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Edited Date/Time
5/17/2015 9:59am
Obviously there is a lot of hype and expectations of Eli at the start of each series, and he deserves the attention he gets. One thing that I have seen posted numerous times is that he has the most raw speed out of any rider on the gate. I'm just curious as to how people are claiming that? It's obvious why RC is the "G.O.A.T" or Stew was once the "FMOTP" but, I really don't know at what point in time Eli has gained the fastest guy title. If I say "he only has two SX wins after 13 rounds" people will think I'm taking a dig at him, but in reality thats what he has. People argue that the fastest lap time determines the fastest rider or the person who finishes first is the fastest. So, how does Eli get dubbed the "fastest guy out there" at this point in time?
I still don't know why he is always included in the title contender talk. I hope he proves me wrong, but his first two seasons with the big boys haven't impressed me much. At all. And I am a fan, I really like Eli.
The Shop
Not everyone can be the fastest most of the time. When you throw out appearance and replace it with reality you get RYAN DUNGEY!!
is that where he hits the ground hard?
Plus he took it to Roczen outdoors in 2013.
Thats why he's in the championship talk. I think its hard to underestimate how badly his 2014 season has set him back really and thats the main problem. That and he gets fire in his eyes too often when he starts 5th or worse and doesnt let the races come to him leading to stupid mistakes.
Then there are others where he is hauling for a couple laps and something happens and he turns it back a couple notches. Almost like he realized tonight's not my night.
If he could get better starts and keep it on 2 wheels his results would probably be better than what he has so far and with the confidence that brings you would see more of that raw speed. Dungey has raced pretty flawlessly this season and you have to follow suit if you wanna beat him. Eli has shown more overall speed than most but I think he has to figure out the mental side of things which takes time. Once that's buttoned up I'm sure he will be tough to beat.
His "title contender" talk came partly from his 250 outdoor series as well. He had some insane rides to beat KRoc, Baggett, Barcia and several others.
I agree that he belongs in the title contender talks. Plus, he certainly has the drive to find that top step.
I'll admit Eli is fast, and very talented...and while he's arguably a contender, I don't see it being this year, in SX (that's a given) or Outdoors. Maybe in 2016 he'll begin to be more consistant, and truly be a contender for a championship instead of a contender for a podium position.
Pit Row
But to me he is showing to be really comfortable on his bike now, like the whole whoops wheelying thing he did multiple times now (Daytona, Bercy, Last week or the week before can't remember...).
I like many others here think he'll be better outdoors this year then indoors. Ofcourse the Dungey we are seeing this year with the new KTM is a beast but he did get beat by Roczen last season for the outdoor title so yeah..
All i want to add is that i am looking forward to GP's and usa Outdoors right now. Pretty done with SX.. Only the east / west shootout thing to go to look forward to really. Allthough it's gonna be cool to see Webb ride some more SX in a few weeks that kids a beast to.
He does gets lots of Fastest Lap awards in practice, which is easy to equate with 'raw speed'. So when he goes out and puts down the fastest lap in a main, to back up his practice lap, we say Yeah, that makes sense. When he doesn't get it done in the main: He's just not feeling it, watch out next week.
But he also carries with him a history of being The Fast Guy. That means that when Roczen has a faster lap, we can look back to 2013, to a time when Tomac was definitely faster, and remind ourselves of how dangerous he can be, and probably will be again. We know he has that potential. When Dungey is faster, as someone without that history of being The Fast Guy, we think it's just a matter of time before he isn't.
Fastest Single Main Event Lap, vs. Ryan Dungey
First 6 rounds: Eli (4/6)
Next 6 rounds: RD (5/6)
But during those 'next' 6, Eli qualified #1 a bunch.
Plus, again, he just looks really fast.
Personally, I love Eli's aggressive style, I dont believe for 1 second his crashes or bad starts are bike related like some have said here, he will get it all figured out soon...I hope!
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