up as many points as possible, because I think he’s the only real contender that Stewart will face this year. No one else has been able to run even close to Stewart’s pace.
Milsaps? Still recovering from a broken femur, he’s outta the title chase.
Langston? Has just recently returned to riding after a broken ankle, and he’s still unproven in the 450F class.
So here’s how I think the season will shake out for the AMA series:
1) James Stewart, Jr.
2) Chad Reed
3) Kevin Windham
4) David Vuillemin
5) Tim Ferry
Yep, I think Ferry will keep Tedesco, Byrne, Langston and Wey at bay. Hey!
December 29, 2006
The year that is about to pass.
Strange thing, this year was. At least for me. So this sort of year-end review will probably seem kind of strange to you, dear reader. I’m not gonna get all “DC” like and do a proper look back at the “Year in MX”, but just kind of touch on the things that stick out in the dark corners of my memory.
2006 was the year that James Stewart became a solid 450 racer. It was also the debut year for Kawasaki’s big thumper, and the two of them kicked off the year with the win at the Anaheim opener. That was the race in which RC went down in the whoops and the next thing you knew, all tracks built after that were a bit tamer. Of course, that had nothing to do with Carmichael.
2006 was also the year that the AMA/FIM fuel penalty turned the hat trick, claiming it’s third set of victims in as many years when they caught Team Makita Suzuki’s star rider with his hand in the leaded cookie jar. Of course, the difference this year was that neither the FIM nor the AMA wanted the penalty to affect the title chase, so they gave Carmichael his points back and took his money instead, leaving Kawasaki team manager Mike Fisher to believe that the rules were not meant to be take seriously. Unfortunately, Fisher was not the only one left with that belief.
Speaking of bone-headed moves by the sanctioning body, new class “names” were announced at the start of the year. They were and continue to be not only ridiculous, but almost unanimously disliked by everyone involved in the sport. Of course, they will not be changed for 2007.
2006 marked the first time that the Supercross championship went down to the absolute wire at the finale in Las Vegas, and to top it off, it was broadcast live. Apparently everybody but me thought it was the most exciting race since Anaheim ’86… I thought it was a parade, since the top three settled into their positions early and stayed there until the end. It also marked the end of a phenomenal second season of supercross for James, as he became the first person to deny Carmichael of a Championship (the under-respected World SX crown). He also became the first racer to win ALL of his heat races in a season... although most people could not care less about that particular stat.
2006 was the first year in a little while that I didn’t attend the opening race of the Outdoor Nationals, choosing instead to stay warm and comfortable while it rained from Pasadena to Sacramento. Of course, that meant I missed a hell of a race, with James Stewart again achieving the another pair of milestones: snapping Carmichael’s ridiculously long winning streak as well as taking the KX450F to a victory in it’s maiden outdoor voyage.
Unfortunately, the 2006 Outdoor season didn’t turn out to be the race-to-race battle we had long hoped for, as Stew crashed his brains out one too many times, and Superbad Chad just wasn’t feeling it. So RC steamrolled to another title and did the unthinkable: he retired.
Maybe THAT’S why I’m feeling kind of melancholy about 2006; this was the last year of the Reign of Rick(y). Late in 2006, RC fired the shot heard ‘round the world: he’s going to NASCAR. And I hope he kicks big time ass there.
Sometime in the middle of 2006, Israel invaded Lebanon, and I regained perspective. Motocross suddenly seemed frivolous, and I stopped writing about it. I remembered that Americans were still dying in the Middle East, for reasons that I personally cannot excuse. My love of this sport never wavered, but I had to admit that it was not as important as many other things in this world. Since then, they’ve called a ceasefire in Lebanon, American troops are STILL dying and an election was held and some politicians lost their jobs. Motocross remains less important than geopolitical affairs, but… but I still love this sport. So here we are.
Ryan Villopoto made Mike Alessi very sad by seriously kicking his ass at the Glen Helen outdoor finale. But Mike shouldn’t take it personally; RV kicked EVERYONE’S ass that day, lending credence to the concept that there will always be a fast, freckle-faced redhead in this sport.
Also at Glen Helen, RC fired the SECOND shot heard world wide when he crashed and, unbelievably, hurt himself badly enough that he not only left the track, but was unable to race in the Motocross des Nations. Thousands of international Carmichael fans had their hearts broken that day. Ironically, RC’s dnf insured that Stewart took the win at Glen Helen, giving him the “bookends”: wins at both the opening and closing rounds of the series.
With RC out, James was able to don the number 1 plate at the MXdN, and led America’s team to victory, even though he finished 2-2 to the incomparable Stefan Everts.
And that was it for the racing, folks. Oh sure, there were the big money events held in Carson, CA and Las Vegas, NV, won by Kdub and Stewart, respectively. But all of the drama, tension and excitement of the big title chases were over and done by then. Nothing left to do but fight and argue on the motoboards.
And then, the unthinkable: Marty Moates killed himself.
Okay… THAT’S the reason for my melancholia. I’m still slightly out-of-sorts about the whole deal. I used to get quite a thrill at seeing Marty at A1 and going up to him to say “Hi”… and he would actually talk to me, would actually remember me! Even with 45,000 people in that stadium, it’s going to seem empty without him. Dammit.
2006. Some good things happened, for sure, but I’m ready to let it go.
Happy New Year to all!
2006 was the year that James Stewart became a solid 450 racer. It was also the debut year for Kawasaki’s big thumper, and the two of them kicked off the year with the win at the Anaheim opener. That was the race in which RC went down in the whoops and the next thing you knew, all tracks built after that were a bit tamer. Of course, that had nothing to do with Carmichael.
2006 was also the year that the AMA/FIM fuel penalty turned the hat trick, claiming it’s third set of victims in as many years when they caught Team Makita Suzuki’s star rider with his hand in the leaded cookie jar. Of course, the difference this year was that neither the FIM nor the AMA wanted the penalty to affect the title chase, so they gave Carmichael his points back and took his money instead, leaving Kawasaki team manager Mike Fisher to believe that the rules were not meant to be take seriously. Unfortunately, Fisher was not the only one left with that belief.
Speaking of bone-headed moves by the sanctioning body, new class “names” were announced at the start of the year. They were and continue to be not only ridiculous, but almost unanimously disliked by everyone involved in the sport. Of course, they will not be changed for 2007.
2006 marked the first time that the Supercross championship went down to the absolute wire at the finale in Las Vegas, and to top it off, it was broadcast live. Apparently everybody but me thought it was the most exciting race since Anaheim ’86… I thought it was a parade, since the top three settled into their positions early and stayed there until the end. It also marked the end of a phenomenal second season of supercross for James, as he became the first person to deny Carmichael of a Championship (the under-respected World SX crown). He also became the first racer to win ALL of his heat races in a season... although most people could not care less about that particular stat.
2006 was the first year in a little while that I didn’t attend the opening race of the Outdoor Nationals, choosing instead to stay warm and comfortable while it rained from Pasadena to Sacramento. Of course, that meant I missed a hell of a race, with James Stewart again achieving the another pair of milestones: snapping Carmichael’s ridiculously long winning streak as well as taking the KX450F to a victory in it’s maiden outdoor voyage.
Unfortunately, the 2006 Outdoor season didn’t turn out to be the race-to-race battle we had long hoped for, as Stew crashed his brains out one too many times, and Superbad Chad just wasn’t feeling it. So RC steamrolled to another title and did the unthinkable: he retired.
Maybe THAT’S why I’m feeling kind of melancholy about 2006; this was the last year of the Reign of Rick(y). Late in 2006, RC fired the shot heard ‘round the world: he’s going to NASCAR. And I hope he kicks big time ass there.
Sometime in the middle of 2006, Israel invaded Lebanon, and I regained perspective. Motocross suddenly seemed frivolous, and I stopped writing about it. I remembered that Americans were still dying in the Middle East, for reasons that I personally cannot excuse. My love of this sport never wavered, but I had to admit that it was not as important as many other things in this world. Since then, they’ve called a ceasefire in Lebanon, American troops are STILL dying and an election was held and some politicians lost their jobs. Motocross remains less important than geopolitical affairs, but… but I still love this sport. So here we are.
Ryan Villopoto made Mike Alessi very sad by seriously kicking his ass at the Glen Helen outdoor finale. But Mike shouldn’t take it personally; RV kicked EVERYONE’S ass that day, lending credence to the concept that there will always be a fast, freckle-faced redhead in this sport.
Also at Glen Helen, RC fired the SECOND shot heard world wide when he crashed and, unbelievably, hurt himself badly enough that he not only left the track, but was unable to race in the Motocross des Nations. Thousands of international Carmichael fans had their hearts broken that day. Ironically, RC’s dnf insured that Stewart took the win at Glen Helen, giving him the “bookends”: wins at both the opening and closing rounds of the series.
With RC out, James was able to don the number 1 plate at the MXdN, and led America’s team to victory, even though he finished 2-2 to the incomparable Stefan Everts.
And that was it for the racing, folks. Oh sure, there were the big money events held in Carson, CA and Las Vegas, NV, won by Kdub and Stewart, respectively. But all of the drama, tension and excitement of the big title chases were over and done by then. Nothing left to do but fight and argue on the motoboards.
And then, the unthinkable: Marty Moates killed himself.
Okay… THAT’S the reason for my melancholia. I’m still slightly out-of-sorts about the whole deal. I used to get quite a thrill at seeing Marty at A1 and going up to him to say “Hi”… and he would actually talk to me, would actually remember me! Even with 45,000 people in that stadium, it’s going to seem empty without him. Dammit.
2006. Some good things happened, for sure, but I’m ready to let it go.
Happy New Year to all!
December 12, 2006
Not a "farewell", but a "See ya later!"
I went to Marty Moates' memorial service today, and it was absolutely beautiful. The motocross community is made up of just great people, and hundreds showed up to show their love and respect. I'm not going to go into details about who was there and who said what, but I will say this: Marty has challenged us all to demonstrate the same level of love for our brothers and sisters as he did. Set aside the details of his death and focus on his life... the man everyone remembers as a friend.
Finally, here are some photos taken at Marty's very last race, courtesy The Factory Spectator himself, Steve Bruhn.
Rest well, Marty.
Finally, here are some photos taken at Marty's very last race, courtesy The Factory Spectator himself, Steve Bruhn.
Rest well, Marty.
December 11, 2006
A good friend remembers Marty...
My friend Bobby Myers (aka "BobbyM") has written a heartwarming remembrance of Marty. You can read it here. Thanks Bobby.
December 09, 2006
A good place
Rick Dougherty has started a wonderful memorial website for Marty Moates. The site "...exists to share memories, feelings and celebrate the life of Marty Moates."
Thanks to Rick and all involved.
Thanks to Rick and all involved.
December 08, 2006
More about Marty
Great motocross writer Eric Johnson penned this memorial of Marty and posted it at Racer X Online.
Man, I still can't believe it...
Man, I still can't believe it...
This is a sad, sad day
(photo courtesy Motocross Action)
Marty Moates, a hero to all motocross fans, took his own life yesterday. I am numb.
I first met Marty a few years back after reading one of his posts on the old Fresh Dirt board. He basically invited everyone on the board to come to the Carlsbad Christmas Grand Prix and have a beer with him as he celebrated his birthday on his brand new YZ250F. I showed up, looking forward to meeting the first American to win the USGP at Carlsbad, and he was true to his word, offering me a Coors Light from a big ol' cooler filled with brew. He was unbelievably nice and I was amazed that he would take the time to chat with me. I was just getting back into racing and I mentioned that I really like the No Fear gear, but was disappointed that they didn't make it in "fat boy" sizes. To my surprise, he told me he had some gear that would fit me, and offered to bring it to A1 for me.
Cut to Anaheim stadium a few weeks later. I was standing outside the restaurant when Marty Moates walked up and shook my hand. He introduced me to his wife and then handed me a bag full of McGrath-replica No Fear gear. I was nearly delirious... it was one thing to get a good deal on great gear, but to have it personally delivered by Marty Moates, right in the middle of MX/SX Central? I was in heaven.
I saw Marty many times after that... he even gave me a tour of the No Fear facility once... and everytime, EVERY SINGLE TIME I saw him he was smiling and friendly and happy. Which is why I can barely believe what has happened. I can't, I don't want to imagine what made him do this.
Marty, take care. You are greatly missed. Thanks for everything.
December 06, 2006
Finally weighing in on the Toronto Controversy...
... ah, well, I'm going to let Jason Weigandt do the honors. Read his blog entry here... he wraps it up pretty well (and he was there in person watching the whole thing go down, unlike me).
As for my take? First: Congrats to Team San Manuel Band of Mission Indians/L&M Racing/Yamaha rider Chad Reed. "Superbad" Chad put a lot of bad memories behind him with this one. Good for him!
And as a Stewart fan, I'm happy to see him hanging in there to get podium points after what was at best a questionable move, but sheesh... it wasn't pretty. Glad to see that Preston wasn't seriously injured, and I hope Ivan is able to answer the bell at A1. But I'm not mad at Stew... like I said before, I wasn't there to see it in person, and the guy I linked to above describes the practice stuff pretty accurately.
As for my take? First: Congrats to Team San Manuel Band of Mission Indians/L&M Racing/Yamaha rider Chad Reed. "Superbad" Chad put a lot of bad memories behind him with this one. Good for him!
And as a Stewart fan, I'm happy to see him hanging in there to get podium points after what was at best a questionable move, but sheesh... it wasn't pretty. Glad to see that Preston wasn't seriously injured, and I hope Ivan is able to answer the bell at A1. But I'm not mad at Stew... like I said before, I wasn't there to see it in person, and the guy I linked to above describes the practice stuff pretty accurately.
How cool is this?
(pic courtesy VitalMX.com)
I saw this and had to grab it... it was posted by Lee from On The Pipe Racing, and I believe it's his collection of restored 125'ers. Man, I'd love to have a stable of ponies like that!
December 04, 2006
Show me the money
So here it is, early December and the Supercross season has already started for next year. One race in and the sport is already awash in controversy, but I am just not ready to get into that yet... I still want to take a look at something significant about the season past: the prize money.
Motocross Illustrated has a great feature they run every issue, the “Earnings Leaders”, a list of the top purse winners to date. This list shows who won how much over the course of the season, and it only counts prize money and points-fund money; sponsor payout, salaries and bonuses are not included. And what's striking about this list is, you guessed it, the fact that it truly represents a paltry sum of money.
Now don't get me wrong; if someone handed me $10 grand, I'd gratefully accept it and consider myself lucky. But when you consider the effort Grant Langston expended to win his regional 250F supercross championship, then his year-end prize money total of only $17,420 seems more than pitiful.
Seriously, a championship nets less than $20K? What year is this again?
Let's move to the top of the leader board, where we're not surprised to find James Stewart. Stew clocked $438,300... and more than a third of this was earned at just one race, the U.S. Open. Stewart's string of supercross victories and his World SX title made up the difference.
Same with the number two earner, Ricky Carmichael. Even though RC took home the 450F Outdoor crown, there's no doubt that his Supercross championship brought him the bulk of the dollars.
Here are a few things that bug me about this money index:
Only four guys in this entire country, in what is arguably the greatest motocross nation on earth and in the the richest and longest motocross/supercross series on the planet, were able to win more than $100,000 in prize money. The guy in fifth place on the leader board, Josh Grant, only made $93K.
It gets worse: only two racers were in the $90s, just one in the $80s, four made between $60 and $70... and NO ONE made $50K.
Four racers were in the $40s; five in the $30s (and one of them was 250F National Champion Ryan Villapoto!); EIGHT in the $20s; and seven racers made less than $20K, including the King of Supercross himself, Jeremy McGrath, who only took home $18,850 (which really isn't too bad considering the limited number of races he competed in... all supercrosses, of course).
The total amount prize money handed out to the top 35 Earnings Leaders comes to about $2.35 million. I'm not even going to begin to compare that figure to any other sport; I'll let you do that yourself.
So what's the verdict? That our sport is too stingy and cheap? That purses must be raised, or our sport will never be taken seriously? That our riders are under compensated for efforts they exert and the risks they take? Well, yeah. But there's a problem with those thoughts, and it mostly comes from the way our sport was formed and the REASON the whole thing got started in the first place.
Motocross was never meant to be a big money sport like the popular professional sports that dominate the nations airwaves and newspapers. Professional motocross in this country was developed as a means to sell motorcycles to enthusiasts, bottom line. And Supercross was developed to sell stadium seat tickets to casual fans. The men behind these endeavors never intended for racers to become millionaires; they wanted to get that money for themselves! The Japanese manufacturers didn't build big racing teams in this country so that fast kids could live lavish factory-supported lifestyles; they just wanted to get mini-dads to buy more bikes!
The truth of the matter is, while I'm bitching about the amount of prize money paid in 2006, I should really be thankful that these heroes were able to make as much as they did... because it was never in the play book for purses and earnings to be this high. For that, we have to thank the unsung visionaries who toiled in the background and made it happen. It's a long way from perfect, that's for sure, but it's a lot better than nothing, and it could be a whole lot worse. Here's hoping, though, that the far-sighted will continue to do what it takes to make sure our riders get paid what they're worth.
November 13, 2006
Good Luck in Baja, David Izer!
This HAS to qualify as the "weird news of the week": DMXS Radio's own David Izer is going to join Travis Pastrana's team to contest the Baja 1000... on a quad! Don't believe me? Read if for yourself here at Racer X online.
David Izer racing a couch? For a 1000 miles down the Baja Peninsula? Dude, didn't you see "Dust to Glory"??
I'm not sure whether I should cheer or say a few prayers. Probably both..! And I tell you what: this will turn into the greatest episode of DMXS Radio ever. Of that I'm sure...
David Izer racing a couch? For a 1000 miles down the Baja Peninsula? Dude, didn't you see "Dust to Glory"??
I'm not sure whether I should cheer or say a few prayers. Probably both..! And I tell you what: this will turn into the greatest episode of DMXS Radio ever. Of that I'm sure...
November 11, 2006
Tortelli Retires
Some things you just hate to see come to an end, and this news is definitely one of them. Sebastien Tortelli, charismatic former 125 and 250 World Champion, and much-injured fast guy, has called it quits. Here's the full story, courtesy Crash Net (ironically)...
Tortelli was always quick, and I remember when he first started racing in the states, in the winter of '98 I believe. At the fabled Perris Invitation Supercross, he battled Jeff Emig down to the very last lap. Now, back in those days the promoters at Perris would use tricks to make the racing more interesting... on this day, certain turns had "lanes", that is, they ran stakes and track ribbon in the middle of the turn to separate it into distinct "inside" and "outside" lines. One of these turns was set up just a few turns from the finish, and Emig had the advantage going in, choosing to take the faster outside line. But before these two riders reached the corner, another rider had blown through the ribbon, leaving a hole... which Tortelli used to his advantage. Sebastien went inside-outside, blocked Fro, and went on to win the race.
I remember Emig being pissed, but he was still a good sport about it. And "Bashen Telly", as some internet wag once called him, seemed slightly embarrassed... but he wasn't about to give up the $10k winner-takes-all prize money.
And then a few weeks later, "Tortellini" lucked into the win at the opening round of the Supercross series at the L.A. Coliseum, when Doug Henry, after leading from start to the last lap, stalled his works thumper Yamaha and couldn't get restarted in time. The young World Champ from France was on a roll. Too bad it didn't pan out into an AMA title.
Good luck, Sebastien, with whatever you do. And thanks for all the good rides.
Tortelli was always quick, and I remember when he first started racing in the states, in the winter of '98 I believe. At the fabled Perris Invitation Supercross, he battled Jeff Emig down to the very last lap. Now, back in those days the promoters at Perris would use tricks to make the racing more interesting... on this day, certain turns had "lanes", that is, they ran stakes and track ribbon in the middle of the turn to separate it into distinct "inside" and "outside" lines. One of these turns was set up just a few turns from the finish, and Emig had the advantage going in, choosing to take the faster outside line. But before these two riders reached the corner, another rider had blown through the ribbon, leaving a hole... which Tortelli used to his advantage. Sebastien went inside-outside, blocked Fro, and went on to win the race.
I remember Emig being pissed, but he was still a good sport about it. And "Bashen Telly", as some internet wag once called him, seemed slightly embarrassed... but he wasn't about to give up the $10k winner-takes-all prize money.
And then a few weeks later, "Tortellini" lucked into the win at the opening round of the Supercross series at the L.A. Coliseum, when Doug Henry, after leading from start to the last lap, stalled his works thumper Yamaha and couldn't get restarted in time. The young World Champ from France was on a roll. Too bad it didn't pan out into an AMA title.
Good luck, Sebastien, with whatever you do. And thanks for all the good rides.
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