Chad Reed Believes Austin Forkner Should Turn Pro Now - What do You Think?

IceMan446
Profile picture for user IceMan446
Posts
4676
Joined
1/10/2010
Location
Sacramento, CA US
IceMan446 2/10/2016 9:28am
2/10/2016 9:28am
ML512 wrote:
He raced four main events in the Arenacross class... his results were in this order; fifth, fourth, first, first.
Thank you ML. I honestly ddnt know his finishes.

I think race wins in SX first year is very lofty. But AC did it so its very possible.

tprice07
Profile picture for user tprice07
Posts
2384
Joined
9/29/2009
Location
Fort Dodge, IA US
tprice07 2/10/2016 9:32am
2/10/2016 9:32am
Why not put him out there with 0 expectations. Look at it as real world testing. Emphasize to him that it is not about winning right now. Take the pressure off. Rather than hype him up for MX and he pushes too hard, ends up injured. Pushing his SX testing back further. Then finally when he races SX he is so hyped up that the pressure for him to win is too great.

I would think putting him out there now would be much better. Let him cruise. Or at least put him out there for practice. See how he feels about it. If he doesn't want to do it. Pull it in.
tprice07
Profile picture for user tprice07
Posts
2384
Joined
9/29/2009
Location
Fort Dodge, IA US
tprice07 2/10/2016 9:36am
2/10/2016 9:36am
Fearo wrote:
That moment you realize a 17 year old makes more sense than a 33 year old.
That is kind of funny...

But the moment you realize that 33 year old is still a threat to win and has had a very successful career beating the best riders over multiple "generations" of prodigies.

I'd take his advice in a heartbeat. What does 17 year old Forkner know that Chad Reed hasn't already lived?
GeorgiePorgie 2/10/2016 9:40am
2/10/2016 9:40am
I think Chad just wishes he was 17 again! At 33 you see your door to of professional racing closing, where Forkner is still coming down the sidewalk looking in the door. Reedy loves racing so much he'd trade his soul to the devil for just one more year of youth....

The Shop

See All »
Joe Camel
Profile picture for user Joe Camel
Posts
72
Joined
1/27/2016
Location
Pasadena, CA US
Joe Camel 2/10/2016 9:42am
2/10/2016 9:42am
Id say sure. Get him a real strength and conditioning coach. You know, the kind that take high school kids and get them in shape enough to hit the ground 20 times a day, every day. Not bike riders who run em into the ground and make them sick eating celery sticks.

Look how that turned out for the last kid that was so sick and anemic he pulled out of his first series.
Camp332
Profile picture for user Camp332
Posts
8684
Joined
8/16/2006
Location
Zoo Jersey US
Camp332 2/10/2016 9:48am
2/10/2016 9:48am
GeorgiePorgie wrote:
I think Chad just wishes he was 17 again! At 33 you see your door to of professional racing closing, where Forkner is still coming down...
I think Chad just wishes he was 17 again! At 33 you see your door to of professional racing closing, where Forkner is still coming down the sidewalk looking in the door. Reedy loves racing so much he'd trade his soul to the devil for just one more year of youth....
Wow Bro, that is deep.
Joe Camel
Profile picture for user Joe Camel
Posts
72
Joined
1/27/2016
Location
Pasadena, CA US
Joe Camel 2/10/2016 9:49am
2/10/2016 9:49am
UpTiTe wrote:
If he is my son I have him wait. Hes 17 and if he's as fast as some think he is he may very well win...
If he is my son I have him wait. Hes 17 and if he's as fast as some think he is he may very well win his first year witch puts him on a 450 at 19. Keep him on a 250 for 3 and a half years, let his body and mind mature enough for a 450 while he is winning titles building confidence and making good money. Then you put him on a 450 when he is 20 or 21 and is mentally aand physically ready.

You need to think about his whole future, not just about now.
I say kids need to do it the old school way.
practice on 450 and race 250.

Then on race day its like riding a toy. Ask Mike Craig what he usually was on when he was out riding. Everyone practiced on big bikes because you could clear all the road gaps easier and because...well, we weren't scared.

Todays kids are scared of big bikes. Most race pro for years.. have never ridden a 450. Ever.
Josh422
Profile picture for user Josh422
Posts
1110
Joined
4/29/2008
Location
Joshougal, WA US
Josh422 2/10/2016 9:51am
2/10/2016 9:51am
KMC440 wrote:
In ten years no one will remember this. Plans were made for a reason, I'm definitely in favor of running the scenario out as is. I...
In ten years no one will remember this. Plans were made for a reason, I'm definitely in favor of running the scenario out as is. I asked Troy Dungey the day Ryan turned pro if there was ever a consideration to have Ryan start out in the 450's like Alessi did. He just simply said, "no reason to rush, he's only 16". Made perfect sense that day as it does today.
No one will remember this the day after Hangtown.
Motodave15
Profile picture for user Motodave15
Posts
4252
Joined
8/7/2010
Location
Temple City, CA US
Motodave15 2/10/2016 9:54am
2/10/2016 9:54am Edited Date/Time 2/10/2016 9:55am
Reefer Sutherland wrote:
Has anyone addressed the Cianciarulo elephant in the room yet
Nope, its a taboo subject on this board and also i believe this is part of the reason this plan was developed.

I told my dad he was too hyped for far too long. (Next big thing since, james and rc were racing each other).. sucks but hopefully he can stear the ship back on track before it just floats out to sea and ends up on a satellite island somewhere.

Forkner should just win the ax championship then run outdoors and go from there in my opinion
Gringoe
Profile picture for user Gringoe
Posts
1586
Joined
4/12/2014
Location
MP
Gringoe 2/10/2016 9:59am
2/10/2016 9:59am
Joe Camel wrote:
Id say sure. Get him a real strength and conditioning coach. You know, the kind that take high school kids and get them in shape enough...
Id say sure. Get him a real strength and conditioning coach. You know, the kind that take high school kids and get them in shape enough to hit the ground 20 times a day, every day. Not bike riders who run em into the ground and make them sick eating celery sticks.

Look how that turned out for the last kid that was so sick and anemic he pulled out of his first series.
You wanna clarify your last statement? Because it's not true.
Camp332
Profile picture for user Camp332
Posts
8684
Joined
8/16/2006
Location
Zoo Jersey US
Camp332 2/10/2016 10:06am
2/10/2016 10:06am
Joe Camel wrote:
I say kids need to do it the old school way. practice on 450 and race 250. Then on race day its like riding a toy...
I say kids need to do it the old school way.
practice on 450 and race 250.

Then on race day its like riding a toy. Ask Mike Craig what he usually was on when he was out riding. Everyone practiced on big bikes because you could clear all the road gaps easier and because...well, we weren't scared.

Todays kids are scared of big bikes. Most race pro for years.. have never ridden a 450. Ever.
Premix is that you?
Boarddesign
Profile picture for user Boarddesign
Posts
1112
Joined
12/13/2010
Location
Fallbrook, CA US
Boarddesign 2/10/2016 10:06am
2/10/2016 10:06am
If it was my kid and the opportunity arose to take AC's spot in the East, I would let him. The outdoor plan hasn't worked all that well for everyone including AC. I agree with Chad that everyone is different and has different paths, Austin could get hurt this week ending any shot of him ever coming back to race, that's just the reality of it. I believe this kid actually has a shot at showing up at the first round and being on the podium. The big picture for me as a parent would be winning Championships on a 450 as many times as possible, so what if he "only won two regional championships"?? Did he get into racing to win the little bike championships as many times as possible or does he want to be the best?

Maybe I'm crazy but that's what I would want for my kid, live as much as you can!
etccb
Profile picture for user etccb
Posts
461
Joined
12/22/2010
Location
CA US
etccb 2/10/2016 10:12am
2/10/2016 10:12am
There is no certain right or wrong choice I don't think. You could wait and get hurt at the 1st round of sx in 2017 or he could race this year and get hurt. He could also show up at the east sx gate in 2017 with a #1 plate on his bike... Hmmmm
agn5009
Profile picture for user agn5009
Posts
6753
Joined
6/8/2012
Location
State College, PA US
agn5009 2/10/2016 10:18am
2/10/2016 10:18am
tprice07 wrote:
Why not put him out there with 0 expectations. Look at it as real world testing. Emphasize to him that it is not about winning right...
Why not put him out there with 0 expectations. Look at it as real world testing. Emphasize to him that it is not about winning right now. Take the pressure off. Rather than hype him up for MX and he pushes too hard, ends up injured. Pushing his SX testing back further. Then finally when he races SX he is so hyped up that the pressure for him to win is too great.

I would think putting him out there now would be much better. Let him cruise. Or at least put him out there for practice. See how he feels about it. If he doesn't want to do it. Pull it in.
He's a professional. He always has, and always will race to win. These guys can't go out and just cruise. And if you ask anyone who has raced at a high level, if they go out and ride any other way than they know how then they raise there chances of getting hurt. You race how you know how to race. Not trying to disrespect you or sound like a dick, but this is a very bad thought process.
Flatliner
Profile picture for user Flatliner
Posts
4179
Joined
11/3/2009
Location
CA
Flatliner 2/10/2016 10:20am
2/10/2016 10:20am
UpTiTe wrote:
If he is my son I have him wait. Hes 17 and if he's as fast as some think he is he may very well win...
If he is my son I have him wait. Hes 17 and if he's as fast as some think he is he may very well win his first year witch puts him on a 450 at 19. Keep him on a 250 for 3 and a half years, let his body and mind mature enough for a 450 while he is winning titles building confidence and making good money. Then you put him on a 450 when he is 20 or 21 and is mentally aand physically ready.

You need to think about his whole future, not just about now.
Joe Camel wrote:
I say kids need to do it the old school way. practice on 450 and race 250. Then on race day its like riding a toy...
I say kids need to do it the old school way.
practice on 450 and race 250.

Then on race day its like riding a toy. Ask Mike Craig what he usually was on when he was out riding. Everyone practiced on big bikes because you could clear all the road gaps easier and because...well, we weren't scared.

Todays kids are scared of big bikes. Most race pro for years.. have never ridden a 450. Ever.
250f's now have as much juice as mid 90's 250's. No reason a kid like forkner needs to be on one now.
SethGator
Profile picture for user SethGator
Posts
2368
Joined
7/19/2010
Location
Tallahassee, FL US
SethGator 2/10/2016 10:41am
2/10/2016 10:41am
I think he should, unlike the west I feel the east is wide open and he would get the experience of racing Daytona. Before the season the (my) plan would have been to have Austin race Oz SX, with the smaller tracks and not as high level of competition then run east SX.
hvaughn88
Profile picture for user hvaughn88
Posts
8361
Joined
6/19/2013
Location
Conway, AR US
hvaughn88 2/10/2016 10:46am
2/10/2016 10:46am
tprice07 wrote:
Why not put him out there with 0 expectations. Look at it as real world testing. Emphasize to him that it is not about winning right...
Why not put him out there with 0 expectations. Look at it as real world testing. Emphasize to him that it is not about winning right now. Take the pressure off. Rather than hype him up for MX and he pushes too hard, ends up injured. Pushing his SX testing back further. Then finally when he races SX he is so hyped up that the pressure for him to win is too great.

I would think putting him out there now would be much better. Let him cruise. Or at least put him out there for practice. See how he feels about it. If he doesn't want to do it. Pull it in.
That's just it, there will be expectations.
RPM68
Profile picture for user RPM68
Posts
1591
Joined
11/18/2006
Location
DFW, TX US
RPM68 2/10/2016 10:48am
2/10/2016 10:48am
tprice07 wrote:
That is kind of funny... But the moment you realize that 33 year old is still a threat to win and has had a very successful...
That is kind of funny...

But the moment you realize that 33 year old is still a threat to win and has had a very successful career beating the best riders over multiple "generations" of prodigies.

I'd take his advice in a heartbeat. What does 17 year old Forkner know that Chad Reed hasn't already lived?
Mitch payton?

Pit Row

See All »
sgrimmxdad 2/10/2016 10:49am
2/10/2016 10:49am
Joe Camel wrote:
I say kids need to do it the old school way. practice on 450 and race 250. Then on race day its like riding a toy...
I say kids need to do it the old school way.
practice on 450 and race 250.

Then on race day its like riding a toy. Ask Mike Craig what he usually was on when he was out riding. Everyone practiced on big bikes because you could clear all the road gaps easier and because...well, we weren't scared.

Todays kids are scared of big bikes. Most race pro for years.. have never ridden a 450. Ever.
This is what I am thinking of doing with my son. Same thing I did with him on the supermini and the 125, practiced on the 125 raced the supermini!

One trainer we have used, likes to put them on the 450 ASAP, straight to it if big enough!
Moens_Andy 2/10/2016 11:14am
2/10/2016 11:14am
so no more AX for Forkner then as he has enough points to go pro and considering he wants to stay healthy for the outdoors. No SX because he made a plan to top pro healthy and does not want to get injured during SX equals no more AX just as dangerous if not even more dangerous
tprice07
Profile picture for user tprice07
Posts
2384
Joined
9/29/2009
Location
Fort Dodge, IA US
tprice07 2/10/2016 11:47am
2/10/2016 11:47am
tprice07 wrote:
That is kind of funny... But the moment you realize that 33 year old is still a threat to win and has had a very successful...
That is kind of funny...

But the moment you realize that 33 year old is still a threat to win and has had a very successful career beating the best riders over multiple "generations" of prodigies.

I'd take his advice in a heartbeat. What does 17 year old Forkner know that Chad Reed hasn't already lived?
RPM68 wrote:
Mitch payton?
Yea good point. Do you think Mitch is behind the decision?
tprice07
Profile picture for user tprice07
Posts
2384
Joined
9/29/2009
Location
Fort Dodge, IA US
tprice07 2/10/2016 11:49am
2/10/2016 11:49am
tprice07 wrote:
Why not put him out there with 0 expectations. Look at it as real world testing. Emphasize to him that it is not about winning right...
Why not put him out there with 0 expectations. Look at it as real world testing. Emphasize to him that it is not about winning right now. Take the pressure off. Rather than hype him up for MX and he pushes too hard, ends up injured. Pushing his SX testing back further. Then finally when he races SX he is so hyped up that the pressure for him to win is too great.

I would think putting him out there now would be much better. Let him cruise. Or at least put him out there for practice. See how he feels about it. If he doesn't want to do it. Pull it in.
agn5009 wrote:
He's a professional. He always has, and always will race to win. These guys can't go out and just cruise. And if you ask anyone who...
He's a professional. He always has, and always will race to win. These guys can't go out and just cruise. And if you ask anyone who has raced at a high level, if they go out and ride any other way than they know how then they raise there chances of getting hurt. You race how you know how to race. Not trying to disrespect you or sound like a dick, but this is a very bad thought process.
Yea I have never been at that level so I really can't relate, haha.

Still, you make a valid point. Considering what we have seen happen with riders like JS7 etc.
Tim507
Profile picture for user Tim507
Posts
3479
Joined
6/8/2010
Location
Oregon City, OR US
Tim507 2/10/2016 11:59am
2/10/2016 11:59am
plan the plan - work the plan - keep to the plan
kiwifan
Profile picture for user kiwifan
Posts
9772
Joined
10/31/2009
Location
CA US
kiwifan 2/10/2016 12:19pm
2/10/2016 12:19pm
Next hotshot of the future if he stays injury free, I hope Kawasaki can hold onto him
scott_nz 2/10/2016 12:21pm
2/10/2016 12:21pm
ML512 wrote:
He raced four main events in the Arenacross class... his results were in this order; fifth, fourth, first, first.
IceMan446 wrote:
Thank you ML. I honestly ddnt know his finishes. I think race wins in SX first year is very lofty. But AC did it so its...
Thank you ML. I honestly ddnt know his finishes.

I think race wins in SX first year is very lofty. But AC did it so its very possible.

AC did it after a year racing outdoors,
Mikkis
Profile picture for user Mikkis
Posts
380
Joined
1/8/2014
Location
FI
Mikkis 2/10/2016 12:38pm
2/10/2016 12:38pm
Well, there are not too many of them who turned 16 and went pro Grinning But I think that it's good idea to wait till hangtown. Get some racing under belt, and start crushing in sx next year, Like AC did, but without injuriesGrinning
seth505
Profile picture for user seth505
Posts
10190
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
SD, CA US
seth505 2/10/2016 12:58pm
2/10/2016 12:58pm
I side with Austin on running Austins plans. It also helps he makes a lot of sense with the decision.
JJO741
Profile picture for user JJO741
Posts
3498
Joined
10/7/2010
Location
Orange, CA US
Fantasy
1633rd
JJO741 2/10/2016 12:59pm
2/10/2016 12:59pm
ML512 wrote:
More from Forkner: Here's the deal. Lots of talk whether I'm riding east coast or not. We made a plan all the way back last year...
More from Forkner:

Here's the deal. Lots of talk whether I'm riding east coast or not. We made a plan all the way back last year sometime to start racing pro at hangtown. We're sticking to that plan for a few reasons. Those guys in the lites class are fast, really fast, so why start racing against those guys who have been racing sx for years and have the experience and on a track that I'm not used to riding on. That's why your rookie year in sx is so tough. I've been riding outdoor style tracks for 13 years so I'm comfortable on those type on tracks so it makes sense to me start on a track style that I'm used to because it's going to be hard enough to race against those guys anyway. Also if the plan was to race sx I would have been preparing for a while now but that's not the case. For safety reasons and to hopefully have a good successful career I think and everyone around me thinks that's the best way to start out. I've got a great group of people behind me.

A photo posted by Austin Forkner (@austinforkner) on Feb 9, 2016 at 9:15pm PST


Have to agree with Forkner here. This is what is best for him. I know many of us want to see him ride SX now, but to him that isn't the best option. Why risk injury in something not as familiar when you can come out swinging on a style of racing he's grown accustomed to?
Flatliner
Profile picture for user Flatliner
Posts
4179
Joined
11/3/2009
Location
CA
Flatliner 2/10/2016 1:23pm
2/10/2016 1:23pm
Also, why take a year of eligibility away this season. 4 seasons outdoors, 3 indoors on a 250 seems very reasonable to me. I've just never understood the hurry to move up.
cbuehler767
Profile picture for user cbuehler767
Posts
750
Joined
1/27/2016
Location
New London, CT US
cbuehler767 2/10/2016 1:24pm
2/10/2016 1:24pm
GD2 wrote:
If he's been training for nationals rather than supercross these past few months, he should wait until Hangtown.
X2. We all know sx is a different animal and amateurs rarely have much access to sx tracks. He can come to Hangtown fully prepped as his plans are now rather than ding himself up learning the ropes of circus-cross.
Is he really that fast already the way he's being hyped? I've seen several posts talking about him challenging for wins immediately. Not that its never been done or that rare but we do still have the 2x defending champ in the field and his blazing fast teammate.

Post a reply to: Chad Reed Believes Austin Forkner Should Turn Pro Now - What do You Think?