RC, RV, What's The Difference?

This past week after the Moto des Nations, I had a chance to reflect on what really happened, and the true significance of that race. No one really pointed it out, but in my eyes, it was a sort of "passing of the torch" from the GOAT, Ricky Carmichael, to young RC look alike, Ryan Villopoto. Because while it was Ricky's last outdoor motocross race for the rest of his career, RV really stole the show. Not to take away from Carmichael at all, but what Ryan did was simply amazing. Not only did he beat all the greatest riders in the world, but he did it with a 200cc "disadvantage." I think that was a sign of things to come. If anyone is going to challenge Ricky's records anytime soon, its going to be the Washington native, Villopoto. That dude can flat out haul.

This was actually Villopoto's second MXoN, if you remember last year in England, RV rode hard, but Caroli had the upper hand and took the overall. Well the story was way different this year in Budds Creek. Villopoto had Caroli's number, and Super Tony, had no answer. Antonio Caroli is a great rider, and I have a ton of respect for him, but there was no way in hell, even if he was feeling good, that he was going to catch the USA champ. The des nations is going to be a great race every year for a while now, knowing those 2 will be going at it in MX2 and eventually MX1. The point is folks, Villopoto is for real. We havent seen anyone that dominant since... RC. And we haven't seen anyone attack a track like that since... RC. And we haven't seen any short, fast redheads, riding for mitch payton, completely revolutionize the sport since... you guessed it, RC.

Picture from Transworldmotocross.com