2010 AMA Supercross

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CBS is airing a preview to the 2010 Supercross Championship Series this Saturday at 2:30PM. It'll be featuring all the riders, including reigning champ James Stewart from over in Haines City, Florida. I don't know that I've ever seen a "preview" and most of this stuff is usually aired on Speed Channel, so it's interesting that a network is picking it up. Should be cool!

And the only bowl game it coincides with is the Little Ceasars (Ohio and Marshall); I'll probably DVR the preview anyway in case it's real cool and I want to watch it again.

http://www.amasupercross.com/ViewPost.aspx?postId=283

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Here's a good article outlining the differences between Motocross and Supercross:

http://www.supercross.com/history-of-supercross

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I'll probably DVR the preview anyway in case it's real cool and I want to watch it again.

Did I actually say that!

Anyway, there was a funny statement in the article link about Ryan Villopoto and James Stewart:

"Villopoto earned two victories in 2009 and is the only rider in history to beat Stewart in a race that he did not crash."

That’s how good Stewart is. He’s freaking fearless.


Also on Villopoto, he’s a skilled rider who came up from the Lites (250cc) Class just this year, but he’s a cocky bastard. In 2007, he and another rider, Jason Lawrence, were getting into it on the track (practice of all things). So toward the end they were sharing some words and Villopoto ran his bike up on Lawrence. If you don’t know what that means, I found it on youtube; about 60 seconds in.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVdu9x0WlSY" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVdu9x0WlSY</a>

I saw this when it happened on TV and afterward Villopota said his clutch slipped. LOL

[wilinfla]

Thanks, I just set my DVR!

                                   Will

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The Supercross Series used to come to Tampa every year a long time ago. They had it at the Big Sombrero and then maybe a year to two (I forget) after Ray Jay was built. This year the only Florida stops are in Jax and Daytona. Searching the web, it looks like the last stop in Tampa was in 1999.

Also in that search, I just learned that Chad Reed (who came in second by 4 points this year, behind Stewart) is now a resident of Tampa! For those who don't follow this, Chad is one of the international riders from Australia, so that was kind of interesting.

[mrbones]

Hey cool. I can check it out today!

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It was a pretty good preview, but it makes me want to watch the real deal, which I will.

Roger Decoster got some good air time! 

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Must be the preview went over well. CBS picked up seven Supercross Events, PLUS they’ve added another two specials. The first is The Four Legends Show on February 28. Sweeeet!

“CBS Sports will bring a total of nine hours of Monster Energy Supercross coverage to a national network audience, including the season preview show, the legends of supercross feature and the season wrap-up show. The Monster Energy Supercross Four Legends Show will focus on four of the greatest supercross racers of all time, Jeremy McGrath, Ricky Carmichael, Chad Reed and James Stewart, and is schedule to air on CBS Sports on February 28, at Noon EST.”

Full Supercross Schedule and Networks:

http://www.ama-cycle.org/news/story.asp?id=1640  (This is the "CORRECT" schedule.)

McGrath retired from AMA Motocross/Supercross in 2003, although he came back on a KTM in part of the 2005 season. Carmichael (unquestionably the greatest Motocross Racer of all time) retired from Motocross/Supercross in 2007. Both got into racing in the NASCAR Series. Carmichael is racing for the Turner team in the NASCAR Truck and Car Series (Monster Energy Team). McGrath joined Earnhardt Jr. around 2007 but, quite frankly, I lost track of where he went from there. I don’t follow that four-wheel stuff too closely, unless Danica’s involved.  


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I found three segments from the Supercross Preview Show on YouTube. If you missed it, these clips cover most of the good stuff.

Edit: Copyright violation. Oops.


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Season Opener in Anaheim tonight 10PM Speed Channel (Live)

Recast tomorrow 3:30PM Speed Channel

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Just found this link to a photo gallery (64 photos) from the Anaheim Supercross.

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/48610/Motorcycle-Photo-Gallery-Photo/2010-Supercross-Anaheim-1.aspx

Yes, Stewart won, but Ryan Dungey (from Tallahassee), who just came up from the Lites, had him right up to the last turn into the checkered flag. I’m still not sure what happened, but you could see his speed drop and Stewart shot through. Great stuff!

Ryan has the coolest website: http://www.ryandungey.com/

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Just finished watching last night's SX in Phoenix (had to DVR it). Ryan Dungey (Tallahassee) ... looking good! Stewart (Haines City) ended way back after another wipe-out duking with Reed, and Reed (Tampa) had his second DNF in as many races. Geesh! 

Photo Gallery on Motorcycle USA:

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/48869/Motorcycle-Photo-Gallery-Photo/2010-Phoenix-Supercross-Gallery.aspx

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Anaheim II tomorrow at 1PM on CBS (Lites at 10PM).

So far, two races and two podiums for Ryan Dungey and Team Suzuki (managed by Roger De Coster); second and first. After winning Anaheim I, Stewart (Yamaha) is way down in points after his wreck last week with Chad Reed (Kawasaki); Reed is out for six weeks having broken his hand in that wreck, leaving rookie Vilapota leading the team. Set your DVRs, it’s getting good!

Check out the "Steve McQueen" helmet worn by Will Hahn.

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Anaheim II tomorrow at 1PM on Speed (Lites at 10PM).

Wrong! I was just trying to set the DVR and couldn't find it. It's not on Speed; it's on CBS tomorrow at 1PM!

http://www.ama-cycle.org/news/story.asp?id=1640

Use this schedule ^^^ going forward. Apparently mcUSA screwed up. Also, I'm slightly miffed that the actual race is tonight at 10PM and is being delayed until tomorrow. Geesh!  

Lites are still on at 10PM tomorrow on Speed.
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There’s a new kid in town and his name is Ryan Dungey (Suzuki)! So in three events, he’s placed 2nd, 1st and 1st. Going back to Anaheim I, he placed second to Stewart, but if you go back to my comments ^^^ he had Stewart right into the final turn and then strangely lost speed; could have been a mechanical issue. Anyway, in a heads up today, Ryan kicked butt …  Josh Hill (Yamaha) 2nd; James Stewart (Yamaha) 3rd.

By far the best main event so far this year!  

Some observations:

CBS Coverage: Hmmm, lots of commercials. I feel like there’s more racing time on Speed. Also, CBS never showed Dungey overtake Stewart in the main! They farted around with a replay of Stewart bouncing on the whoops and when they came back to the race, Dungey was leading! WTF! They replayed it after the race, though. Finally, the delayed broadcast was kind of obnoxious. No, I couldn’t wait and checked the news when I got up this morning.
Erin Bates: This long-time track announcer is nice to look at; kind of cougarish, but geesh, she’s become a real dud of an announcer. It’s like someone gave her questions and she asks them and holds the mic doing the idiot smile ‘n nod thing. I don’t think she could actually do an interview. Time for a change IMO.

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The A2 photo gallery is up on MCUSA. Awesome photography! 

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/49214/Motorcycle-Photo-Gallery-Photo/2010-Anaheim-2-Supercross-Photo-Gallery.aspx
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Monster Sponsors Carmichael Truck for 2010

MC USA: "Continuing to show support to a remarkable athlete that over the years has done more to elevate the Monster Energy brand in the world of action and motorsports than any other, the Monster “M” claw will grace the green and black No. 4 Chevrolet Silverado of Ricky Carmichael in the 2010 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Joining forces with Turner Motorsports, LLC, Carmichael will compete in the entire 25 race NCWTS."

If you've been watching the SX, Ricky has been one of the booth analysts and announcers this year.

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AT&T Park in San Francisco, Sunday at 12PM on CBS

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHuOLUWwlbA" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHuOLUWwlbA</a>

SX Teams -- http://www.supercrossonline.com/Teams.aspx


Points Standings (through A2):

72 Ryan Dungy (Suzuki)
57 Josh Hill (Yamaha)
52 Ryan Vilopota (Kawasaki)
52 Andrew Short (Honda)
51 James Stewart (Yamaha)
51 Kevin Windham (Honda)

Oh yeah, Honda’s still in there.

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No podium for Ryan Dungey (Suzuki) this week in San Francisco. If you didn’t catch this, you need to get on your DVR. Ryan wrecked in both the qualifier and the Main. His fall in the Main was nothing short of bizarre. I’d describe it, but I still haven’t figured out what happened. However, the guy climbed back on and finished fourth with a badly damaged bike.

The Main went to Ryan Villopota (Kawasaki), Josh Hill (Yamaha) and Davie Millsaps (Honda), in that order. So it was Hill’s second second in as many weeks putting him only 11 points behind Dungey in total points. Villopota’s 25 points moves him up to 3rd in the overall Series, a mere 13 points back.

Supercross Points System:  The top 20 racers in the Main Event score points towards the overall Series, based on a total 25 point per event scale. So here it is:

     Podium Finishes:   1st = 25; 2nd = 22; 3rd = 20;
     Others:   4th = 18; 5th = 16; 6th down to 20th, 15 – 1.


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Podium (Hill, Villopota, Millsaps)


Ryan Villopota


Josh Hill


Davi Millsaps - Check the rear wheel; that's 14 inches of travel compressed to about 3.




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Ryan Dungey’s Main Event crash in San Francisco last weekend is on the youtube vid below. He grabbed the hole shot and by the 10th (out of 20) lap he had a 10 second (i.e. enormous) lead on Villopota and Hill. Then you’ll see how he lost the bike. Although he gets back on and seemingly back on track, he damaged the forks and the levers. In fact, later in the race they showed his clutch lever pointing straight down. It’s quite remarkable he came in fourth.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0UsPLq_nvI" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0UsPLq_nvI</a>


Onward …

The Series moves to Qualcom Stadium -- San Diego on Saturday, televised this Sunday on Speed, 6:00 PM … back to Anaheim next week for A3.

James Stewart and Chad Reed continue their recoveries and won’t be at the event in San Diego. Reed looks to be out for the entire series.

Interesting article in mcUSA on Roger DeCoster (manager of Team Suzuki and "Legend") ... hmmmm ... not sure what to make of it, but I think it implies that Roger has some goons out in the premier 450 series. Your take?

http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/727/5700/Motorcycle-Article/Roger-DeCoster-is-Running-a-Racket.aspx

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[dcameras]

 NICE!! 

I have got to make sure a co-worker of mine takes a camera to the  Supercross event at the Ga. Dome. He is supposed to go up there with his boys to watch a neighbor of his (Justin Barcia) compete. I wish it was where I could go but too much to do that weekend getting ready for a trip the next week.

Here is a link to Justin.  http://www.supercross.com/justin-barcia

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I've been to the Georgia Dome. I'll bet that makes for a heck of a good venue for Supercross.

We can track Justin's progress here once the East Region Lites get going.  

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The Series moves to Qualcom Stadium -- San Diego on Saturday, televised this Sunday on Speed, 6:00 PM … back to Anaheim next week for A3.

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Yup, once again the schedule is wrong. The San Diego SX is on tomorrow at 1:00 PM on Speed; Lites at noon.

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What a mess, mudwise! San Diego got a lot of rain before and during the event. Heavy rain delayed the main for about 10-15 minutes. Lots of slipping around and falls; Andrew Short (Honda) went down pretty bad and got taken out in a stretcher. Ryan Dungy (Suzuki, and Series Leader) went down twice in the main (including the first turn trying to get the hole shot) and ended up sixth.

Generally, muddy and slippery tracks are good (as in cool) for motocross. However, SX tracks are set up much differently; more of a tricky course. Riders need speed to manage the course and if it’s muddy and wet, they’re forced to ride very tentatively, which they did. However, like anything else, they all had to deal with it the same. Slow and tentative; those that fell behind, like Dungey, had little chance to recover. 

Podium:
Davi Millsaps (Honda)
Josh Hill (Yamaha)
Ivan Tedesco (Yamaha)

Good for Davi, he hasn't won a race since 2008; second last week, too. 



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Back to Anaheim on Saturday for A3! Televised on CBS at 12PM on Sunday, although I’m sure I’ll be reporting the correct network and/or time sometime on Saturday. 

Sooooo, I’m asleep at the wheel here missing the debut of McQueen (as in Steve) Racing at Anaheim I. Chad McQueen, Steve’s only son, teamed up with Troy Lee Designs to sponsor the TLD /Lucas Oil Honda Team. McQueen Racing has as its principal objective to develop and license performance motorsport products, custom motorcycle projects, and limited edition performance accessories. McQueen Racing will also work with Troy Lee Designs on limited edition motorsport and motorcycle projects to be announced in 2010. See the link to their website below.

Earlier in this thread, I’d posted a photo of Will Hahn, in the Lites class, wearing a TLD McQueen Helmet, but didn’t put it together.

Check out the vid of the replica McQueen Metisse Desert Racer at A1. Sweet! ($20,000).

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69XpVH7UGyo" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69XpVH7UGyo</a>

Here’s the website:

http://www.mcqueen-racing.com/

(Click events tab for some good photos, including one of Malcolm Smith with the team!)

Shots from San Diego last week down below.

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Here’s Steve McQueen, Malcolm Smith and Mert Lawwill (of flat track fame) at the end of On Any Sunday.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qODJEH1JhE" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qODJEH1JhE</a>


If you haven’t seen On Any Sunday in awhile, here it is on Hulu. Enjoy!

http://www.hulu.com/watch/79438/on-any-sunday


The photo below is out of the McQueen Racing website at Anaheim 1 Supercross. Far left is Troy Lee, then Bruce Brown. Brown was co-producer of OAS along with Steve McQueen’s Solar Productions; then Chad McQueen, then Malcolm Smith. Looks like a mini OAS reunion.