Observations from Southwick

I don’t think a full on review of Soutwick is necessary. But there were a few things that I noticed over the weekend, as the boys of the AMA Motocross Nationals presented by FMF had their fun in the infamous sand of Southwick. First of all, RC had a tough weekend. With some over heating problems and a few stomach issues with his IBS. But he did put in some great rides and seal up the seemingly easy 1-1 victory. No surprise there. But I’m starting to think that Ricky may have bitten off more than he can chew. To be competitive at that level, you need to train, HARD. And Ricky is one of the hardest workingmen in all of sports, weather it be on a football field, a baseball diamond, a cross-country cycle, or a beautiful RMZ-450. The dude works. I think after 10 seasons, the rigorous schedule is starting to take its toll on the angry little elf. He can’t take it easy and lose, that’s just not an option for Ricky. If he is going to do the first 5 rounds like he said he was, he is going to win them. But with 2 new additions to the family, and the fact that he is just getting older, it seems to me that Ricky is a little in over his head.
The only other thing that really stood out to me in the sandy paradise called MX 338 was Grant Langston. What a ride the South African stud, as I like to all him, put in aboard his factory Yamaha. He eventually passed a fading James Stewart at the end of moto 2. I hope for more rides like this from Grant before the season ends. As long as he stays healthy, I think he could defiantly make a dent. Good luck Grant.
That’ all from Southwick. Congrats to RC for picking up the last double digit win of his career. The next number in line is 100…. See ya next week!

Southwick Preview

This weekend is Southwick. One badass track! Every year, crazy stuff goes down at Southwick, and I’m sure this year will be no different. Ricky is on top of his game, as usual, and bubba has been riding fast too. Davi Millsaps is looking to keep up the podiums, and guys like Tim Ferry, Kevin Windham, and Grant Langston are all looking to make good showings as well. I’m seeing Carmichael clean it up, and as long as James stays on 2 wheels he’ll get second. I think the best racing will be behind numbers 4 and 7, between Tim, Kevin, and Davi. Don’t count out John Dowd either! This is his home track and he was blazing at that Southwick invitational. Even for a senior citizen, he sure hauls ass.
The 250F class will be exciting as usual. Ryan Villopoto doesn’t have a win yet, and you know that he is starving for one. After coming off such a dominating season indoors, then getting 2 straight seconds outdoors has to be tough. Look for him to ride strong and pick up at least one moto win. But don’t count out Mr. Second Moto, Ben Townley. Both rounds at high point and hangtown he rode excellent, picking up the overall at hangtown. No doubt the guy can haul. Lets all hope that him and Ryan can hook up in either moto and give us a battle for the ages. Behind them, there is a ton of guys that have been hauling balls so far this season. Josh Grant got his first win last round at High Point, and J-Law has been riding strong too, despite his troubles with the AMA. Ryan Dungey and Broc Tickle would have to be the biggest surprises so far. Both of those guys are going to be running inside the top 10 this weekend.
One rider to talk about who hasn’t had a great season is Josh Hill. Lucky for Josh, Southwick is all sand, and he’s from Oregon, so I know as a fact that he’s ridden some sand in his day. Look for him to break out, and have his first really strong ride of the season. Him and Dungey almost had a good battle at the Las Vegas supercross, but Hill ended up in the dirt. This weekend, the two are going to hook up, and trade some paint.
Southwick is one of the toughest and most exhausting tracks to ride in the whole AMA national circuit. But it looks like it’s going to be great weather, and it’s guaranteed to be great racing, so it should be a great day. GO GET EM RICKY!