2008 Monster Energy Supercross A1 Press Day


Press day at A1 is all about seeing old faces in new team uniforms, listening to competitors lay out their hopes and dreams for the new season, and to get a gauge of who’s wound tight, and who’s exuding quiet confidence.

It’s also time to hear about cool new items like how the TV coverage on CBS and Speed Channel will be in HD for 2008, that Supercross is getting into more homes every season, and you can look forward to three-and-a-half hours of live TV coverage on Saturday night.

With a serious threat of rain between tonight and beyond, the track was covered in plastic, which will stay in place until practice on Saturday. If past experience is any indicator, we’d guess they’ll keep the wrap in place until as late as possible, with maybe a single abbreviated practice session if it really dumps.

Rather than the mob-style press conferences of the past, this year’s conference featured a handful of contenders and champions, and was led off by Grant Langston. GL feels like he’s got more momentum than ever, having come off a championship-winning outdoor season, and excellent showings at the U.S. Open and Bercy. He’s also excited about the bike, saying they’ve made huge improvements in it even since the U.S. Open. He’s looking forward to going the whole 17 rounds of the series, which he’s never done. As for the possibility of it being a mud race on Saturday night? He claims that they’re like a lottery, and said, “At this point, I have no points and no wins, so it can only go up from here. Maybe I’ll win the lottery.”

Tim Ferry claimed that he doesn’t even like to think about the possibility of it being a mud race, and that starts, along with staying up, could be critical on Saturday night. The morning before the press conference was also the first time that he’d ridden with his Monster Energy Kawasaki teammate, James Stewart, in quite a while, though he said that the ability to share setups with James has been good.

Honda Red Bull Racing’s Ben Townley was next up, and made his way to the stage aboard crutches. They’ll be his constant companion for the next few months while he recovers from extensive foot surgery required an awkward landing left him with a separated heel bone and other ankle injuries. He was talking about three months before he’d be back aboard a bike, to, as he said, “Work off some of this Christmas pudding.”


Ryan Villopoto's Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki When he's done with number one plates, Ryan Villopoto doesn't have far to drop.

Ryan Villopoto’s Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki was sitting at the entrance to the press conference, and it was sporting his new permanent number, two, which he inherited from Jeremy McGrath. Ryan confirmed that he’ll be riding the East rounds, so it’ll be another six weeks or so until we see him in action.

By nearly every account, Chad Reed was probably the most intense guy at the podium, first clearing away the Monster Energy cans near his name card (he’s sponsored by Fusion Energy). He did concede that it was nice to be there to meet with everyone, rather than be suffering from a last-minute pre-season injury, and having his team manager, Larry Brooks speaking in his place. Chad also suggested that he’s really looking forward to the season, saying it had been a long time since he’d raced an event that meant something, and that, “I’m ready to bring it.” He did also mention that, “I want to get those wins back,” as well as, “I’m not here to get second or third. That sucks ass,” and, “All my contracts are up this year.”

The final rider of the day to make his way to the podium was the defending AMA and FIM Supercross Champion, James Stewart, who’s taking nothing for granted heading into ’08. “Chad and Grant are champions,” and, “I feel like the underdog.” When asked if he felt like some of the guys he races give up a bit when he’s dominating, he mentioned, “It takes heart to line up on the gate, and we all have heart and want to win.”



James Stewart

James Stewart, collecting more championship rings.

It was also noted in the press conference that Live Nation and Dirt Wurx have allowed several of the riders to contribute track designs of their own, and James chuckled when he said, “My track is going to be short, like a 20 second lap time.” He also noted, “I was always looking for changes until they handed me the keys. Then I was looking for help.”

With the riders done with their time at the podium, it was time to wrap it up, mingle, and catch up with old friends. That’s when we ran into maybe the best bit of good news for the day, which revolved around the track construction for A1. While being built, it was very well packed before it was covered, which may help it keep it in good shape for the pending rainstorms. Either way, we’ll be there Saturday night, and hope to see you there. This sounds like a race, and a season, that will be memorable.

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