DAVIDBAILEYMX.COM

FEATURE STORY

SAN FRANCISCO THOUGHTS
Ricky Carmichael has an answer for everything. Muddy tracks, easy tracks, rutted tracks, and after this weekend, he added running down Reed to his variety of beatings. Billy Lanininioooninvich finally put it together in the 125 main. Good for him, because he’s been in (Knee) rehab for about 15 years. Plus, that makes 4 different winners in 4 races.

First, I would like to address the whole, “Easy track” thing. If it’s so damned easy then why doesn’t everyone step it up? Why did Hepler wad so bad and several capable riders not make the show? Why does RC who loves tough tracks more than anyone still dominate? Why don’t Vuillemin, Fonseca, Byrne, Tortelli and the rest keep up with the leaders? I’ll tell you why, because they are too busy bitching and not just pinning it! I realize it sucks to be really good and not have a technical track to shine on, but if it makes the racing a little closer then so be it. The racing is what makes the sport not the obstacles. I left two laps after RC passed Reed and I about got trampled by all the other people that were leaving halfway into the main. I was disappointed in Anaheim last week when Reed went down and I left early for that one too. It’s the RACING that we all want to see. In my opinion it doesn’t matter if they are racing around two tuff blocks in the parking lot, the object is to win. Here’s an idea…let the riders throw their name in a hat and pick four of ‘em to build Vegas! If some spectator can design a lane, why don't they take input from the riders? Then, if it’s awesome implement those ideas, but if it’s still the same result then SHUT UP! These guys can’t even sit down because their wallets are so thick, yet they bitch about the tracks about 90% of the time. Maybe they’re bitter because Carmichael kicks their ass every week no matter what the track looks like.

I’m not talking about every rider either. I don’t hear Kevin or Ricky for example responding to “Easy track” questions with frustration. They say it’s the same for everybody and they race whatever is in front of them. Maybe when they’re in their private rigs they hate it, but they don’t let it ruin their race. There were tracks I hated and tracks I liked, but I didn’t make the mistake of letting the ones I didn’t like ruin my results – well, maybe a couple times…

Anyway, Art Eckman told me once in regards to the TV shows, “Don’t gripe about it unless you have a solution.” That brings me to my next topic. I was involved in TV long enough to know that you gotta be clueless to screw it up every weekend. I realize you get burned sometimes because Supercross is the hardest sport to cover that I know of, but maybe, if you pay attention and care enough, you can get those 8-12 cameras to at least see what one set of eyes can see.

I’ve been trying to take the high road and stay out of it, but the fact is, the sport and its riders are suffering because supercross went to the lowest bidder - again. My complaints are only here because I love this sport and want to see it presented in a way that will help it grow even more. Can you imagine if they miss the kickoff at the superbowl, or cut away from a touchdown pass to show some players on the sidelines? How about if they cut to a commercial right when something huge is about to happen? The $hit would hit the fan! My question is; why is this allowed to keep happening in our sport? I'm only bitching because I think most people agree and because maybe this will get to whoever can make it better.

BTW Harris, Stephenson and DC did great, but that would be like saying, “RC sure rode the wheels off that Husaberg.”

db

Photos by TFS. Maybe ESPN2 can get HIM to wear the helmet cam since he's looking in the right direction 90% of the time.

The main shot shows the intensity of RC and Reed and the other is of the 125 main 1st turn action. The 125 class has been great. Tedesco had it, but lost it while Billy Lan-o-vich (just ask him) finally got his first win. Honorable mention goes out to WBR's Ryan Morais (pronounced Morris) who got his best SX finish after a rough week in the wake of his horrific Anaheim flip.