Thoughts on MX Vs. ATV Untamed

The other day I had some time on my hands, but nothing to do. I mean nothing. It was late and no one was around, so I decided to dig up my old XBOX and play MX vs. ATV Unleashed. But then I quickly remembered that I’ve played this game at least a million times. So it didn’t cure my boredom for very long. But it did get me thinking about the new MX vs. ATV that’s supposed to be out in December. What is it going to be like? I know what I would want, and from checking out some forums, I want pretty much what every other motohead wants.
Do I think THQ will deliver? Well yes and no. The game sounds fun, and it seems like they are at least trying to improve on last year’s game, rather than just giving it shiny new graphics. The game will include whips, scrubs and powerslides, and differences in bike size and stroke. Not to mention a POV camera angle that sounds pretty fun. I just wonder how well they will execute all these changes. I still hate the amount of air you get on every single little bump or jump. And I still hate taking corners at 50mph. Hopefully they can realize that, most people will enjoy a game that is more realistic, like Forza or Dirt. Those are great games, and I really enjoy playing them, and all I can think about is how good it would be to have a moto game of that caliber. Hopefully I wont be dreaming for too long.
Since MX vs. ATV Untamed isn’t very hyped by the gaming community, THQ hasn’t released much at all, just some screens, which I posted earlier, and a few previews on some sites. I’ll put up any news about the game as soon as it comes out. Leave some feedback about what you would like to see in MX vs. ATV Untamed and don’t hold back!

Back To School

I’m sure you’ve all heard all this on every other moto site on the entire web, but I feel the need to sound off on what kick ass summer its been in the world of motocross. I’ll start with Ricky. I have probably used his name at least a thousand times in my short time as a pro blogger, but goddamn the guy is just amazing. So many victories, and just such a class act guy, it wouldn’t be fair to talk about him just about everything I write. This was his retirement summer, in which he raced 6 select rounds. To no surprise, he won all of them, in sometimes dominating, and other times dramatic fashion. Budds Creek ’07 will go down in history, without a doubt. Even though he sat out 3 rounds, he probably has the best shot at winning this championship. We all know with Bubba gone, he’d pretty much be all by himself up front and go 1-1-1-1-1-1. Everyone else would have to be pretty consistent to stop him. But RC is sticking to his guns and calling it quits at 150 even. Farewell Ricky, and thanks for the memories.
So that means there will be a different AMA outdoor champ for the first time in 7 years. The last guy to do it was a South African on a #8 Suzuki, named Greg Albertyn. He was a smooth cat. And luck would have it, one rider who has as good of a shot as any to win this thing, is a South African repping the 8 on his Yamaha. Grant Langston is my pick for this years title winner, as he’s probably riding faster than anyone else competing right now, and he’s just a pimp and the right colored bike. Mark my words come September when GL throws up that #1 plate like a true champ. Its been a hell of a summer and its winding down now. But there are 6 motos in each class left and that’s a lot of racing action and as we’ve seen in the past, anything can happen, especially if you take RC out of the mix.

Think Before You Vote

Right now our poll is up, and it’s all about the AMA and what they should do about the displacement changes that are supposed to happen in 2009. Well before you vote, lets think real hard about this here. For the past 5 or 6 rounds, the fastest riders on the entire track have been Ryan Villopoto and Ben Townley. Both are 250F pilots if you weren’t already aware. This weekend I thought that trend would change, since RC was gonna be there. I mean he is the greatest racer to ever walk the face of the earth. But to my surprise, both RV and Townley ran faster laps than Ricky Carmichael. Holy shit! Think about that for a sec. 2 riders, on smaller, underpowered bikes, were able to run faster laps than the Ricky Carmichael. Now obviously there are a few factors here, like the absence of Bubba Stewart. Ricky was sort of on cruise control, while Villopoto and Townley were in 100% race mode. So do I think that Villopoto and Townley could beat Ricky in a race? No. No I don’t. But it is really amazing that week in and week out those 2 are the fastest riders on the racecourse, riding smaller machines. Just a little food for thought before you vote.

R.I.P. Jay 515

On Wednesday, August 8th 2007, Albany Oregon resident, and local racer Jay Hewett, showed up for Wednesday practice at Albany Motocross Park, just like he had plenty of times before. Sadly, Jay laid his bike down, after a small hill, and a rider on a quad came over the top of that hill and hit Jay. A local firefighter took Jay to the Salem Hospital, where he died early that next morning. Jay will be missed by everyone, and all of our prayers go to his family and friends. Sunday during practice at Albany, there was a memorial lap held for Jay, that I got to take part in. It was a very moving experience for me, and taught me how fast life can be taken away.

Once the lap was over and I rode back to my pickup truck, my emotions started to change. It seems so unfair that Jay had to lose his life, because someone had to take their stupid couch with wheels to a motocross track. Quads just don’t belong there. Period! Why should everyone else on the track be in danger just because you aren’t good enough to ride a dirt bike like the rest of us? If you want to ride a quad, great, just keep it in the sand or on the trails, not on a motocross track.

R.I.P Jay

James Bubba Stewart Sidelined...... Again

Monster Energy Kawasaki announced today that the heir apparent for the AMA Motocross Championship, James Stewart, will be sitting out the 9th round tomorrow at Millville. This marks the second time this season that Bubba has scored 0 points. Most people think that after tomorrow Tim Ferry will inherit the points lead. He could take his second straight overall, except for one tiny issue: Ricky Carmichael.

Peep The Poll

There is a new poll up that I wanted to bring to everyones attention. Feel free to peep it. You can find it on the lower right.

Seems Like Only Yesterday...

1997 Las Vegas SX
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