Great video!
Showing posts with label Ryan Villopoto. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ryan Villopoto. Show all posts
Jan 8, 2011
SX: Crash Reel 2010 video
Enjoy this little teaser of things coming for us Motocross fans. It is Saturday January 8th 2011 and it is the long awaited opening of the 2011 Supercross season at the legendary Angel Stadium in Anaheim. A1! It's on and it's mega packed. I think we need to go back to 1985 or 1986 to have 4 to 6 riders who can potentially win races and the title, all healthy and lining up behind the gate. It's been a while that when walking the pits you ask someone who's their pick for a win tonight, people take time to think about it and are not sure, even if we all have a favorite, who will win.
From here on, things are going to change, riders are going to crash, some are going to get hurt, the stronger ones are going to establish a new - or a renewed - hierarchy, the weaker ones are going to settle towards the bottom 10 places. Things will become more predictable for the fan.
I am enjoying the moment, enjoying the next hours, from arrival at Angel stadium this morning, the track walk, the vibrant pits, the full house stadium trepiding in anticipation at opening ceremonies this evening when 7 pm comes. The roar of the first gate drop.
Here's a little video crash compilation from last season. Interesting to note how much Ryan Dungey, on his way to his first SX title as a rookie, and Ryan Villopoto crashed.
From here on, things are going to change, riders are going to crash, some are going to get hurt, the stronger ones are going to establish a new - or a renewed - hierarchy, the weaker ones are going to settle towards the bottom 10 places. Things will become more predictable for the fan.
I am enjoying the moment, enjoying the next hours, from arrival at Angel stadium this morning, the track walk, the vibrant pits, the full house stadium trepiding in anticipation at opening ceremonies this evening when 7 pm comes. The roar of the first gate drop.
Here's a little video crash compilation from last season. Interesting to note how much Ryan Dungey, on his way to his first SX title as a rookie, and Ryan Villopoto crashed.
Jan 7, 2011
Anaheim 1 Supercross 2011 - Press conf video
and the new season is here. Yeah! Flew in last night. Can't wait for the first gate to drop tomorrow. Very hard to say who will win the first Main. JS, Reed, Dungey, RV? In my own opinion, James Stewart still has it and has the come-back motivation too.
Cool video by Racer X
Cool video by Racer X
Feb 22, 2010
Faces of Supercross - Indy 2010
a few shots I took this weekend. Just people, nothing fancy :)
K-Dub looked really close to taking it home.
Doc Bodnard and the Ambassador of Corsica, Vince!
Wilbur representing TLD
The current West Coast Lites leader
Ivan The Terrible
Reardon
Rookie Blake Baggett, 11th for hi first pro SX
Martin in the Middle
The Twins From The East are back at it.
NYK
Waiting for Heat 1
The Man in Indy
The Man in AGV
K-Dub looked really close to taking it home.
Doc Bodnard and the Ambassador of Corsica, Vince!
Wilbur representing TLD
The current West Coast Lites leader
Ivan The Terrible
Reardon
Rookie Blake Baggett, 11th for hi first pro SX
Martin in the Middle
The Twins From The East are back at it.
NYK
Waiting for Heat 1
The Man in Indy
The Man in AGV
Dec 1, 2009
2010 Teams Thoughts or Opinions
Great subject John. I think that the upcoming season is a very important one because it can be the beginning of serious changes in the landscape of US supercross. We are seeing bigger, stronger, factory-support teams with potential Top 7 riders (IT at Valli, Reardon at MotoConcept, Hahn and Moss at Motosport, Hill along JS7 at L&M and the duelists at JGR, GL8 at JLR). Is this the last year that Honda and Kawasaki will be factory-run teams? maybe not, if the title sponsors have enough $$, like the Fiat Yamaha and Repsol Honda teams of MotoGP, some factories will still be able to run their own structures.
It's hard to bet against the trio of Stewart, Reed and still somehow, RV, but behind the horde is hungry, will be very aggressive and in contract year motivation for some (the Honda boyz). I believe that, as much as JS7, CR22 and RV2 are strong and solid, anything can happen (as we've seen in the frantic 2009 SX series) and the Outsiders, the mega pack of outsiders, can do anything and surely score podium spots.
I can see DM18, Shorty, Ryan Dungey, Hill, Reardon, Moss, Hahn, IT, Josh Grant and JB114 play hard and race good.
DM is motivated, he is feeling good right now and seem to be happy with the 2010 450. Short for sure will be on it. IT has "revenge" tattooed on his knuckles. Dungey The Rookie will be on the gas on the 450, as he showed it in '08. all are strong racers, all can jump on any opportunity given by RV, JS and CR. This season, it's all going to be about the starts because lots of those guys are hard to pass and won't let any door open too long.
Is RV overrated right now, or is the hype justified? Is he back to his top form, is he 100% able to tackle James Stewart and Chad? is he good with the 450?
The season is looking good (although we've said that a lot, every December)
:)
Nov 21, 2009
Off to Dallas during SX silly-season
I'm in a plane to Dallas, blogging at 35,000 feet on Mi iPhone. Actually not that easy to write so much with a finger, yes, I admit that the double-thumb typing is not a skill I have mastered.
So off to Dallas, for less than 24 hours, to represent AGV helmets and Dainese apparel at Moto Liberty's annual Midnight Madness sales bash. One of my best clients and voted Best Texas Motorcycle Accessories & Apparel Shop 8 years in a row, this is one of their events one can't miss. Caught my flight out of O'Hare at 11am, landing around 1:30pm, rental car then off to the store. Work all afternoon and night, the event usually ends around 2am, then off for a quick sleep before carving my 10am flying bus back to Chicago where I hope the Bears will take one over the Eagles.
The weather was great - yes chilly too - when I left and I hope that we'll have the sme tomorrow because I really want to take Taao and Tanner for some shredding at the Elgin BMX track.
The 2010 SX season is closing in pretty fast, and even if some riders are still racing at the four corners of the world, from The Madrid SX to the Australian SX series via the Lyon SX, Genoa and Geneva. Teams and riders are getting ready, programs are bring finalized although things are really late this year, especially in the gear segment. I am still in talks with 3 riders in the US and know that 3 or 4 more interesting guys are available for helmet deals.
In Europe, It looks like we will concentrate in the MX2 Motocross World Championship with 2 riders, including one that I really would want to make sure we sign because I believe that he has a great future and has a very cool personality. He would spank me on the bmx track too by the way. So crossing fingers, and lobbying strongly, so that we sign him.
Of course I'm not allowed to give banes right now but after a few good weeks of talks and lobbying, we finally gave our word to a rider that I believe in. Someone that could have a break away year and bring us a good amount of exposure. I believe ge has the ability and the speed to be a regular top 7 in SX in 2010, even if the competition will be pretty strong.
Of course we are not going to see an AGV helmet on Bubba (still under contract with Bell and for sure way too expensive for us, we already have Valentino and Marco at that level), not on the Factory Kawi Monster Energy Thor Parts Unlimited boy, Reedy and RV2 (those lads belong to Thor forever I would think), not on Mike Alessi neither and although there was a very short discussion/interest on our part, the #800 was to expensive for our budget and for the exposure we thought we would get from him; over $60,000 for a helmet deal for a racer doing the AMA Nationals only and no SX or no X Games isn't really someone we would want right away. Not until we build on our sales and have a stronger sponsoring budget, in order to afford to grow the team. I do think that Mike has a good amount of exposure, can win races in 2010, but I'm not sure we are rich enough to afford the controversies that usually follow him and we know that riders' endorsements are not a strong impact on products sales, the Alessi Broz and DV didn't really boost the Shark MX helmets sales in the US. Riders are a very strong part of marketing and exposure for sure, but as part of a whole strategy, not as purchase influencers.
That's why I believe that our choice of riders for 2010, will help us re-enter the already saturated off-road market. They will bring us enough exposure to back-up the rest of the marketing effort.
Of course there is one more rider I'm trying to sign but I'm not sure we have the budget. I have to say that I really would love to find the budget because that is one of my favorite rider; great exposure, great personality, no controversy, great family and easy to work with. Not an AMA SX winner but a definite MX race winner. I'm crossing fingers on that one and lobbying my mangenent ro find the extra ressources, because that would be a good match.
1 hour left on our flight. I'm going to go back to reading the latest Racer X issue. I really love the new look they gave to the magazine. Great editorial by DC and especially by David Bailey this month. Also liked Cox and Ping's columns, and Steve is right, it is time we get involved in concussion management and prevention.
I'm going back to finish the 'zine, but I think that 2010 is going to be a great racing year in AMA SX/MX as well as World MXGPs.
From Anaheim 1 to Sam Boyd Stadium, we should have a very good battle and although I believe that the 3 podium spots will be squatted by James Stewart, Chad Reed and Ryan Villopoto, we should have all out dash for cash races with Josh Hill, Josh Grant, Andrew Short, Davi Millsaps, Ivan Tedesco (on which bike or team?), JB114, Ryan Dungey, Dan Reardon and Kevin Windham.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
So off to Dallas, for less than 24 hours, to represent AGV helmets and Dainese apparel at Moto Liberty's annual Midnight Madness sales bash. One of my best clients and voted Best Texas Motorcycle Accessories & Apparel Shop 8 years in a row, this is one of their events one can't miss. Caught my flight out of O'Hare at 11am, landing around 1:30pm, rental car then off to the store. Work all afternoon and night, the event usually ends around 2am, then off for a quick sleep before carving my 10am flying bus back to Chicago where I hope the Bears will take one over the Eagles.
The weather was great - yes chilly too - when I left and I hope that we'll have the sme tomorrow because I really want to take Taao and Tanner for some shredding at the Elgin BMX track.
The 2010 SX season is closing in pretty fast, and even if some riders are still racing at the four corners of the world, from The Madrid SX to the Australian SX series via the Lyon SX, Genoa and Geneva. Teams and riders are getting ready, programs are bring finalized although things are really late this year, especially in the gear segment. I am still in talks with 3 riders in the US and know that 3 or 4 more interesting guys are available for helmet deals.
In Europe, It looks like we will concentrate in the MX2 Motocross World Championship with 2 riders, including one that I really would want to make sure we sign because I believe that he has a great future and has a very cool personality. He would spank me on the bmx track too by the way. So crossing fingers, and lobbying strongly, so that we sign him.
Of course I'm not allowed to give banes right now but after a few good weeks of talks and lobbying, we finally gave our word to a rider that I believe in. Someone that could have a break away year and bring us a good amount of exposure. I believe ge has the ability and the speed to be a regular top 7 in SX in 2010, even if the competition will be pretty strong.
Of course we are not going to see an AGV helmet on Bubba (still under contract with Bell and for sure way too expensive for us, we already have Valentino and Marco at that level), not on the Factory Kawi Monster Energy Thor Parts Unlimited boy, Reedy and RV2 (those lads belong to Thor forever I would think), not on Mike Alessi neither and although there was a very short discussion/interest on our part, the #800 was to expensive for our budget and for the exposure we thought we would get from him; over $60,000 for a helmet deal for a racer doing the AMA Nationals only and no SX or no X Games isn't really someone we would want right away. Not until we build on our sales and have a stronger sponsoring budget, in order to afford to grow the team. I do think that Mike has a good amount of exposure, can win races in 2010, but I'm not sure we are rich enough to afford the controversies that usually follow him and we know that riders' endorsements are not a strong impact on products sales, the Alessi Broz and DV didn't really boost the Shark MX helmets sales in the US. Riders are a very strong part of marketing and exposure for sure, but as part of a whole strategy, not as purchase influencers.
That's why I believe that our choice of riders for 2010, will help us re-enter the already saturated off-road market. They will bring us enough exposure to back-up the rest of the marketing effort.
Of course there is one more rider I'm trying to sign but I'm not sure we have the budget. I have to say that I really would love to find the budget because that is one of my favorite rider; great exposure, great personality, no controversy, great family and easy to work with. Not an AMA SX winner but a definite MX race winner. I'm crossing fingers on that one and lobbying my mangenent ro find the extra ressources, because that would be a good match.
1 hour left on our flight. I'm going to go back to reading the latest Racer X issue. I really love the new look they gave to the magazine. Great editorial by DC and especially by David Bailey this month. Also liked Cox and Ping's columns, and Steve is right, it is time we get involved in concussion management and prevention.
I'm going back to finish the 'zine, but I think that 2010 is going to be a great racing year in AMA SX/MX as well as World MXGPs.
From Anaheim 1 to Sam Boyd Stadium, we should have a very good battle and although I believe that the 3 podium spots will be squatted by James Stewart, Chad Reed and Ryan Villopoto, we should have all out dash for cash races with Josh Hill, Josh Grant, Andrew Short, Davi Millsaps, Ivan Tedesco (on which bike or team?), JB114, Ryan Dungey, Dan Reardon and Kevin Windham.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Oct 10, 2009
Main Event
It's on!
Hansen, Millsaps JS RV all lined up next to each others.
Bubba holeshot, Hansen, Blose down in first lap
Reardon in 2, Goerke 3rd after 2 laps
Byrne and #54 collide lap 3
Lap 5: JS, DR, Goerke, DM, Craig, RV
Millsaps on a roll, passed Goerke, Christian Craig loses front end, RV now in 5
Crap, lap 9 RV's bike is down, mechanical (bent shifter). He was flying though the whoops though, too bad
Davi passes Reardon for 2nd in the exit of the whoops. Craig is in 5th. Hansen looks good and fast, just got bars tangle at the start.
Bubba wins, DM a strong second, DR122, Goerke and great for Craig in 5th
Friday Night Open Class Results
1. James Stewart, Yamaha
2. Davi Millsaps, Honda
3. Dan Reardon, Honda
4. Matt Georke, Yamaha
5. Christian Craig, Yamaha
6. Cole Siebler, Honda
7. Tyler Bowers, Yamaha
8. Nick Wey, Yamaha
9. Chris Blose, Honda
10. Michael Byrne, Suzuki
Hansen, Millsaps JS RV all lined up next to each others.
Bubba holeshot, Hansen, Blose down in first lap
Reardon in 2, Goerke 3rd after 2 laps
Byrne and #54 collide lap 3
Lap 5: JS, DR, Goerke, DM, Craig, RV
Millsaps on a roll, passed Goerke, Christian Craig loses front end, RV now in 5
Crap, lap 9 RV's bike is down, mechanical (bent shifter). He was flying though the whoops though, too bad
Davi passes Reardon for 2nd in the exit of the whoops. Craig is in 5th. Hansen looks good and fast, just got bars tangle at the start.
Bubba wins, DM a strong second, DR122, Goerke and great for Craig in 5th
Friday Night Open Class Results
1. James Stewart, Yamaha
2. Davi Millsaps, Honda
3. Dan Reardon, Honda
4. Matt Georke, Yamaha
5. Christian Craig, Yamaha
6. Cole Siebler, Honda
7. Tyler Bowers, Yamaha
8. Nick Wey, Yamaha
9. Chris Blose, Honda
10. Michael Byrne, Suzuki
Oct 9, 2009
85cc race
The 'next Carmichael', young Adam Cianciarulo wins, jumped the big double all race long. Fun to watch. Jessie Masterpool and Chris Alldredge make the podium, Aldridge look very smooth and more consistent in his laps.
Friday Night Alpinestars 85cc Mini Invitational
1. Adam Cianciarulo, Kawasaki
2. Chris Alldredge, Yamaha
3. Jesse Masterpool, Suzuki
4. Keith Tucker, Yamaha
5. Thomas Covington, Kawasaki
Friday Night Alpinestars 85cc Mini Invitational
1. Adam Cianciarulo, Kawasaki
2. Chris Alldredge, Yamaha
3. Jesse Masterpool, Suzuki
4. Keith Tucker, Yamaha
5. Thomas Covington, Kawasaki
Heat 3 Friday
After a half-lap battle with Hansen Bubba is gone, half a mile lead.
Hansen then Byrne then Boni then Partridge.
Big race between those 3.
Final results on that order
Hansen then Byrne then Boni then Partridge.
Big race between those 3.
Final results on that order
First part of the night
The one on one was fun, Bubba beat Hahn, RV beat DM.
1st heat is on, RV cleaning it, far ahead of Bowers
1st heat is on, RV cleaning it, far ahead of Bowers
US Open of SX 09 - Friday practice
It's good to see some racing again even if the US Open is not looking close to what it was. The pits are small, there are much fewer semis and top 10 riders than ever (as many are here but without a ride like Chad Reed, Josh Hill or IT).
The track is extremely disappointing and I would say shitty compared to previous years. It looks easier than the usual Arenacross tracks, but of course James Stewart is way above the rest (including RV2 and DM18). James managed to make the track technical by jumping combos that only him could create. On the last practice he shaved his best time by 1 second, in the last lap when all other riders had already left the track. I hope for those guys their team filmed JS7.
DM is there, strong as well as RV and a looking-good Will Hahn, Dan Reardon has speed too.
A side note to welcome Ezra Yogi Lusk (#11) to racing. He's still way off the Top 5 but looks good for a guy coming back from 5 or 6 years of retirement.
Lots of crashes and gnarly riding in the 85cc practice. Adam "the future of US motocross" Ciancarulo is here but needs to tame it a little bit if he wants to stay on 2 wheels. Only one of the kids jumped the finish line double and it looked sketchy the 2 times he tried.
Here's some easy shots from this afternoon.
The track is extremely disappointing and I would say shitty compared to previous years. It looks easier than the usual Arenacross tracks, but of course James Stewart is way above the rest (including RV2 and DM18). James managed to make the track technical by jumping combos that only him could create. On the last practice he shaved his best time by 1 second, in the last lap when all other riders had already left the track. I hope for those guys their team filmed JS7.
DM is there, strong as well as RV and a looking-good Will Hahn, Dan Reardon has speed too.
A side note to welcome Ezra Yogi Lusk (#11) to racing. He's still way off the Top 5 but looks good for a guy coming back from 5 or 6 years of retirement.
Lots of crashes and gnarly riding in the 85cc practice. Adam "the future of US motocross" Ciancarulo is here but needs to tame it a little bit if he wants to stay on 2 wheels. Only one of the kids jumped the finish line double and it looked sketchy the 2 times he tried.
Here's some easy shots from this afternoon.
Oct 8, 2009
Las Vegas, Nevada, in for the US Open of SX
After a nightmarish security check-in that took 45 minutes at Chicago Midway, we ran to our Southwest flight with laptop in hand, belt around the neck, Nike Jordan no tied. Sweaty. Off for a peacefull easy flight to Las Vegas.
Spent most fo my time listening to some of Matthes' podcasts (Metcalfe, Barcia, Leisk) a bit of the last DMXS show, especially Josh Hill who's always good in those interviews. Also watched a few DH videos including the Commencal Atherton Project. All good.
In Vegas Baby. Ready to do some constructive work, trying to plan the 2010 season as much as possible, attend the Parts Unlimited Dealer Supershowcase and of course have fun at the SX. It's one of the best race to attend. All central, in the MGM, the industry is all around, it's easy for meetings and fun.
It appears Reed is out because he has no confirmed ride yet, even though he's been practicing on a green machine. JS7 is here, ready and fitter than ever, RV2 and Millsaps are in the game. It could be a good weekend.
Off to explore the Sin City.
Spent most fo my time listening to some of Matthes' podcasts (Metcalfe, Barcia, Leisk) a bit of the last DMXS show, especially Josh Hill who's always good in those interviews. Also watched a few DH videos including the Commencal Atherton Project. All good.
In Vegas Baby. Ready to do some constructive work, trying to plan the 2010 season as much as possible, attend the Parts Unlimited Dealer Supershowcase and of course have fun at the SX. It's one of the best race to attend. All central, in the MGM, the industry is all around, it's easy for meetings and fun.
It appears Reed is out because he has no confirmed ride yet, even though he's been practicing on a green machine. JS7 is here, ready and fitter than ever, RV2 and Millsaps are in the game. It could be a good weekend.
Off to explore the Sin City.
Jun 13, 2009
High Point MX National thoughts
A quick note before the 2009 High Point National starts Live on www.allisports.com. It's been a crazy beginning of the series in the 450 class with the injuries of title contenders and fastest guys, Ryan Villopoto and Mike Alessi. Everyone has been trying to make a pick for the "new" title contender and who's in line to take the championship but it is very hard to say right now. And maybe that's what makes this 2009 Motocross Outdoor Nationals very exciting and entertaining. I see 3 guys who can take it right now, Rockstar Suzuki Chad Reed, Joe Gibbs Racing's Josh Grant and Factory Honda Andrew Short. Even if the #29 is the furtherst in point, I believe that his consistency can pay. Shorty was involved in the title race 2 seasons ago, against Grant Langston and Alessi and must have learned from that. So, even if he's not really shining as Alessi, RV, Josh Grant and Chad have been until now, he's a serious contender.
Reed knows how to win championship and has shown some very good speed despite his health issues. As soon as #22's camp figure out his illness and get him sorted out, Chad will be the fastest on track.
Josh Grant has been a revelation this year. After a great rookie SX season he's been showing speed and a lot of potential in his MX 450 debut. He can take the title this year.
So, let's hope for lots of racing and let's see how this pans out.
Here's the link to the MX Sports/Racer X Pre-Race show with 2 of my favorite guys in the MX industry, andy Bowyer and The GOAT.
The 250 Class is as wide open as it was in Glen Helen but I think that the title will be go to either Rockstar Makita Suzuki Ryan Dungey or Monster Energy Pro Circuit Christophe "the crafty Frenchman" Pourcel.
On a personal note, I would like to have a thought and a prayer for our niece Ana Olson who passed away last night, at the too young age of 18. Very deep support and love to Remelle, Terry, Deny and all the family.
Reed knows how to win championship and has shown some very good speed despite his health issues. As soon as #22's camp figure out his illness and get him sorted out, Chad will be the fastest on track.
Josh Grant has been a revelation this year. After a great rookie SX season he's been showing speed and a lot of potential in his MX 450 debut. He can take the title this year.
So, let's hope for lots of racing and let's see how this pans out.
Here's the link to the MX Sports/Racer X Pre-Race show with 2 of my favorite guys in the MX industry, andy Bowyer and The GOAT.
The 250 Class is as wide open as it was in Glen Helen but I think that the title will be go to either Rockstar Makita Suzuki Ryan Dungey or Monster Energy Pro Circuit Christophe "the crafty Frenchman" Pourcel.
On a personal note, I would like to have a thought and a prayer for our niece Ana Olson who passed away last night, at the too young age of 18. Very deep support and love to Remelle, Terry, Deny and all the family.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)